Oct 27 | at Oklahoma

[Jason Pham]

I suppose it's not worth our time to email ESPN and have them pull the story? Haha. Night y'all.

If only I could delete ESPN and just have them PM me with any questions.

 

[peoriairish]

If only I could delete ESPN and just have them PM me with any questions.

If only, if only.

 

[BGIF]

I missed the deleted posts. Hope this topic (ESPN) wasn't the subject.

I caught the end of the UC/UL game Friday night. Competitive game by two teams that have played schedules that would make FSU proud. Before they met tonight, UC ranked as Sagarins's 43rd teamd has played Sagarin's 133 Toughest Schedule. They were 5-1 going into Friday's game with their sole loss to Sagarin's 69th ranked team (111th Schedule). UL was ranked 48th by Sagarin despite by 7-0 and playing an SEC like 105 Toughest Schedule (Unfair to the SEC? Undefeated Miss St has played Sagarin's 119 Toughest Schedule.)

Exciting finish in OT unfortunately no enough to cover the spread in IE's vBook.

The game ended and SportsCenter came on with a leadin hook about ND v OU. When they got to Desmond Howard raised an interesting point that ND looks to Golson BUT is Golson the answer? He added that in 3 games this year Golson had to be replaced by Rees because he couldn't finish. Against PU for lack of performance, against Michigan for lack of performance, and against Stanford for getting "concussed".

Herbie jumped in not to correct or amplify Howard's statement but to note that Golson has a ball security issue.


I didn't take their statements as bias against ND but inferior/misleading reporting.

Golson was replaced 3 times, Howard got that much right. Golson wasn't replaced against PU for lack of performance but rather lack of experience. The veteran Rees was put in over the rookie in his second college game to run a "two minute drill". Actually there were less than 2 minutes and Rees answered the call for the win. Golson was replaced in the Michigan game after he was stripped of the football. In the post game interviews Kelly pointed out Golson's throwing hand was injured on that play necessitating a substitution. Again Rees answered the call for a team win. And yes, Golson had to leave the game because he got concussed. Not because he was a weak or inferior player but because he took an illegal helmet hit to the head after being tackled by another player. Golson's stagger was obvious to anyone that watch the game or should have watched the game for GameDay preparation.

Likewise Golson does have a reputation for turnovers and I've been among others that have commented on that here. But his turnover rate is lower careerwise than Rees. Herbie didn't mention that. Nor did Herbie mention the nature of the turnovers. No mention of Golson lowering a shoulder instead of sliding or running out of bounds. I believe that lesson was made poignantly against Stanford. Golson also runs with the ball available to be swatted. He's had two weeks for that to penetrate. I didn't hear that Kelly had him carry a football everywhere he went like Leahy did with Lattner after Lattner fumbled 7 times in a game. It must have worked as Lattner became an All-American and Heisman winner. Nor was there any mention of Golson being blindsided when his leftside TE was beaten badly on a passrush.

Golson obviously presents a running threat that Rees doesn't. Tommy's run 4 times and passed 41 for 45 plays for 332 yds, 7.4 yds/play. Everett has run 42 times and passed 135 for 177 plays for 1049 yds, 5.9 yds/play. Surprisingly the guy with lead feet and a "weak arm" is putting up 25% more yds/play. But the defense has to alter their play when Golson is in the game. They can't rush 3 or 4 and drop the rest or Golson will eat up chunks of real estate.

I realize they have to be brief and build up interest but I think they missed the boat.

They expect Golson to be the key. I think the key player is Mike Golic.

Golic is the one that needs a career day. If he has it, the OLine as a whole plays better. The running game gets traction instead of TFLs and Golson will have the time to make better decisions.

 

[ulukinatme]

They expect Golson to be the key. I think the key player is Bob Golic.

Golic is the one that needs a career day. If he has it, the OLine as a whole plays better. The running game gets traction instead of TFLs and Golson will have the time to make better decisions.

Damn, does he have eligibility left?! That must be our secret weapon against Oklahoma

 

[BGIF]

Damn, does he have eligibility left?! That must be our secret weapon against Oklahoma

Not since around '78 and then on the other side of the ball. He was the last Golic that impressed me on the field. His nephew needs to play with Uncle Bob's intensity.

Thanks of catching my error.

 

[PraetorianND]

Can't sleep. This is worse than waiting for Christmas when i was 6.

 

[BGIF]

Friday night on ESPN Chris Fowler noted that the weather in Norman would be a big factor, hindering the passing game. He mentioned that game temperatures would be in the 30's and quite windy.

I'd take that as an advantage for ND as it should hurt OU more. But when I checked the Weather Channel they forecast game temps in the high to low 40's with the wind at 2-3 mph. Weatherbug had a similar focast to the Weather Channel. I wouldn't expect those conditions to be a problem.

 

[PraetorianND]

Friday night on ESPN Chris Fowler noted that the weather in Norman would be a big factor, hindering the passing game. He mentioned that game temperatures would be in the 30's and quite windy.

I'd take that as an advantage for ND as it should hurt OU more. But when I checked the Weather Channel they forecast game temps in the high to low 40's with the wind at 2-3 mph. Weatherbug had a similar focast to the Weather Channel. I wouldn't expect those conditions to be a problem.

Ya I'm seeing high 40s at kickoff then it should cool down to low 40s. That's pretty brisk.

I don't think weather will be much of a factor in this one though.

 

[Walter White]

Going to need Neal or C-breezy to step up for that loss of Atkinson's speed.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Going to need Neal or C-breezy to step up for that loss of Atkinson's speed.

1) im being Jesse Pinkman tonight...and prob 10000 other people

2) i dont follow this logic

 

[ulukinatme]

Not since around '78 and then on the other side of the ball. He was the last Golic that impressed me on the field. His nephew needs to play with Uncle Bob's intensity.

Thanks of catching my error.

Haha, np. Bob was a beast, but when I saw "Bob Golic" it made me think of Saved by the Bell, which made me laugh

 

[johnnykillz]

The bad news: a majority of everyone in the nation thinks we lose this game and GAIII is sick.

The good news: I've donned all the important items for an Irish win, including my shamrock boxers.

A "W" is nearly guaranteed.

 

[dannwo]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict that....Desmond Howard will, once again, pick against the Irish! He picked MSU, MU, Miami, and Stanford all to beat ND. What's stopping him with picking OU?

 

[Irish Houstonian]

Damn, does he have eligibility left?! That must be our secret weapon against Oklahoma

I think he burned it up with Screech and Zack at Bayside U.

 

[koonja]

I don't think we'll miss Atkinson in the kicking game. He's been running into his own players a lot this year and not making much happen. But on offense he's huge because we use that man-in-motion a lot with him.

 

[NDdomer2]

I don't think we'll miss Atkinson in the kicking game. He's been running into his own players a lot this year and not making much happen. But on offense he's huge because we use that man-in-motion a lot with him.

Tj can be our man in motion. He's done it before and is having a good year. One it could be Neal's time to step up.

 

[ulukinatme]

**** you, Desmond Howard. Just said that if Notre Dame wins today they can finally be part of the National Championship discussion because we haven't had a statement win. Who the hell has played a tougher schedule up to this point this year? Maybe Florida? And we've still got 2 very tough games including this Oklahoma game. Stanford is apparantely cupcake material.

 

[ThePiombino]

Tj can be our man in motion. He's done it before and is having a good year. One it could be Neal's time to step up.

Don't be surprised to see Toma, more than anyone else, in that role.

 

[dublinirish]

epsn radio didnt even know we played stanford yet... so Fu the lot of them..GO IRISH!

 

[arrowryan]

No matter what happens in Norman tonight, win or lose, I am extremely proud of this team and I could not be any happier. They have certainly exceeded my expectations and I'm sure they have exceeded your's too.This team will only get better from here and this will be a team to look out for for years to come.

 

[ickythump1225]

I'm tired of every graphic, every video clip, and every commentary on this game being anti-Notre Dame. F Lee Corso saying we need to "pray that Oklahoma beats themselves." I understand we're the underdogs and it's a road game but they act like we're Slippery Rock U and we just have to hope Oklahoma gifts us the game.

I'm also tired of hearing how we could get "exposed" if we lose. If we lose all that means is today we weren't as good as Oklahoma, by saying we are going to get "exposed" it implies losing is who we really are and we're winning on smoke and mirrors.

 

[Sooner4Life]

Holy Touchdown Jesus, I'm as nervous as an NBA player in the waiting room at the VD clinic, this is gonna be a long *** day!!!

FWIW, weather should be a non-issue. It was colder than a well diggers *** the night we shamed and humiliated Taco Tech in 2008. We jumped in excitement AND to stay warm. Shouldn't be anything like that tonight.

Ugh, so much analysis, so many different ways this could play out...I know there's the chance that the crowd will be rabid, the team will be hyped, our record in big night games against highly-ranked teams will hold, and y'all will see the "buzzsaw" effect that TTU and FSU folks talk about, heading back to SB with a "statement" DEFEAT in your pocket.

OR...

The team could come out flatter than a crepe (see, we know some fancy words down here!), the crowd could be bitching about having to wear white in their section, your D could put an instant "deer-in-the-headlights" look in Landry's eyes, (the look that all OU fans have come to recognize and DETEST!), our O-line can't hack it...no run game...forced to pass...some fair drives, but minimal points, and WAY too much time for your O to have the ball and grind the clock, resulting in a low-scoring game in ND's favor (ala 7-0, vintage '57).

I really expect one or another, don't see us winning the close one, but not surprised if we "Tech" y'all in this sort of game. We'll see!!!!! Now where's the damn vodka?!?!?!?

 

[IrishLax]

**** you, Desmond Howard. Just said that if Notre Dame wins today they can finally be part of the National Championship discussion because we haven't had a statement win. Who the hell has played a tougher schedule up to this point this year? Maybe Florida? And we've still got 2 very tough games including this Oklahoma game. Stanford is apparantely cupcake material.

What statement wins do Alabama and Oregon have?

Answer: absolutely none.

 

[NDdomer2]

Hoping we see a big game from this guy. 5 catches for 75 & td would be awesome.

 

[arrowryan]

The bad news: a majority of everyone in the nation thinks we lose this game and GAIII is sick.

The good news: I've donned all the important items for an Irish win, including my shamrock boxers.

A "W" is nearly guaranteed.

You didn't wash the poop stains out of them did you? That is probably the luckiest part!

 

[Patulski]

I'm tired of every graphic, every video clip, and every commentary on this game being anti-Notre Dame. F Lee Corso saying we need to "pray that Oklahoma beats themselves."

If Oklahoma "beats themselves", it will be because Landry Jones cannot handle the pressure and makes stupid throws that result in interceptions, and/or fumbles the ball.

 

[PraetorianND]

If Oklahoma "beats themselves", it will be because Landry Jones cannot handle the pressure and makes stupid throws that result in interceptions, and/or fumbles the ball.

THIS^^

 

[Patulski]

What statement wins do Alabama and Oregon have?

Answer: absolutely none.

These programs rankings don't bother me. They have developed sustained success at the highest levels under Saban and Kelly. Once we get back to their overall depth and talent, we'll get the benefit of the doubt as well.

 

[BGIF]

I'm tired of every graphic, every video clip, and every commentary on this game being anti-Notre Dame. F Lee Corso saying we need to "pray that Oklahoma beats themselves." I understand we're the underdogs and it's a road game but they act like we're Slippery Rock U and we just have to hope Oklahoma gifts us the game.

I'm also tired of hearing how we could get "exposed" if we lose. If we lose all that means is today we weren't as good as Oklahoma, by saying we are going to get "exposed" it implies losing is who we really are and we're winning on smoke and mirrors.

Golson is a work in progress but this offense is far from the smoke and mirrors offense of Willingham's offense in '02. This team can drive the ball. '02 had to have a short field to have a chance.

 

[4irishnation]

If we only had Pat Dillingham for this game.