Ok, week two. This time will be a little better because I'll actually get to use it.

Nina and I just made it back to Dublin after touring Ireland all week. Gonna be watching the game from shitty hotel wifi. So all commentary here will help us enjoy the game.

What other games are happening now?

Ohio State is up on UCF at the half. Penn State up on UVA late in the first half. K-State is burying Miami, making me 3-for-3 on college football bets this season. Those are the games I'm paying attention to.

How's the trip been? Thanks for the email this morning, glad to know you guys are safe and having fun.

Also, Art Modell passed away this week. Rumor has it that the NFL is mandating all teams have a moment of silence for him before kickoff tomorrow. The Browns open at home. Could get ugly.

Heard about Modell. Will be very interested to see how the Browns react. I bet there will be boos.

Trip has been expensive buy all worth it. Ireland really is like a living postcard. Need to come back as soon as possible and see more. We did Dublin, Galway, Dingle and Killarney. Two days in each. Dingle is my favorite.

Keep me posted on games.

To get constant wifi connection, we have to sit in the hallway of our hotel. Game kicks off 8:30pm our time. We leave for the airport at 4:00am. Will be an interesting night.

Ps: I logged into you Comcast account again to try to watch ESPN on my iPad.

No worries on the Comcast thing.

There's going to be huge boos, I bet. Deservedly so, probably. If they didn't announce a moment of silence, I'd bet fans wouldn't do a thing, but having the moment is like poking the bear. Dumb move.

Slipped a disc in my neck two days ago (third time in 2 years, but finally went to the doctor about it). Incredibly painful, so now just lying on my couch watching games trying to not fall asleep after taking a percocet.

How do you or Nina do sleeping on planes? Hopefully well, since it sounds like a short night's sleep. Do you fly from Dublin to the US, or do you have to switch in London or something similar?

Is there a way to disable Branch sending me an email with each reply?

Giving it a go.

Sprout your few pictures I've seen have been rad. Way jealous.

I'll be watching/following the game from my phone for the most part. Hoping it's like last weeks where it's in hand early.

As for Modell, there will no doubt be several fans who do something obnoxious that will get blown out of proportion by ESPN. I'm just hoping Richardson doesn't hurt himself.

Bummer about the neck. Anything you can do other than pain killers?

I'd assume there would be a setting in your profile, no? Something like Notification Settings? Click on your picture in the top right.

Eric, where did you go when you were in Ireland? Remember any specifics?

We are also hoping the game is put away early so we can go to bed knowing its out of reach. Chances are Nina will be sleeping no matter what. I stayed up the entire night before our flight out. Not sure if I'll do that here. We connect in London for an 11 hour flight to San Fran. That's gonna blow.

Im hoping richardson doesn't play no need to rush him back and increase the chance of a bust to increase the jinx of cleveland, although the death of modell may reverse it. for non cleveland fans.. go irish fuck michigan

Is the Michigan vs Air Force game the same time? Does AFA even stand a chance? Did any of you watch the Bama game? Was it Michigan just being outmatched or does Michigan look worse than expected?

Thanks Sprout, couldn't find the settings menu, missed the arrow next to my photo.

Not much you can do for a disc but tough it out. I don't like taking painkillers in general because I feel like I could get easily addicted, plus because this isn't muscular, it's not really even alleviating all the pain (though it certainly helps). It's more just like now I'm stoned and my neck hurts. Once I'm no longer in pain, I need to do a better job doing consistent neck/shoulder/back workouts, as that will hopefully help prevent it from happening.

11 hours to SF sounds like hell, good luck.

AFA/Michigan is at the same time, yeah. I'll be checking in, will keep you posted. Alabama ANNIHILATED Michigan. They definitely called off the dogs after the first half, they looked like they could have easily gone for 70. I think it's a combination of Michigan being completely outclassed and Michigan not being all that good - they were a good team that got incredibly lucky last year, so if they don't get the same breaks this year, I expect them to crash pretty hard. Denard was Denard, though they didn't run with him much at all.

Michigan fans' reactions have been amazing - mostly they're blaming their AD, because there's no need to schedule tough games, according to the fanbase.

I agree it probably alittle bit of both but michigan is not a top twenty team.and if our corners can turn around this year, denard may eventually get benched

I know you're probably exaggerating, but no way he gets benched - their back-up QB is playing wide receiver. They've got some serious depth issues that hopefully will get exposed.

That would have been awesome if they hung 70 on them. Speaking of which: thoughts on ND getting that last TD against Navy?

Nina's dad cussed up a storm at Kelly for it. Saying there's no need to hang 50 on Navy.

I was all for it.

Related: Nina told some Irish folk that if ND scores 50, she'd go up for pushups. At the beginning of the game. She thought she was in the clear. It was epic.

Also, just saw a replay of the "trick play" KSU ran against Miami at the goal line. Awesome.

Damn, missed the "trick play" - what was it?

I don't mind them scoring the final touchdown - almost every guy on the field at that point was a back-up, and it is clear that the team was super excited for Toma to get a rushing TD. If Navy wants to be known as a little-blue-engine-that-could team, one that never stops hitting (or cheap-shotting), which they certainly seem to cultivate, then they can't complain if other teams play all the way to the whistle.

The qb threw a no-look behind-the-back pass to a receiver in motion. Who dropped it. And then got tackled at like the 20 while he was scrambling to pick it up.

Good gravy - ESPN is talking about Urban Meyer's "contract with his family" again. It's pretty cool that Urban is the first football coach in history to have a family. He's up there with Jackie Robinson and Jessie Owens.

Per your request, Adam: the trick play. bit.ly

The article about him (ESPN or SI.com?) was just as ridiculous.

I thought it was fine i dont think kelly was looking to get the touchdown they were running the whole time and i mean it was a 16 yard run from toma so oh well, even though mayday had a problem with it. Maybe he should have had more of a problem with his panthers losing to the guins last week. I was kind of kidding about denard but remember last year hoke didnt want denard for this reason, he cant pass

That play is AWESOME. What the hell are they thinking?

that being said, im aware there is no way denard gets benched by the way

My dad is one of those old school guys who thinks its disrespectful to beat A service academy by more than a TD. And i might feel somewhat like that if they weren't little cut-blocking ladies.

Kelly was definitely looking for that TD. Navy wasn't taking timeouts. We could have started kneeling much earlier in that drive.

Anyway: Auburn. Damn. What happen first? An ND loss or an Auburn win?

Would also love to hear everyone's thoughts on the whole "Take a StaND" thing?

And I'm in! And next to a computer this week. Think the take a StaND is a fine idea. At least they recognize some of the issues in the stadium...though the lack of blame for the ushers is troubling

The sentiment behind the StaND thing is right on - the execution remains to be seen. If they couple this slogan with restrictions on ushers wandering around handing out demerits to fans who cheer loudly or stand up, then I'm super psyched about it. Just not sure I believe that will be the case.

The atmosphere at ND also isn't helped by the Excise Police - essentially an ATF law enforcement branch just for Indiana. I just found out they're self-funded - meaning the more tickets they pass out, the better off they are. What a scam. I'd love to know if they need permission from ND to come onto campus.

I am sure we have all been in that stadium when an older fan is upset about the amount of standing. In fact most likely you were being yelled at by my father. In his defense m apparently my grandpa used to attend games in a suit. But I am sick and tired of that stadium being dead and not having any type of energy, it needed to be said. Hopefully this will bring energy and im not talking about the fake energy of crazy train. But the NDNation message boards should be great after Ludacris is played

My take: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

Telling a bunch of old people to stand up isn't going to change anything. Old people are old and want to sit. To really change things, they've got to figure out a way to get a younger demographic at the game.

That's a hard sell on lots of accounts though.

Captain "C"s on jerseys, much like a hockey jersey. Discuss.

Finally nbc sports puts a preshow on, maybe I will finally get my wish and someone will challenge espn, so espn actually has to have some sort of journalistic integrity

STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO SPROUT! ...I like them. Think they look nice. Not crazy...no special announcement for them.

I like the C. Like in hockey, it creates a level of in-game respect, beyond just letting those guys go out for the coin flip.

Plus my dear Jason Varitek rocked a C for nearly a decade, so i like the look. I think it's a nice honor.

I like the C, too. I agree with Sprout that the old folk in the stands aren't changing their behavior anytime soon, but it'd be nice if the atmosphere in the stadium wasn't dictated by them and the ushers.

UVa just took the lead over Penn State with 1:28 left in the game - 17-16. Penn State missed an XP on their last touchdown.

Well, now I hate the idea

oh penn state

I think the C's would be cooler if they didn't change captains every game.

Penn State driving in the rain - 10 seconds left, it'd be a 38 yarder from here.

I don't think we're changing captains this year - didn't Kelly name permanent captains for the season?

Nina says two season captains and then one game captain that changes? Still sorta lame.

PSU going for the win - their kicker is 1-4 with a blocked PAT so far today. He missed it.

Do any of you have the NBC Live Extra app? Can you see if the feed is working for you? Has the game started?

game has not started yet, no clue on the app

Game JUST starting. I'll download the app.

The app plays the game for me.

Balls. Apparently the NBC app doesn't work overseas. Stuck to watching the play-by-play on ESPN.com. Anyone know of a better one or is that it?

Disastrous protection on 3d down. Braxton Cave completely whiffed on his block.

Still a horrible spot by the refs on the pass to daniels

4th and 15? Weis would go for it.

Michigan's first play from scrimmage was a Denard draw for one yard. I think Hoke is going to start taking his gameplans off of MGoBlog.

and proving my point from earlier, denard goes 80 yards for a td...oops

If I'm logged in on my phone is there some reason I cant log in from a computer? Just be nice to have branch on my computer.

no shouldnt have a problem

st. lunatics bumping in the stadium

I can view it on my computer but can only comment on my phone. Obnoxious.

Are you logged in via the same accounts? I just approved @Golden_Eric.

Thank you, Sprout. You are the Internet.

Looks like AFA is moving well against Michigan. Hope they can finish in the red zone though.

AFA kicks FG. Browns cancel moment of silence at request of Modell family.

From Tom Withers of the AP..."Browns have cancelled plans for Modell recognition at tomorrow's game at the request of Modell's family." This will most likely be the smartest play the Browns call tomorrow.

hahaha smart move all the way around

Browns should NOW actually hold a moment of silence, just despite them.

you guys have obviously been away from cleveland for too long, its superbowl or bust this year

Dad has been texting me about the Modell/Browns moment of silence thing. Super pissed because he knows how bad the city would look. Dropping all kinds of F bombs.

a controlled kelly? this is much like happy gilmore not going to the putter throw

What's the deal with the timeouts? Can't tell what's happening from gamecast

One I couldn't tell why. The 2nd was play clock running out on a 3rd an2. Looks like Evertt was confused

Just getting in the wrong formation, etc. Kelly was laughing at Golson on the sideline during the second one.

They're lining up almost exclusively in shotgun so far - looks very different than last week. O-Line not looking impressive.

there were 11 guys in the box and i think golson got nervous on that one, the one before was davaris wasnt anywhere close to where he was suppose to be

Is anyone else wearing a Browns Quinn jersey for the next 48 hours? or is it just me?

I think that's the first keeper on a zone-read we've seen from Golson. Picked up five or six.

Fill us in: On these long-ish yard catches so far, are these long passes or are most of the yards coming after the catch?

@Eric, I bet Brady is wearing his too.

I honestly did for my fantasy draft last week and then learned that quinns name wasnt even on a sticker to draft

The Golson completion was wide open. Ran maybe 8-10 yards after catch.

Lots of vertical passes. The pass to Eifert was probably 15 or 20 yards downfield, I think.

You don't need to know what that sack looked like. Unfortunately, you've seen that before.

Dammit, he had Niklas for a touchdown down the seam, overthrew him.

Missed the field goal by about 75 yards to the left.

you have to be kidding me

Played ourselves outta points there. Seems like some sloppy penalties. Kelly turning purple yet?

seams seem to be wide open, should be able to take advantage with the tight ends

I'm on like a :30 delay from Adam's feed and I know when Adam is exaggerating, he was not.

When did Brindza start kicking? This is infuriating not being able to watch.

Kelly is remarkably calm so far. Frustrated but not yelling too much

Kelly seems pretty chill still. Someone on Twitter said they just saw GAIII on the sideline not dressed - has he played yet?

he was in endzone for opening kick

Thanks, Liam. Couldn't remember.

So is GAIII now undressed? What happened?

I think the dude on Twitter must just be wrong. We'll see.

He didn't return the kick. It went out of the endzone. Do we know for sure he's not dressed?

great defense by shumate

Yeah, good pressure that time and then a nice swipe at the ball. Looked good on that play all around.

and right on cue atkinson gets the carry

Atkinson is in the game. Sorry for the false alarm.

Welp, at least we know he's dressed now.

False start. O-line getting absolutely abused.

maybe the person on twitter saw josh..... they are twins

need to flip this field position

KLM limping to the locker room.

shoot klm limping in to locker room

I need to get TV...online feed is falling more behind.

I have a great picture of Louis Nix from the navy game I'll post once I'm back. Damn, that boy is huge. But moves like a gazelle.

Are you at home, E? Shouldn't you get it over the air?

Do you not even have basic tv? NBC broadcasts in Hd over the air.

Motta just looked like he was not going to play that down and then decided that no one else was going to tackle him. He's quick.

I don't have an antenna yet.

I have only myself to blame.

Any reason on the QB switch for Purdue?

I think they're relatively cheap - the one I bought for the cottage when were watching games there was like $50, and there were far cheaper ones available.

No reason that I've heard.

other than the fact that the coach is an idiot, nope

Zero running game. Is Navy that bad?

love golson

Yes. That plus Purdue has 2 AA DTs

HUGE play by Golson - completely sidestepped jailbreak blitz, hit TE for 30 yards on the run.

If you were wondering, Sprout, the new "yellow" pants look spectacular with blue jerseys.

ball a little behind davaris, could have been a td but still what an arm

Agreed on the pants being sweet.

Agreed. I think Golson is going to be very good with a chance at being great.

i hate not having jonas gray or anything that resembles him

Yeah, I'm a little shocked about our running game. OL must be getting pounded. If I had to give an analysis before the game I would have said Kelly clearly thinks Golsom can't pass well but can manage the offense well enough to start. Will be up to the running game again against Purdue.

And yet, 11 of 15 for 189 yards. Go figure.

Whoever that was for Purdue almost took the handoff he was in there so quickly.

Replay that shit. Touchdown.

Kelly before the game in the interview said something along the lines of "Let's see what the kid can do in the air."

Awesome effort by Golson. I think he's in.

Tough call here - kicking game has sucked this year, but Purdue is crushing the line.

I'm reading it's a fumble?

not a fumble

It looked like he might've dropped that ball just before. Damn.

touch

TOUCHDOWN, bitches!

alright quick stop and two minute drill

Touchdown!

We should have Nix running our goal line handoffs.

I've thought that. No chance, though, as he wears #9 and so does Toma. He'd need a uniform change.

Yikes. Good kick, but bad coverage. I thought he might get that corner.

Nix and Toma just can't be on the field at the same time. Nix can easily play goal line RB

From the things could be worse department: Colorado started their game up 14-0. They're now losing, 24-21. To Sacramento State.

Yikes. Slaughter put the wood to that receiver. Threw a flag but picked it up. Slaughter is down, scary after the Tulane situation earlier.

i loved the teamates running to tell him to stay down

I feel like the refs are just throwing flags on big hits. What crap.

Calobrese, fuck the heck was that?

damn that would have been huge

Pretty piss poor defense as a whole on that drive. Sloppy half. I was sure we wouldn't come out hungover/jetlagged/whatever you want to call it. But that's what it's looked like so far.

Dammit. They better get it together. The hangover business is crap. It's only an extra hour or two than their flights to SF or LA.

Very good point about flights from Cali. They just look sloppy.

it should be pointed out that purdue is better than they have been but yes they look very sloppy

This picture is insane. m.espn.go.com

Link isnt working for me. I'll go find it though.

I'm assuming you mean this picture, totally badass.

scores.espn.go.com

Sprout and Nina, I'm sorry you're missing this...the band is playing "Call Me Maybe."

That link isn't working either. But it's the one where the ball is hitting the pylon.

And of course they are playing Call Me, Maybe. Every single band in the country is going to play that. Ruining it for us wedding dancers.

Denard now has TD runs of 79 and 58...fuck.

Michigan's defense is not good.

If Sprout and Nina are still here - that was an atrocious snap by Cave. Fumble not Golson's fault.

Hate hate hate using timeouts in the 2d half. Take the damn delay of game - what's the difference between 2 & 16 and 2 & 21?

Yup. Still here. Nina just went to bed, hoping to get 5 hours of sleep before our 3:45am wake up call. I plan to go the whole game. Won't be able to sleep otherwise.

Granted I don't watch a whole lot of other games consistently, but it seems that Notre Dame calls more time outs for confusion than any other team. (probably the whiskey talking)

Tyler Eifert is fucking filthy.

In other news, that was a sick pass to Eifert.

I thought it was a bad pass, but a ridiculous catch.

Oh I thought it was both, back left shoulder of the defender with his head turned. That was BQ-esque right there. (again, I'm drinking whiskey)

I've got the leftovers of percocet in my system and drinking Busch Lights, so I'm not sober either.

Sprout, just saw the hotel hallway, has Shining written all over it.

Yeah, and I'm at the complete end all the way from the elevator. So when people get off they turn the corner and just see me sitting here in a chair. Freaking people out like crazy.