Concerns About the Stanford Game?

[tommyIRISH23]

this game will be won and lost for us "between kellys ears" on the offensive side of the ball.

pray to god he doesnt pull a usc 2011, tulsa 2010 etc.

Kelly didnt do much wrong against SC. He put the team positions to win, but didnt execute. I'm sure he didn't draw the plays in the dirt during the huddle and cross his fingers that his team would execute. They probably ran those plays 700 times correctly, but just **** the bed during the game.

I've have been very impressed with Kelly's playcalling and coaching this season. He looks in the zone on the sidelines during the game.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Still not sure what to make of this team. Crazy year in CFB. This is the first legitimate team, meaning offense and defense, we'll face this year. I am fine with the D, the O is my concern. Kelly has continually said he isn't showing much because he hasn't had to. Not sure how much I believe that.

With every W another week goes by with EG learning the offense under fire. Hopefully he has enough under his belt to manage the offense and the D slams the door shut, again.

And yah, the punting game. There is that. How in the hell do you only punt it 30 yards? Your only job is to kick a ball. You could practice that with a pal every day for 3 hours outside of regular practice...

I believe Kelly when he said he hasn't showed too much because he hasn't had to. Why risk turning the ball over trying to be cute? I think Kelly is taking responsibility for the turnovers. I think if he needed too, he'd open it up, like if the game was on the line, or our defense wasn't the best in the country. I think we will see him tentatively open the playbook up this weekend. If ND jumps to a quick lead (10-0/14-0) they end up in the drivers seat by forcing Stanfords hand in throwing the ball and forcing them to get "cute" out of their comfort zone and potentially rack up some TO's.

 

[stlnd01]

No question, this pencils out as our toughest game yet. Stanford doesn't suck. And they match up well with us, especially on (their) defense.

To me, the best thing going for us is this: They've smacked us in the mouth each of the last two years and put us on our heels the whole game. I think this crew remembers that and doesn't come out the least bit cocky. We play hungry, instead of with "swag," and win in some nasty, grind-it-out 14-10 fashion.

 

[Black Irish]

Why doesn't Golson play the whole game in blowout situations, he needs all the reps he can get.

I agree. Golson's 1st quarter against Miami was good but I wanted to see him get more PT. The Irish will need to air it out against Stanford so Golson needs all the practice he can get in live game situations. And as far as worrying about him being injured, well, if you are playing not to lose then you aren't really playing to win.

 

[TDHeysus]

they have an athletic defense; their dlinemen and LB's can ruin ND's day. Their TE's are still a threat. Stanford has some holes in the roster, but they are still a very dangerous team and I feel if they are overlooked for a second its gonna be bad news.

Stanford has a history of derailing ND at the most in-opportune time. ND has got to have the mentality of pedal the metal and no looking back from the get-go, they need to steamroll stanford, it wont be easy.

 

[kp068]

Total D vs total D

Total D vs total D

Stanford's rush D is as good as ours. Their pass D is not--almost 100 ypg more. Read option will allow for more passing this week--create challenging mix of pass & run. not steady diet of just run.

I Hear the Thunder !!! Here Come the IRISH !!!!!

 

[Irish Houstonian]

There's definitely a lot of stuff we can get better at. And it's true that many mistakes will lose the game.

The good news is Stanford just isn't that good. If they have a great game we're in trouble, but that's generally true for about anyone on the schedule.

And I think the whole "gameday" thing is being blown out of proportion. You're going to have to make a pretty funny sign for an athlete to actually take notice...Lee Corso just isn't that influential...

 

[WaveDomer]

I'm glad Rees is getting time. First, because he's won games for us and it's clear Kelly will not hesitate to bring him in to close, so he needs reps too. Second, because he deserves it.

I am not that concerned about no sacks on Miami. ND's pressure forced numerous missed throws, even if they were by inches. The 1st and 2nd halves showed a lot of difference in this.

I have concerns about Golson, but he's learning on the fly and learning fast. He's got the skill. It's funny, up here Chris Petersen has a radio show and was talking about how offense is a game of 1 or 2 plays. Miss a play, it could change the game and vice versa because of a kid's confidence. When I heard that I thought of the Michigan game when Golson just missed the pass in the endzone to Niklas (I believe). It was a thread the needle and probably should have been caught. He needs the confidence and I think Kelly is smart to get him running a bit.

My major concern is with the running game and O Line. When ND can run they win this year. No kidding captain obvious, but if ND is able to kill the clock and score with this D, it's over. They've even closed out games with the run this year. My hope is that the O Line shows up big.

 

[kp068]

two previous posts are very thoughtful. We will not be able to just out-muscle Stanford. Their issue this year for the first time in 3 years is that they do not have a true go to man or a big play man --- Luck or the big FB. Their big money man RB is no better than the RB from Mich St. and we shut him down. IMO we are playing a team like MiSt with only a little bit more talent. Not tons of more talent.
I expect 27-20, 27-14 IRISH

 

[Riddickulous]

I love the rationality you bring to these boards, LA.

 

[Irishbounty28]

Washington held Stanford to 235 total yards, with only 65 coming on the ground. Washington has a very undersized defensive line, but was able to more than hold up in the run game.

The difference in that game was big plays, and Washington had just one more than Stanford.

I think the game will play out similar to Michigan State in that we will take shots early. If we can connect on some deep throws early it should open up the run a bit.

Also, both Washington and Arizona gained around 150 yards on the ground. I would hope that we can do as well as both of them in this category.

 

[BurningRiver]

Regarding the hype and college gameday, I feel like this team is different this year in terms of staying focused and not losing sight of the goals. I'm also confident in Kelly to make sure his players don't get too distracted.

The other things, however, worry me.

I'm just hoping we can get through this week 6-0, because I've got a pretty good 2nd half pump up video type thing that would be a whole lot better if we were undefeated. Fingers crossed.

 

[Riddickulous]

I don't think we're going to be able to do much between the tackles until (maybe) the fourth quarter. We simply cannot line up man-for-man with a good front seven and run consistently up the middle. We need to get creative as far as running is concerned. I want to see George Atkinson III on some jet sweeps and those quick pitches that work so well.

If there were ever game where we needed to stretch the field vertically and connect on some deep routes, this would be it.

 

[Irishbounty28]

To add to the previous information about how Stanford stacked up with Washington...

Stanford only made it to the Red Zone 1 time the entire game, and that was a drive that started from their own 44. That particular drive ended with an interception.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Ok, my turn.

The Coaches:

This is where the Coach(ing) staff comes in and makes the team understand how 'good' they are or can be. Holtz was THE coach that could downplay the press and hype about how good the Irish were/are. How many times did Coach Lou say, "we are not that good" or "we played well, but we can play better". I see this in Coach Kelly and the ND staff.

= Focus and Desire

The Captains:

Manti is here when he could be in the NFL.
Eiftert is here when he could be in the NFL.
Their words and actions will matter as leaders of the offense and defense. They cannot control every aspect, play, and emotion of the game, but they can lead every aspect, play, and emotion of the players.

= Heart and Passion

There are no cupcakes the rest of the way regardless of the colors of the jerseys that visit ND or that ND visits. Each one of these opposing players and coaches want to beat ND.

Diz

 

[Walter White]

All my concern is reserved for Golson and the offense. We will have to take some shots down field because their front seven (especially their linebackers) are so good. I think the O line has worked out their kinks from earlier in the year and should be able to provide us with a steady run game though not as dominant as we saw against Miami.

What Golson will show up for the game? The confident, precise quarterback we saw against Mich St? Or the panicked, confused one we witnessed versus Michigan?

Not concerned at all for the Defense. So much consistency and calm with the guys we have back there. I think Shumate gets a lot of time this week trying to cover their TE's on third down nickle packages. I'd like to see us pressure Nunes into some turnovers. I think we are getting due for a Bennett Jackson INT returned for a TD.

 

[anarin]

Honestly I see Michigan State part two. 20-3 sounds about right.

 

[Kak7304]

I feel like Nunes needs a strong run game to really be effective. We've been great at shutting down the run. Force him to beat us in the air (he's not Luck by any means) and he'll make a mistake or two.

 

[Rudy89]

Im very worried about this game. If we play well here I will have faith that we can beat OU and USC but we will see. This game scares me just as much as UM did and I dont think they will **** the bed like UM did.

 

[IrishLion]

The only thing that concerns me about Stanford is their ability to rush the passer. Everett has shown that he can use his mobility to avoid pressure; his TD to Goodman against MSU was a play where he simply outrun the defender while moving to the outside, and I recall the same thing against Miami on multiple occasions. He takes the snap, recognizes the pressure, and has enough speed to run to the pressure and still break contain... Stanford's pass rush will recognize this, and their ends/OLBs will be ready to make the sudden move back to the outside. Golson won't be able to roll out nearly as easily against pressure.

However, this lone concern doesn't make me nervous about the outcome. It might be concerning that they have multiple talented tight ends to run routs against our LBs, but Dan Fox and Manti have been OUTSTANDING in pass coverage so far this year, so I am not as worried about that as I have been in the past.

I could also be concerned with BK calling for a gameplan to get involved in a slugfest against Stanford, but I think he's smarter than that. There has been at least one deep throw to Chris Brown in every game this season, and I think BK lets Golson fully off of the leash this time around: he lets him throw deep more often in this game than he has yet, and calls for more designed runs. It may not work, but at half Stanford will be adjusting for it. Once they do, BK can go back to Wood/Riddick/Atkinson, make Stanford creep up against the run all over again, and then Golson will be given playcalls that allow him to beat Stanford deep all over again, with playactions and rollouts. If Golson starts clicking, this offense becomes one of the most versatile in the nation. If he starts hitting his deep throws (which as I said, I think Kelly gives him multiple chances to do so in this game), it simply becomes "pick your poison" for opposing defenses. Stop the running backs, Golson will run and throw. Key on Golson, and the Three-Headed-Monster will gash you. This is an exciting time... especially with an elite defense continuing to give the O time to start hitting on all cylinders.

 

[Redbar]

My biggest concern is that Stanford comes in extremely motivated and gives us their best performance of the year or one equal to what they gave USC, because:

1. They are not interested in letting our seniors win one on them. Sorta like they felt about Barkley and USC's seniors
2. They would love to bust our bubble on national T.V. On college game day.
3. No one is really giving them much of a shot. I mean ND -9
4. They know what it means to their program for us to be elite again.
5. Everyone gives Notre Dame their best effort.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Not really worried about environment imho. This team has played in Ireland and 3 night games, one away and one in a crazy Soldier field. Vets and coaches will hopefully keep everyone focused.

I'm worried about Golson fumbling (as stated previously) more than I am about a Golson INT. Also really worried about his backside.

Only thing about D is secondary, but honestly Dorcett is by far the fastest receiver we will play against all year. He is insanely fast. D was in good position against him and had good reads, just had to adjust for speed.

 

[Fbolt]

Both teams come in with something to prove.

I was initially concerned with the lack of a pass rush against Miami, but during the replay of the game noticed that Miami used max protection and SM mobility to their success. No longer concerned.

Concerned with the offense, but with the development of Golson, and hopefully Kelly opening up the playbook some more, I believe ND will be fine. If they can get the run game going against Stanford (175+), look out.

Adversity is something the Irish have only faced once this year-on the field at least, against Purdue. They came through. Can they continue that streak if (or when it happens this year) the Trees put them in that position. I believe so, but hey, I'm biased.

I bring up adversity because the Irish have come out on the positive side of every break (at least it seems this way). Two missed balls by Dorsey? Six turnovers in the Michigan game? When these breaks go against them I hope the confidence they have developed (and what Kelly seems to be trying to hammer into them) allows them to stay in it and not fall prey to these demons.

Looking for a solid win-and I believe when the Irish do beat the Trees, the press will start seriously talking BCS/NC contenders. Like everyone, this is a big game.

Prediction: ND 33
SU 9

Obviously still hoping for the breaks to fall ND's way !

 

[stlnd01]

While I agree with all the talk about how we shouldn't try to "out-physical" them, I think it misses one important point. For the first time in several years, they won't be able to "out-physical" us, either. For all Andrew Luck's talent, that's what happened the last two years. They beat us up in the trenches. I just don't see that happening this year. We'll give as good as we get on Saturday.
So if it's a draw on the lines, the game gets won on the edges, and there I like what we've got. Golson needs to stay within himself and not make mistakes. But if that happens, we've got the skill players to go win this game.

 

[GreatGolson]

I think it becomes another low scoring deffensive battle, but our D once again shuts down the stanford attack and our rumming game controls the clock. Irish win 21-6

 

[Irish YJ]

Both our O and D team stats are similar. I think overall a good match up. They have 2 young safetys, and two young tackles. My concerns are...

1. Intensity... Can we maintain, or are we drained. We've been on a pretty intense roller coaster ride. 5-0. Easy game vs Navy, but a few clicks up due to travel across the pond and first game of the season. Hard fought games vs PU, M St, and M. Manti's unbelievable hardships. Huge game against Miami at Soldier with yet another national audience. I'm in awe of how we've handled it. Was the bye week enough to recharge the batteries, or are have we spent our wads and ripe for let down. Overall I think BK has done a good job of keeping them level, but up for the challenge and focused. I think this game, and the next against BYU will tell us a lot about this team.

2. Stanford's D.... pretty solid group. IMO the best we've faced all around thus far. We need to exploit the young safetys early to losen things up. I think the middle of the field will also be ripe for Tyler or Brown. I think the other key is running on the edge and timely screens.

3. Stanfords O vs our DBs. I think this is the game we are tested. I see Stanford finding early success if Diaco doesn't dial up substantial pressure. The OTs are young. I think Tuitt, Kap, and Prince are the keys to keeping this from turning into a shoot out. Again we rely on the front 7 to keep the pressure off the pups. We'll be vulnerable in the TE space, and I think we'll get burnt on a few screens, but overall I think we'll be fine so long as we put Nunes on the grass a few times early.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

Re: Pass Rush vs. Miami

I watched the game again today (thanks to OutintheBend), and I noticed that we really started getting pressure after the first quarter. However, Morris did an excellent job of moving around the pocket and totally escaping when he needed to. When the rushers are Day, KLM, Tuitt, Nix, etc., there isn't enough speed to chase down a mobile quarterback like Morris.

What also allowed Morris to escape actually being sacked was that Diaco had 6/7/8 dropping deep on nearly every play to protect the big lead. If you go back and watch the game again, you'll notice that Morris missed A LOT of short throws because he was being run out of the pocket on nearly every play after their first two drives. Te'o -- the most likely candidate to spy and run down a scrambling QB -- was often busy with Duke Johnson and Mike James.

Nunes is not as mobile as Morris, and he's also not nearly as experienced. I also think Diaco will be dialing up a lot more blitzes and complicating the schemes in an attempt to confuse Nunes.

 

[NDinFL]

I don't want to throw the jinx on us, but I don't see this game being close....

ND 35
Stanford 10

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

There isn't a Notre Dame game I'm not concerned about. Just over the last 5 years we've seen it all.

 

[Cogs]

The defense has played too well to have me worry. Maybe I'm getting too confident but **** it's been working all year. Go Irish!!!!!!