Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/783750
www.BLUEANDGOLD.com MARCH 2017 7 FAN FORUM People will gladly pay for a qual- ity product and superior service when the team plays a meaningful schedule, is properly coached and motivated to excel. Additionally, this stadium needs to give the basic fan a strong reason to visit versus watch on TV. Mico Holguin '80 Via the Internet THE GEORGIA TECH MODEL While all Notre Dame fans want and hope for a national champion- ship, I feel that Brian Kelly should remain the head coach beyond 2017 — if the Irish were to have a 2017 sea- son that is similar to Georgia Tech's this past season. Head coach Paul Johnson won 11 games in 2014, including the Orange Bowl, and finished No. 8. But then in 2015 they were 3-9, before return- ing to 9-4 this past season (includ- ing beating Virginia Tech, winning at Georgia and then winning another bowl). A bowl win — an attractive bowl — would be necessary for Kelly to stay. I realize that Georgia Tech is viewed as a giant killer and the Irish are considered a "traditional power," but there is some strong similarity as of late with both programs. Pat Gorman Toledo, Ohio FROM THE WEBSITE On our BlueandGold.com website, many subscrib- ers admit they still have the blahs after the 4-8 season. Meanwhile, others always hold out hope for better days already. Dbhenders: I like the talent assembled, but with all of the defections, and what seems like desperation last-minute offers, I must confess I have little enthusiasm as Signing Day approaches. The fiasco of the coaching staff the past 2 years is the clincher. … Irish blood runs through these veins beyond belief and I will be engaged, but this staff has burned us so many time, it is hard to get energized. Smokebomb99: I've predicted a 6-6 record and haven't seen a thing that would change my mind. Still, ND football beats kid's soccer and raking leaves in the fall. PreTill2: Positive or negative energy is a choice. There are plenty of things to get excited about if one exits the pity party for a bit. Or, we can all sit around and drown in the negativity. Negativity, like positivity, is contagious. CleartheWay: If Kelly can't make it work, but they make the right head coach choice, ND will be win- ning again, big. I frankly think Kelly and Co. are going to kick ass this year. KevinPS: This past season was beyond a disappointment and, while not surprising, this recruiting season is as well. It does tend to dampen my enthusiasm. … And, come August, I'll be thinking Old Notre Dame will win over all. Every last game. I'll think that Kelly finally has it, etc. Keegan0615: We all had the same lovefest for Brian VanGorder when he was hired. We have no idea how these new hires are going to turn out. … While ND scrambles to close out in desperation with three- star recruits, the Alabamas and Ohio States of the world are turning away four-stars to make room for the five-stars that are beating down the doors. BGIUser2232: I have no expectations for the '17 ND season because having expectations is a surefire route to the antacid cabinet. But, I can't wait for the season to begin. It's like being a kid and unwrap- ping a new toy for Christmas. It might be the greatest thing in the world, or something that winds up in a basement corner after one day. But, the excitement will always be there. I would have preferred this season to start with someone other than Brian Kelly coaching, but I remain open to the possibility that there might yet be a way to make some lemonade out of the lemons we have on our plate. ND025876: I can't shake my passion for the team but I just can't stand seeing this brand be treated like a generic cereal sitting in a plastic bag on the button shelf. SDS123: I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic. For the most part I am apathetic. I don't dis Kelly, coaches, players or the University. I understand the whole choice concept. Honestly, I just don't feel like making the effort. That may change in August. 53Green: It always has and always will be 'ebb and flow' at Notre Dame as it comes to recruiting. Unless we're noticing Ty Willingham-like numbers in recruiting classes, for the most part it's par for the course for us. After a tough 4-8 season, head coach Brian Kelly made several changes — including bringing in new offensive coordinator Chip Long (above) — to get the Irish back on track. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND Head coach Paul Johnson led Georgia Tech to just three wins in 2015, but bounced back nicely in 2016 with a 9-4 season — the type of turn- around Irish fans would like to see in 2017. PHOTO BY DANNY KARNIK/GT ATHLETICS