MB
@mbryan.bsky.social
the CFP discourse is going to be exhausting this week but I'd bet on:
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
the CFP discourse is going to be exhausting this week but I'd bet on:
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
if Miami somehow makes the ACC Championship they should have to take a blood oath that if they lose they forfeit the right to lobby for an at-large bid.
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
November 23, 2025 at 1:14 AM
if Miami somehow makes the ACC Championship they should have to take a blood oath that if they lose they forfeit the right to lobby for an at-large bid.
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
ok I thought they’d outscore them but this is wild
November 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
ok I thought they’d outscore them but this is wild
the S&T Notre Dame - Pitt review was sidelined this week, but threading a few nuggets below, back to regular programming next week.
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Spreadsheets & Tailgates: A Notre Dame Football Newsletter | Michael Bryan | Substack
A Notre Dame football newsletter with a blend of advanced stats, quick hits on the national college landscape, and the gameday experiences that make this sport the best. Click to read Spreadsheets & T...
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
the S&T Notre Dame - Pitt review was sidelined this week, but threading a few nuggets below, back to regular programming next week.
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Reposted by MB
So many playoff takes make me think of the adage "Everything’s a conspiracy when you don’t know how anything works." Hard to believe so many people are this dim and yet.
November 20, 2025 at 12:47 AM
So many playoff takes make me think of the adage "Everything’s a conspiracy when you don’t know how anything works." Hard to believe so many people are this dim and yet.
It won’t last, but I liked the at BYU / Indiana projected CFP brackets way better than the at Oregon / Ohio State ones we will see this week!
November 9, 2025 at 8:09 PM
It won’t last, but I liked the at BYU / Indiana projected CFP brackets way better than the at Oregon / Ohio State ones we will see this week!
Reposted by MB
☘️ new pod ☘️
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
November 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM
☘️ new pod ☘️
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
ND-Boston College Review:
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - Boston College Review: Sloppy Plays Ruin Strong Fundamentals
Missed kicks, dumb penalties (earned and bad calls), and empty early offensive possessions made an otherwise strong effort from the Irish look shaky against the Eagles
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:37 PM
ND-Boston College Review:
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
hand up, as soon as this made it out of drafts I had a feeling BC would be gross
November 1, 2025 at 11:21 PM
hand up, as soon as this made it out of drafts I had a feeling BC would be gross
YouTube TV rec: go old school, find local radio of the game you’d normally watch, build yourself a nice fire and tailgate it outside while you listen
November 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM
YouTube TV rec: go old school, find local radio of the game you’d normally watch, build yourself a nice fire and tailgate it outside while you listen
USC Review:
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - USC Review: The Irish Dominate the Trenches, Keep the Shillelagh Until the Trojans Want Another Fight
Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price ran at will while the defense shut down USC's run game, putting the pressure on Jayden Maiava and Lincoln Riley and then forcing them into critical mistakes
open.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
USC Review:
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Welp
Clemson and LSU getting the 2nd / 3rd most votes to win the title is insane
October 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Welp
scenario that’s totally in play
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
October 18, 2025 at 2:35 AM
scenario that’s totally in play
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
ND - USC Preview:
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - USC Preview: A Possible Last Dance with Playoffs on the Line
Two elite offenses take the field in South Bend, with the Irish and Trojans both power rated as top-15 teams. What will decide this chapter of a historic rivalry in danger of being cancelled?
open.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:08 PM
ND - USC Preview:
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Boise State review:
💥 With Leonard Moore back, the best Chris Ash's defense has looked (low bar). Is this bend but don't break formula sustainable?
👀 CJ Carr on an ok day (struggling with deep ball) still super productive
🥍 Jordan Faison making a leap
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
💥 With Leonard Moore back, the best Chris Ash's defense has looked (low bar). Is this bend but don't break formula sustainable?
👀 CJ Carr on an ok day (struggling with deep ball) still super productive
🥍 Jordan Faison making a leap
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Boise State - Notre Dame Review: A Defensive Revival Saves a Disjointed Green Out
The Irish defense turns back the clock, setting the tone on a day the ND offense uncharacteristically missed scoring opportunities and a ref show destroyed any rhythm
open.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Boise State review:
💥 With Leonard Moore back, the best Chris Ash's defense has looked (low bar). Is this bend but don't break formula sustainable?
👀 CJ Carr on an ok day (struggling with deep ball) still super productive
🥍 Jordan Faison making a leap
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
💥 With Leonard Moore back, the best Chris Ash's defense has looked (low bar). Is this bend but don't break formula sustainable?
👀 CJ Carr on an ok day (struggling with deep ball) still super productive
🥍 Jordan Faison making a leap
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Reposted by MB
☘️new pod☘️
@mbryan.bsky.social and @andrewsmith.bsky.social break down Notre Dame's win over Boise State. The offensive line and running backs continue to thrive, and hey is the defense officially good again? Let's discuss.
open.spotify.com/episode/76Vo...
@mbryan.bsky.social and @andrewsmith.bsky.social break down Notre Dame's win over Boise State. The offensive line and running backs continue to thrive, and hey is the defense officially good again? Let's discuss.
open.spotify.com/episode/76Vo...
Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 28 Boise State 7
open.spotify.com
October 5, 2025 at 1:05 PM
☘️new pod☘️
@mbryan.bsky.social and @andrewsmith.bsky.social break down Notre Dame's win over Boise State. The offensive line and running backs continue to thrive, and hey is the defense officially good again? Let's discuss.
open.spotify.com/episode/76Vo...
@mbryan.bsky.social and @andrewsmith.bsky.social break down Notre Dame's win over Boise State. The offensive line and running backs continue to thrive, and hey is the defense officially good again? Let's discuss.
open.spotify.com/episode/76Vo...
Purdue Review:
-Highlights from a dominant offensive performance
-Lots of scary passing defense (Chris Ash) charts
-A brief look ahead at Arkansas
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Highlights from a dominant offensive performance
-Lots of scary passing defense (Chris Ash) charts
-A brief look ahead at Arkansas
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - Purdue Review: Half-Successful Getting Back on Track
A near-flawless performance by the Irish offense fueled a runaway win, but Chris Ash's passing defense struggles continued and let the Trains hang around early
open.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Purdue Review:
-Highlights from a dominant offensive performance
-Lots of scary passing defense (Chris Ash) charts
-A brief look ahead at Arkansas
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Highlights from a dominant offensive performance
-Lots of scary passing defense (Chris Ash) charts
-A brief look ahead at Arkansas
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
answers here are basically a personality test of how much you like history / toxic rivalries / geography considerations
and congrats, everyone has passed the test so far (iykyk)
and congrats, everyone has passed the test so far (iykyk)
SEC inspired....if you could pick 3 annual matchups to lock in for Notre Dame, who would they be?
September 22, 2025 at 8:39 PM
answers here are basically a personality test of how much you like history / toxic rivalries / geography considerations
and congrats, everyone has passed the test so far (iykyk)
and congrats, everyone has passed the test so far (iykyk)
SEC inspired....if you could pick 3 annual matchups to lock in for Notre Dame, who would they be?
September 22, 2025 at 7:51 PM
SEC inspired....if you could pick 3 annual matchups to lock in for Notre Dame, who would they be?
Texas A&M Review:
-Diving into the many issues with a low havoc, high explosives allowed Chris Ash defense
-CJ Carr's strong early returns, especially on passing downs
-Pros and cons of the ND run game revival (fix short yardage!)
-A case for hanging in there
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Diving into the many issues with a low havoc, high explosives allowed Chris Ash defense
-CJ Carr's strong early returns, especially on passing downs
-Pros and cons of the ND run game revival (fix short yardage!)
-A case for hanging in there
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - Texas A&M Review: Into the 2-Loss Chaos
The Irish drop another wild toss-up game against the explosive Aggies. A bleak defensive effort spoiled the offensive rebound, and now Marcus Freeman must salvage another rough September
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Texas A&M Review:
-Diving into the many issues with a low havoc, high explosives allowed Chris Ash defense
-CJ Carr's strong early returns, especially on passing downs
-Pros and cons of the ND run game revival (fix short yardage!)
-A case for hanging in there
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Diving into the many issues with a low havoc, high explosives allowed Chris Ash defense
-CJ Carr's strong early returns, especially on passing downs
-Pros and cons of the ND run game revival (fix short yardage!)
-A case for hanging in there
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Reposted by MB
great Notre Dame/A&M breakdown by @mbryan.bsky.social but wanted to underline/bold the section on early scheduling, cannot abide the complaining about it. heck, there's a case you want to catch top teams early before they're fully formed, too.
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com/p/notre-dame...
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com/p/notre-dame...
September 17, 2025 at 12:25 PM
great Notre Dame/A&M breakdown by @mbryan.bsky.social but wanted to underline/bold the section on early scheduling, cannot abide the complaining about it. heck, there's a case you want to catch top teams early before they're fully formed, too.
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com/p/notre-dame...
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com/p/notre-dame...
saw texts from the future about the final play, couldn’t watch, and sat outside under a dark Texas sky listening to the rest of the game watch react and stayed out there a long time.
We are so back (to getting stabbed in the chest by the team you care about)
We are so back (to getting stabbed in the chest by the team you care about)
September 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM
saw texts from the future about the final play, couldn’t watch, and sat outside under a dark Texas sky listening to the rest of the game watch react and stayed out there a long time.
We are so back (to getting stabbed in the chest by the team you care about)
We are so back (to getting stabbed in the chest by the team you care about)
call him CAsh because that man needs his contract bought out today (I am unwell)
September 14, 2025 at 1:04 PM
call him CAsh because that man needs his contract bought out today (I am unwell)
A semi-preview of Texas A&M, looking at the 5 most important areas for the Irish to win on Saturday:
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
The 5 Most Important Stats for Notre Dame to Win Against Texas A&M
Monitoring the categories the Irish need to win in the home opener - early down efficiency, limiting the Aggies explosive receivers, creating havoc, and taking advantage of scoring chances
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A semi-preview of Texas A&M, looking at the 5 most important areas for the Irish to win on Saturday:
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
i need a moratorium on Dan Lanning hype speeches trending until he wins a playoff game.
tip of the cap for eviscerating Mike Gundy after he talked too much, but can’t do this “elite motivator“ stuff when last two seasons had a CFP blowout loss and your rival beating you twice to miss it
tip of the cap for eviscerating Mike Gundy after he talked too much, but can’t do this “elite motivator“ stuff when last two seasons had a CFP blowout loss and your rival beating you twice to miss it
September 10, 2025 at 2:55 AM
i need a moratorium on Dan Lanning hype speeches trending until he wins a playoff game.
tip of the cap for eviscerating Mike Gundy after he talked too much, but can’t do this “elite motivator“ stuff when last two seasons had a CFP blowout loss and your rival beating you twice to miss it
tip of the cap for eviscerating Mike Gundy after he talked too much, but can’t do this “elite motivator“ stuff when last two seasons had a CFP blowout loss and your rival beating you twice to miss it