What would Hulk Hogan do if you challenged his manhood? Would a Notre Dame football player do the same? If not, why not?

ATTITUDE. PASSION. SWAGGER. TOUGHNESS. For years, Notre Dame football has lacked these traits. It’s as if the school is so concerned with the “good guy” image, they stymie their players from being individuals or having fun. You see this (and the resulting Irish season outcome), and then you see schools like USC, Florida (or other SEC school), and any Dennis Erickson-led school, show emotion and attitude (and their resulting season outcome). They could care less if they get a celebration penalty or randomly punt a football away from the referees, they make up for it by scoring another touchdown. These schools own the football field because of their rowdy behavior. They perform with stereotypical “MAN” etiquette, and it is wonderful.

Then you wonder why Notre Dame can’t go to church and still have some balls.

Well, this may finally be changing. Word from practice is that Irish coaches scolded the young Tyler Stockton when he got worked by mammoth Chris Stewart in the Irish Eyes (google “Oklahoma drill” if you don’t know what this is) drill. Stewart talked some trash, trying to invite a skirmish-WrestleMania style. Stockton backed down, and coaches got in his face and told him to stand up and defend himself. Be defiant. Be a man.

With Notre Dame often seeming timid in past seasons, you have to wonder if coaches ever have encouraged players to let testosterone take control every once in awhile. I would guess no.

But, if the coaching staff is finally encouraging some bravado now, we could see a whole new “nasty” Notre Dame team come this fall.

Wouldn’t that be great?

What Stockon Should Have Done.