Golden Domer

Jimmy Clausen #7

So really, who is this mysterious Jimmy character? Masked behind the image of an arrogant Californian kid, I dont think anyone has seen the real Jimmy behind the mask. The only thing we do know is that he has yet to live up to his hype... The famed Jimmy Clausen arrived in South Bend at the College Hall of Fame to commit to Notre Dame. His arrogance was highlighted not only by the limo that he arrived in, but also by his ridiculous hair style... Guaranteeing four national championships, Clausen called attention to Notre Dame, and after a 3-9 record, Clausen was criticized more than Charlie Weis. He was the #1 football recruit coming out of high school in 2006 and has since disappeared behind the scrutiny thrown at him by the media, fans, and foes alike.

As a freshmen, Clausen was thrown to the dogs three games into his Irish career. Looking like a baby among adults, Clausen was sacked a record 58 times.. His 2007 year was summarized by a flaky line followed by a horde of opponents chasing after the freshman... Not the sort of year expected as the #1 recruit.. and 2008 wasn't much different.

After scraping by San Diego State, a so called "cupcake" team, to start off the 2008 National Championship campaign, Notre Dame looked anything but Championship bound. The rest of the 2008 season did nothing but darken Jimmy's identity. After throwing for 383 yards against #22 ranked North Carolina in a heart-wrenching loss, Jimmy then threw for only 202 yards and 1 pick against a winless Washington... WASHINGTON? Jimmy only continued to beffudle me.. after overthrowing a wide open Michael Floyd in the end zone, which would have sealed an overtime victory against a formidable opponent (Pittsburgh), Clausen threw four picks and was shut out by Boston College... To make matter worse, needing a win against a God-awful Syracuse to bolster the already disintegrating fan loyalty, Clausen and company instead choked in front of Manti Teo, a highly sought after recruit and the rest of the Irish faithful.. like a slap to the face of God himself, Jimmy only continued Irish woes by throwing for 40, yes 40!!!!!! yards versus #5 USC. As if 40 yards wasn't bad enough, it was against hated USC scum... oh what I would do for a win against USC.... but nevertheless, the Irish went 6-6, even though they were predicted to win double digit games at the beginning of the year... headed into the Hawaii Bowl, no one knew what to expect..

The Irish could either A. continue the Irish tradition of losing bowl games, or B. Win the game on Christmas eve, and give every Irish fan the greatest Christmas present of all.. a bowl win! Clausen chose B. What a smart cookie. Clausen displayed brilliance on that Christmas eve, brilliance that even the Grinch couldn't help but notice. Clausen threw for an astounding 400 yards with 5 touchdowns. Clausen was flawless.. literally. The only incompletions he had were the receiver's fault, not his. I don't think I have ever seen such a display of talent out of a Notre Dame quarterback. It was almost as though the Gods had shown Jimmy the light, and blessed him with half God- half Tim Tebow like abilities. Now this was Jimmy's true identity. This blonde-haired, arrogant Cali boy, with a smile stretching from South Bend to Hawaii, was the true Jimmy Clausen. I couldn't blame him though, I too was smiling. But then I realized, this was Hawaii, the same Hawaii which had the 79th ranked passing defense in 2008. So was it Clausen's gun that stomped on Hawaii's Christmas cheer that day? or was it just an awful Hawaii team? I don't know, and I really don't think anyone knows. No one will truly know who Jimmy Clausen is until the next season unfolds. Will he be the next Golden Boy, a shining star in the center of college football highlights? Or will he be Mr. Hyde, tossing picks left and right, leading the Irish into their certain deaths? Although my patience is running dear, I will have to hold my opinion on Clausen until September 5, 2009. After then, let the judging begin..