Tag: Clearwater

Notre Dame to face Utah in MLB Network’s first live softball game

Some exciting news for the Irish.

Well, it’s February, which means we’re closer to warmer weather, which means we’re closer to softball season. So how about a first involving Notre Dame’s team? One that involves a first for MLB Network?

For the first time in its 15-year history, MLB Network will broadcast a live softball game. That game will involve the Irish and Utah at 1 p.m. EST Feb. 10 at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. Last year, MLB Network broadcast a game between UCLA and Oklahoma on tape delay.

This game vs. the Utes will be the third of five games the Irish play during this season-opening event. They also will take part in three other invitationals in the early part of the season. Their first game at Melissa Cook Stadium will be March 19 vs. Michigan State.

The Irish are coming off a season in which they went 30-19-1 and qualified for their 24th straight NCAA Tournament.

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Former Notre Dame O-lineman Dillan Gibbons transfers to Florida State

The Irish will see an old friend to begin the season.

Four days after Notre Dame offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons entered the transfer portal, he has made his decision. Gibbons, a native of Clearwater, Florida, will be headed close to home as he suits up for Florida State as a graduate student:

This makes Notre Dame’s 2021 season opener all the more intriguing as it’s slated to happen against the Seminoles on Sept. 5 in Tallahassee. On top of that, Gibbons and the rest of the Irish’s offensive line played a key role when these teams met in 2020. The unit didn’t allow any sacks and made 554 yards of total offense, including 353 on the ground, possible. That rushing total was more than double what the Seminoles’ defense allowed on average going into the game.

It will be interesting to see whether Gibbons can provide the Seminoles with Irish’s defensive line’s Achilles’ heel during their game plan or if that D-line knows exactly what to expect from him and uses that to its advantage. Of course, it will be more interesting if that particular aspect determines the outcome.