Lou Holtz is coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish once again, The Fighting Irish Alumni team that is. On Saturday, July 25th, at 3AM US EST, Holtz will lead Notre Dame stars of yesterday into the Tokyo Dome for a gridiron battle against Team Japan in The Japan Bowl. Coach Kiyoyuki Mori will call the plays for Team Japan.
Holtz commented on the increasing popularity of football in the Land of The Rising Sun by saying, “Their football has improved tremendously,” Holtz said Friday at Tokyo Dome. “They’ve looked at film, they understand the game … if we have an advantage it’s in the lines, but they are quicker and in better shape so I’m a little worried about the second half.” Holtz coached the Fighting Irish for 11 years and finished with a 100-30-2 record. Earlier this month he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Team Notre Dame will be led by 41 year old former ND quarterback, Tony Rice. When asked about having the opportunity to play in the Japan Bowl Rice commented, “I’m 41 years old and when they asked me to do this, I said ‘you know what?, I’m gonna do it.” The roster also includes names such as Gary Godsey, Ron Israel, and Ray Zellers. Coaches for Team Notre Dame include Tim Brown, Gary Darnell, Reggie Brooks, and Chris Zorich.
Team Japan is led by star wide receiver Noriaki Kinoshita. Kinoshita was member of the Atlanta Falcons practice squad and has played for NFL Europe. Kinoshita made it clear that his team isn’t to be taken lightly by saying, “I have a pride in being Japanese and although I know football was born in the United States, I believe Japan is going to win,” earlier this week. If there’s anyone that can get his team fired up to play it is Holtz. I’m sure that he will use Kinoshita’s quote as material to incite intensity among his players.
It’s been a long time since these guys have strapped on the pads and played 4 quarters of football. My guess is that they’ll be feeling the pain from this one for a long time. We here at the Matador want to wish the best of luck to Coach Holtz and the Notre Dame Alumni football squad. Bring home the trophy!
