Rakes Report: A Notre Dame Podcast

Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes stops by to discuss the biggest What Ifs of Brian Kelly's time in South Bend, from quarterback churn and defensive coordinator hires to Baylor vs. Kansas State.  Read Michael's rankings here: https://www.18stripes.com/top-10-what-ifs-of-the-kelly-era/

SBNation's Bill Connelly drops by to talk about his 2018 Notre Dame preview. Topics include expectations for Brandon Wimbush and the offensive line, whether or not it's good to have running backs, how the defense can become elite and the Rorschach test of a schedule. Read Bill's preview here: https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/5/8/17316948/notre-dame-football-2018-preview-schedule-roster

The Indianapolis Star's Laken Litman stops by to talk about the QB derby at spring practice, which position groups look the deepest, what to look for in the Blue-Gold Game, being in the house for Notre Dame's miracle Final Four run and hey you know also some "Dancing with the Stars."

Ringer staff writer and best-selling author Shea Serrano joins to discuss Notre Dame basketball’s victory in the women’s Final Four. Topics include the Irish’s incredible run, the ice cold veins of Arike Ogunbowale and Marina Mabrey’s next-level shit-talking. Read Shea’s pieces here: https://www.theringer.com/college-basketball/2018/3/30/17178558/notre-dame-uconn-ncaa-womens-basketball-final-four-columbus https://www.theringer.com/march-madness/2018/4/2/17187482/arike-ogunbowale-notre-dame-buzzer-beater-final-four-mississippi-state Subscribe to The Rakes Report newsletter: www.tinyletter.com/rakesreport

Jamie Uyeyama from Irish Sports Daily stops by to talk about the 2018 Notre Dame recruiting class. How does he rate the class? How'd the new assistants close? Why are people being so annoying about Jeff Quinn? Does it really matter which linebacker spot Drue Tranquill is at? All of this, and more. Sign up for the Rakes Report newsletter at www.tinyletter.com/rakesreport. 

Joe Schueller of 18 Stripes swings by to discuss the Irish's surprising 3-0 start in the ACC, if there's any chance for them to sustain it, Mike Brey's career at Notre Dame and the greatness of Bonzie Colson.

Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes swings by to talk about Mike Elko leaving, potential defensive coordinator candidates, the Citrus Bowl and an early look at next year's roster. Note: As we finished recording this, the South Bend Tribune reported that Notre Dame had agreed to a $1.5 million deal to stay with Notre Dame and then A&M upped the offer again. They also reported that there was no personality rift between Brian Kelly and Elko, so this looks like a money move. This is a long description, but wanted to provide context because we were talking as more details were coming out. 

A look back at the recent past, present and future of ND football, including overall thoughts on the 2017 season, updating the All-BK-at-ND team, roster futurism and upcoming schedules. Donate to the Center for the Homeless at: www.gofundme.com/rakes-report-christmas-giving-2017

Football Outsiders stats guru Brian Fremeau (@bcfremeau) swings by to talk about the FEI, this weird college football season, how this year's Notre Dame team compares to past editions, coming through in the clutch, and how the Irish stack up against the Hurricanes. Find Brian's work at www.bcftoys.com 

The South Bend Tribune's Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) stops by to talk about what's driving Notre Dame's six-game win streak, the importance of newspaper ads in being good at college football and other observations from campus. Read Mike's work at www.ndinsider.com.

Chris and Matt recount basically all of Notre Dame's 49-14 victory over Southern Cal. They also discuss NC State, and how not being that scared about Saturday is the scariest thing of all.

Trojans alum Nick Tres swings by to discuss Saturday night's giant game in South Bend. We look at the important stuff: What's up with Sam Darnold? What should fans on both sides be worried about? Is USC healthy? Why do people schedule weddings during football season?

Apologies but this is another long one, so maybe just listen to it during the time you'd normally be watching Notre Dame during their bye? Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama stops by to talk about the defense holding strong, the passing game potentially getting better and the difficult six games remaining on the schedule.

Hoops edition! We'll get back to football later this week, but with the college basketball season looming, we take some time to talk Notre Dame hoops with Joe Schueller of 18 Stripes and Mike Laskey. Topics of conversation include: Federal investigations, recruiting coups, Farrell/Colson pick and rolls, the potential of Rex, positionless basketball and mysterious Canadians.

Michael Bryan of 18Stripes.com (@MichaelBryanMB) swings by to grade the Irish's first four games of the season and offer some insight on the Miami RedHawks. Read Michael's work here: https://www.18stripes.com/author/michael-bryan/ Sign up for the Rakes Report here: www.tinyletter.com/rakesreport  

The Indianapolis Star's Laken Litman joins to discuss the season so far. Then (30:00), Chris and Matt spend a lot of time talking about old Notre Dame/Michigan State games and touch on last week's BC game and the upcoming trip to East Lansing.

In the aftermath of the Georgia loss, we take a look at the things that are giving us concern and hope about the 2017 Fighting Irish. Also, a review of Crossroads. (LET US DJ PLEASE.) Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at tinyletter.com/rakesreport. 

Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily breaks down the newest members of the Notre Dame offense. We also discuss pick plays and direct-to-video Disney sequels. (This is Part 2 of 2.)

Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily gives the run down on the newest members of the Notre Dame defense, plus bonus kicker talk. (This is Part 1 of 2.)

Indy Star's Laken Litman (@LakenLitman) swings by to discuss her observations from camp, the mood around the program and her interview with Jack Swarbrick. Then she recounts her recent conversation with an ebullient Mike Brey (32:00). Read Laken's words here: http://www.indystar.com/staff/10053628/laken-litman/ Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at www.tinyletter.com/rakesreport.