It's LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma in Top 3 of first BCS standings. #NotreDame not in top 25, but Ws can change that. http://t.co/r2P0edta

From #NotreDame hoops media day, Irish lineup answers are all question marks. Trib story: http://t.co/E4uci4Ab

Our guy @jppalm has faith in #NotreDame hoops, has them a No. 11 seed in First Four of NCAA bracket. http://t.co/YkuRmXnt

#NotreDame hoops coaches Mike Brey, Muffet McGraw uneasy about Big East's future. Trib post: http://t.co/51liwAPj

#NotreDame coach Mike Brey on Big East: "I've told recruits: Whatever happens, we're going to land on our feet."

#NotreDame coach Mike Brey on Big East: "It's going to be interesting to see who we add, and is it a fit for us?"

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey: "I hope we can keep the Big East together. If not, we need something in the East. I've told Jack (Swarbrick) that."

#NotreDame coach Mike Brey on Big East: "I hope we can rebuild this thing."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Eric Atkins: "The preseason is going to be a lot of, how does Eric run our team and score?"

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Tim Abromaitis, Scott Martin: "You're going to be out there a lot, just don't let the other guys get wacky."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on freshman Pat Connaughton: "He can make an open shot, he's athletic as heck, he rebounds great for his size."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey: "Can Abromaitis and Martin play as our two biggest guys and we play a little smaller? Yeah."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Ben Hansbrough: "There will never be another one of those guys. And, God, I miss him."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey: "Could Mike Broghammer get to the point where he's playing 25 minutes for us? I don't think so."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on testing why Jack Cooley can't be a 30-minute guy: "He hits the wall quicker. It's kind of genetic."

More #NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Eric Atkins: "By February, he'll be one of the better guards in the league."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Eric Atkins: "Eric will be like a captain by the Big East regular season as far as his voice and input."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on program goals: "Deeper in the tournaments is the thing I think about."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Big East tourney at MSG: "Playing the league tournament there is the sexy thing in our league."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on what he has in Jerian Grant: "Don’t really know. That trends more towards exciting than worried."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey, rules committee chair, on new charge arc on floor: "I'll get blamed for any of the problems with it."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Scott Martin workouts: "He's been extremely aggressive, hunting his shot. Now he has to do that daily."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on "burn" offense: "'Burning' is always going to be part of our diet."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey: "One of good things about the Big East, there's always enough power on the schedule to play into the tournament."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on NCAA tournament hopes: "This group is going to have to scratch and claw to do that."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey on Eric Katenda: "We just need to evaluate him and see what can he do athletically. I have a very open mind."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey: "I'm very impressed where Alex (Dragicevich) and Jerian (Grant) have been."

#NotreDame HC Mike Brey: "I wouldn't say we're younger. Were just newer."

#NotreDame coach Mike Brey sits down for media day presser. Brey: "You're still here, I'm still here, must be working out."

#NotreDame freshman DE Stephon Tuitt insists he won't miss another class -- nor incur Mom's wrath: http://t.co/jOtXFJ8F

#NotreDame guard Skylar Diggins says she feels like "cold oatmeal," but really, things are just heating up. Trib post: http://t.co/yMjcSE7f

#NotreDame guard Skylar Diggins on her popularity: "It was cool at first. I feel like now I'm kind of like cold oatmeal."

#NotreDame WBB coach Muffet McGraw on Skylar Diggins spotlight: "You'd have to look at one of our quarterbacks to compare it."

#NotreDame WBB coach Muffet McGraw on Skylar Diggins "rock star" status: "It's out of control. That's something we're always cognizant of."

#NotreDame WBB coach Muffet McGraw on goals: "Well, you look at what we have, obviously we want to compete for a national championship."

#NotreDame WBB coach Muffet McGraw on "obsessive" intensity of her Big 3: "They know what they want & they know what we're capable of."

#NotreDame women's BB coach Muffet McGraw: "We have a great big target on back that we have not had in the past."

#NotreDame notes: Allegedly no talk yet of Dayne Crist's future, mourning Xavier Murphy and injuries. More: http://t.co/c16FeTL8

#NotreDame freshman Stephon Tuitt insists he'll never miss class again. Or else Mom might show up. Trib story: http://t.co/jOtXFJ8F

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said team mourning loss of former trainer/intern Xavier Murphy. Diagnosed w/leukemia 4 weeks ago. Died Tuesday.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Sean Cwynar's broken hand: "His cast came off today, he felt like a new man."

Tim Abromaitis, on whether #NotreDame HC Mike Brey has to run for rule snafu: "We had to run a little bit last year because of me, but no."

#NotreDame F Tim Abromaitis: Four-game ban "isn't going to be fun," but, well, at least he's playing. Trib update: http://t.co/GzVof2rh

#NotreDame forward Tim Abromaitis on NCAA penalty: "It's something I'd rather not deal with, but that's the way it works sometimes."

#NotreDame coach Mike Brey: "You can redshirt at any time. Why can't you use exhibitions to manage your roster?"

#NotreDame coach Mike Brey, entering presser about Tim Abromaitis suspension: "Wish I knew the rules, so I wouldn't have to do this."

Stephon Tuitt, Andrew Hendrix, George Atkinson III among #NotreDame non-"regulars" talking post-practice. Dayne Crist isn't.

Due to rule "misunderstanding," #NotreDame forward Tim Abromaitis to sit first four games of 2011-12. Trib story: http://t.co/GzVof2rh

Validation can be had for improving #NotreDame. Just not until late November, six games from now. Trib col: http://t.co/ArSV45nq

#NotreDame hoops now has three top 100 commits in two classes with pledge of junior V.J. Beachem. Trib post: http://t.co/Tb5VVdFP

#NotreDame didn't vault into either top 25 poll today. Unspectacular as USC has been, a win there should do it.

#NotreDame notes from Brian Kelly Sunday call: Floyd sought return duty, Golson to sit, green jerseys and more: http://t.co/mWGA6WDE

#NotreDame Brian Kelly: "Everett (Golson) and I made an agreement relative to basketball, and he's got to take care of those things first."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly context for Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt praise: "As true freshmen, they've played great."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on O-line last two games: "That's about as complete as it gets from an offensive line."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Manti Te'o: "He does things each and every week that sometimes defy what the average player can accomplish."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Manti Te'o: "He had a slight sprain on Wednesday in practice and we kept him limited."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on late Air Force TDs: "We played guys that got no work against the option, because they were our third (team)."

#NotreDame won't do too much scout-team prep for USC this week. Mostly 11 on 11 to get "good speed work," per Brian Kelly.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on option D: "We have this big binder, and we just keep adding things to it, in terms of what we're going to see."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Ethan Johnson is moving forward and progressing but he'll be protected this week."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Manti (T'e'o) has had a little bit of an ankle, we'll protect him this week."

More #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on QB Everett Golson preserving year: "You know what I would like to say, but I'm not going to say it."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on frosh QB Everett Golson: "I think you guys can figure out what the rotation is going to be at this point."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Option football is about keeping the points down. Yards have nothing to do with the outcome."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "If we're giving out helmet stickers, Stephon Tuitt gets it. Him and (Darius) Fleming were outstanding."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Michael Floyd punt returns: "Mike actually came to me, said coach, I'll do it, give me a shot at it."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on green jerseys for USC game: "I didn't know we had green jerseys. If we did, we'd think about it."

Awaiting Brian Kelly Sunday call. Here are #NotreDame notes from Air Force win, featuring Andrew Hendrix's debut: http://t.co/eE9P92w4

While players wondered at scoreboard Saturday, #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said you ain't seen nothing yet. Trib gamer: http://t.co/8KpekUz1

#NotreDame notes: Andrew Hendrix debuts with a change-up, Riddick rebounds, Lynch, Hounshell step in. http://t.co/eE9P92w4

#NotreDame players didn't believe their eyes Saturday. Brian Kelly said they hadn't seen anything yet. Trib gamer: http://t.co/8KpekUz1

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Andrew Hendrix change-of-pace: "We're going to continue to utilize him to strengthen Tommy (Rees') hand."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Andrew Hendrix change-of-pace: "Now there's so much versatility you have to defend."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Dayne is our No. 2 (QB). But (Hendrix) is certainly somebody that can go in and do some very good things."

George Atkinson III dives over the top for #NotreDame TD. Now 59-19 with 6:22 left to play.

Andrew Hendrix out to run the #NotreDame offense...and blasts off with a 79-yard run to the Air Force 1-yard line.

David Ruffer with the 39-yard field goal, and #NotreDame crosses the 50-point barrier. Up 52-19, 10:12 left.

Tommy Rees coming out with the #NotreDame offense here, up 49-19. Gotta be the last series for that.

#AirForce with a FG on the first play of the fourth quarter, #NotreDame lead now at a scant 49-19.

RT @amandakaschube Manti Te'o pointing at QBs: http://t.co/ScEefMrP And playing leap frog: http://t.co/COXmrVP3 #NotreDame

Manti Te'o getting some much-needed downtime, with #NotreDame pairing Foxy & Calabrese (This fall on CBS, @jdubs88 at ILB.

Andrew Hendrix with a couple tough runs to set up a Jonas Gray 6-yard TD. #NotreDame goes up 49-16, 6:49 left third quarter.

It's too late to work Michael Floyd as a punt returner this year, so #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly sends out Michael Floyd to return that punt.

Last time #NotreDame scored 42 in FIRST half: Against SMU in 1989, a game won 59-6 by Irish.

Last time #NotreDame scored 42 points in a half: Second half vs. Navy in 1990. Turned a 10-10 game to a 52-31 win.

It's halftime. It's 42-16, #NotreDame. Repeat: HALFTIME.

Total offensive yards in first half: Air Force 285, #NotreDame Eight Gajillionty.

Six #NotreDame possessions, six TDs. Tommy Rees takes hit, delivers to Theo Riddick, who runs in from 24 yards out. 42-16 Irish.

Air Force makes #NotreDame pay for falling for fake punt on short Tim Jefferson TD pass. Still, Irish mighty comfy with 35-16 lead.

I was an English major, so bear with me: Based on current points per minute rate, #NotreDame will score 93 points today.

Five possessions, five TDs for #NotreDame. This is Tecmo Bowl offense. Cierre Wood 8-yard TD run, 35-9 Irish, 6:10 left in half.

Second spectacular play by #NotreDame S Jamoris Slaughter. Tips pass to himself, catches it while falling for INT.

Air Force with the onside kick that doesn't go far enough. So #NotreDame DB Bennett Jackson recovers at Air Force 38.

Air Force already has 120 yards rushing, 30 above #NotreDame season average. On the other hand, Air Force can't stop ND.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly walking off the field with freshman DE Aaron Lynch, not likely asking about postgame dinner plans.

And Air Force takes advantage of fourth-down offsides, with QB Tim Jefferson scoring from 3 yards out. XP blocked. 21-9 #NotreDame.

So far, #NotreDame DE Aaron Lynch has a 15-yard personal foul penalty and an offsides on fourth-down to give Air Force 1st & goal.

End of first quarter with Air Force on the march. #NotreDame up 21-3.

#NotreDame QBs Tommy Rees & Andrew Hendrix: 12 of 16 for 143 yards and three TDs, just 11 minutes into this thing.

It's Robby Toma's first career TD catch and Tommy Rees' third TD pass of the day. #NotreDame rolling, up 21-3.

Andrew Hendrix back in on second play of #NotreDame drive... rolls out to throw, Tyler Eifert finishes off 22-yard catch and run

#NotreDame D hasn't looked good at all vs. option. But #AirForce settles for 34-yard FG, Irish still up 14-3 with 5:48 left first quarter.

And #NotreDame has #AirForce off-schedule & on ropes already. Tommy Rees TD pass to Tyler Eifert. 14-0 Irish, 8:21 1st quarter.

Tommy Rees back in on second-and-4 from #AirForce 5. There's your #NotreDame special package. Hendrix as option runner.

Andrew Hendrix back in for #NotreDame on 1st and 10 from the 11...running option keeper.

Hendrix pass to Michael Floyd for loss of 3 yards, Tommy Rees back in at QB for #NotreDame.

#NotreDame D surrenders huge run on first #AirForce snap...when Jamoris Slaughter strips ballcarrier. Robert Blanton recovery.

Freshman DE Aaron Lynch making first college start for #NotreDame.

Review confirms Michael Floyd TD catch. Left toe touched pylon? Anyway, #NotreDame up 7-0 on #AirForce at 12:13 of first.

Another Michael Floyd highlight with a preposterous 34-yard TD catch...if it stands. Under review at #NotreDame Stadium.

#NotreDame wins the toss, elects to receive.

Officially official that #NotreDame DE Ethan Johnson won't play. Not dressed, wearing protective boot on right foot.

B-2 stealth bomber flyover at #NotreDame Stadium. I don't know, all I saw was a big black triangle of kick-ass freedom.

Yup, first-unit #NotreDame defense features line of Kapron Lewis-Moore, Louis Nix and Aaron Lynch.

If #NotreDame warm-up protocol is any indication - and if it's not, it damn well should be - Aaron Lynch will start for Ethan Johnson.

#NotreDame DE Ethan Johnson not with the rest of the Irish in uniform for warm-ups.

Saga of Snappers update: Jordan Cowart did just try a punt snap, then flexed his broken hand in discomfort. #NotreDame

Now Ryan Kavanagh is long-snapping to punter Ben Turk during #NotreDame warm-ups. Doesn't look like Jordan Cowart is a go.

Jordan Cowart is on the field for #NotreDame, but Braxston Cave is short-snapping for David Ruffer's warm-ups.

Your Saturday Tribune #NotreDame preview capsule, prediction included: http://t.co/TYpjr49i

Jonas Gray named #NotreDame gameday captain for Saturday, with Harrison Smith. Story on Gray from Friday Trib: http://t.co/UcUpF2p1

Amateur comedian Jonas Gray got serious and now #NotreDame RB adds punch to run game. Trib story: http://t.co/UcUpF2p1

Interesting possibilities. RT @PeteThamelNYT Analysis on realignment. Includes #NotreDame to ACC (sort of) scenario. http://t.co/HEvb9bve

#NotreDame DE Ethan Johnson a game-time call for #AirForce, plus Jordan Cowart update. Trib post: http://t.co/AStHne9O

RT @MattFortunaND #NotreDame's Kelly on radio on playing Golson/Hendrix Sat: "We're gonna employ a special package w/ somebody but I'm not gonna tell u who."

RT @MattFortunaND #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: Jordan Cowart snapped today, but if he can't go it's Cave for short snaps, Kavanagh for long.

RT @NDatRivals #NotreDame DE Ethan Johnson a gametime decision according to Brian Kelly. Johnson suffered a high ankle sprain at Purdue.

Given ties to Brian Kelly, #Illinois AD Mike Thomas tells @TeddyGreenstein he'd love FB series with #NotreDame. http://t.co/FpapAoJE

Hmm. RT @ChipBrownOB As Big East destabilizes, sources tell Orangebloods.com Texas pushing for #NotreDame to move "other"sports to B12.

Remember yesterday when #NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick hoped Big East would be "vibrant and successful"? That was fun. http://t.co/GNjc4tm3

#NotreDame LB Troy Niklas, Air Force LB Austin Niklas, and bed wrestling. It's best if Troy explains. Trib post: http://t.co/M1W0b6Gp

Stunning run defense numbers convince #NotreDame that vital rehab of 'D' is on schedule. Trib story: http://t.co/FybqCHsl

#NotreDame says former football assistant Bob McBride died Wednesday. McBride was an assistant under Frank Leahy from 1949-53.

Some #NotreDame personnel notes, including Stephon Tuitt apology, surgery for Tate Nichols & Anthony Rabasa: http://t.co/eQnOszaq

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said freshman DE Stephon Tuitt apologized to team "for letting them down." Missed Purdue game after missing class.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on return of Chris Badger, currently on Mormon mission: "We're going to take the bye week to figure that out."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says LB Danny Spond (hamstring) cleared to play for Air Force game.

#NotreDame freshman Tate Nichols had season-ending shoulder surgery. Freshman Anthony Rabasa in line for same procedure in next few days.

#NotreDame officially joins Hockey East, plans "unrivaled" TV exposure with NBC/Versus. Trib post: http://t.co/nuKjZMRr

#NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick: #BigEast expansion plan "consistent with what I think it needs to do." Trib story: http://t.co/GNjc4tm3

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith, asked about Navy 2010: "I don't remember that game." Anonymous ND scribe: "Behold, your preview of Navy week."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on Air Force: "I wouldn't call it a trick offense... I think it's a very intelligent offense."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on Air Force players' workload & responsibilities: "Even for them to get through the week is amazing to me."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith: "It's a lot faster than you think it is. I've been telling young guys, we have to treat practice like a game."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on Air Force: "It's going to be hard. That's the number one word I can think of, is hard. I like that."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith: "If you play DB for any amount of time, people are going to get on you. You deal with that or switch positions"

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on Gary GRay: "He doesn't need a lot of outside pushing and prodding to get the job done."

Just Harrison Smith today. Manti Te'o with the scheduling conflict for #NotreDame player pressers.

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees, when asked about matching Navy's 105 plays vs. Air Force: "To be honest, 105 plays is kind of a lot."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on who talks about his records: "Some random text messages. And you guys. That's it. My Mom doesn't even know."

Tommy Rees on #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly saying he's developing "scar tissue" to play QB: "To be honest, I don’t even know what that means."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on Air Force: "You have to make the most of every possession you have. Turnovers kill possessions and kill drives."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on success rate of his protection resets: "I'd like to think 100 percent, but sometimes it's not always as good."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "The bottom line is, we're a better team when Mike's involved and a strong part of our offense."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on touches: "I tell Tommy all the time, it doesn't really matter. As long as we win, I don't mind it at all."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "The more comfortable everyone gets in the offense, we can play faster or to whatever speed coach sees fit."

Ah, cut blocking: The basis of option attacks and the bane of the #NotreDame 'D' this weekend. Trib post: http://t.co/Z3GqSltE

Against "nightmare" offense, Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt must learn from mistakes as they go. #NotreDame notes: http://t.co/G3VpMI6Y

#NotreDame DC Bob Diaco held court for, probably, near 30 minutes Tuesday night. As someone who covered Jon Tenuta Era, I rejoice in this.

Brian Kelly says #NotreDame can't change who it is to defend Air Force. Will Ethan Johnson be there to help? Post: http://t.co/j7pXDShN

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on passing dimension of Air Force QB Tim Jefferson: "It's just a nightmare."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Air Force offense: "If the defense is all-out set for triple option, he's not going to run much of it."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Air Force: "If you fall asleep for one second on his offensive scheme, you're going to be in big trouble."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Tommy Rees: "He's developing that scar tissue that you need to play quarterback for me."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on whether Cierre Wood is best RB he's had: "He's pretty darn good."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on whether bye plays into Ethan Johnson decision: "It definitely factors into how you're treating him."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on tempo: "If you're going to go fast, you're calling it and hauling it. You're calling a play and living with it"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on message to Jonas Gray: "We were telling him what he had in him was what he didn’t believe he had in him."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Te'o, H.Smith: "They mean so much to our defense. They don't have peers."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "There are two players we really don't want to take off the field, and that is Manti (Te'o) and Harrison Smith."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Purdue: "It could have been a two- or three-turnover game. That's how close it is."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on his pink tie: "I wore it to the Kentucky Derby. I didn't pick the winner, but I was very lucky."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on special teams: "There are no hurt feelings. Everything has to be examined because we have to get better there."

Brian Kelly, asked whether #NotreDame can take special teams to next level this week: "What level would you like me to take them to?"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We're big and strong and physical. They're agile, mobile and smart. And they play extremely hard."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Manti Te'o: "He can recognize things before they happen. The really great players have that."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We needed to make sure our payers knew, especially on the defensive side, that we can't win without you."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on naming Ed Warinner run game coordinator: "It was more an organizational point than it was about a mentality."

#NotreDame HC BRian Kelly: "Both of our backs have run so effectively and complemented what we're doing. That's why we've been balanced."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "They've had a lot of confidence; what they had to exhibit was some poise, some consistency in their approach."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on defensive rebuilding: "We knew it wasn't going to happen overnight, but we had some pieces in place."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "You don't want to be around me after a loss with a bye week."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We keep charging. We have to be who we are, and that is being physical on both sides of the ball."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Their ability to run the ball, you're going to lose some opportunities if you turn the ball over."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Ethan Johnson: "He is still in the walking boot, he will be until about Thursday. We're hopeful."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on whether he's seen anything like Air Force offense: "No, not that we have gone against."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Air Force offense vs. Navy offense: "There are many more pieces in Air Force offense."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on K. Lewis-Moore effectiveness vs. option: "He's 290 plus pounds and he moves like a guy who's 245, 250 pounds."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt: "They're going to play, and they have to play."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We cannot become so out of character in stopping the option that we forget about the things we teach every day."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We're going to have to play very well to beat Air Force."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "It's not cupcake throws. We're talking about shot passes. We're talking about pushing the ball down the field."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "A team that gives you so many different things to defend. Their pass efficiency is off the charts."

It's breast cancer awareness week and #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly sporting the pink tie. Away we go.

Minutes away from Brian Kelly press conference at #NotreDame. Everything you ever wanted to know about Air Force. In mere moments.

Ethan Johnson (ankle) listed as DE starter on #NotreDame depth chart. It's a formality. Status still TBD for Air Force game.

RT @tnoie #UConn finalized tip time for Jan. 29 game at XL Center against #NotreDame hoops - noon start in downtown Hartford.

#NotreDame forward Tim Abromaitis on the Wooden Award preseason top 50 list. One of 10 Big East players on list.

How does #NotreDame play angry when it's happy? When Brian Kelly informs Irish he's not happy. Trib story: http://t.co/C08vMWnr

It's wait-and-see on #NotreDame DE Ethan Johnson's ankle sprain as nation's No. 3 rush attack looms. Trib post: http://t.co/m0TodM9f

Saying "Our screen game has been awful," #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says Tommy Rees improving week-to-week there, too.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on QB Tommy Rees: "He's doing some good things. He's getting through his progressions much better."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Manti Te'o: "He might have had his best game against #Purdue."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on defense: "We still have a ways to go. But it's tough to run the ball on us, and that's where you start."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Michael Floyd is just a guy that can't be denied."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "When you're a good football team, you're consistent on both sides of the ball."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I'm not happy where we are. 3-2 is not what we had in our mindset."

#NotreDame long snapper Jordan Cowart broke his hand in the retaliatory scrum on punt coverage vs. #Purdue. He'll still try to go.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Theo Riddick touches: "The only guy who has to get touches outside the realm of offense is Michael Floyd."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says "There's a chance" DE Ethan Johnson will play vs. Air Force after ankle sprain.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Ethan Johnson ankle sprain: "We'll immobilize him for the next few days and then get him moving and see."

At #Purdue, lack of on-field intrigue was good thing for #NotreDame in its most complete game of 2011. Trib gamer: http://t.co/dq3jwFuD

#NotreDame notes: Michael Floyd explodes, run game thrives, Dayne Crist returns. And more... http://t.co/eXbzxbe5

Prized #NotreDame freshman DE Stephon Tuitt misses a class, so he misses a game. Trib update: http://t.co/veaUQOIw

#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly said DE Ethan Johnson sprained an ankle at #Purdue. Probably day-to-day for next weekend.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Stephon Tuitt: "Oh yeah, he'll be back next week."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Stephon Tuitt absence: "Just missed-class policy."

#Purdue TD with 21 seconds left. Will be 38-10 #NotreDame after that one.

The backups are in for #NotreDame. Starts with Dayne Crist at QB and continues with a cast of thousands of others.

On the change of possession, looks like Dayne Crist will be your QB for #NotreDame.

David Ruffer hits a short field goal after a #NotreDame drive flames out, making it 38-3 with 8:06 left.

Oh, hey, look, they're still playing this game. #NotreDame with the Tommy Rees-to-TJ Jones score. 35-3 Irish. Mercy rule time.

By my count, #NotreDame has 18 plays of 10 or more yards a little more than halfway through the third quarter vs. #Purdue.

Tommy Rees with the 6-yard TD pass to Tyler Eifert on first #NotreDame drive of second half. Irish up 28-3. ND is surgical tonight.

#NotreDame long snapper Jordan Cowart back on the field for halftime warmups, etc., as soon as #Purdue band clears.

No word in the press box, from anyone, as to why #NotreDame long snapper Jordan Cowart left field early before halftime.

It's halftime and #NotreDame firmly in control with a 21-3 lead. Not letting a bad team up for air, which is what a good team would do.

Quite the tussle at the end of that #NotreDame punt with Irish long snapper Jordan Cowart earning the personal foul.

#NotreDame D holds in the red zone on first decent #Purdue drive of night. Carson Wiggs 27-yard FG makes it 21-3 Irish.

#NotreDame RB Cierre Wood: Nine carries, 101 yards and the TD. #Purdue 'D', you... you're just...you're just not good.

#NotreDame total yards: 233. #Purdue total yards: 40. Only a 14-0 Irish lead. But, this week, it seems like 600-0.

Robert Marve now in at QB for #Purdue vs. #NotreDame.

#NotreDame kicker David Ruffer, erstwhile Mr. Perfect, misses 49-yarder. Now 2-for-6 for 2011.

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees with bad overthrow that #Purdue DB had for a Pick-6... that he dropped due to DERP.

Another #NotreDame record for Michael Floyd: His 16th career 100-yard receiving game.

#NotreDame officially up 14-0 after the first quarter at #Purdue. Irish piled up 185 yards of offense in first quarter alone.

#Purdue gift-wraps answers to #NotreDame red zone woes in little yellow flags. Irish accept. Jonas Gray 2-yd TD run, 14-0 lead.

Robby Toma back to field punt for #NotreDame after John Goodman minus-2 return...and lets it roll for 61-yard Purdue kick.

#NotreDame drive started at 13, went 76 yards in 11 plays. Red zone failure/blocked FG is how you let bad teams linger. And fester.

#NotreDame doesn't turn it over in the red zone. But it does have a field goal blocked. Another needless, self-inflicted wound.

#Purdue turnover, Tommy Rees to Michael Floyd TD pass two snaps later. #NotreDame up 7-0, 24 seconds in.

#NotreDame CB Gary Gray with the INT on the game's first snap. On, arguably, the grossest throw every grossly thrown.

#NotreDame wins the toss, defers to the second half. Importantly, Irish will have the wind in first and third quarters.

And lookie here: #NotreDame TE Tyler Eifert, whose father played hoops at #Purdue, is gameday captain. (With Harrison Smith.)

Stephon Tuitt is on #NotreDame travel roster, and that's because, as of Thursday, ND thought he was traveling. Update: http://t.co/dq3jwFuD

#NotreDame without Stephon Tuitt (violation of team policies) and Danny Spond (hamstring) at Purdue. http://t.co/dq3jwFuD

#NotreDame freshman DE Stephon Tuitt did not travel to #Purdue due to "violation of team policies." Update: http://t.co/dq3jwFuD

#NotreDame about to announce that Stephon Tuitt did not travel due to violation of team policies.

#NotreDame players have split into position-by-position warmups. Stephon Tuitt not with the D-line. He ain't here, it seems.

Asked #NotreDame officials for the travel roster and any word on the apparently missing Stephon Tuitt. Nothing as yet.

Seated at Ross-Ade Stadium for #NotreDame vs. #Purdue. Holly Rowe on field for interviews, or she's replacing John Goodman on punt return.

Saturday Trib profile on #NotreDame TE Tyler Eifert: Golfer, evil genius and god*%$n American. More: http://t.co/BWYqOLtq

#NotreDame TE Tyler Eifert is a great golfer, possibly an evil genius and a $&%?'n American. Trib profile: http://t.co/BWYqOLtq

#NotreDame nabs needed RB depth with pledge from 4-star prospect Will Mahone. Trib post: http://t.co/vBAPCn2J

Your Saturday Tribune #NotreDame preview capsule...tonight! #Purdue prediction included. http://t.co/M6t0xSvk

Brian Kelly, #NotreDame coach and #RedSox fan, avoids "jumping off my balcony" Thursday. Trib post: http://t.co/JDzQz316

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on keeping all his QBs interested...and, by extension, on the roster. Trib post: http://t.co/v4q0zCbb

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on 3 assistants doing West Coast-to-Purdue swing Friday: "There's plenty of time to sleep in March."

Even on a road weekend, recruiting never sleeps: #NotreDame has three assistants (Denbrock, Alford, Martin) on West Coast all day Friday.

RT @MattFortunaND #NotreDame coach, Mass. native Brian Kelly after practice: "So you guys wanna talk about the Red Sox, right?"

Once a starter, #NotreDame LB Carlo Calabrese learns to live in a timeshare. Trib post: http://t.co/t5UlyIvp

Everyone knows #NotreDame fortunes hinge on Tommy Rees' improvement, including Tommy Rees. Trib story: http://t.co/1Wuwnt90

#NotreDame and injured TE Mike Ragone talking sixth year, plus Brian Kelly on injuries and Purdue's "Super Bowl." http://t.co/0iiWAFah

#NotreDame RB Cierre Wood on excitable RB coach Tim Hinton: "We always ask him how many cups of coffee he had."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said he never contemplated pulling QB Tommy Rees vs. Pitt. "I didn't feel that at all," Kelly said.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on possible 6th year for TE Mike Ragone: "It's something we're talking about."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said LB Danny Spond (hamstring) is practicing and "probably" will travel to #Purdue.

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees not making any excuses: "I need to improve how I'm playing." Trib post: http://t.co/EEaPR33y

With that the #NotreDame player press conferences are over. Time to go outside and, apparently, face a tornado and die.

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o after the National Weather Service tornado alert: "So, thanks for the warning."

And we've interrupted the Harrison Smith-Manti Te'o press conference at #NotreDame with a freaking tornado warning.

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on Tyler Eifert vs Carlson, Rudolph: "Eifert's a strong guy, too, but he's got a little more wiggle to him."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on forcing turnovers: "The satisfaction for me comes from them not scoring."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on forcing turnovers: "That's something we want a lot more of. You're going to see more and more of that."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on Purdue's two QBs: "We're just worried about ourselves and doing our job and everything will fall into place."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "The whole being a sophomore thing isn't really that relevant anymore. I need to improve how I'm playing."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "I definitely focus more on the mistakes, because those are the critical things that affect the football game."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "There's somewhere in the play that can get you out of pretty much anything. You can figure out ways to get by."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "There are things you miss throughout the game and see on film and kind of beat yourself up over. "

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on golfing with Tyler Eifert: "We compete back and forth, but it's never that close. He's a pretty good player."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "You cant put the team in situations where the game can go either way."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on how he can get open: "There's a few tricks I can't really say. Because they're tricks."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd, when told OC Charley Molnar said it wasn't double-coverage vs. Pitt: "To me, I thought it was double coverage."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on coverage: "There's not too much you can do besides run your route and make sure you keep them occupied."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on last drive vs. Pitt: "Everything started clicking on that last drive. Good for us. It came right on time."

#NotreDame knows it must get even more creative to free WR Michael Floyd. Trib post: http://t.co/Qe4HCLA4

#NotreDame TE Tyler Eifert named Mackey Award TE of the Week after 8-catch, 75-yard, 1-TD day at #Pittsburgh.

#NotreDame LB Darius Fleming always taking "next step" because the bar keeps getting raised. Trib notes: http://t.co/yqFa3erw

RT @bhardin2 Due to rain that hit South Bend this afternoon, #NotreDame football team practiced inside for 1st time this season.

As he says QB Tommy Rees goes from "highlight reel" to "blooper film," #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly seeks consistency. http://t.co/OxejyQVq

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We better not be talking about this stuff next year or there will be another quarterback playing."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Rees: "You can put together an incredible highlight reel... and you can also put together a blooper reel."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says recruiting profiles include a "compelling features" category. BREAKING: Tom Rinaldi commits to ND.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on freshmen: "Defensively, you see the guys were playing. I don’t see anybody else popping into the lineup."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on #Purdue game prep: "This Friday, for example, we'll treat it as a home game schedule for us."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly asked by a TV foof about his sideline behavior. Again. I'm going to go ahead and not tweet his answer.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on 60-40 QB reps in practice: "We've stayed very close to that rotation."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on punt block: "We had a great shot at blocking it. We felt like there was enough room to block it and score."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on punt block call: "Hindsight is 20-20, if we had to do it again, we probably wouldn’t have called it."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on backup TEs: "We're going to have to live with a little inconsistency until we get some experience."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on pass rush: "It's a combination of both, it's experience and it's youth."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on fruitless long drives: "They're not beauty contest winners but we were able to eat clock & flip field position"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I'm willing to play whatever way is necessary for us to find a way to win."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Tommy Rees: "He may not have the strongest arm in the world, but he can get the ball out quickly."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "You have to make a play on the ball when it's in the air." #DuckForCoverFromTwitterComments

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly when asked about back-shoulder throws: "We're good at underthrowing it. We don't need any more work on that."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Michael Floyd: "There are going to be some games as it unfolds that he's just not going to get 10 catches."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on message to Darius Fleming after Saturday: "Are you a real player? Then you need two more (sacks) next week."

For you @jdubs88 #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Foxy & Calabrese: "It's been really good. both of them have really done some great things."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "You certainly can't afford to lose a couple games early on or (it's) a very difficult run to get into the BCS."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We're probably overanalyzing facts of what offense is looking like. We're just interested in managing the game."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Beauty points, style points, I'm not really interested in those things."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "When look at Michigan game, we didn't trust what we were doing at the end, consequently we didn't do the job."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "One of the things liked about our football team at Pitt is it showed poise and confidence down the stretch."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on #Purdue: "Coach Hope's personality and experience as an offensive line coach is really showing in this team."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on #Purdue: "When you look at their defensive line, inside-out, they're as big as we'll play."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "It's been a rugged schedule for our guys."

Overcame choosing the one broken umbrella in my house to arrive at Tuesday presser for #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly. Updates to come.

No surprises on #NotreDame depth chart for #Purdue game, released Monday night.

If #NotreDame 'O' sputters, the Irish 'D' has been better than good enough since last November. Trib story: http://t.co/F27da3n9

#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly was clear Sunday: Tommy Rees is rock-solidly the QB starter. Trib post: http://t.co/bFIZqTjQ

That's all from #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly's Sunday teleconference.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on his RBs: "We've got to be able to run our offense and not know what back is in the game."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on his team: "They know if they play well, they're capable of winning each game they play."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Obviously the Michigan game is one we relive over and over and over. That's not going to go away."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Tommy Rees: "He's got the right demeanor to be able to go out in late game on the road and put it together."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I'm more interested in (discipline) right now than gambling on defense to get more turnovers."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly;: "Tommy (Rees) is not a guy that is going to beat you with his feet. We've got to lock him in on other things."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on whether Pittsburgh showed Stop Michael Floyd template: "No, not really." OK then.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Dayne Crist: "He's been a positive influence on the team."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Dayne Crist: "He's worked hard, he's staying prepared, he's not happy with his situation. No one would be."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on QBs: "I don't think we're in a situation where we need to worry about the depth at that position."

On hold awaiting usual Sunday teleconference with #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly. Updates to come.

#NotreDame win Saturday was no masterpiece, but Irish content even if you expected more. Trib gamer: http://t.co/NBwdpFku

#NotreDame notes: #Pittsburgh quiets Michael Floyd, Stephon Tuitt thrives on the nose, and more...http://t.co/kdymFXpo

RT @NDatRivals #NotreDame site trying hard to exonerate Collinsworth on highlights. If you're going to show that, get Turk's in there too.

#NotreDame gets win at #Pittsburgh, but beauty (and progress) is in eye of the beholder. Trib gamer: http://t.co/szO3OnhS

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on #Pittsburgh win: "I'd like to have won 37-0, too. But you know what? Winning is winning. And it's not easy."

#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly on #Pittsburgh win: "It's not going to be an Instant Classic."

#NotreDame 15, #Pittsburgh 12. Or if it were a children's book: The Game That No One Wanted To Win Until It Was Almost Too Late.

#NotreDame gets the first down by about 1/4 of a football. Game over.

#NotreDame goes with QB sneak on 4th and 1...VERRRRRY close. Just 47 ticks left on clock.

#NotreDame with 4th and 1 at #Pittsburgh 35, 52 seconds left. Me, I go for it. But me, I'm not getting fired if it blows up in my face.

Tino Sunseri pass falls incomplete on 4th and forever. 2:26 left and #NotreDame about to plod to a win/disaster-avoidance.

Officials overturn incompletion ruling, now 4th and 26 after a Shembo sack. #NotreDame can ice it with even a mediocre D snap.

#NotreDame front with a couple big plays after #Pitt got some momentum. A Lynch/Tuitt sack and a Shembo pressure. Almost cinches it.

#NotreDame finally puts it together and doesn't shoot itself in foot. Rees-to-Eifert TD and conversion makes it 15-12, 6:48 left.

#NotreDame with its first efficient drive in...all of today? Rees 7 for 7, knocking on door of TD.

#NotreDame again not giving itself a break: #Pittsburgh punter drops snap, but Irish can't get a block. Result is solid 44-yard kick.

End of three quarters at Heinz Field. #NotreDame trails 12-7 with those faint BCS hopes in balance here.

Solid 23-yard rocket from Tommy Rees to Tyler Eifert. Called back on illegal hands to face penalty. #NotreDame has no feet. #ShotOff

#NotreDame offense goes three-and-out after defense endured 19-play drive. Not particularly good.

Mammoth #Pittsburgh drive ends with Sunseri-to-Graham TD pass. Weird 2-point attempt fails. #NotreDame trails 12-7.

#NotreDame gets another sack from Darius Fleming, second on series. Related, Irish 'D' petitions to secede from offense, special teams.

#NotreDame forces three-and-out to start half. And then it roughs the punter. Irish can't get out of their own way. Again.

Fitting way to end a muddle of a first half for #NotreDame: Missed David Ruffer 39-yarder. Irish take 7-6 lead into break.

#NotreDame 'D' comes up with stop near goal-line to force FG. #Pittsburgh chops lead to 7-6, 9:13 left in second.

Jonas Gray 79-yard TD is longest run for #NotreDame since Terrance Howard 80-yard jaunt on Oct. 21, 2000 vs. West Virginia.

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd just eliminated a Pitt CB on that Jonas Gray scoring run. Great perimeter block.

Jonas Gray gets to second level and gets to the house. A 79-yard TD with four missed tackles and #NotreDame up 7-3.

Wow, did #Pittsburgh sniff out that 3rd-and-9 screen from #NotreDame. Panthers have some 'D' ESP here today. Rees flummoxed.

#NotreDame 'D' mitigates damage of Rees fumble. #Pittsburgh goes 5 yards backward to 45-yard FG, lead Irish 3-0.

Turnover No. 14 for #NotreDame with the Tommy Rees fumble. Sloppy start, Irish were almost asking for that.

Zeke Motta gets the start at safety, instead of Jamoris Slaughter, for #NotreDame.

Half-empty/half-full start for #NotreDame. Moved the ball, but outmuscled and Pitt missed two or three gilded chances for INTs.

#NotreDame punter Ben Turk postgame quote preview: "I'd like to thank the Academy..."

#NotreDame loses the toss, Pittsburgh defers, Irish start with the ball.

#NotreDame gameday captains: Harrison Smith and Taylor Dever.

Prince Shembo, as expected, working with first-team #NotreDame 'D' in warmups. Shembo missed Michigan St. game with family emergency.

Doesn't appear Saturday Trib #NotreDame capsule posted online, so we'll make prediction here: Irish 33, #Pittsburgh 13.

No surprises on #NotreDame travel roster. LB Danny Spond didn't make the trip, still addled by the hamstring issue.

#NotreDame clears athlete in Lizzy Seeberg case, Seeberg family calls ruling "totally inadequate." http://t.co/g6rUaVIc

Morning in Pittsburgh. Saw Brian Kelly in hotel elevator, so I can report that the head football coach at #NotreDame is, in fact, alive.

In Pittsburgh, coincidentally at same hotel as #NotreDame. Interesting fact: ND imports security. Indiana State Trooper in elevator.

#NotreDame hoops lands 6-9 forward Zach Auguste, per reports, its second top 100 commit for 2012. Trib post: http://t.co/1nV0FOr2

#NotreDame frosh DE Aaron Lynch gets with program, gets playing time and gets effective. Trib story: http://t.co/ITftzbuh

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly in favor of Jumbotron. And green jerseys will return this year. Trib post: http://t.co/gBPUlZ35

Per @und_video_crew #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said on radio show "I would be surprised if we do not see a Jumbotron in Notre Dame Stadium."

Brian Kelly's Week 1 sideline diatribe at TJ Jones? Just coaching, the #NotreDame WR says. Trib post: http://t.co/x5Ik8ulG

#NotreDame WR TJ Jones lost his father in June, so he wants to be the next best thing for his family. Trib story: http://t.co/7kp8g9QH

#NotreDame WR TJ Jones on talk with LB Prince Shembo, whose Dad also had an aneurysm: "We just basically agreed it’s a crazy world."

#NotreDame WR TJ Jones on Game 1 Brian Kelly sideline diatribe: "In the heat of the moment, I understand it's coaching. I got the message."

#NotreDame WR TJ Jones on how his Mom reacted to Brian Kelly's Game 1 diatribe at him: "She thought it was pretty funny."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said Goodman, Riddick and Toma are "three best" punt return guys...but Harrison Smith may get a look.

A broken hand has #NotreDame nose guard Sean Cwynar playing 'D' and going clubbing all at once. Trib post: http://t.co/LJCBrxgC

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on TJ Jones after his Dad's passing: "The way he's handled himself is unbelievable."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on noon start: "It's almost like training camp, get up and get ready to go."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on noon start: "It's obvious it's earlier. Just an earlier wakeup call."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on RB Cierre Wood: "Whenever we get a chance to go 1s on 1s, we're always taking to each other after the plays."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith: "We're not out to prove something to people we don't even know. We're out to prove stuff to each other."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith: "We have a one-track mind. There is no last week or anything that's happened before."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o: "It's not proving we're a good team. For us, we know we're a good team. It's proving a point."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on frosh Troy Niklas: "You look at him & you think he's a senior. He's still getting comfortable with the scheme."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on dime 'D': "You can do a lot of different things when there are six DBs on the field."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on salty attitude last week: "That's how we are on the field. You guys just got a realistic taste of that."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd gets up from table, press conference over, winces and holds hip. "I'm getting old, man," Floyd says.

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on Tommy Rees: "He has that swagger about him that not many people have."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd: "We love the win that we won, we're not looking at it like we won the Super Bowl."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd: Robert Blanton a "split personality." "He's the nicest guy off the field but very aggressive on the field."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd: "I don't really learn from college football players, I kind of watch the NFL most."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on how he improved his "burst": "What I did was cut some weight. I was kind of heavy."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on Robert Blanton: "He's tall and long and he gives you a lot of difficulty."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on opening drive success: "We just try to not make mistakes. Just get rolling."

Tommy Rees has a conflict so it's Michael Floyd flying solo at #NotreDame player press conference.

#NotreDame punter Ben Turk not relieved, because one good outing is only one good outing. Trib notes: http://t.co/T1Ibr4ur

#NotreDame wakes up in a world still fit for independence. How Tuesday realignment news affects Irish: http://t.co/DFqwSF6O

Pac-12 stands pat. Big 12 survives. Big East pledges to stay together. #NotreDame stays independent. Everyone, thanks for playing.

#NotreDame fans, enjoy independence for a while longer. RT @schadjoe PAC-12 announces officially not expanding

#NotreDame P Ben Turk on averaging 40 yards/kick last Saturday: "It's not a relief unless I consistently do it every week. So we'll see."

Success in trenches buoys #NotreDame coach Brian Kelly's optimism, and more notes: http://t.co/d0WpQeiO

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on HS players: "Guys are training all year, nutrition is important to them, they're taking care of their bodies."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I don’t know if you ever want to play as many freshmen as we're playing, but times are changing."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We have not been infected with success yet. I'll know when that happens."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Tommy Rees having multiple weapons: "He now keeps his vision across the field instead of on one receiver."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Mike Floyd: "His knowledge base of being able to pick up many different positions has been the biggest jump."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on D-line: "We can keep those guys fresh, we can get them in and out of the game."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on part of building discipline: "We have a no hat and no earring policy around here." Interesting.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on CB Robert Blanton: "If you meet him off the field, he hasn't stopped talking."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on frosh DE Aaron Lynch: "We had 11 scouts in. They said he physically looks like an NFL player right now."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on patterned gloves: "That's like giving your 8-year-old a lighter. I knew this was something we had to deal with"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on TJ Jones unsportsmanlike penalty: "We got a clarification that that is not a penalty."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on need for athletic tackles: "When we pull our tackles, we're difficult to deal with."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says OT Zack Martin "did some things that, if I showed it to you on film, you wouldn't believe it."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Robert Blanton: "He's exceeded everybody's expectation at this point."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on changeup QB: "It's something we always work on. It’s a game to game situation."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on LB Darius Fleming vs. Michigan State: "He played great. He had his best game of the year."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "The most important thing for us is that we continue to clean up the little things."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Prince Shembo: "That family matter we talked about has turned out to be quite remarkable."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Kyle Brindza's kickoff tackle: "He was a position player. He reminded me of that when I looked surprised."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on CB Lo Wood: "More of a chronic acute tendon in his quad that has fired up." Available Saturday.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on walk-on LB Chris Salvi: He concussed himself on a kickoff coverage drill in camp.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on RB coach Tim Hinton: "If the ball is on the ground, there's a personal accountability for everything."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "The foundation of this program has got to be built on controlling the line of scrimmage."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Pitt D: "We've got to keep it simple for Tom so he doesn’t have to (read) a million different coverages."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Pitt QB Sunseri: "Every game he's played in that offense, he's gotten more and more confident."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Todd Graham at Pitt: "When you're watching film, you're seeing a lot of similarities to his Tulsa club."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "It's for us an enjoyable victory, you can tell by everyone's demeanor yesterday."

Brian Kelly here, press conference at #NotreDame to begin in moments.

Initial court hearing for former #NotreDame aide Corwin Brown delayed, more psychological tests to come: http://t.co/2rx1w7kI

Against all odds this morning, seated and awaiting #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly press conference. Tweets forthwith.

#NotreDame depth chart nuggets: Prince Shembo listed as OLB starter, Troy Niklas his backup. Theo Riddick "OR" John Goodman on punt return.

As @NDatRivals notes, 22 #NotreDame players are from ACC states. 12 from California. 7 from NJ. 3 from Hawaii. It ain't a "Midwest" program.

Fair point, @colovion but #NotreDame will announce hockey conference in 7-10 days. Per Swarbrick. Don't need B1G or ACC for puck.

All that said, not convinced #NotreDame does anything unless it's about to be legislated out of BCS picture. Who knows how that sits now.

Big Ten has money, no doubt. Like $23 mil per school in 2010-11. But if you get the $$ close to a push, ACC is a no-brainer for #NotreDame.

In ACC, #NotreDame isn't regionalized. Stretch east to Atlantic, south to Florida. Population booming in VA, NC, SC & FL. Academics solid.

Would like it noted I said Saturday that ACC was best "in case of emergency" spot for #NotreDame. Back me up, @bhardin2 #ItWontBeNoted

1. #NotreDame wants to stay independent. Of course. 2. If ND can't, @DanWetzel is 100% right: Go to ACC. http://t.co/vbbdaMNO

NY Times studies CFB fan interest with intriguing results. #NotreDame? Fourth-most popular program in US. http://t.co/n3riijXj

Sad news that is good news for #NotreDame resurrection hope: #Stanford LB Shayne Skov out for year. http://t.co/5ZjQTnnx

Can't recall if this was set before, but anyway it is now: #NotreDame at #Purdue on Oct. 1 is an ESPN game. 7pm CT kick.

At end of this conference realignment circus summary, named some #NotreDame flashpoints in this: http://t.co/SMwzwSYt

Playing with an edge got #NotreDame win No. 1. Can a team stay angry for 10 more weeks? Trib story: http://t.co/Bs5tkhnp

Chris Brown, a three-star WR from South Carolina, is commit No. 15 for #NotreDame, per reports. Trib post: http://t.co/WFZs6ZYa

#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly says football independence has advantages. Plus notes, injury updates: http://t.co/RYL1M1BK

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on if he'd take another kicker/punter from student body: "Heck yeah. I'm always open to those possibilities."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says Robby Toma is in the mix at punt return.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on conference stuff: "You're always listening to what's going on; how it affects our day to day operation is none"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says WR Daniel Smith "fighting a leg injury now." Not been able to give 100%, so shut him down for now.

#NotreDame CB Lo Wood had MRI this AM on possible quad issue. But Brian Kelly optimistic Wood can play this weekend.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on who spearheaded run 'D' Saturday: "The nose and the two defensive ends were outstanding."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on punt returns: "We may have to look at other players at this point, I really haven't decided that."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on desperate Pitt: "We'll be more concerned with what we do and how we do it."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on football independent advantages: Coast-to-coast scheduling and "large sampling" in recruiting.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on team's mentality: "You want that feeling of, we're not going to let that happen again, enough is enough."

#NotreDame TE Alex Welch "closer" to return with foot infection. LB Danny Spond (hamstring) still doubtful for Pittsburgh.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Prince Shembo family situation: "Things are looking positive." Shembo back on campus today, in class Monday.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Tommy Rees mistakes: "All things I feel like I can work with and we can work to develop him."

Sunday teleconference with #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly has the late start here, but we'll be up and tweeting soon.

Story on Syracuse, Pittsburgh headed to ACC (http://t.co/AZAMmr1u) and #NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick Saturday react (http://t.co/I3V5LUhe)

#NotreDame notched its first 'W,' and Irish admit they desperately needed it. Sunday Trib gamer: http://t.co/GmixIINj

#NotreDame notes off first 'W' of year: Atkinson III explodes, Shembo absent, Lynch thrives and more. http://t.co/dfOe41b3

#NotreDame AD on turmoil: http://t.co/I3V5LUhe RT @McMurphyCBS ACC Council of Presidents unanimously voted to accept Pittsburgh, Syracuse

#NotreDame gets a convincing win Saturday, and Irish don't pretend: They really needed it. Trib gamer: http://t.co/GmixIINj

#NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick on Big East turmoil: A surprise, but football independence remains priority. Story: http://t.co/I3V5LUhe

Caveat: #NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick stressed he had no first-hand info on Syracuse & Pittsburgh definitively leaving Big East.

#NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick on FB independence: "We will approach this, no matter what the change is, with that as our goal."

#NotreDame AD Jack Swarbrick on Syracuse, Pitt leaving Big East: "I probably had a lot of scenarios in mind & this was not one of them."

Final: #NotreDame 31, Michigan State 13. That earned an Ethan Johnson karate kick on the field at the end.

Headed down to the field now that all appears irreversibly well for #NotreDame, which is well on the way to 1-2 this season.

#NotreDame forces a punt with 4:28 left and all is we...nope, nope, that's a John Goodman muffed punt recovered by Michigan State.

I think that rugby-style kicking will be Ben Turk's style from here out. #NotreDame punter with the 50-yarder, downed at Michigan State 1.

#NotreDame frosh George Atkinson fumbles the kickoff [REWRITE REWRITE] but recovers his own fumble [CANCEL REWRITE].

Michigan State self-destructs in the red zone, settles for 35-yard FG. #NotreDame lead at 28-13, 10:56 to play.

End of three quarters, #NotreDame up 28-10 over Michigan State. I've written my print lede already. [re-escorted from premises]

#NotreDame punter Ben Turk, going rugby style, kicks a 42-yarder well into Michigan State territory.

I'll just go ahead and say it: The way #NotreDame is playing, should be no way they blow this lead. [ducks] [escorted from premises]

Tommy Rees with a beauty of a 26-yard TD pass to TJ Jones...flag on #NotreDame for unsportsmanlike, but TD stands. 28-10 Irish.

Michael Floyd just recorded his 200th career reception at #NotreDame.

So Michigan State turns away the easy FG and then goes three-and-out to start second half. #NotreDame says thank you.

#NotreDame runs out the clock, goes into halftime up 21-10 on Michigan State.

Michigan State, very dumbly, tries a fake FG. It does not work. Presumably, Dantonio thought #NotreDame would NEVER see that coming.

And #NotreDame freshman kicker Kyle Brindza saves possible TD on ensuing kickoff. But Michigan State well-positioned at own 47.

Current rushing yards: #NotreDame 111, Michigan State 8.

Cierre Wood TD upheld, #NotreDame goes up 21-10 over Michigan State with 3:36 left in half.

Amazing how one play can swing momentum. #NotreDame drive was dead, Rees hits Eifert on 3rd down, Irish start rolling. College football.

Cierre Wood with emphatic finish to TD run from 6 yards out, finishes marathon #NotreDame drive. Play under review, though.

#NotreDame 'D' forces the four-and-out. Good news for Irish 'D' is that Michigan State has exactly 8 rushing yards so far.

That's a 30-yard punt from Ben Turk after a #NotreDame 3-and-out. Michigan State ball at its own 45.

#NotreDame LB Troy Niklas falls in the end zone, and Michigan State has a TD. Cousins to Sims 6-yard score, Irish now up 14-10.

RT: @bhardin2 George Atkinson III becomes first #NotreDame freshman to return a kickoff for TD since Rocket Ismail in 1988.

#NotreDame freshman George Atkinson III goes 89 yards for a kickoff TD.

#NotreDame 'D' minimizes the damage of yet another turnover, forces Michigan State FG. Now 7-3 Irish, 1:32 left first quarter.

And that's #NotreDame turnover No. 12 on an absolutely horrendous throw by Tommy Rees. Michigan State INT, set up at ND 27.

Just a reminder: That's the Aaron Lynch that didn't get off the bench for #NotreDame at #Michigan last week.

#NotreDame 'D' gets it right back: Sack by Aaron Lynch creates Kirk Cousins fumble. Irish recover near midfield.

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees absolutely demolished from behind, fumbles, Michigan State recovers. Turnover No. 11.

Apparently Condoleeza Rice, visiting #NotreDame, hit a hole-in-one on Warren Golf Course during her round this AM.

In the things going #NotreDame way department: Trevor Robinson gets away with fairly obvious hold to spring Cierre Wood for TD.

Cierre Wood with 22-yard TD scamper, #NotreDame with another strong start. Irish up 7-0 on Michigan State, 10:41 first quarter.

#NotreDame wins the toss, elects to receive.

#NotreDame is now thin at LB vs. Michigan State, with Prince Shembo (family emergency) out. Update: http://t.co/thUkJMzt

#NotreDame LB Prince Shembo will not play today due to family emergency.

Preparing to head to South Bend, so here's Saturday Trib #NotreDame preview cap, prediction included: http://t.co/KMlHd7Zy

I'm sad for all of us here. RT @Deadspin #NotreDame Fightin' Leprechaun Needs To Brush Up On His ’80s Anthem Music http://t.co/YGyVgyFX

Your Saturday Tribune #NotreDame preview capsule...tonight! Prediction included: http://t.co/KMlHd7Zy

BMW Championship bumped up to accommodate #NotreDame game. @TeddyGreenstein reports: http://t.co/GNirYj7o

Indeed. Vegas can't quit you, #NotreDame. RT @Andy_Staples Vegas believes in them. Disqualified from the disrespect card.

See a ton of #NotreDame over Michigan St. picks. I hereby ban the "No one respected us/believed in us" card in case of 'W' tomorrow.

RT @Jake_Brown Confirmed with 4-star forward Jerami Grant he committed to #Syracuse. #NotreDame and #Rutgers were the other finalists.

#NotreDame talks one-at-a-time but, still, at 0-2, refuses to abandon goal: 10 wins and a BCS bowl. Trib story: http://t.co/PfN4A3Af

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on how big Saturday is, injury updates and the state of ND Stadium turf. Trib post: http://t.co/zKzTLLEc

As #NotreDame punt return adventures continue, John Goodman eyes better decisions. Trib post: http://t.co/Wi1BeI6A

The old men and the 'C': #NotreDame names Abromaitis, Martin hoops captains. Trib post: http://t.co/GXxQLW8j

What, Shark worry? Jeff Samardzija on 0-2 start for alma mater #NotreDame: "They look good, man." http://t.co/DfgZYFiw

#NotreDame never full-speed tackled during in-season practice. The 0-2 Irish did Wednesday to set a tone. Trib post: http://t.co/AzgBdsC5

#NotreDame 335-pound NG Louis Nix has new little sis, Kendra, born last nite. Protective big bro: "She won't be able to date boys."

#NotreDame LB Dan Fox: "Today was real physical. We know how they (Michigan St.) play and we have to match that."

#NotreDame WR John Goodman: "When you're 0-2, it drives you. You can't take losing anymore. We talked about that."

#NotreDame WR John Goodman: "It's important to us to get rolling. We just aren't a losing team."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said NG Sean Cwynar (broken hand) is "having a better week" with grip, strength, etc.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on practice live tackling: "Some of it was needed (situationally), some of it was the mentality we want to keep."

#NotreDame did live tackling in practice today. Not typical, but HC Brian Kelly said he wanted to create toughness & aggressiveness.

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit watched every snap of #NotreDame going 0-2. And now he likes ND better. Trib post: http://t.co/7Q7oUzo

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit on #NotreDame: "If they take care of the football, they'll beat Michigan State."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on Michigan State 'O': "It's football at its finest. Downhill running the ball and stop them."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on defending pass-first QB: "It's really just trusting the call that comes in & playing your role in the call."

Caller just called #NotreDame LB Manti Te'o "Monty." #LetsMakeATackle

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith on 'Little Giants': "When that happened, we went over that last year. We're done with that."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o: "What's left is Michigan State... It's when you worry about anything else that things fall apart."

#NotreDame S Harrison Smith: "We're not about talking. Talking doesn't mean anything. It's what we do from this point. It's about action."

Harrison Smith asked about #NotreDame bad start in 2007. "I play DB. We have a short memory. I don’t remember anything," Smith said.

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on Michigan St. DBs: "They're kind of traditional, they don't change too much, they stick to what they do best."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on Michigan State: "We want to get revenge. We know this is a game we can get back on our feet, if we are down."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "It's not less film study, it's just a different defense, a different set of rules you have to prepare for."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on Michigan defensive looks: "It was a lot more than I've had on my slate in the past."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on being vocal leader: "I pick and choose my battles."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "What concerns me is what's going on in this building. I don't let outside opinions affect how I'm preparing."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd: "If we take this game in the right direction, if we win, it's big momentum."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "Throwing the ball away is not a bad play. Maybe finding your checkdown is not a bad play."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on last year's Michigan State game: "Similar to last week. It was hard to take it."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "If we can prepare week to week and be successful on Saturdays, We'll let everything take care of itself."

#NotreDame QB Mike Floyd: "If we can prepare like we want to and be successful on Saturdays, we'll let everything take care of itself."

Men wearing #Saints and #Panthers gear leaving football complex as I arrived for #NotreDame player press conferences.

Left out last week, #NotreDame frosh DEs Stephon Tuitt & Aaron Lynch will be back Saturday. Trib notes: http://t.co/U96BrXD

#NotreDame turnover and penalty problems point to coaching, not karma, in 0-2 start. @DavidHaugh column: http://t.co/yeOeC6F

#NotreDame coaches cite execution, not call, on 64-yard pass to set up Michigan's winning TD. Trib post: http://t.co/LKU8VES

#NotreDame DC Bob Diaco: Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt absences vs. Michigan "by design" & they'll play "much larger role" vs. Michigan State.

#NotreDame RB Jonas Gray: "Coach Kelly talked a lot about no talking. We're going to go out and out-physical people to win the game"

#NotreDame center Braxston Cave: "We got the stats, we got the numbers, it's just a matter of finishing."

#NotreDame DC Bob Diaco: "I take responsibility for all those plays. No one's interested in placing blame on players."

What, Brian Kelly worry? Well, yes, but 0-2 start doesn't have #NotreDame coach in a panic. Trib post: http://t.co/6aQTi82

Mt. Carmel grad Arthur Ray battled cancer and won, a journey that dwarfs Michigan St. vs #NotreDame. Trib story: http://t.co/EPhxyTi

#NotreDame TE Mike Ragone lost for year to ACL surgery, but the TE cavalry is coming. Trib post: http://t.co/kxAUXeT

And, yes, #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly was kidding about going for it all the time. Anyway, press conference over. Onward.

If punting struggles continue? "We're just going to go for it every fourth down we have wherever we are," #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on punter Ben Turk: "Ben's going to have to come through for us."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on his players: "They watched last year's film, and look at this year, and go, we have to play better."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on his team: "They can see body of work is there. They just have to be more attentive to the little details."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "It's not acceptable to lose, especially at Notre Dame. But we're on the journey that I'm excited about."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Michael Floyd: "Michael has been what we expected and more."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on fake FG versus Michigan State last year: "I thought it was a great call. It worked."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on coverage on 60-yd Michigan play late: "Just felt like in that situation that's what we repped out."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on timeouts: "I said use them all if you need them...I don't want to be in a bad play."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I just want to execute better on third down, whether we throw the ball or run the ball."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says they have a points/yards ratio: Every 80 yards should equal seven points, Kelly says.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Lynch, Tuitt not playing Saturday: "We've got to get them involved,. We'll obviously look at that this weekend"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "When you're building a program, you have to be consistent with your approach. And I believe in my approach."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I did tell them this: I really believe you haven't won a game yet. But you haven’t been beaten."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We have a chance to be a really good football team. We're not. I get that."

#NotreDame backup TEs Alex Welch and Jake Golic have been cleared to practice and play this weekend, per Brian Kelly.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Danny Spond has a hamstring injury. The severity is not what we thought it was." Questionable for Saturday.

#NotreDame TE MIke Ragone out for the year with a torn ACL. "He's been a warrior for us," Brian Kelly says.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Certainly disappointed where we are at this point, in terms of wins, but I like our football team. I really do."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "After playing in front of 114,000 in a very difficult environment, our guys get another challenge."

#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly has arrived, we're about to get underway. Updates forthcoming.

Situated for Brian Kelly's usual Tuesday presser at #NotreDame. Mike Ragone, Danny Spond still on depth chart. Doesn't guarantee anything.

Former #NotreDame aide Corwin Brown moved from secured facility to jail & arraigned on charges. Trib post: http://t.co/9JUjEtJ

Former #NotreDame aide Corwin Brown released from "secured facility," arrested & taken to St. Joseph County jail, per prosecutor release.

ABC will broadcast the #NotreDame at #Pittsburgh game on Sept. 24 at 11am CT.

With BCS hopes all but quashed already, #NotreDame coach Brian Kelly asks for patience. Again. Trib story: http://t.co/kppgc5H

Brian Kelly believes #NotreDame breakthrough is coming despite "frustrating," "disappointing" 0-2 start. Trib post: http://t.co/hT7KroQ

About to do a quick #NotreDame "talk-back" on ESPNNews in moments.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly won't bench CB Gary Gray after tough night Saturday. "He's a guy who's shown he can bounce back," Kelly said.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on CB Gary Gray: "We wouldn't put Gary out there if we didn't believe he was physically able to compete."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on replacing WR Theo Riddick as punt returner: "We thought both was a little too much for him."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "Teams are playing easy games early on in the schedule. We don't get that luxury."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We've got the chance to be a good team. We can't be a good team until we take care of the little things."

Brian Kelly on #NotreDame DBs: "The guys that we have out there, I promise you there's not three All-Americans we have on the bench."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says first Tommy Rees'INTs was receiver's fault. Says QB play was "very good situation at the end of the day."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "There are too many good things happening out there for us not to break through."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: We've got to get (punter Ben) Turk to be more consistent. He's our best guy."

#NotreDame TE Mike Ragone (knee) and LB Danny Spond (hamstring) will both have MRIs for those injuries.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "I still believe in this team."

On a profoundly unbelievable night under the lights, #NotreDame somehow loses to #Michigan 35-31. Trib gamer: trib.in/rh7jeu

#Michigan scores 31 in 4th vs. Minnesota in 2003. Scores 28 in 4th vs. #NotreDame last nite. Opposition beat writer both nights? This guy.

#NotreDame somehow loses to #Michigan 35-31, and no one is quite sure what they saw. Trib gamer: http://t.co/LPNv7RF

#NotreDame HC B.Kelly: "They battled back on the road, after things turned on them... not to see it finish off, I feel really bad for them."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on 24-7 lead: "There was no complacency, guys feeling good about themselves. They were locked into the game."

RT @McMurphyCBS In 2 games vs. #NotreDame, #Michigan QB Denard Robinson has 948 yards total offense, eight TDs

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on last-series D: "We played zone coverage and rushed four, so we felt like we were pretty balanced."

Brian Kelly on his #NotreDame team: "They can be a good football team. They're not one right now, because of the mistakes we're making."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We're not good enough. When we're better as a football team, we'll start winning."

Tommy Rees to a wide-open Theo Riddick for a 29-yard TD. Thirty seconds left. #NotreDame up 31-28. Pre. Pos. Ter. Ous.

#NotreDame has 65 seconds to answer.

Vincent Smith, 21 yards for a TD with 1:12 left. #Michigan is now up 28-24. #NotreDame has a minute here to save... well, a lot.

With a chance to ice it, #NotreDame can't get a yard on third down. Again. Punt coming to #Michigan as clock ticks to two minutes.

Denard Robinson 45-yard pass. #NotreDame roughing the passer penalty. #Michigan ball at ND 30. Gracious.

A dart from Tommy Rees to Tyler Eifert on third-and-15. That isn't all #NotreDame needs now, but it was a bunch.

Denard Robinson with a pretty throw to the back shoulder for 14yd TD, Gary Gray smoked again. #NotreDame lead down to 24-21, 10:47 left.

#NotreDame offense goes three-and-out. Ben Turk shanks a punt. Bright side, at least #NotreDame gets to play defense.

#Michigan may still lose, but Denard Robinson. Come on. Michigan RB stuffed, fumbles, Robinson picks it up, runs for TD. 24-14 #NotreDame.

End of third quarter with #NotreDame ahead 24-7 but facing #Michigan with a huge third-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Denard Robinson 7-yard scramble now under review to see if the ball crossed the goal line at the end of run. #NotreDame #Michigan

Meanwhile, #NotreDame 'D' continues to hold up its end of the bargain. Denard Robinson picked off by Irish safety Zeke Motta.

#NotreDame offense doing all it can to keep #Michigan relevant this game. Cierre Wood fumble in UM territory. Third turnover.

#NotreDame surrenders 39-yard run to Denard Robinson on first snap, then settles in to force a punt. Michigan getting nothing consistent.

#NotreDame illegal sub penalty makes it seven flags on the night for the Irish.

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o entranced by #Michigan cheerleaders creating human letters. Offers applause after.

Second short-hop punt snap of the night for #NotreDame. Mike Elston wasn't kidding when he said Ben Turk wasn't only problem last year.

Second half starts with #NotreDame taking over at its 20-yard line.

Your halftime score: #NotreDame 17, #Michigan 7.

#NotreDame drive sputters near red zone, settles for 38-yard David Ruffer FG and a 17-7 lead 1:40 before half.

Official review upholds the #Michigan TD, so now #NotreDame lead is 14-7 with 10:18 left in half.

First good thing #Michigan 'D' does all night: Blitz package confuses #NotreDame QB Tommy Rees, Jordan Kovacs with INT.

#NotreDame calls third T.O. of the half with 11 minutes left in half. Going with Paterno-like innovations in T.O. management here.

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees' first incompletion arrives at 14:16 mark of second quarter. Almost picked off.

A horrendous overthrow by #Michigan QB Denard Robinson ends up as a Gary Gray INT for #NotreDame. Game close to over already.

That's a 4-yard TD run from Cierre Wood and #Michigan 'D' looks, well, pathetic. #NotreDame up 14-0, averaged 8.3 yards/play on that drive.

Thus far a clinical dissection by #NotreDame. Double-digit runs, Rees perfect (7 for 7) and stout 'D' is a fairly agreeable formula.

Under the category of Ideal Starts for #NotreDame, you can safely scribble: "That."

#NotreDame dices up #Michigan 'D', marches to Rees-to-Riddick TD pass. Irish up 7-0 at 9:05 mark of first quarter.

Michael Floyd now #NotreDame all-time leader in receiving yards after 21-yard grab.

John Goodman returning punts for #NotreDame tonight. Irish going for sure thing there.

Louis Nix gets the start at nose guard for #NotreDame.

#NotreDame wins the toss, elects to defer. Harrison Smith and Zack Martin apparently captains for the game.

We're under the lights at #Michigan Stadium. #NotreDame http://t.co/kDgQofO

#NotreDame starting defense announced over PA. #Michigan crowd responds to each name with "WHO CARES"

RT @NDatRivals Notes from the #NotreDame travel roster: Daniel Smith not here but walk-on linebacker Joe Schmidt earns a trip to Ann Arbor.

Filling up about an hour before #NotreDame vs. #Michigan. http://t.co/gDe5mfV

Can't get to field for a pic, but #NotreDame coach polos are green enough to burn out your retinas.

The lights are on at #Michigan Stadium, fans have entered the building, #NotreDame kickoff a scant two hours away.

Remind me: Have they talked about getting one of these at #NotreDame? http://t.co/bCSeJui

And we're in the Big House. #NotreDame #Michigan http://t.co/mJbDEJB

I must say, it is a beautiful day for a night game. #NotreDame #Michigan http://t.co/DezZoR1

Next stop: Big House. #NotreDame #Michigan http://t.co/ksm7f4r

Your #NotreDame at #Michigan Tribune preview cap, prediction included: http://t.co/F77lGbg

Stopping #Michigan QB Denard Robinson? All #NotreDame says it has to do is be perfect. Trib story: http://t.co/Nri2QFb

By now, everyone should just expect the unexpected from #NotreDame QB Tommy Rees. Trib profile: http://t.co/DmiMwBT

With plenty of cameras at #Michigan, #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly vows not to be side show. Trib post: http://t.co/zAYSG4M

Backup TE Alex Welch (foot abscess) out for #Michigan. "There's nobody else that won't answer the bell," #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said.

RT @PeteThamelNYT There's a Texas-#NotreDame-Big Ten email/blog/conspiracy theory floating around. Its not true. Not even close.

After hearing about his fumble all week, #NotreDame RB Jonas Gray heads home to #Michigan to atone. Trib post: http://t.co/MnPlAK8

Probably not surprising, but #NotreDame downplaying night-game scene at #Michigan on Saturday. Trib post: http://t.co/lOEBLnX

If Tommy Rees couldn't answer bell after late hit in opener, #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said he'd have gone back to Dayne Crist.

#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly post-practice opener: "Yes, Tommy is still starting."

A quick look at the Michael Floyd-Tommy Rees connection and what's in it for #NotreDame. Trib post: http://t.co/ahctyGU

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith on Tommy Rees: "He's just a cool customer. I don't think he really lets anything get to him."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on unis: "Personally for me, I think it'd be cool to wear something different, something new for a game."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith on avoiding those facemask penalties: "To me it's kind of simple: Just don't put my hand there."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith on his facemask penalties: "That's something as a leader and an older guy I just can't do."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith on #Michigan play-action: "If your eyes are wrong for a split second, you're going to give one up."

#NotreDame LB Manti Te'o on Louis Nix: "Louis did a real good job in there, he was the first one to the ball in some cases."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith on boos at home: "They can boo us whenever they want. It's not something that affects us."

#NotreDame safety Harrison Smith on #Michigan QB Denard Robinson: "As a defense we're excited to get another crack at him."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on records: "I think you guys know more about that than I do. I didn't come back this year to break records."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on RB Cierre Wood: "That's a huge lift off our shoulders, knowing the 'D' has to worry about the running game too."

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd on first #Michigan night game: "It's just a regular game, but the sky is dark, and it's on a different channel."

#NotreDame WR Mike Floyd on halftime boos vs. #USF: "It was difficult, knowing that the fans are frustrated at our play."

With Tommy Rees starting, what is the fallout for the other #NotreDame QBs? Trib post: http://t.co/gM1OlEA

Production earned Tommy Rees starting QB gig at #NotreDame. He knows it's the only way he'll keep it. Trib story: http://t.co/TzGHYzv

#NotreDame RB Cierre Wood on Tommy Rees: "He's real laid-back, he dresses like a bum sometimes, but he doesn't care. That's Tommy for you."

#NotreDame safeties coach Chuck Martin on Denard Robinson: "Obviously you start off, go to the Grotto every day, say some prayers."

#NotreDame DC Bob Diaco on defending Denard Robinson: "You have to be perfect. Any little crease, and it's over. He's gone."

New York/New Jersey! (So, everyone at home.) Scheduled to talk #NotreDame with Mike Francesa on WFAN around 5:20 ET.

For #NotreDame fans seeking enemy intel, ESPN's WolverineNation launched today, with @mikerothstein profile on Brady Hoke: es.pn/pNeVSm

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on sideline fits: "I'll have to do a better job of controlling my emotions." Trib post: http://t.co/Uitc2Lv

Not shockingly, #NotreDame drops out of AP Top 25 after loss in season opener. http://t.co/jhjkZFF

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees takes the reins vs. #Michigan, and everything and nothing changes. Trib update: http://t.co/2HFNf5W

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on telling father Bill the news: "He said he was proud of me, let's get to work. That's pretty good advice."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "I remember watching film when I was 11 years old and getting taught what Cover 2 coverage was."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on his father, Bill: "My dad and I are real close and we've talked about football since I was eight years old."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees on relationship with Michael Floyd: "We're a better team when the ball is in his hands."

Reminded of first college pass, an INT vs. #Michigan, #NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "Uh, that was kind of a welcome to college football moment."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "The best way to get the respect of your teammates is to go out there and play well."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "We like to throw the ball and we have weapons out there and my job is just to get them the ball."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "Everyone understands where it went wrong on Saturday. No one is really hanging their head or doubting anyone."

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees found out Monday he'd be the starter. "You've got to prepare and treat it like it's any other game," he said.

Stressing production, #NotreDame coach Brian Kelly names Tommy Rees his starting QB. Updated Trib story: http://t.co/2HFNf5W

Brian Kelly press conference over. Tommy Rees scheduled to speak to #NotreDame media shortly, in 20 minutes or so.

Brian Kelly on Brady Hoke: "We've had similar paths to success and now we're in that dream matchup of #Michigan vs. #NotreDame."

#NotreDame names Tommy Rees starting QB for #Michigan game. http://t.co/2HFNf5W

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on using LBs in goal-line 'O': "It's a formation and set I've run virtually my entire career."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Golson, Hendrix: "They're both on call. We can't put either one on demo. We have to keep them learning."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on how you simulate #Michigan QB Denard Robinson in practice: "You don’t."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on RB Cierre Wood: "We expect to see that all year."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Jonas Gray, post-fumble: "Here's what I told Jonas: 'How do you want to be remembered?'"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on ILB platoon: "Carlo and Foxy played well, both of them, and that splitting of reps was right down the middle."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We try to live in the now. The 'now' for me is winning football games. Tommy Rees gives us the best chance."

Brian Kelly: "Your roster has to be evaluated on how you win right now, especially at #NotreDame."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on sideline behavior: "I'll have to do a better job of controlling my emotions."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "What I have to recognize is that I'm on TV all the time and do better job recognizing when camera is on me."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on sideline demeanor: "Did I hit somebody? Did I strike somebody? Is that what you're referring to?"

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on red zone: "We've got to be better with the football. The QBs have to make good decisions down there, period."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on #Michigan 'O': "It’s a different scheme, the depth that we have will contribute to our long-term success."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Rees/TJ Jones mixup on INT: "They just weren't on the same page. One of those things you scratch your head."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says that if Tommy Rees isn't productive? "He should be looking over his shoulder."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on QBs: "I have a great deal of confidence in both of them, Tommy gets the nod."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on #USF game: "It was probably one of the most frustrating experiences I've ever had."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We don’t come to this decision thinking, well, Tommy will give us one game and we’ll go back to Dayne."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We talked about production. Tommy was very productive in the second half, and he'll get a chance to start."

Tommy Rees will start at QB for #NotreDame.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We need to start winning some of these games in this rivalry" with #Michigan.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly talking about a QB... except it's #Michigan QB Denard Robinson.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly has arrived, and away we go...

Minutes away from #NotreDame QB call (presumably) from Brian Kelly. Also, just for @jdubs88 hard-hitting Robby Toma questions.

The decision at #NotreDame is in: They're changing...backdrops. http://t.co/NX6HxyC

Situated at #NotreDame for Brian Kelly presser. About 30 minutes until The (QB) Decision, Part Deux.

For the night owls (-ish) and Sirius XM radio subscribers, scheduled to talk #NotreDame on Mad Dog Radio at 11pm ET/10pm CT.

#NotreDame QB depth chart: Formality. ND prep doesn't change, nor does Michigan's, with either guy. Still expect announcement Tuesday.

The mystery continues (not shockingly): Dayne Crist & Tommy Rees separated by an "OR" on #NotreDame depth chart released Monday.

RT @freepwolverines Wolverines CB Troy Woolfolk (ankle) and LB Cam Gordon (back) expected to play vs. #NotreDame http://t.co/gf8SBMI

Wasn't perfect, but at least #NotreDame 'D' carried some momentum from 2010 into 2011. Trib post: http://t.co/hnU1MCo

RT @mikerothstein Brady Hoke on #NotreDame QB questions: "To me it doesn’t change anything in our preparation."

Former #NotreDame RB Armando Allen signed to #Bears practice squad.

Brian Kelly makes #NotreDame QB call today. Might only be one answer to give him what he wants. Trib analysis: trib.in/oGQGPe

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly didn't name a QB on Sunday. But only one may give him what he wants. Trib analysis: http://t.co/jOgZDF0

Even Steve Spurrier got around to tweaking #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on his QB shuffle. Trib post: http://t.co/KVXEmSl

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly will choose Dayne Crist or Tommy Rees as starting QB by Monday. Trib story: http://t.co/xz9hp70

That's all from #NotreDame HC Brian Kelly's teleconference. Again: No QB call today, will decide on Rees vs. Crist by Monday.

Theo Riddick will return punts again for #NotreDame this week. On Riddick's jitters, Brian Kelly: "We've got to get him through that."

Again, Brian Kelly will name QB starter publicly. "This isn't going to be trying to gain tactical advantage," #NotreDame coach says.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "We take care of the football, we do things in character, our defense going to continue to be there for us."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on Tommy Rees: "Tommy goes in there and the game is not difficult for him."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on punter Ben Turk: "It still goes back to how you respond when 81,000 people are out there."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says he'll likely come to decision on QB on Monday. Says he'll tell players first.

No decision on starting QB from #NotreDame coach Brian Kelly. "We're evaluating that right now," Kelly says.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly conference call starting...

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly has usual Sunday teleconference at 1pm. Not sure we'll get QB decision if he hasn't seen the players before that.

Stadium-clearing storms, a QB controversy reborn and a loss. And #NotreDame starts all over again. Trib gamer: http://t.co/JXpO9WY

#NotreDame QB Tommy Rees: "I'll be ready to go and I'll prepare like I'm going to play and we'll see what happens."

#NotreDame RB Cierre Wood on if he's seen games like this before: "No. I'm from California. We don't have thunder and all that other crap."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly said QB switch "difficult because it threw us into an area we didn't think we had to go into."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on craziness of the day: "The chaos was on the field for me."

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly says QB situation to be reevaluated: "This is a step back for us (from) where we thought we were."

Official final after a game totaling 5 hours and 59 minutes: #USF 23, #NotreDame 20.

#NotreDame gets the right bounce on the onside kick, but #USF recovers with 19 ticks left. Final will be 23-20 loss for Irish.

Tommy Rees hits Michael Floyd for the 8-yard TD. #NotreDame down 23-20 with 21 seconds to go, and here comes the onside kick.

#USF adding insult to injury with roughing the passer penalty, and #NotreDame QB Tommy Rees is feeling it.