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fan forum ron at any point, do you really think that they would only be able to gain 47 yards in one half like Notre Dame against USC? The running game needs a different philosophy. I understand that it is difficult to instruct linemen to be exceptional at both pass blocking and run blocking. However, if I had a choice, I would rather them be great run blockers than pass blockers. It comes up more times in a game that you are required to gain one yard, rather than complete a 20-yard pass. Concurrently, the emotion attached to failing to gain a yard is much more devastating then the satisfaction of completing a long pass. It sends a message to the opponent that if we are unable to gain a yard on the ground, that we are one-dimensional. This inability to run the ball at will, disallows you from closing out games when it is needed the most. It goes under the radar, because of the win, that Notre Dame failed again on thirdand-one and had to give the ball back to USC after the Notre Dame defense had thought it just secured the win. This concept and philosophy was highlighted to me in reading about the game from Oct. 23, 1993. Kevin McDougal was injured and didn't play, yet a Notre Dame offense playing against a good USC team gained 305 yards on the ground and the backup quarterback (Paul Failla) was 6-of-9 passing for 78 yards and a touchdown. Let's get back to running the ball like days of yore! I am talking about 300-pound linemen bludgeoning the defense with a drive block. Doubleteaming at the point of attack, kick outs, traps, counters. This is what running is about — not the stretch play with no fullback, and a tight end in motion. This zone-blocking scheme is too reliant on one or two superstar running backs, which Notre Dame has not consistently had since the early '90s. So what if the quarterback doesn't throw for 300 yards. Isn't winning more important than style points? I have been a Notre Dame football fan since 1946 and watch every week in agony, longing for the days when we will look like the Notre Dame I remember. Raymond Ciarleglio Sr. North Haven, Conn. Notre Dame Football tickets be heard! 25 years in business Best selection & Prices 1-800-925-2500 www.NotreDametickets.com Send your letters to: Letters Blue & Gold Illustrated P. O. Box 1007 Notre Dame, IN 46556 or e-mail to: lsomogyi@ blueandgold.com