Taylor's Tidbits

Welcome to Taylor's Tidbits, the premier blog for all things Irish football – from the player’s perspective. Each week, Tidbits will discuss all the subjects that you’re used to hearing about, but we’ll put a twist on it by taking you into the on-field and locker room mentalities of the players themselves.

Want to know what it's like in the huddle when the team is about to go for it on 4th and goal?
How about what the mood in the locker room is like after a big loss?
Or have you ever wondered how quarterbacks really feel about the O-line after they get sacked?

Tidbits will give you insight into these questions and many more… from the experiences of the Legends themselves.

Head of the Class

Wed, 1/23/08

Welcome back, sports fans!

A Special Weekend

Wed, 12/12/07

I’m on the last leg of my trip back home and things have just now slowed down enough to have a chance to reflect on what was a pretty emotional weekend.

ND Football Banquet Speech

Fri, 12/7/07

I’m sitting in Room 205 of the Ivy Court Inn and Suites thinking about what in the heck I’m going to share with the audience at 87th ND football banquet. I’m a little distracted as I write because my thoughts immediately go back to a time when this place was called the Jamison Inn and was the 48-hour home to myself and twenty or so other recruits that were thinking about coming to Notre Dame.

Significance Of Recruiting Weekend

Tue, 12/4/07

As many of you know, I will the have honor of speaking at this year’s football banquet on Friday. It also happens to be the football program’s big recruiting weekend, and I cannot overlook the immense responsibility (and pressure) I feel to share from my experience and make whatever impact I can … as I know just how special a night this will be for current players and recruits alike.

Post-Season Analysis Part II

Fri, 11/30/07

Before I forget, be sure to check out our Memorabilia Shop, as Christmas is coming up and we’ll be reducing our prices by up to 20% so that you can give something the Irish fan that has everything. We’ve only got a limited supply of items left, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to be one of the first to have a piece of the Irish legacy from the Legends of South Bend. Also, be on the lookout next week for an interactive stocking stuffer opportunity that will surprise the heck out of your favorite Irish fan. Ho Ho Ho (hint)!
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Post-Season Analysis Part I

Wed, 11/28/07

Well, that was interesting.

After experiencing the worst season in Notre Dame history (or at least the worst one that any of us can remember), I can finally say that I’m glad the 2007 season is now behind us.

Let Us Give Thanks…

Fri, 11/23/07

… that this year is almost over. And believe it or not, as bad as this year’s been, it could actually get worse. A loss to Stanford would be the sugarless frosting on the vegan, flourless cake that has miserably tried to substitute itself this year as Irish football. But as bad as its been, there have been a few bright spots along the way that have given me just enough hope to actually allow myself to be somewhat optimistic about next year. Somewhat. And as its 10:16pm on Thanksgiving night, I’ll briefly cover just a few of these and follow up with a season recap next week.

Memorable Senior Day Moments

Mon, 11/19/07

Someone sent me an email asking me about what fifth-year senior DE Trevor Laws had to say about his last game in Notre Dame Stadium after Saturday’s victory over Duke. After the much-needed and long-awaited win, the heart and soul of this Irish team said, "Standing there, seeing my teammates, (the fans) applauding us, us applauding (the fans), that's going to be burned in my memory to the day I die.” When I read those comments, I knew exactly what Laws meant, as I had had a memorable last day in Notre Dame Stadium as well, although unfortunately with a different result.

OL Breakdown: Laying It All On The Line

Fri, 11/16/07

Well, here goes the impossible. I’ve been asked repeatedly by many of you to explain what I see happening along the Notre Dame offensive line this season. While the ultimate answer is probably more complex than I could possibly characterize in less than 1500 words, I thought I’d take a stab at sharing my observations from throughout the year … and hopefully shed some light on what has become the worst season on record in more categories than I care to recount.

THERE IS NO “I” IN T-E-A-M (but there is an “M” and an “E”)

Back to the Future

Thu, 11/15/07

Wow, you guys! The feedback on what you want to see out of the site has been great. And for those of you that emailed us some suggestions about some things you'd like to see us do this spring and next fall (e.g. live web chats, golf outings, etc.) thank you ... they were great, and keep them coming! Again, this sight is for you, so tell us what you'd like to see and be able to do while you're here, and we'll do our best to make it happen. Who knows, it just may be your suggestion that gets the ball rolling on something really cool next year.