One Eagle we can all root for . . .

Instead of breaking down the USC game stats or previewing the Boston College game this week - I thought this article about Coach Weis and his relationship with BC linebacker Mark Herzlich was worth mentioning. Mark was ACC defensive player of the year last year - yet is undergoing treatment for cancer. Charlie sought out Mark, and the two have a relationship that has been important to Mark during his season sitting out, fighting the crippling disease. Definitely worth the read.

Charlie Weis off the football field was initially viewed as an arrogant, pompous wise-ass. Losing the past few years has indirectly softened the image of Coach Weis - who was humbled and forced to seriously change his public perception in order to keep his job. Weis has always loved his family, Notre Dame, and his friends - and generally been a very good person. Articles like this do not surprise me one bit, and truly show a genuine Charlie Weis. Yet articles like this, until recently, have been the exception and not the norm - as Notre Dame haters preferred the obnoxious and arrogant Weis. Good to see articles like this one about Coach Weis - who has my respect as being a good father, Notre Dame alum, and man.

All of this aside, Notre Dame did not hire Weis to be only a good person. Nor did Notre Dame hire Charlie just to keep players out of trouble (which he has), or to fully focus on academics in the football program (3.0 team average every semester). Notre Dame demands excellence both on and off the field - and 2 outta 3, whichever one is missing, won't cut it. Charlie has shown brilliance off the field, on the whole - and that deserves credit. Yet the only short and unsustained flashes of success on the field could eventually catch up to Weis. While the USC loss in Charlie's 5th season was a potential harbinger of his demise, the story of the USC loss is not yet finished (as I wrote in my previous post). The final 6 games will tell whether Charlie will be back next year. Here's rooting for you Charlie.