Notre Dame v. Stanford

The biennial tradition of Thanksgiving football against the Tree of Palo Alto took place again this year. Family traveled near and far to witness what turned out to be a truly entertaining game... and yet another ND loss. While a bit cold (and windy to start), it was a pleasant afternoon of tailgating, football throwing, and ultimately game watching from our massive group of 80 tickets together.

While we were a bit nostalgic knowing deep down this would be Charlie Weis' last game at the helm, that was short lived as the bitterness of defeat took root. Brady seemed to take it all in stride, but then again he saw another gutting, last minute drive fall short to USC earlier this year - so as far as he knows we only play, and lose last second games to, Pac-10 teams. Upon writing this it becomes clear that this may actually be the best thing that happens to him, so that he doesn't have to spend a lifetime of unachievably lofty expectations for the football team - like his father.

Speaking of which, in light of all the other events that weekend we taught our son a new prayer, which you will find below. We'll call it "Our Father (bring Our Lady a football coach)".

Our Father, who art in heaven, horrible is Thy Lady's football team.
Thy kingdom come, Our opponents' wills be done, on the playing field against ND.
Give us this day our weekly loss, and forgive our offensive lines' trespasses, as we forgive those defenses who trespass EVERY DOWN against our quarterback.
Lead our team one day into bowl contention, and deliver us a winning football coach. A win.