Notre Dame Football Legends Triumph 19-3 In Tokyo Dome Against Japan; Jay Vickers Named MVP
The Notre Dame Football Legends held Japan to a solitary field goal and pounded 309 rushing yards to win the Notre Dame Japan Bowl 19-3 in front of 21,080 enthusiastic fans in the Tokyo Dome.
MVP Jay Vickers rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown and his contribution included a 77-yard second quarter dash down the right sideline that led to the Legend’s first touchdown. Head coach Lou Holtz’s game plan rarely called for the Legends to throw, relying on the running game to wear down the opposition. Only Ambrose Wooden completed a pass, which went for seven yards to Vickers, while five others fell incomplete.
“It was all about meeting the challenges that were thrown at us and the players responded well,” said Holtz. “It was a wonderful experience. When you look at what we had to work with and the skill players who were out, we were very short in some areas, but we found a way to do it.”
Injuries claimed quarterback Gary Godsey, who did not dress, and defensive end Chris Frome and corner Jason Beckstrom, who both went down in the first quarter and did not return. Tony Rice saw limited action under center due to a calf injury.
Japan struck first with a 30-yard field goal from Daisuke Aoki to lead 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, but after Scott Cengia had tied things up from 37 yards out, Notre Dame gradually took control.
Quarterback Tony Rice, who split time under center with Ambrose Wooden, scored on a one-yard keeper to earn the Legends a 10-3 halftime lead. Matt Hasbrook forced Japan into a safety after Geoff Price’s punt had backed Japan up close to their end zone, so Notre Dame led 12-3 early in the second half.
Linebacker Michael Goolsby then produced an interception as Japan attempted a comeback and took the ball to within eight yards of the home end zone. From there, the Legends bruised their way forward and Vickers took to ball in from two yards out to complete the victory.
“To be out there one last time with my team mates was incredible,” said Vickers, clutching his MVP trophy. “I will remember this day for the rest of my life. The offensive line did a great job and the defense kept us in the game.”
Having won the coin toss, Japan elected to receive and starting from the 34-yard line, efficiently moved the ball downfield. Quarterback Tetsuo Yakata targeted receiver Shoei Hasegawa on the opening possession and might have seen him break free for a touchdown by for Ron Israel’s timely pass beak up. He ended the night with 19 of 349 pass attempts completed for 145 yards, targeting seven different receivers.
Japan moved the ball steadily on its opening two drives, but with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and despite an impressive four of five third downs converted, had only a three-point advantage as reward.
The Notre Dame Legends kept Japan at bay, but the ability to convert on third down kept the first series alive. When Nori Kinoshita, lauded as Japan’s main offensive weapon and a former member of the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, lined up away from the slot for the first time, he reeled in a 19-yard gain and Ken Shimizu also made a first down as the Legends were unable to contain them. The drive ended on fourth and one when Brian Magee and Michael Goolsby combined to stuff Takuya Furutani up the middle.
The Legends went three and out on their first drive. With Ambrose Wooden starting and handing off from under center, a short yardage rushing gain, a loss on a reverse by Bobby Brown and a Cole Laux carry were not enough to move the chains.
Japan then put together a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive to lead 3-0 with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Daisuke Aoki split the uprights from 31 yards, though Japan might have opened a bigger lead had Takeshi Akiyama not dropped a pass in open field on the previous down. The Legends might also have capitalized earlier in the drive when Joe Brockington blocked a pass as Notre Dame brought the blitz and was inches away from claiming an interception.
Notre Dame managed to sustain a longer drive on its second possession with Tony Rice now in at quarterback. Brandon Hoyte powered 11 yards up the middle after a Jay Vickers run had lost three yards and Rice made a short gain, but again Geoff Price was called on to punt.
The game began to swing in Notre Dame’s favor as the first quarter came to a close. Ron Israel intercepted Takata and the Legends responded with a 16-yard Rice run, showing no signs of the calf injury that had forced him to miss two days of practice. Another Rice run and Hoyte carry was not enough to move the ball, but Scott Cengia tied the score with a 37-yard field goal.
Both offenses stalled on their next possessions and just when offensive fireworks seemed unlikely, Vickers broke a 77-yard run down the right sideline, leaving all opponents in his wake. The running back looked to have broken the goal line but was ruled down at the two-yard mark. From there, Rice edged a yard close to pay dirt and then punched the ball in for a 10-3 lead after Cengia’s extra point.
Japan might have leveled the score had Takata not overthrown open receiver Kinoshita on the next drive. Instead the hosts trailed by a score at the interval and soon found themselves further behind.
With Wooden back in at quarterback for Rice, who would not return due to a calf injury, Notre Dame fell a yard short of maintaining the first drive of the second half, but Price’s end over end punt was downed at the Japan one-yard mark. Two plays later, Hasbrook stormed through the Japan offensive line accompanied by Casey Cullen and the pair sacked Japan’s other quarterback Shun Sugawara for a safety.
Both teams saw 44-yard field goal attempts sail narrowly wide, then on Japan’s third possession of the half, Michael Goolsby came up with an interception that he returned to the eight-yard line. Two plays later Wooden pitched out to Vickers who broke the goal line in the left corner of the end zone for what proved to be a decisive 16-point lead after Cengia’s extra point.
Japan’s offensive game plan stalled in the fourth quarter despite the odd flurry such as a 22-yard reception from the home team’s MVP Akiyama and the Legends were content to run out the clock when they were in possession.
CBS College Sports Network, the original 24-hour sports network, will broadcast the Notre Dame Japan Bowl to a nationwide audience in the United States on Monday, August 10 (9:00 PM, ET; taped 7/25/09) as part of the Network’s “Countdown to Kickoff Week” programming.
For more information on the Notre Dame Japan Bowl 2009 and the Notre Dame Football Legends, visit www.NDJapanBowl.com.
Follow the Notre Dame Football Legends on www.Twitter.com/NDJapanBowl
Read the Notre Dame Japan Bowl blog at http://www.und.com/ot/blog.html
American Football Japan
Link to the official Japanese site for the event
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The Japanese are taking this seriously, if a bunch of senior citizens think they are going to challenge the #2 Amature Team in the world they are bigger loosers than ND College ball has been in the past few years. Hopefully the guys wont run the the same route that that embarrasment of a US Team did in ‘07 when they almost lost the IAAF World championship to them thinking they are cream puffs. 23-20 in 2 overtimes on special teams play was the only thing that bailed them out.
One week and two scrimmages, come on, I have to live here in Japan! I also Coach football here and play against this league.
Comment by Hawks Coach — February 24, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
Great venture that can contribute to football promotion in Japan.
Thank you Notre Dame!
BTW, is Rudy Ruttiger coming?
Comment by sushi — February 27, 2009 @ 4:35 am
Hawks Coach:
The Notre Dame Football legends are well aware of the quality of the Japanese senior national team. Organizers Patrick Steenberge and Shinzo Yamada have a wealth of knowledge of football in Japan.
The ND team can not practice or scrimmage more frequently than the allocated week prior to the game because players are not available. They will get together in April in South Bend as well as in July before leaving for Japan.
We look forward to seeing you in Japan.
Michael Preston
PR Director
Comment by Michael Preston — March 3, 2009 @ 11:28 am
This would be the greatest American football event ever held in Japan!!
I (Japanese) live in the UK but I will go home to watch the game.
If I ask more, I would like to see Fighting Irish in The GREEN JERSEY.
I just cannot wait!!!
Comment by H — March 27, 2009 @ 3:13 am
Will this be televised in the U.S.? All of us ND fans will want to watch. Thanks and Go Irish!!!
Comment by ND Nut — April 12, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
And please come out in Green!!!!
Comment by ND Nut — April 12, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Is this going to be televised or what? I gotta see this and I’m not going to Japan, haha.
Comment by Kevin LeBlanc — April 16, 2009 @ 8:05 am
Additional info to be posted.
Comment by Michael Preston — April 18, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
How exciting is this!?! Lou Holz and Notre Dame again! I can hardly wait!
Comment by Carol — April 19, 2009 @ 10:21 am
If we cannot get this game televised, I understand do to the time difference. Can we have the game televised live via the internet for family, freinds and fans?? Myself and I am sure others on the team will donate some money for this to be seen live on a website.
What about PayPerView?
Comment by C — April 20, 2009 @ 10:56 am
Michael,
Could you please post a list of the players who tried out but did not make the team? I’m very interested in this game, GO IRISH!
Comment by Kevin — April 20, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
I’m flying to Japan, just for this. Japan could not of picked a better school of charicter and premier status to showcase their own program.
GO IRISH!
Comment by Coley — April 22, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
Lou is back where he belongs – coaching ND to another Victory!!!
Some US based TV affiliate must telecast this…
Welcome Home Coach Holtz & Go Irish!!
Comment by Whitey McGyver — April 23, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
This event to promote the sport worldwide is tremendous. One runing back Jay Vickers is in great shape and his daily workouts are killers…he will be in game shape…Congrats Jay!
Comment by Paul — April 23, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
There are currently discussions underway to secure TV coverage of the game in the US.
The game will be played in the early hours of the morning US time, so the coverage will be delayed rather than live.
Web streaming is also a possibility.
Comment by Michael Preston — April 28, 2009 @ 8:45 am
they can’t win with mattes playing..!
Comment by big bri — May 15, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Yes, the ND Japan Bowl game will be televised in the US, on a delayed basis! Most likely date to watch will be Saturday, August 1…stay tuned for details!!!!
Comment by patrick steenberge — May 17, 2009 @ 12:56 am
I lived in Japan for more than a decade through last year and was involved as a player for the U.S. military in games against Japanese teams, and later worked at a Japanese company that plays in the best league in the Tokyo area.
I can tell you that the Japanese team will be in great shape and motivated to play. The Japanese take all competitions against Americans-from hot dog eating contests to the preseason World Baseball Classic-as extremely important opportunities for them to check how they “measure” up against their counterparts in the U.S.
The Japanese never approach anything in a “half-ass way,” and ND players had better not for this game, or more than a few of them might find themselves carted off the Tokyo Dome turf.
If the Japanese lose this game, they will express gratitude for the chance to play against players from such a renowned university, and say that it was a great learning experience.
However, if they win, ND will be a laughingstock for assuming that a bunch of out-of-shape, mostly never-has-beens(from what I see of the roster)to believe they could simply waltz into Japan with a small number of days of practice and defeat Japan’s best.
The Japanese will be the greatest of hosts-it’s part and parcel of their culture for guests but everyone involved for ND had better not partake too much of their hospitality.
Japan has nothing to lose by playing this game. ND has quite a lot from what I can see.
Good luck, Notre Dame Alumni Football Team!
Comment by patrick hattman — June 2, 2009 @ 4:44 am
Hey it’s not Brian McGee on the defensive roster. The proper spelling is Brian Magee.
Comment by A Concerned Citizen — June 2, 2009 @ 8:05 am
Notre Dame is going to kick the piss out of this little Japan team. You have to remember football started in the USA and ND will show you how it is done in America. By the way I am training some of the guys on the team and trust me they are hardely coming in out of shape but maybe in the best shape of their lives. As of now I have six guys on the team cleaning 300+ pounds and benching 225 30+ reps as well as running 40’s under 4.7 sec and 300 yard shuttles in under 48 sec. These guys maybe retired but trust me they are training to KICK ASS!!!!!
Comment by Big Poppa — June 2, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
“Notre Dame is going to kick the piss out of this little Japan team.”
I guess Notre Dame is looking for someone it thinks it can easily beat up on after being humiliated time and again in recent years in real football games.
The best Japan has to offer is probably somewhere between the best of Division III and II. I can’t imagine that they could put together a team to match up with even a I-AA team for 60 minutes, let alone any of the 120 I-A teams.
They are not particularly impressive at American football, especially when considering that there has always been a divide between rugby and American football for the small number of high schoolers and college players of both sports.
That being said, how impressive will the Notre Dame team be?
“As of now I have six guys on the team cleaning 300+ pounds and benching 225 30+ reps as well as running 40’s under 4.7 sec and 300 yard shuttles in under 48 sec.”
Yes, but can they still play football? Some of the guys on the provisional roster weren’t so special to begin with.
Notre Dame had better be in football shape to go up and down the field for an entire 60 minutes, and not just obsessed about reliving their playing days by being workout warriors.
I hope you win, Notre Dame, but I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as you’d like it to be.
Comment by patrick hattman — June 3, 2009 @ 10:33 am
Everyone here is missing the point. This is a game commemorating 75 years of Football in Japan. What better way than to have one of the most well known universities in the United States to ever field a Football team (Notre Dame) to bring an alumni team to play. I am sure both sides will be prepared and enjoy the battle on the field. Win or lose in this game and what is the downside. It is a game celebrating 75 years since Football was introduced to Japan. Both sides win in the long run. Japan wins for celebrating 75 years and the chance to play a game against Notre Dame Alumni. Notre Dame wins by what the experience will hold for them with the welcome they will receive. Notre Dame will help the Japanese game by bringing more worldwide attention to the game that all the players love. Notre Dame fans will get to see former heroes and legendary Coach Holtz for one more game. I’m sure both teams will be prepared and up to the task at hand. At the end of the game, I am sure the talk will be of the experiences and gained friendships. Oh, by the way! They get to play one more game of football and HAVE FUN.
Comment by Bill — June 8, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
I was wondering if the Notre Dame Japan Bowl will be on Directv?
Comment by Steven — June 10, 2009 @ 7:44 am
Bill,
There is a big difference between the real intentions and the stated intentions of what the Japanese do in so many aspects of life, including this football game.
The Japanese are not celebrating 75 years of playing American football as much as they are seeking a safe opportunity for them to gauge their level of play against an accomplished team of American players.
I’m just trying to add a voice cautioning the Notre Dame squad to be mentally and physically prepared for the game, and not to overly indulge in the hospitality of the Japanese.
Coach Holtz and his staff had better be ready, too.
Comment by Patrick Hattman — June 10, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
I hope for NOTRE DAME sake they come prepared. This is no charity. If not they (the JAPAN WORLD CUP TEAM) will drop 50 points on them. There are various types of spread offenses ran throughout Japan. These guys are very smart and sound by design. So the Notre Dame Def. Co. better be ready. They won’t take there foot of the pedal. This is for bragging rights and a opportunity to be heard. They are precise in with passing the ball and they run some option too. Think of URBAN MYER’S Florida Gator offense with a better passer with less speed but precise. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT. I’m a former College Player and a member of the Air Force. I played against these guys before. THE IRISH BETTER GET TO THE QB.
Comment by USAF football in Japan — June 25, 2009 @ 6:05 am
this game will be filled with unexpectedness so it’s definitely worth attending. and not to mention it’s on my birthday. therefor, i’m definitely going to be there.
Comment by jean — June 25, 2009 @ 9:15 am
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat
Comment by Theodore Roosevelt — June 29, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all” -Vince Lombardi- Better be in shape. Tokyo is hot and muggy late July. And even though the game is inside, the Tokyo Dome is not much different than outside as far as the humidity goes.
Comment by Pato in Tokyo — June 29, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
Will the game be televised and if so on
what network?
Comment by Shawn F. Brennan — June 29, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
RUDY RUDY RUUUUUDY
Comment by Nicholas P.D. — June 29, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
The Japanese once said “We have woken up a sleeping Giant”, well Godzilla is coming to town and they better be ready, PATO.
They better have pain medicine in Japan because JAFA is going to need it.
Comment by FU — July 1, 2009 @ 5:33 am
What is sad is that most Japanese arent aware of this game. Even football fans here are quite uninterested because the tickets are expensive than expected.
And fans here including me are very disappointed that Montana isnt coming anymore. very disappointed.
Comment by sushi — July 2, 2009 @ 7:22 am
Japan made the right choice asking Notre Dame with its storied tradition, class & honor to play against Japans all stars. Im sure Japan will be a formidible foe and push the former ND player hard. Beyond the game, I think Japan will be impressed with the IRISH dedication, ethic and sportmanship. Lou will expect the most from his guys. How fun for them to once again lace em up for the ol coach. See you in South Bend (east). Always, Notre Dame
Comment by Coley White — July 4, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
I would like to know the specs on the Japan team height weight, 40 speed ect like you would see on a college football teams roster sheet. Id also like to know more about the offence and defense scemes that the team will use. we already have a pretty good idea of what Lou Holtz likes to run and the size an physicality of the players from ND. Someone mentioned that the japan team likes to run the spread. That works well as long as the defense doesn’t kill the QB- most glaring example- UGA vs Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl.
From what I am thinking right now there is no way that the Japan team can match up size and strength in line play although they may have an advantage in speed – so if ND can control the line and kill the QB they should win the game
Comment by jeffrey — July 6, 2009 @ 11:59 am
If ever there was an American team, that represented the honor and discipline of Samurai; it would the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
Our Lady’s school will bring their unique spirit and athletic prowess to the Land of Shoguns with style and class.
And .. to the best of my knowledge Notre Dame never loses … smile Yukiko
BANZAI & S D T T
G O I R I S H !
P.T. Brent Hawaii – who will be there 25 July Tokyo Dome
Comment by Patrick Brent — July 7, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
How can I get a program from the game? I have programs from the Notre Dame vs Miami game played in Tokyo and the program from the Notre Dame vs Navy game played in Dublin, Ireland. Go Irish!
Comment by peter j miller — July 9, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
I am sure the Japanese are not going to try to take on an American sized line. They will have plenty of schemes and misdirection plays to keep the Domers on their toes. I`m sure it will be a more competitive game them we are giving them credit for.
By the way, I`m coming up from Okinawa. (class of’97) Where can I get tickets? What events are being held in the area?
Comment by okinawamark — July 10, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
I really envy Japan.
Why don’t you drop by South Korea as well, coach Lou!
Go Irish! Beat Trojan!
Comment by JK — July 13, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
Ticket Inquiries: Email japaninsightry@gmail.com
Comment by Teddy — July 15, 2009 @ 6:59 am
I am so upset that my Husband and I won’t be back in Japan for the event. I am orignally from South Bend and we are stationed in Okinawa, Japan(USMC). His ship won’t return in time. The hardest part of being in Japan is missing ND footaball. This event would have been perfect for us. There are several Marines that are ND fans in Japan. I hope they will get the chance to attend the game. To see the irish players I grew up would be great. Especially Tony he is still a hometown favorite. Go Irish!!!!!!! Love seeing Lou on ESPN but watching him come out of the tunnel with the irish team on gameday was when I enjoyed seeing him the most. To all that will be attending this game in Japan enjoy.
Comment by Jen Ray — July 17, 2009 @ 11:40 am
Thank you all for your interest on the game. To purchase tickets, please find this english friendly site
http://livinginfo.gaijinpot.com/entertainment/notre-dame-japan-bowl-2009/240
We are also updating the english newsletters sent our from South Bend on our official blog.
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/ndjb09/MYBLOG/yblog.html
I believe you will also enjoy the essays from the “Legends” players.
http://www.onemoregame.blogspot.com/
For fans able to come out to Tokyo, Tim Brown will be appearing at the “Cafe Ease” in the Marunouchi Building, located right in front of Tokyo Station on the Imperial Palace side (
http://www.marubiru.jp/english/index.html ). Please keep your diaries open on July 23rd Thursday evening, the talk event featuring Tim Brown and All Japan Team members will start 18:30. You can enjoy the talk with a cup of beer severed by the cup purchased from the Notre Dame campus book store! (its a give away for you too!)
Comment by Japan American Football Association — July 17, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Jeffrey, it seems Japan`s final roaster is announced. http://www.americanfootball.jp/ndjb/images/ndjb_final_roster.pdf
The list shows from left to right, Position, Name, pronunciation of Name ( Chinese characters have different ways to pronounce ), the team they belong now, the previous team they belong, and Height, Weight and age!
They seemed to have replaced many of the players from the previous All Japan ( who played the IFAF World Cup) to younger challengers.
Comment by clover — July 17, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Thank you for your interest on the game.
For the English friendly ticket site, please click the “English Friendly Tickets” banner on the right corner below the Japanese official site. You can buy the game tickets and the tailgate party tickets. It will show the link of the “Legends” players blog, which you shall enjoy their essays toward the game.
For fans who can arrive to Tokyo early, Tim Brown ( WR coach for the “Legends” team ) will appear in the Marunouchi business district on July 23rd ( Thu ) evening for a talk show. “Cafe Ease” on the first floor of the Marunouchi Building, located in front of Tokyo station on the Imperial Palace side, will turn into Notre Dame Japan Bowl Cafe for the day. From 18:30, Tim Brown will arrive with Team Japan members. Please enjoy the talk with a cup of beer served by the Notre Dame Logo cup bought from the University`s book store! Admission is free.
Comment by Japan American Football Association — July 18, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
I would really love to know the ND players going to Japan. Who are these legends?! Why hasn’t there been more publicity about this game? When will the game be broadcast on TV? How can I get a program and tape? Go Irish!!! Good luck!!!!
Comment by Patricia Vigorita — July 19, 2009 @ 3:01 am
im just gonna say they selected lou as our coach. i have know worries what our team is gonna be like. notre dame never took any game lightly and neither will lou. we bring the spirit of notre dame. i dont know where i’ll be then roc but i’ll know about it and i’ll be happy. GO IRISH….WE ARE ND!
Comment by kelly shea — July 19, 2009 @ 8:19 am
Not being able to read Japanese but assuming that the roster lists height in cm and weight in kg, it looks like the average weight of the Japanese OL is around 270 lbs. So they may be overmatched in size, but not by much.
I’m bummed that ESPN didn’t acquire rights to the game; it would’ve been great to at least be able to watch it live on espn360.com.
I don’t know how competitive the ND Japan Bowl will be, but I think recent baseball history has taught us that the Japanese are not to be underestimated.
Comment by Joe D. — July 20, 2009 @ 4:21 am
Please pass on to me Mr Tim Browns address to send a photo to that I can get autographed.
Comment by Charlotte S Ford — July 20, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
I would like to congratulate the 60 Alumni players that practiced for the 10 hours (5 practices) over the weekend. It was great being there and watching them in action. If they play in Japan like at practice we will step all over the other team, plus Coach Holtz will bring home the win!!
Comment by Charlotte S Ford — July 20, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
who cares, if yuo love football enough and can see many real USA football games when living in Japan, just enjoy it! Its FOOTBALL!!!
Comment by Ohio State fan — July 20, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
First of all: the game will be recorded for a future TV viewing in the States; so keep your eyes on your tv guide, people. We WILL be able to see it a little later.
Second: for all of you “doubters”, especially Hawkes coach – you need to go back home to the U.S. to live again; it is Notre Dame all the way!! (Domers never die; Touchdown Jesus will be with them. !!!
Comment by Joyce M. — July 21, 2009 @ 10:14 am
GO AJ!!!
Comment by Coupon Raider! — July 22, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
It’s not a secret. You don’t have to “keep your eyes on your tv guide”. From the ND website:
“CBS College Sports Network, the original 24-hour sports network, will broadcast the Notre Dame Japan Bowl to a nationwide audience on Monday, August 10 (9:00 PM, ET; taped 7/25/09) as part of the Network’s “Countdown to Kickoff Week” programming.”
Comment by Carol — July 22, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
HAWKS Coach is a co-worker of mine. Trust me, he actually loves ND and realizes the Japan National Team is going to get romped on! In fact, he’s sporting a Joe Montana throwback jersey right now!!
I’ll be at the game. Can’t wait.
Not happy Joe Montana bowed out!
GO IRISH!!
Comment by IRISH FAN — July 23, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
Wow, Im just checking this again after I wrote my initial comment in February. I’m laughing at the comments here on this thing.
Look at this, you can’t throw at team together in a week!
“The ND team can not practice or scrimmage more frequently than the allocated week prior to the game because players are not available.”
Michael Preston
PR Director
Then from what I am assuming is a Coach who is not taking this serious as well:
“As of now I have six guys on the team cleaning 300+ pounds and benching 225 30+ reps as well as running 40’s under 4.7 sec and 300 yard shuttles in under 48 sec.”
Big papa, you idiot, that crap does’t translate to the feild. If it did, those guys would be in the league not playing for this never has been squad. People in the NFL don’t have those numbers.
Good on them for comming but I wish they would have actually invested time in prep.
Football originated in the states and is and will be dominated by serious football teams and coaches. Dont get me wrong, its these garbage teams that come over here as if they are introuducing football to Japan that pisses me off. If an NFL team came here or a serious D-1 team came here of course it would be a romp. I would even venture to say a hot D-2 team would win this game vs the Japanese.
This wont be a pick up game.
Its why they play the games, some wise man said. We will see…
Comment by Hawks Coach — July 23, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
Irish fan is doing the same dope Big Poppa is….. Dont listen to him he has a Touchdown Jesus bobble head on his desk!
GO DAWGS!!!
Comment by Hawks Coach — July 23, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Damn straight! Good stuff!
Comment by IRISH FAN — July 23, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Some of the comments on here are hysterical. what a bunch of losers. I guess this is why they say void the internet. It’s worse than some of the stuff you read on YouTube.
It’s a sad day on this planet when you click on a link to read about the Japan bowl and you arrive at a page filled with comments from the biggest losers on the planet.
My advice: go outside, get some fresh air maybe try to meet and talk to a real live human female. Step away from the internet!
Comment by Blue — July 24, 2009 @ 11:06 am
I wish I could watch this live in the US.
Comment by jj — July 24, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
Looks like Hawk Coach couldn’t have been more wrong. Notre Dame was able to throw a team together in a week, watch both of their QBs go down before the game, and still take this game running away. Go Irish – two bowl wins in a row!
Comment by Big Poppa — July 25, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
“Outlined against a dark blue July sky, the four horseman rode again….”
Great game, wonderful host. Seeing Vickers on the 77 yard run was amazing. Seeing Ivory Covington scanning the line and Bob Morton pushing and working was fantastic. Hats off to Japan, they never gave up and were only a few plays away from making this their game. Notre Dames special teams was the difference, excellent punting. On a plane soon- Hope to do this again. Thank you Japan. Always, NOTRE DAME.
-Coley White
Comment by Coley White — July 25, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
Where are you now Hawks Coach? Yep, you’re a DOUCHEBAG! ND’s former players didn’t let us down!
Hawks Coach…it’s too bad the rest of your body doesn’t work as well as your mouth!
You’re now in the D BAG Hall of Fame. Congrats!
Comment by neel — July 25, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
I guess the senior citizens openned up a can of whoopa$$ on the serious #2 Japanese team! I suppose living in Japan will be a little easier for the Hawks coach/player now thanks to the Fighting Irish. Talk about speaking about something, you know nothing about? Maybe this will serve as a lesson in maturity???
Way To Go Irish!!!!
Comment by Kent Cordes — July 25, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
I cheer up a Japanese team.It was proud of its power,but Notredam team is
much powerful than Japanese one.Some day a Japanese team will be able to confront against an American team,I hope.Thanks!!
Comment by pop — July 25, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
It was a good game and this is another step to help globalize the sport of american football
Comment by Eric Barimah — July 25, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
Come back, Lou!
It hasn’t been the same ever since you left ND. We desperately need you right now!
Comment by Dick Callahan — July 26, 2009 @ 11:52 am
It was a good game… I guess. I conceed to the ND faithfull. Look at the box scores, not that impressive. 1-6 passing, One back who could run. Not hardly what was called for in this blog.
Im a run first Coach too, my team is playing for our division this week and I throw when I have too not because thats all I can do. Thank goodness they dont have anymore games.
Comment by Hawks Coach — July 26, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
God help anyone that you coach; hopefully you aren’t coaching kids. You have zero credibility. You ran your mouth, now eat your crow and shut it.
Comment by Irish in Charlotte — July 26, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
To all, I played in the game for the Irish and I must say that my hats are off to the Japan team. They work really hard together as a team and they do not give up. Because of them I had a chance to play one last game and I am so thankful for that. The people of Tokyo are the most gracious, efficient, clean, sincere, people in the world.
I truly believe that once the Japanese become experts in technique/fundamentals, they will be unstopable on the football field.
Thank you Japan Senior National Team, you are all great warriors.
Comment by Casey — July 26, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
“It was a good game… I guess. I conceed to the ND faithfull. Look at the box scores, not that impressive. 1-6 passing, One back who could run.”
A good game… you guess? It was a 19-3 victory by a bunch of old ND players (last year’s American team barely pulled out a 3-point win in OT).
As for the box scores, you’d be moronic to think ND was going to be passing the ball much, or well. With Ambrose Wooden and Tony Rice at QB, Brandon Hoyt and Vickers at halfback… Wooden didn’t even play QB (or offense) at ND, Rice is in his 40s, Hoyte played defense at ND (don’t think he ever played a down on offense), and Vickers barely got any PT when he was in his prime at ND (what, 10 years ago?).
“Not hardly what was called for in this blog.”
Yeah I know, you had nothing but doom and gloom remarks for ND’s team. If you think most fans were predicting a blowout with a team stocked with old guys and people playing way out of position (see above) at key spots, you’re kidding yourself, especially when last year’s American team needed OT to pull out a 3-point win.
Quite the pathetic post, but then again, I expected as much from you.
Comment by Your Mom's House — July 27, 2009 @ 7:18 am
Oh well, messed up some facts above (’07 IFAF world cup, not ‘08, etc.), but none of them detract from the very obvious point and teeth of the post.
Just man up and admit it Coach, you were dead wrong from the start… or don’t admit it, and just keep with the lame “good game… I guess” and “1-6 passing” comments, as you’ll just keep making yourself look worse with them.
Comment by Your Mom's House — July 27, 2009 @ 7:29 am
Senior Citizens: 1
Hawk’s Coach: 0
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAA!!!!!!!! Go Irish!!!!!
Comment by Jimbo — July 27, 2009 @ 8:41 am
9 practices, in 7 days, 24 hours of travel (to tokyo), 14 hours of time difference, banquets/conferences every day, no sleep, no QB’s, “Spies” at every practice, no game film to review, bogus penalty calls….. This so called “Senior Citizen” team if enough time to practice can beat any college team or semi pro team in the world.
Comment by Teddy — July 27, 2009 @ 10:48 am
Hey Hawk’s Coach… and all you other DOUBTERS! What do you think of those IRISH NOW??!!! Not bad for a group of “OLD”, “RETIRED” “Has Beens”, huh??? So, this Japan team is one of THE best in Amateur Football, eh? What does that make Notre Dame’s OLD squad??? ~GO IRISH!~
Comment by IRI5H — August 3, 2009 @ 5:13 am
I watched the replay of the game last night and I was surprised at Notre Dame’s ability to be as efficient as they were with a players out of position (not to mention way past their prime). Overall it was a good game, but lets be honest Japan’s #2 team just isn’t at the same level as the USA. Thats to be expected. the whole IFAF game that the USA won in OT 23-20, did anybody watch that game? Just about every single player in that game was from a lower level college. If you were to line up the Sun Belt conference all stars to play in the IFAF they would have destroyed Japan in that game. And the Sun Belt all stars would not have beat the any team in the SEC. Its great that Japan likes the game and continue to improve, but lets be honest, nobody in the world can compete with the best college players in the US.
Comment by gmoney — August 11, 2009 @ 5:28 am
First off,I am NOT a Notre Dame fan (GO U NU!), however, anyone who thinks that a bunch of small Asian guys would beat them, is just ridiculous. There was no comparison in size, and it didn’t even matter that there were middle 40 year old players playing for Notre Dame, they just dominated the teenie Japan team.
A team with second string (current) football players would have won by 60+.
What a joke of a game.
Comment by Erik — August 21, 2009 @ 7:06 am
The US Junior National won the The IAAF Junior World Championships in Canton,Ohio this year and outscored everybody I think 103-3.
Comment by cash flow — September 8, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
who do you think would win? ND Japan Team or Charlie Weis’ team in South Bend.
I say the Japan team.
Comment by Teddy — September 17, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
Wow
Notre Dame has not been representative of college football the last few years. You want real football, you gotta look in the SEC: Bama, Florida, Georgia, LSU. That’s representing the best of college football.
Notre Dame hasn’t won a bowl game in decades.
Comment by PCZ — January 12, 2010 @ 8:17 pm