West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 25 - Baker Mayfield is Not a Role Model. He’s a Football Player.

In the opening take, Lee explains why Baker Mayfield's sideline antics against Kansas were not that big of a deal. Then Grant joins in for a deep dive talk on intellectual honesty, sports figures as role models, and how this latest Mayfield situation could actually be good for OU moving forward. Oh, and we talk about the Sooners blow out win over Kansas.
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4:20 Baker Mayfield may have angered some people on Saturday.
5:15 Baker Mayfield’s postgame statement
6:10 Grant explains his conflicted thoughts in regards to Baker Mayfield and the way he carries himself
10:00 It’s important to be intellectually honest when discussing this Mayfield situation.
11:30 does Kansas bear some responsibility? I mean the Jayhawks’ football program seems to have a loser mentality.
13:30 two things can be true at once: 1) Mayfield’s actions were dumb 2) KU should be embarrassed by the way they handled themselves
14:45 Lee is a pregame handshake truther
16:35 KU was obviously trying to make a statement before the game
17:20 will Heisman voters change their votes based on this?
19:40 why does our society tend to look to athletes to be role models?
22:50 Baker Mayfield single handedly made the Kansas game interesting
24:00 Lee doesn’t like that Mayfield feels the need to apologize to parents and kids
26:10 it’s fair to point to Mayfield and say “that is how you should play the game.”
27:10 Grant provides his final thoughts on Mayfield and he brings up another elite OU quarterback to make his point
29:10 Baker Mayfield has that “killer instinct” that only the best QBs possess
30:45 Lee thinks this situation can actually be a good thing for Mayfield and the Sooners moving forward
33:00 hey Baker when you leave the football field, maybe keep it PG
35:00 should we have seen OU’s poor offensive performance coming?
36:55 Mayfield’s accuracy was an issue at times against KU. Maybe just the wind’s fault?
42:00 any cause for concern in regard to the OU offense?
42:45 Mayfield finishes his career 14-0 in true road games
43:10 statistically OU’s defense had its best game of the year
45:40 OU’s defense did what it needed to do against a bad team like Kansas and the Sooners exceeded Lee’s expectations.
46:20 Parnell Motley started over Tre Brown. Discussing the improved Sooners secondary.
53:15 Wisconsin-Michigan provided not a whole lot of fireworks.
55:20 Wisconsin has faced maybe two competent offensive teams all season long
58:50 that awful Michigan offense is the best offense Wisconsin has seen this year in the Big Ten
59:30 Miami is really weird team and it seems like the Canes are relying too much on forcing turnovers
1:02:50 we did not see OSU losing to K-State coming. Lee sees that as evidence that the Cowboys culture is not up to par.
1:07:50 OSU fans will look back at this year as a huge missed opportunity

Ep. 24 - The Committee Really Botched This One

In the opening take, Grant explains that a lot of the top teams in college football are flawed -- which could benefit the Sooners. Then Lee joins in to talk about what we want to see in the OU-KU game. Plus the guys seriously question the latest CFP rankings (Grant is not happy).
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4:20 for some reason Grant remembers a lot about the 2009 OU-Kansas games
6:50 KU’s defensive line is actually pretty good — which is weird because the Jayhawks defense is terrible overall
9:05 KU has some defensive players with insane numbers this season — yet the Jayhawks allow 40+ points per game
10:05 KU’s defense is bad in the S&P rankings — but the Jayhawks are ranked higher than OU’s D
12:20 where could KU provide some resistance against OU’s offense?
15:00 here’s what we want to see out of the Sooners’ offense in this KU game
18:25 concerned about OU’s motivation level for this game?
19:45 OU defense injury update
20:10 discussing the bizarre situation surrounding Jordan Thomas not being on the sidelines for the TCU game
22:30 Lee thought the OU defense looked like a National Championship defense at times against TCU
23:20 Tre Norwood played very well against TCU. That’s two good games in a row for him
23:55 film study leads Lee to think that Tre Brown could become a liability
25:00 it looks like Robert Barnes is struggling right now.
25:45 kudos to the defensive line for their performance against TCU
27:45 taking a closer look at KU’s offense
29:40 Grant tries to warn us it’s likely KU’s poor offense will probably move the ball and score against OU
31:50 KU’s scoring against OU will probably come on the big play — because the Sooners give them up and KU tends to hit some
34:10 if we are ever going to see OU’s defense dominate this season it would have to be this week
35:35 based on the numbers this is basically like playing UTEP again
36:10 Grant gives his OU-KU prediction
38:30 Lee gives his OU-KU prediction
40:10 Grant thinks Austin Seibert has all of a sudden turned into one of the best kickers in the country
41:45 Briefly going over the Big 12 slate this weekend
44:00 time to talk about the latest CFP rankings
44:45 Kirby Hocutt started talking and logic went out the window
45:35 Clemson ahead of OU right now is a joke
46:15 Grant thinks the committee will be looking for a reason to jump Wisconsin over OU this week
48:50 Joel Klatt gets it
49:40 Grant continues to blast the committee
51:45 it’s somewhat troubling the committee doesn’t seem to be respecting OU’s resume at this time
53:25 The guys reveal their Top 10
1:08:20 thank you to one of the listeners who is an Alabama fan. We talk about your team here for a bit.
1:10:20 Week 12 Picks
TCU-Texas Tech
UCF-Temple
Kentucky-Georgia
Navy-Notre Dame
Michigan-Wisconsin

Ep. 23 - Stunned By How Easy That Win Was

In the opening take, Lee praises the Sooners for their workmanlike effort on a day where some of the best teams in college football went down. Then Grant joins in to talk atmosphere at Owen Field and the ease with which OU moved the football against one of the best defenses in the nation. Plus Lee breaks down a little film, and how about all those freshmen starting on the Sooners defense?!
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3:00 Lee was at the OU-TCU game, so the guys talk about the atmosphere at Owen Field Saturday night.
4:05 comparing and contrasting the 2008 Texas Tech game to the 2017 TCU game
6:10 Grant points out other instances where the OU crowd was really good outside of 2008 Tech
8:25 Grant was thoroughly impressed with TCU’s defense
9:35 Lee reminds everybody that he was basically spot on when it came to breaking down the OU offense vs. the TCU defense last week
12:00 did OU’s win over TCU look like one of those dominating Alabama SEC-type wins?
12:30 stunned by how easy of a win that was for OU
13:30 Lincoln Riley admitted that he was looking to chew up more clock in the second half
14:45 OU has shown an ability this season to win a bunch of different types of games
16:30 Grant says OU won that game in the first half and thinks the Sooners could have won the game by 40 if they wanted to
17:40 OU’s offense is on pace to be the best offense in school history
20:10 film study time as Lee breaks down some plays that stood out to him from the Sooners offense
24:40 great to see Grant Calcaterra get back in the end zone
25:05 Mayfield to Calcaterra TD was an NFL throw and an NFL catch
26:05 thinking back to all the preseason questions surrounding the offense
29:00 this is a truly special offense we are witnessing
30:35 OU’s offense is so far and away better than every other offense in college football
32:10 it would be a shame if the nation did not get a chance to watch Baker Mayfield and OU play in the Final 4
34:00 TCU’s defensive S&P rating dropped 10 spots
35:00 Lee still thinks Texas has a better defense than TCU
36:15 the Sooners defense played pretty okay Saturday against TCU
38:00 it seemed like the OU secondary was much better with the ball in the air during this game
39:25 Jordan Thomas did not play and Lee did not see him down on the field during the game
41:55 Grant gives us an update on his “3 stops per half” bar for the OU defense
44:55 Kansas is more similar to UTEP and Tulane than any other teams in the Big 12
46:10 Du’Vonta Lampkin played great against TCU and he has the ability to dominate for stretches of games
48:10 it always seems like Kenneth Mann flashes
48:30 DJ Ward has been the most consistent player on the Sooners defense this season
49:50 Saturday worked out extremely well for OU’s playoff chances
52:15 Lee thinks a lot of people around the nation were surprised when they saw the OU-TCU score
53:30 anybody who seriously believes anyone other than Mayfield will win the Heisman should just stop. Unless something bizarre or unexpected happens — the trophy is his.

Ep. 22 - The Best Player in Program History Just Called You Out

In the opening take, Grant explains that the OU fan base has a 2008 Texas Tech problem. Then Lee joins to try and make the case that TCU's defense may not be as good as everybody says it is. Plus Grant shares one statistic that heavily favors the Sooners' offense. When we're done predicting what will happen Saturday night in Norman, we provide an updated Top 10 and Week 11 Picks!
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3:10 a big “thank you” to all the listeners
5:50 is the TCU defense the best defense OU will have faced so far this season?
8:00 when the Frogs play elite offenses TCU’s defense is not as elite as the numbers would suggest
10:50 TCU’s defense is highly ranked in S&P
12:05 Grant shares a huge stat that heavily favors OU’s offense against TCU’s defense
14:00 an immovable object vs an unstoppable force
15:40 a closer look at TCU’s games against OSU and West Virginia
17:35 TCU’s defense does not get shredded and is extremely aggressive
20:00 will OU be able to run the ball against TCU?
24:30 TCU defense film study
28:10 Lee provides his 2 keys to the game when OU has the football
29:20 Grant will be looking for efficiency from OU’s offense early in the game
31:40 it’s worth mentioning that OU put up a lot of points on TCU the past 2 years
32:30 we give an OU defense injury update
33:15 What scares you the most about TCU’s offense?
34:00 Lee expects Tre Norwood to start against TCU, and Lee is intrigued by what the Sooners’ secondary could look like Saturday
35:35 it’s good that OU’s young secondary got a massive test last week against OSU’s offense
37:10 Lee is worried about Kenny Hill - Grant is more concerned about other TCU players
40:35 TCU offense film study time
42:00 Grant expects TCU to come out throwing against OU
42:45 Kenny Hill hasn’t done a whole lot in his last 2 games and he’s a way different player away from home
43:50 Lee shares an OU defense stat that will make you go “hmm” in a hopeful way
44:35 Grant predicts the OU-TCU outcome
45:55 Lee predicts the OU-TCU outcome
48:00 Texas-Kansas
48:20 Texas Tech-Baylor
49:00 West Virginia-Kansas State
49:45 TCU’s offense is statistically close to Kansas State
50:25 OSU-Iowa State
51:55 Top 10
1:01:45 Lee saw an incredible thing in the Notre Dame-WF game that he has never seen before
1:03:25 Week 11 Picks
Washington-Stanford
Alabama-Mississippi State
Iowa-Wisconsin
Georgia-Auburn
Notre Dame-Miami

Ep. 21 - Don’t Waste Baker Mayfield’s Talent

In the opening take, Lee waxes poetic about the best quarterback and the best offense in college football. Then Grant joins in for a deep exhale after the Sooners Bedlam win. The guys try and fix OU's defense, find a little bit of hope moving forward, and Lee second guesses Lincoln Riley.
3:40 Bedlam was a stressful watch
5:15 OU’s defense is fortunate to have gotten out of that game having allowed only 52 points
6:25 What is wrong with OU’s defense?
9:10 Lee is incredibly frustrated that the defense is scheming to prevent big plays — yet OU gives up a ton of big plays
11:50 Grant has made peace with this Sooners defense
14:30 Jordan Thomas had a big cast on his right leg at the end of the game and his health moving forward is in question
15:15 Tre Norwood played really well against OSU and he may have saved the game with a huge play in the 4th quarter.
18:25 Lee breaks down the 2nd qtr TD pass to James Washington and explains that it was not totally on Parnell Motley
20:10 Grant points out that Rudolph made a lot of great throws against OU
21:00 was Rudolph dealing with a shoulder issue on Saturday?
22:15 Jordan Thomas vs Marcell Ateman
23:50 OU’s experienced secondary has struggled this year and Grant wants to see the DBs simply go back to fundamentals
24:35 Grant comes in fire hot saying Ateman is objectively better than James Washington
26:55 Lee has hope for the defense moving forward
30:05 The advance stats show that offenses are not efficient against OU’s defense — so the Sooners should probably just quit giving up big plays
32:10 it’s worth mentioning that OU’s defense was able to get a stop at the end of the game when the Sooners needed it
32:50 we discuss the targeting penalty against Will Johnson
35:15 the Sooners got lucky on that last 4th down play where Rudolph overthrew Tyron Johnson
36:35 OU’s offense was great, but both of Mayfield’s interceptions were bad
37:15 Mayfield is clearly the best QB in OU history
38:40 Marquise Brown leads the Sooners in receiving yards
42:00 it’s annoying when people who don’t watch Big 12 football say the Big 12 doesn’t play defense
43:10 OU may have the best offense in the history of college football
47:10 Mayfield made an amazing play on that throw back pass to Rodney Anderson which resulted in a TD
49:15 Lee questions Lincoln Riley’s decision to call a timeout in the 3rd quarter. Grant comes to Riley’s defense.
52:10 Grant turns into a football film study guru by breaking down a NFL-like play made by CeeDee Lamb

Ep. 20 - Bedlam is Here. Let’s Get Weird.

In the opening take of our best (and longest) episode to date, Grant urges the Sooners faithful to be intellectually honest about their favorite team. Then Lee joins to preview Saturday's early November Playoff elimination game, AKA Bedlam. After that the guys discuss the release of the first CFP rankings and provide their Week 10 picks.
3:00 looking back at memorable plays from the 2008 Bedlam game in Stillwater
7:20 The OSU offense is really, really good and the OU defense is inconsistent at best
8:00 What scares you the most about the OSU offense?
8:30 The Cowboys have an incredible advantage over OU when it comes to big plays when OSU has the football
10:25 OSU is not afraid to run the football. A lot.
12:15 OSU can beat you in a ton of different ways offensively and the Pokes are the scariest offense in college football (aside from OU)
15:30 Obo is an obvious advantage on the defensive side of the ball for the Sooners.
16:45 OU’s D-line has quietly gotten better
18:20 we don’t trust the Sooners secondary right now
20:00 What should OU’s game plan be against this Cowboys offense?
22:50 looking back at the OSU-Texas game to find some clues on how to slow the Pokes offense
25:05 The guys disagree about what OU did defensively against Texas Tech and they argue about what the Sooners did in that 1st qtr last week. It gets heated.
28:50 West Virginia utilized a press 2-man with good amounts of success last week against OSU. That’s something OU could try against the Pokes.
30:05 we hope OU watched a lot of film this week because OSU can be predictable with its RPOs
30:55 worst case scenario for OU’s defense in this game
32:00 best case scenario for the Sooners’ defense
35:30 how does OSU’s defense stack up against other defenses OU has faced this season?
36:35 OSU’s defense is not afraid to be aggressive and send pressure. OU is catching the Cowboys at a bad time.
38:00 OSU’s defense was very good against a great offense last week
38:40 OSU’s defense is head and shoulders above OU’s defense, but Grant is not very concerned because the Sooners’ offense is so good.
40:05 Grant says OU’s offense has the positional advantage everywhere on the field
41:00 OSU has a bunch of talent on its defense
42:00 Lee questions Pro Football Focus in regards to a play in the OSU-WVU game
43:20 Lincoln Riley loves the Cowboys defensive line
45:00 can OU learn anything from OSU’s loss to TCU?
46:30 OU has a distinct advantage in the trenches against most teams
47:10 worst case scenario for OU’s offense in Bedlam
48:40 best case scenario for OU’s offense
50:55 OSU is favored in this game and the guys decide that makes sense
52:10 looking at the coaching matchup. Will Mike Gundy be extremely conservative again like last year?
54:00 is Mason Rudolph fully healthy?
55:20 Lee is afraid to make a prediction because he doesn’t want to be wrong. Grant makes a prediction but then hedges as Grant is wont to do
56:40 Baylor-KU
57:30 Kansas State-Texas Tech
57:45 Iowa State-West Virginia
59:30 Texas-TCU
1:00:30 discussing the first CFP rankings
1:04:35 The guys share their Top 10
1:06:50 time for the weekly hate directed towards Penn State
1:17:25 Grant has Ohio State at No. 3 and he explains why he has the Buckeyes over the Sooners
1:18:15 Lee continues to rank Ohio State very high and explains why the Buckeyes are ahead of OU right now
1:19:35 The guys make their Week 10 picks
Penn State-Michigan State
Clemson-NC State
LSU-Alabama
Virginia Tech-Miami
Arizona-USC

Ep. 19 - The Sooners Still Control Their Own Destiny

In the opening take, Lee explains despite what may happen this week when the first College Football Playoff rankings are released, OU still controls its own destiny. Then Grant joins in to break down the good and the bad from Saturday's Homecoming win over Texas Tech.
5:00 that first quarter against Tech may have been OU’s worst defensive quarter of the season
6:10 What was up with OU’s defensive game plan at the beginning?
7:30 is it crazy for us to think the Sooners didn’t expect Tech to run the ball a lot?
9:15 it looked like the Sooners defensive scheme set them up to fail in the first quarter
10:30 Lee is trying to figure out if OU’s defense is too complicated for the players
11:50 Jordan Thomas actually had a fine game, but Tech may have been Parnell Motley’s worst game of the year
12:45 Lee tries to explain what was supposed to happen on that Tech TD pass that gave the Red Raiders a 20-14 lead
14:30 The defense looked timid early on in the game
15:00 once OU changed its scheme the Sooners defense transformed into a good unit the rest of the way
16:25 tip of the cap to Mike Stoops for that blitz in the 2nd quarter that resulted in an interception by Caleb Kelly
18:15 it was great to see that Texas Tech didn’t score any garbage time TDs
18:30 Lee’s viewpoints of the game drastically changed from the end of the contest to now
20:30 Tech has been struggling, but the Red Raiders are very good at the skill positions
21:10 looking at the positives: that’s 2 games in a row that we’ve seen in game improvement from OU’s defense
22:25 Grant has finally figured out the OU defense
23:20 JT and Motley are good players but they’ve struggled this season when the ball is in the air
24:20 Mayfield thought he didn’t play well, and Lee is curious about the QB’s health
27:00 is this OU offense becoming better than the 2008 OU offense?
28:00 Grant praises the Sooners offensive line and he thinks OU may have the best running game in college football
32:30 OU’s offense puts an incredible amount of pressure on opposing teams
33:45 it’s ridiculous that OSU is not in the Top 10
34:10 a lot of dominoes fell in college football on Saturday
34:30 when the Playoff rankings come out this week we will know right away how much weight the win over Ohio State carries
36:35 OU is in a better spot right now than the Sooners were when they made the Playoff 2 years ago
37:00 the guys provide their initial thoughts on Oklahoma State and the upcoming Bedlam game
41:30 quick thoughts on Iowa State

Ep. 18 - Hopefully We Don’t Give Up 900 Yards

In the opening take, Grant reminds us all that the most difficult thing about being a fan -- is being honest about your favorite team. Then Lee joins in to reminisce about the "Jump Around" game from 2008, talk about Baker Mayfield not practicing last week, and we do our best to get you all ready for the Sooners and Red Raiders on Saturday.
3:15 looking back on the “Jump Around” game from 2008. You have no soul if you don’t get goosebumps just thinking about that night.
7:15 I wonder if OU will show up this Saturday? I mean, we have no idea what to expect from this team.
9:35 Does gaining experience in close games actually help a team?
11:20 Baker Mayfield wasn’t healthy against K-State and didn’t even practice last week. What a baller.
12:45 Grant thinks this is the most inconsistent OU team he’s ever seen.
13:30 Lee is frustrated because the Sooners have the best offense in the nation by far — yet the OU defense renders that offense irrelevant sometimes.
16:15 Abdul Adams was available to play last week
16:55 OU needs to get 3 stops per half on defense
17:10 Previewing OU-Tech by looking back at last week’s TT-Iowa State game. Can the Sooners figure out how to slow down the Red Raiders like ISU did?
29:30 looking back at last year’s OU-Tech game in Lubbock AKA the worst football game ever
32:25 What’s going to happen Saturday night at Owen Field?
34:10 taking a look at the Big 12 slate this week
36:40 The guys unveil their latest Top 10 rankings
49:35 Week 9 Picks
Oklahoma State-West Virginia
TCU-Iowa State
NC State-Notre Dame
Georgia Tech-Clemson
Penn State-Ohio State
#collegefootball #ncaafootball #westofeverest #ou #oklahoma #oklahomasooners #oufootball #sooners #soonersfootball #bakermayfield #texastech

Ep. 17 - Time to Scrap the Wildcat

Lee has some sobering observations about the OU football team in the opening take. Then Grant joins to try and figure out what we saw in Manhattan Saturday.
3:45 Grant is tired of these close games
5:20 Mike Stoops said it seemed like trying to stop Kansas State was like trying to stop a Wing-T offense. Lee is alarmed that OU was not prepared to stop K-State’s 1-dimensional offense
8:20 it looked like OU’s defense was reacting to Kansas State’s offense as opposed to utilizing an aggressive approach. The Sooners looked completely different after halftime.
10:00 Grant provides his take on what he saw from the defense in the first half
12:15 talking about Wildcat adult entertainment
14:10 KSU’s ability to stay away from long yardage situations always created doubt in the minds of OU’s defenders
15:35 Grant’s solution to stopping K-State’s offense
16:45 Mother Nature was the real MVP Saturday
17:25 Watching Alex Delton throw was difficult — yet he was successful. K-State always seems to produce effective QBs who can’t really throw.
19:55 Defensive positives? Yes we have them!
21:50 Grant makes the argument that this Sooners team looks a lot like last year’s version — and that could be a good thing.
23:05 Lee was right there for Jordan Thomas’s first interception of the season
23:45 The offense played really well and Mayfield was fantastic yet again.
25:30 What was up with all the stoppages in play? That was ridiculous.
26:25 Grant never wants to the Wildcat formation again.
27:00 discussing those bizarre sequences when Mayfield was not in the game and OU ran the Wildcat. Is Mayfield healthy?
28:15 Lincoln Riley’s comments after the game in regards to Mayfield and running the Wildcat
32:45 K-State left Mayfield completely uncovered during a couple of Wildcat formations. Why not throw it to him?
33:40 Grant is fed up with your Wildcat excuses.
34:10 if something was wrong with Mayfield, why were they running him for touchdowns in the 2nd half?
35:00 Grant is disappointed that Mayfield’s interception had to be included on the stat sheet
35:40 this was a Rodney Anderson game
39:35 that was Marquise Brown’s best game as a Sooner
40:40 Austin Seibert — GREAT JOB AGAIN
42:40 discussing that weird flea flicker penalty for intentional grounding
43:20 Grant puts a bow on where the Sooners offense is right now
46:10 the schedule gets tougher for OU — and that’s a bummer
48:35 OU knows it has to win out in order to reach the Playoff, which I guess is a positive because the Sooners were successful in a similar situation last season.

Ep. 16 - Take Advantage of K-State and Go Have Some Fun

In the opening take, Grant explains that Saturday's game in Manhattan could tell us once and for all if OU is a legitimate Playoff team -- or not. Then Lee joins to find out if the Sooners will stop this crap where they let teams back in games? Should we be worried about Alex Delton, and what's the most intriguing game in college football this week? Plus the guys update their Top 10!
2:45 17 years ago Tim Duncan kicked the eventual game winning FG against Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship Game
4:00 the weather is not looking great for Saturday’s game in Manhattan
5:50 Hey maybe OU can stop this whole thing where they start fast and then let teams get back into the game
9:20 does Abdul Adams play this week?
10:40 Discussing Marcelias Sutton’s role right now within the running back group
12:30 is Kansas State’s defense good?
17:20 How should OU attack the K-State defense in this game?
21:00 Who is Alex Delton and should OU’s defense be worried about him?
23:45 Look for K-State to try and mirror what Texas did against OU last week.
26:45 Delton has looked uncomfortable when blitzed and that even affects his running abilities
27:35 Grant explains his biggest fear for Saturday’s game
28:30 Don’t we all kind of think there’s a legitimate chance the Sooners defense will not be prepared?
29:30 Lee thinks the defensive game plan should be similar to the Texas game, but he’s worried that the guys will overlook KSU’s 1-dimensional offense
30:45 looking back at the 2015 game at Kansas State
32:05 Grant predicts what will happen Saturday
33:15 Lee gives his game prediction and score
35:30 Iowa State plays at Texas Tech on Saturday and this game is fascinating
39:10 Baylor hosts West Virginia and Grant doesn’t think the line looks right
40:40 the guys unveil their Top 10 rankings for Week 8
53:50 the guys make their Week 8 picks
Oklahoma State-Texas
Syracuse-Miami
UCF-Navy
Michigan-Penn State
USC-Notre Dame