Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Notre Dame opened its 2016 home schedule with a convincing 39-10 victory over Nevada. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down what worked for the Irish in the victory. Improvements on defense were the biggest positive, but the loss of cornerback Shaun Crawford to a season-ending Achilles injury tempered some of the excitement about the play of the defense.

BGI recruiting analysts David McKinney and Corey Bodden discuss everything Notre Dame recruiting. 

Notre Dame will look to get back on track this weekend when it hosts the Nevada Wolf Pack. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the Wolf Pack, discussing areas where they might present some problems for Notre Dame and areas where the Irish should dominate.

Blue Gold Illustrated's Lou Somogyi and Matt Jones debate the hit on Torii Hunter Jr. Both sides agree a penalty should have been called, but what effect did the loss of Notre Dame's top receiving threat have on the outcome of the game?

Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down Notre Dame's 50-47 season opening loss to Texas. The staff discusses the good and the bad, with discussion centering around the quarterback rotation, the play of the Irish offensive line - and of course the defense.

Blue and Gold Illustrated recruiting analysts David McKinney and Corey Bodden discuss everything in the world of Notre Dame recruiting and answer fan's questions. 

The 2016 season has finally arrived, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Longhorns of Texas this Sunday (Sep. 4) in the season opener. Notre Dame enters the season with high expectations, and Texas is looking to take forward steps as a program in year three of the Charlie Strong regime. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the top matchups on both sides of the ball, and discuss what Notre Dame must do in order to come out with a much-needed season opening win.

Both DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire are capable of leading Notre Dame to the playoffs, but for different reasons. Blue Gold Illustrated staff writer Matt Jones and football analyst Bryan Driskell debate what makes each quarterback capable of leading the Irish, and which one is best suited for a run at the title.

Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football beat writer Matt Jones discuss the overall roster and break down where the strengths and weaknesses are, as well as the biggest question marks. Will the young receivers produce? Can Devin Studstill make an impact as a freshman? Will the senior class produce like Notre Dame needs it to?

BGI recruiting analysts David McKinney and Corey Bodden talk all things Notre Dame recruiting. 

Notre Dame needs to get good play from its quarterback and better play from its defense if it wants to make a run at the 2016 College Football Playoffs. But which is more important. Can the Irish make a playoff run with an improved defense but a scuffling quarterback situation? Can dominant play behind the center overcome inconsistent defensive performances? Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell debate that point.

There is certainly a lot happening within the Notre Dame football team. Over the weekend, six Notre Dame players were arrested and senior safety Max Redfield was dismissed from the team. That came days after head coach Brian Kelly announced both quarterbacks would play in the opener against Texas. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss how each impacts the 2016 season. Depth at safety and how the recent arrests will impact each player involved are certainly topics of conversion. Also discussed is how Notre Dame can make the two quarterbacks system work, and the dangers that could be presented.

Notre Dame is now entering its second week of fall camp as it prepares for the 2016 football season. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down what they have seen from the Irish during the first week. The crew also discussed areas where the Irish must continue improving moving forward. Discussion of which units are playing championship football at this point in camp is also a key part of the show.

The Fighting Irish football team returned to South Bend on August 11th for its first practice on campus. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss the practice. It was a strong day for the quarterbacks, and the receivers flashed some big play ability, mixed in with too many drops. Discussion of the defensive front seven, the secondary and Notre Dame's talented offensive line is also featured.

Notre Dame kicked off its 2016 fall camp at Culver Academies, and Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell have the recap. An update on position battles, first impressions of the freshman class and of course, the performance of the Irish quarterbacks are just some of the topics discussed.