Feature: Mad Leprechaun: Beyond Goldendome

Mad Leprechaun: Beyond Goldendome is an examination of all things Notre Dame football.

The most storied university in college football history is at the crossroads of one of the darkest periods in its long football lineage. The column attempts to examine and interpret the Irish's play on the field but also to go a step further and consider the greater ramifications of the modern football atmosphere and environment on the mythological status of the Fighting Irish -- if such a concept even exists anymore -- and the modern continuation of their historical success.

Will the university with 11 National Championships and 7 Heisman Trophy Winners (tied with USC for the most) ever return to prominence? "Beyond Goldendome" will attempt to be a guide to it's readers on the path towards this discovery, whether the outcome is renewed glory or further dissent into crushing disappointment.

Columnists

Anthony Tobis

Articles in this feature

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• Jimmy Clausen's Fortunate Draft-Day Fall

  The former Notre Dame star is going to a solid team, which could be the best thing for his career.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Apr 25, 2010

• Brian Kelly Takes His Place As Notre Dame's Coach

  The Irish set their sights on one man, and unlike their past tribulations, this time they got their prize.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Dec 13, 2009

• State of the Irish Union: Clausen, Tate, and Kelly, Oh My!

  With Clausen and Tate out and Kelly presumably in, the Irish look towards a another new era in the programs increasingly less storied history in 2010.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Dec 09, 2009

• Weis Leaves Notre Dame In Decent Shape

  His five-year reign may be over, but his recruiting will help the next guy in line.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Dec 01, 2009

• UConn Further Tarnishes the Golden Dome On Weis' Watch

  With a loss to lowly UConn, the fighting Irish spiral further down the toilet, with their coach pushing the handle to flush.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Nov 22, 2009

• The Numbers Are Clear: Weis Has To Go

  The facts are clear; time has run out for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Nov 12, 2009

• Weis and the Irish Lose to Navy... Again

  Notre Dame loses to Navy for the second time in three years.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Nov 07, 2009

• Notre Dame vs Navy Preview

  With the return of Michael Floyd, the Irish offensive will finally be at full strength which is fatal news for their opponents.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Nov 07, 2009

• Notre Dame Finally Gets An Easy One, Dominates Washington State

  Notre Dame dominates inferior Washington State, as team fires on all cylinders.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Oct 31, 2009

• Notre Dame Finally Wins The Holy War

  With some timely defensive plays, Kyle McCarthy led the Irish to victory in the Holy War 2009.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Oct 26, 2009

• The Holy War Preview: Remembering Back to the Kick That Changed Everything

  A look back at the battle in the "Holy War" the changed the course of two programs.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Oct 22, 2009

• Weis' Inexcusable Playcalling Against USC

  Charlie Weis' genius once again led the Irish to defeat. You don't say.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Oct 19, 2009

• Top Five Notre Dame Coaches Ever

  Hint: Charlie Weis is not on this list.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Oct 11, 2009

• Notre Dame Marches to Victory Over Washington With Overtime Win

  With Saturday's overtime drama, Weis and the Irish may finally have notched the win they needed to right their course this season.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Oct 03, 2009

• Despite Injuries and Poor Coaching, the Irish Win 24-21 Over Purdue

  While the Irish gutted out another win, despite a rash on injuries to their skill players, misteps by the coaching continue to hinder the talented team.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Sep 27, 2009

• Dayne Crist Will See Time at QB Vs. Purdue

  Jimmy Clausen's turf toe has opened the door for Dayne Crist to show what he can do for the Irish.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Sep 22, 2009

• Irish Squeak One Out Over the Spartans, Weis Safe For Another Week

  While beating MSU for the first time at home in 15 years, the win still shows weakness in the Notre Dame program.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Sep 19, 2009

• Charlie Weis Possibly Seals His Fate

  Notre Dame's sickening 38-34 loss to Michigan oughta take care of the coach's future in South Bend.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Sep 12, 2009

• Clausen and Floyd Lead Irish Domination of Nevada in Home Opener

  With other teams like Ohio State struggling in the first week, the Irish are in midseaeson form.

  Opinion by Anthony Tobis — on Sep 05, 2009