WHAT NOTRE DAME NEEDS TO DO

The Fighting Irish are fighting to salvage a, so far, lackluster season. A season in which they are last in the nation in rushing offense at a minus 4.67 yards a game. Go figure. They are also last in total offense at a mere 115 yards per game. They have relatively little protection for their quarterback, already allowing 23 sacks. That's in just three games.

While working at my desk, I overheard a TV commentator making fun of Coach Charlie Weiss' decision to go into a training camp mode in lieu of watching game films. The commentator then, while viewing part of the Notre Dame vs. Michigan game, said "Just look at how poorly they tackle. And, they can't block, either."

What I couldn't understand is that the same commentator who made that accurate assessment of Notre Dame ineptness, also said they shouldn't be going back to a training camp mode. After all, they're already into the season, he pointed out.

Here's my take, for what it's worth. I think Charlie Weiss is absolutely correct in what needs to be done. In training camp, you learn the basics of blocking and tackling. Apparently, the coaching staff failed in getting that job done. If you haven't learned the basics, yet, you need to go back and learn them. Sure, Notre Dame's season has already started. They've lost three straight. However, if they don't get the basics right, they're going to lose every game they play.

Hey, I'm not so concerned with the wins and losses, as I am in each coach and athlete pushing the talent God has given them to the point where God would want it. If they maximize their talent and still get beat, so be it. That's what happens in competition. One team will win, the other will lose. But, Notre Dame doesn't have to be "losers" in execution as well.

Go for it, Coach Weiss. You're in the same camp as the legendary Vince Lombardi when he announced to his equally inept Green Bay Packers, "We're going back to the basics. Men," he said, holding up a football, "this is a football." Of course, the party-going Max McGee responded by saying, "Coach, could you slow that down a little?" We all know to what level Lombardi's approach catapulted the Packers.

Notre Dame needs to slow down, get the basics right, and then play like the Fighting Irish of old, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard. What each player can learn during this season will play well with him after he graduates and has to deal with life outside of football.

That's my take. What's yours?