FAN FORUM
What to do against a
backed up opponent is
a surprisingly difficult
decision for a coach. The
punter has less room to
work, which would seem
to increase the potential for
a block. Less room to work
also increases the odds
for a shorter kick or a line
drive, opening up better re-
turn opportunities. (Notre
Dame ended up starting
this possession at Texas'
29-yard line.)
I have always felt set-
ting up a return was the
better option. The decision
is not about going for the
block or not; it is which
option gives you the best
opportunity to set up good
field position for your of-
fense. The odds of blocking
a kick seem just as high
as running into the kicker,
which would give the op-
ponent a first down and
momentum.
Overall, under Brian
Kelly the Irish seem to have
placed a premium on mis-
take-free football in punt
return situations. Lessen
the risk for a penalty and
make sure the punt is
fielded.
MAKE TIME!
I learned the Notre
Dame athletic depart-
ment has required the
Marching Band to elimi-
nate "America the Beau-
tiful" from the pregame
show due to "time con-
straints."
That removal of this
long-standing tradition
is a severe insult to the
country, to our flag and
to all military, both ac-
tive personnel and Vet-
erans. I am one of those
Vets from the Notre
Dame Army ROTC pro-
gram.
I think our alumni and
fans in the stands will be
most upset when they
don't see that tradition
continued. I know the
Band Directors strongly
oppose this change, but
for now have been over-
ruled.
Our country needs
continuing infusions
of patriotism in these
difficult times, and the
flag presentation cere-
mony with America the
Beautiful is one of those
beautiful traditions that
takes only about two
minutes.
Time constraints can't
be that tight!
Richard W. Pugliese,
DDS '65
1LT, U.S. Army TC
(Ret.)
Naperville, Ill.
Lieutenant Pugliese,
thank you very much for
your service. The NCAA
passed a new rule this
summer regarding the
timing of pregame foot-
ball warm-ups, and that
w i l l i m p a c t p re - g a m e
band performances. More
on this topic can be found
in our Under The Dome
section.
NOTRE DAME
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BE HEARD!
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