Low Expectations a Good Thing

3 Years Ago: Picked to finish 11th in the Big East, finished in 4th

2 Years Ago: Picked to finish in 9th, finished in 2nd

Last Year: Picked to finish in 4th, finished in 10t

We finish the opposite of what is predicted.  I welcome the low expectations for this years squad with open arms.

The loss of Scott Martin will hurt a lot.  But this is an underdog team, there is no question about it.  The thought of that makes this season so much more exciting.  

OFF TOPIC: Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays seem to be going as strong as ever, well at least my favorite Ray fan (and his wife) seem to be going as strong as ever.  Another interesting sign was held up by the Ray's hometown hero last night and it read "Big Gun."  Sure it isn't as weird as such past signs like "Holy Cow" or as confusing as "A-Froid" but it was the context this one was used in.  This one was director to Rays superstar, BJ Upton.  BJ "Big Gun" Upton raised his average to the prestigious .243 mark and passed the glorious mark of 50 RBIs the other day by hitting for the cycle.  The Rays are calling this a historic moment.  Really?  Just last year you were the AL Champs and you already are going back to being this pathetic?  

Back to the Cupcakes

Aside from the classic against UCLA,  Coach Brey has done his best yet again to ensure the Irish have the worst competition available to get them ready for the Big East.  I love Coach Brey,  unlike many Irish fans who criticize his every mover, but this is something I have always disagreed with him upon.  Every year, except for last season, the Irish have played some of the easiest teams D-1 ball has to offer and this year will be no exception.  

So get ready for thrillers against the great Idaho State Bengels and the always formidable Long Beach State 49ers!  And who could forget the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash?  

However, depending how good this relatively new, unknown, mysterious Irish team is, the games against Bucknell and Northwestern could serve as some form of competition.  Still, anything more than 2 loses in non-conference play should be unacceptable.  

OFF Topic: Tampa Bay Rays

It's that time a year again.  If any you remember this article, then I am sure you will understand this one.  I always have respect for people who are die-hard fans of a consistently awful team.  At the same time though, I think it makes people a little crazy.  I mean holding up signs that say Holy Cow! and Awesome doesn't exactly scream your typical fan.   Now from the same fan I caught a glimpse of another sign:  A Froid.  It looks to me like an interesting combination of A-Fraud and A-Roid.  I don't know how it makes any sense to combine the two, but then again who cares?  We're the Ray fans, we're just gonna sit here and ring our cow bells!  Yeah, we're from Florida and our team is called the Rays,  but who doesn't like the sound of cow bells? Come on.  

Ahh, I love the Rays. 

Big East Schedule

The teams the Irish play have been announced for next years conference play.  The teams in italics are teams that the Irish play twice.

Home: Cincinnati, Connecticut, DePaul, Pittsburgh, Providence, St. John's, USF, Syracuse, West Virginia
Away: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette, Rutgers, Seton Hall,USF, Villanova

What I find interesting is the fact that this will be the third straight year in which the Irish will play UConn twice.  UConn is a tough team, but I am not going to complain since I live in Connecticut.  Every chance to see the Irish play in person I take.  In the last 10 games against the Huskies, the Irish are just 3-7,  but I welcome the challenge. 

If You Didn't Hear...

Luke Harangody is returning for his senior season.  He has to chosen to be a star at Notre Dame instead of the the uncertain possibility of being drafted to the NBA.  He made the right decision.  And with this decision, the Irish will have a better shot at being successful.

Heres to Luke and a successful 09-10 season.

Luke Harangody Update

As far as being a late first round pick?  You can get rid of that idea.  The latest mock drafts have Gody going in the late second round or not at all.  I guess it's a little good news and bad news at the same time.  

I would love to have Gody back, but I do want to see him succeed.