SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta had a slightly longer exchange with the media this week, not that it was any warmer and fuzzier than usual.
Irish center Eric Olsen was, however, warm and fuzzy - and humorous, particularly when talking about how former Boston College defensive lineman B.J. Raji bowled him into ND running back James Aldridge for an eight-yard loss last November. That made all three of them YouTube sensations.
"I'm still waiting for his text message, thanking me for getting him drafted in the first round," Olsen remarked earlier this week.
Purdue, meanwhile, may have its first non-sellout of an ND game on its hands since 1963 - and that's despite the allure of being able to buy a commemorative glow-in-the-dark black T-shirt for a mere $18.
Perhaps the slow ticket sales are a reflection of the economy. Or perhaps one of the Purdue quarterbacks hasn't given a speech yet to the Boilermaker fan base on just how big this rivalry is.
Surprisingly, that is an actual function being performed this week by a to-be-designated Purdue quarterback - to his own teammates.
Now if we can only get a Boilermaker QB to explain Big Ten officiating to the Irish fan base.
Oh well, it only means it's time for another installment of the Twitter Mailbag.
All questions phrased in the form of a haiku will be disqualified.
Twitterers up first.
From @bobbycimino
Via Twitter
Any fallout from the terrible officiating against MSU?
Yes, especially for me. I've never spent so much time researching the rule book, asking coaches and referees for clarification and still feeling stupid over why Michael Floyd's collarbone-breaking catch was not ruled a touchdown.
Read on.
From @ndobregon3
Via Twitter
Do you see a significant drop-off in the near future to Armando Allen's production since Michael Floyd is hurt?
I see a significant drop-off in Armando Allen's production if Armando Allen doesn't get 100 percent healthy. For two weeks in a row, he has battled injuries during practice and on Saturday, yet remains the nation's No. 15 rusher.
For how Floyd's injury might affect the passing game, check out Saturday's GameDay feature on the players set to step into Floyd's void.
From Terry J. Schafer
Costa Mesa, Calif.
Has Frank Verducci produced one of the most stunning turnarounds in one season of any position group you've ever seen? The offensive line has gone from hapless to outstanding!
Normally unadulterated use of exclamation points (or wagering) would disqualify a question, but in this case it's almost warranted.
It is only three games into the season, but the Irish have improved from 110th in the nation (out of 120) in rushing yards per game to 58th, improved from 3.3 yards per carry to 4.3, improved from 34th to 10th in passing offense, from 45th to 11th in sacks allowed and 42nd to first in passing efficiency.
If this holds up over the balance of the season, the answer would be a resounding yes.
From Dennis Imrie
Houston, Texas
In hindsight, did the shutout of Nevada create unrealistic expectations for the defense? Will they improve?
I don't think so and I do believe so. If this were a veteran defense that had been playing three similar offenses the first three weeks, I would say there would be more reason to worry.
The talent is young and fast. Sometimes when young players haven't reached a certain confidence threshold, they don't play fast.
From Mike Badarack
Satellite Beach, Fla.
Why is Clausen not in the Heisman conversation on ESPN? I know they hate the Irish and bash them every opportunity, but Clausen is phenomenal and far superior to anyone else. Tebow is a joke at QB, Bradford is out with injury, and McCoy hasn't looked very good at all. I keep hearing Javid Best at Cal too. Where is Clausen?
I'm going to skip past the ESPN stuff and say it's way too early to get excited about Heisman Trophy polls. I, for one, refuse to answer them when asked to participate.
As far as Clausen's eventual prospects for a strong candidacy, what will vault him into the conversation is if he maintains his dominating numbers - currently second in the nation in passing efficiency - when he plays on a big stage. USC, even with the loss to Washington, is the game the national media has circled.
From Michael A. Massetti
Austin, Texas
What's your take on the call for the play when Floyd got hurt?. I saw it about 20 times on NBC, and it appears to be a no-brainer. Ridiculous!
Now that is the proper use of an exclamation point! This is, by far, the most asked question of the year. Congratulations Michael for wording it most succinctly.
I asked Irish coach Charlie Weis, asked some officials I know, asked my mom. Her advice was to just ignore it and it will go away. Which ever team you were pulling for in that game, that call had to confuse you. The only reason it will go away is because it did not ultimately alter the outcome of the game.
It was the second-most confusing call I've seen in 27 years of covering college football games. A defensive holding call that helped Michigan escape with a 26-16 win over Indiana in 1991 tops the list.
Then-Indiana coach Bill Mallory was suspended a game by the Big Ten for criticizing the officials, but the league also clandestinely suspended the officiating crew.
From Rich McHugh
Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
I told ND they have to be more fan-friendly, have the past players meet the fans each Saturday. Ara, Digger, Monk signing books. Tim McCarthy is everywhere now. The ND schedule has land mines. Since Weis was hired, I haven't felt this bad each Saturday since Faust was the coach. He was here again signing his book. Hold on to your seatbelts. Now injuries and a better Washington are on the horizon. BC may be bad now, but the game is a month away.
Richard, were you the back judge at last week's ND-Michigan State game?
Staff writer Eric Hansen:
ehansen@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6470
