Irish expected to get top target back

October 29, 2010|By ERIC HANSEN, Tribune Staff Writer

(WSBT photo)

SOUTH BEND - Michael Floyd wasn’t even a convincing decoy last Saturday, laboring through pregame warmups at New Meadowlands Stadium like a car with a flat battery.

Don’t expect a rerun this Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium.

ND’s leading receiver proclaimed himself ready to move past the hamstring injury that stabbed at him during the Pittsburgh game two weeks ago and deleted him from the lineup last Saturday against Navy.

“I was tempted to play,” Floyd admitted earlier this week. “I just don’t think my hamstring was all the way where I wanted it to be last week, so I took it easy.

“But I’m feeling good, and (Tuesday) was my first practice since I messed up my hamstring. The only thing that kind of held me back was my stamina in practice. That was it. I think my chances are real high (to play) Saturday.”

Floyd made those comments Wednesday afternoon, just hours before team videographer Declan Sullivan fell to his death during practice. The scissor lift apparatus, where Sullivan was filming practice, tipped over in high winds.

There has been no media communications with Irish head coach Brian Kelly or the players since.

Floyd (44 receptions, 624 yards, 6 TDs) was fully padded and went full speed Tuesday for the first time in a practice session since Oct. 14.

“I think I contributed more than what the doctors wanted me to,” Floyd said, “but my body felt good, and that's what I did.”

Irish quarterback Dayne Crist, without All-America tight end Kyle Rudolph (hamstring surgery) for the rest of the season and second-leading receiver Theo Riddick (severe ankle sprain) for at least three more weeks, was thrilled to have a familiar face back in the lineup.

“He's the best in the country,” Crist said of Floyd. “That's what it comes down to, having a guy like that out there that can make plays is a huge help. I mean, he does so many things for us, even away from the play, blocking and things like that. Having his presence out there as a leader and really bringing those guys along is huge for our offense.”

Bearing it all

The University of Tulsa didn’t come close to selling out its visiting-team allotment, but one prominent Golden Hurricane alum wouldn’t think of missing the game.

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith, a former Tulsa player, and wife MaryAnne, will make the short 90-mile trip to ND stadium during the Bears’ bye weekend.

“I didn’t know anyone knew Tulsa was playing Notre Dame,’’ Smith joked. “I’m pumped up. Of course, Notre Dame is great program. My wife and I are loyal, devoted Tulsa fans. So we’re excited that they’re playing close to here.’’

“We run an exciting brand of ball still,’’ Smith said of Tulsa. “Sling the ball around quite a bit. (Head coach) Todd (Graham) has done a superb job there with the program. We can move the ball on people.”

Smith is one of four NFL coaches, past or present, the school has produced. The others are Sam Rutigliano, Tommy Hudspeth and Ray Rhodes.

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