Let's just start off by me saying how good of a coach Charlie Weis is. You Pats fans know, but I'm not sure the rest of us know how good he really is. He took a very mediocre ND team on Saturday and come within one play of beating the two time defending champions. Props to Pete Carroll as well for that gutsy play at the end isntead of going for a field goal. A very back and forth game, a well fought, well coached game. USC in the end proved why they are the best team in the country and Matt Leinart proved why he is the best QB in college football. This game is an instant classic for ND fans, USC fans, and general college football fans alike.

USC PP's:

Matt Leinart- Not a very good game at all for him, he threw two picks, got sacked twice, and no td's but he won the game for this team. His last second TD run signifies what kind of player he is, patient, smart, and resilient. He's flat out amazing: slightly high

Reggie Bush- Another day, another great game for Bush. 3 TD's, 160 yards rushing: very very high

Scott Ware- eh...gets lost in teh shuffle in a very talented USC defense, don't like his chances of getting drafted high thus far: neutral

Tom Malone- finally got some punts in, had a 45.8 yard average on 6 punts: neutral

Taitusi Lutui- Had an average day along with the rest of the USC oline, Leinart was pressured often and was actually sacked twice : slightly negative

Dominique Byrd- Had an ok day, a long 52 yard reception and then a 4 yarder: slightly positive

Frostee Rucker- I like Frostee more than most, he is good and quick and could be a good hybrid DE/LB at the next level: positive

Lendale White- a VERY mediocre day for him, was held to just 2.6 yards per carry: negative

Notre Dame PP's:

Brandon Hoyte- impressed me with his nose for the ball, sideline to sideline play. By the way, great comparison to Demorrio Williams Jeff... : positive

Maurice Stovall- 3 receptions for 30 yards, not a very productive day: negative

DJ Fitzpatrick- he punted poorly but kicked rather well, made a 32 yarder in the 4th to give the Irish the lead: slightly positive

Brady Quinn- played great in a losing effort, not in stats but in heart. And he was almost able to lead this ND team to victory: slightly positive

Anthony Fasano- had a good game, was able to get open for some big gains. Looks to be almost always open as a safety blanket for Quinn: positive

SC fans all around the country are chanting "fight on".

Who was the ND DT/DE that was getting penetration on nearly every play. I think he was playing inside, but I remember seeing him listed at 260-some pounds. He played an outstanding game.

Thank you for not bashing Leinart. I've seen plenty do it as a result of this game and say he shouldn't be in the Heisman race. He did play poorly, but he won the game when it mattered. He made an outstanding pass to set up his TD run. And that TD run - there was NO way that anyone could have kept him out of the endzone on that play - he was so determined to get there.

jwest - The guy you're think of is Greg Pauley - # 66. He also got the phanton / bogus / bs call on the Personal Foul late in the game.

Also, what about a review on Samardjia for the game. He had 6 for 99 with a nice TD catch. Demonstrated great hands again as well. I love the way this guy catches the ball. I know he's a good baseball pitcher as well, but if he's in the top 15 WR's in 2007, I can't image him going to life on a bus in the minors for 3 or 4 years versus being a potential first day or sure fire draft pick.

I agree with you, Brian. I'd love to have somebody post his total stats and speak from personal observation.

Samardzjia did look good. He and Stovall were able to make some key catches for Quinn. I was very impressed with both of them.

Pauley is the guy I was wondering about. Anyone have more info about him?

I was impressed with Pauley last year. He is a guy that some will say is too slow and not athletic enough, but he always seems to do exactly what you want a DT in that scheme to do.

I like Stovall better overall even though he had a worse day. Ya no doubt jwest, Leinart had like 3 guys on him at the one and just refused to go down.

Pauley was a legit PP last year. Hes good!

As for Samardjzia, go check out the homepage of rivals if you want to read up more on him...

http://www.rivals.com/