Nov 24 | at Southern Cal

[IrishLax]

This is a distinct possibility ... but how great are the chances? Most likely USC will look like the same undisciplined, fundamentally unsound team that we've seen all season. I put our chances of winning at about 75-80%.

I absolutely love this. For years, under Weis, we were the team with all the talent but poor fundamentals. It's glorious that the tables are turned.

I think I give us somewhere in the 65-70% range using your same logic. I think it's very improbable that USC magically comes out with a backup QB and the O plays super-awesome and mistake free with no penalties. I think it's very improbable that the defense all of a sudden learns how to tackle. But last year the game against ND was when USC went from being magically average despite all the talent to really, really damn good... seemingly instantaneously. Why? I have no idea. But their D learned how to play hard. The other thing I will say is that it worries me that this will be the first time all year where our guys might be playing with internal pressure/expectations. We've to this point been the guy on the outside looking in... now we're "the guy"... let's see how they handle it. I expect our D to have no issues with all of the senior leadership but I worry about our offensive execution with a young guy at the key position... if EG plays loose like he did against Wake then I like our chances... if he makes mistakes early then who knows. I think it's imperative we don't get down early... if USC gets a taste of upset they will play impassioned the rest of the game.

 

[ndfi78]

Brian Kelly, Notre Dame - ESPN

Thanks!

 

[Irish#1]

I think I give us somewhere in the 65-70% range using your same logic. I think it's very improbable that USC magically comes out with a backup QB and the O plays super-awesome and mistake free with no penalties. I think it's very improbable that the defense all of a sudden learns how to tackle. But last year the game against ND was when USC went from being magically average despite all the talent to really, really damn good... seemingly instantaneously. Why? I have no idea. But their D learned how to play hard. The other thing I will say is that it worries me that this will be the first time all year where our guys might be playing with internal pressure/expectations. We've to this point been the guy on the outside looking in... now we're "the guy"... let's see how they handle it. I expect our D to have no issues with all of the senior leadership but I worry about our offensive execution with a young guy at the key position... if EG plays loose like he did against Wake then I like our chances... if he makes mistakes early then who knows. I think it's imperative we don't get down early... if USC gets a taste of upset they will play impassioned the rest of the game.

Last year we beat ourselves. We were on our way to getting control of that game with a long sustained drive when the snap was fumbled and ran back for a TD. I think that play took everything out of us. This team is not weak mentally and won't let a mistake get in their way. Remember Barkley also said after the game he thought ND had quit. I'm willing to bet a few players remember that comment.

EG and the team plays better on the road and has shown improvement every game. He has too many veterans surrounding him to keep him focused. I'm guessing this team will look at this game the same way they did the game at OU.

If players are lighting it up at a party, that tells me; 1. They've checked out. 2. They have no discipline and 3. They only care about themselves not the team. I like our chances.

 

[BobD]

I know we aren't on the team blah, blah, blah, BUT

Its not about which USC QB is better.

We need to be prepared for anything and preparing for an unknown QB is tough.

Our team is good and they'll figure out a way, but they aren't getting cocky and we shouldn't either.

 

[ND101]

How bat sh*t crazy will you be if we somehow roll into Memorial 11-0? I hope for year 3 madness...

Pretty bat sh*t crazy indeed!!!

 

[Patulski]

From an eyeball test, the biggest difference about USC this year is they don't appear to be using steroids. During those Pete Caroll years the entire team looked roided up.

 

[IrishinTN]

Has Lane Kiffin lost his team? Do they look like they are really playing for him any more? With all that talent it seems like they are just going through the motions in some of these games now.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Almost every USC fan I've talked to... starting well before Barkley got hurt... basically said that everyone assumes Wittek is more talented than Barkley and they weren't expecting any drop off once he leaves. I'm not sure if I believe it but suffice to say what makes USC great are their skill position players and what makes them bad are penalties, a lack of fundamentals, a lack of mental toughness, mistakes, and turnovers. So all of those are correctable if you get "up" for a game and/or don't have Barkley throwing so many INTs.

I'm really interested to see how this all plays out on Saturday. Hopefully Kiffin is stupid enough to try to run the ball.

Didn't most ND fans say the same thing about Crist.

 

[Riddickulous]

Defensive gameplan should be similar to Oklahoma. Keep everything underneath and tackle in space. Probably more blitzes than OU to confuse/rattle Max Wittek.

I expect to see a lot of running to wear down USC's depth-less front seven, milk the clock, and keep the ball away from Lee/Woods.

 

[PraetorianND]

Defensive gameplan should be similar to Oklahoma. Keep everything underneath and tackle in space. Probably more blitzes than OU to confuse/rattle Max Wittek.

I expect to see a lot of running to wear down USC's depth-less front seven, milk the clock, and keep the ball away from Lee/Woods.

I expect to see a lot of short throws out of SC. They are going to spread us wide and throw to backs out of the backfield. They are going to make their offense simple and easy to run. As long as we stuff the run we're going to be ok.

 

[KPENN]

“@CSalvi24: I remember USC calling us quitters after last years game...”

 

[johnnykillz]

“@CSalvi24: I remember USC calling us quitters after last years game...”

Amen. Time for redemption.

 

[tko]

“@CSalvi24: I remember USC calling us quitters after last years game...”

Keep remembering. Saturday night is time for payback.

 

[Riddickulous]

I want to see Salvi crush some poor fool on ST.

 

[PraetorianND]

 

[NDdomer2]

“@CSalvi24: I remember USC calling us quitters after last years game...”

i know what happened to me when i brought this up.....

 

[West Coast Domer]

In the trenches we will be too tough to overcome. I also like our depth more on the defensive side of the ball. I just cant wait. Going to be an awesome weekend!

 

[BGIF]

ND -6 with Barkley out.

 

[Patulski]

I just watched the USC-UCLA game.

1. USC had trouble picking up UCLA's Barr's blitz's/stunts. He came free a number of times untouched.

2. UCLA had success with the QB keep on the zone read.

3. USC had a lot of success running the ball between the center and the guard like they did against us last year.

4. USC is a young team and have gaps in talent where they used to have none. They have only one superior DE-Horton, where they used to have beasts on both sides. They remind me of our 2006 OL, where even though they lost one player- LT Kalil- the freshman replacement weakens them.

5. USC looked tired in the 4th quarter when UCLA drove and scored to ice the game. UCLA had 3rd and 13, but UCLA could not mount a rush and the UCLA QB had time to hit a wide open Fauria for the 1st down. Later, UCLA's line opened a big hole and then UCLA's RB ran right around USC's safety who had a bead on the RB. According to the announcer's USC has had trouble wearing down defensively in the 4th quarter all year.

6. USC turned the ball over twice on their 25 yard line to help UCLA jump to a quick 14 point lead.

7. Witteck physically reminds me of Carson Palmer. Big and strong with a strong arm. He is not as mobile as Barkley though, and given the protection problems USC had it will be interesting to see if Diaco dials up blitzes early.

 

[koonja]

USC is used to losing close games. Hell, they probably expect to lose close games. They have not won a game within 10 points all year. Our team is perfect in close games.

They're starting a RS freshman QB who's never started. Their coach is a douche bag.

If ND comes out and delivers the first punch, this team will pack it in. We'll win by 14 or more, imo.

 

[GoldenDomer15]

SC is a wounded animal in just about every way possible... Lot of danger with wounded animals.

thought the same thing...gotta take care of business. glad this is a short work week so i can lose my sanity somewhere other then work

 

[ickythump1225]

I just watched the USC-UCLA game.

1. USC had trouble picking up UCLA's Barr's blitz's/stunts. He came free a number of times untouched.

2. UCLA had success with the QB keep on the zone read.

3. USC had a lot of success running the ball between the center and the guard like they did against us last year.

4. USC is a young team and have gaps in talent where they used to have none. They have only one superior DE-Horton, where they used to have beasts on both sides. They remind me of our 2006 OL, where even though they lost one player- LT Kalil- the freshman replacement weakens them.

5. USC looked tired in the 4th quarter when UCLA drove and scored to ice the game. UCLA had 3rd and 13, but UCLA could not mount a rush and the UCLA QB had time to hit a wide open Fauria for the 1st down. Later, UCLA's line opened a big hole and then UCLA's RB ran right around USC's safety who had a bead on the RB. According to the announcer's USC has had trouble wearing down defensively in the 4th quarter all year.

6. USC turned the ball over twice on their 25 yard line to help UCLA jump to a quick 14 point lead.

7. Witteck physically reminds me of Carson Palmer. Big and strong with a strong arm. He is not as mobile as Barkley though, and given the protection problems USC had it will be interesting to see if Diaco dials up blitzes early.

He must be a rock back there then.

 

[PraetorianND]

thought the same thing...gotta take care of business. glad this is a short work week so i can lose my sanity somewhere other then work

Yep. I'm struggling big time right now.

 

[RallySonsOfND]

He must be a rock back there then.

Shembo, Te'o, Nix, Tuitt are going to have a freaking field day. CAN'T WAIT

 

[BGIF]

I just watched the USC-UCLA game.

1. USC had trouble picking up UCLA's Barr's blitz's/stunts. He came free a number of times untouched.

2. UCLA had success with the QB keep on the zone read.

3. USC had a lot of success running the ball between the center and the guard like they did against us last year.

4. USC is a young team and have gaps in talent where they used to have none. They have only one superior DE-Horton, where they used to have beasts on both sides. They remind me of our 2006 OL, where even though they lost one player- LT Kalil- the freshman replacement weakens them.

5. USC looked tired in the 4th quarter when UCLA drove and scored to ice the game. UCLA had 3rd and 13, but UCLA could not mount a rush and the UCLA QB had time to hit a wide open Fauria for the 1st down. Later, UCLA's line opened a big hole and then UCLA's RB ran right around USC's safety who had a bead on the RB. According to the announcer's USC has had trouble wearing down defensively in the 4th quarter all year.

6. USC turned the ball over twice on their 25 yard line to help UCLA jump to a quick 14 point lead.

7. Witteck physically reminds me of Carson Palmer. Big and strong with a strong arm. He is not as mobile as Barkley though, and given the protection problems USC had it will be interesting to see if Diaco dials up blitzes early.

Thanks for the analysis.

Kiffin mentioned poor tackling was a problem in the Arizona and UCLA losses especially against the UCLA QB.

 

[Cackalacky]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BRP2AmkXQYQ?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This is what I am feeling right now. I want U$C limping off the field.

 

[BGIF]

I just watched the USC-UCLA game.

...

5. According to the announcer's USC has had trouble wearing down defensively in the 4th quarter all year.

...

7. Witteck physically reminds me of Carson Palmer. Big and strong with a strong arm. He is not as mobile as Barkley though, and given the protection problems USC had it will be interesting to see if Diaco dials up blitzes early.

5. USC may have stamina problems BUT they've out scored the competition 38-19 in the 4th Q. How much of a problem is allowing 1.7 ppg in the 4th Q?

7. Whatever mobility and OLine problems they may have, USC is tied at #29 with ND, Oregon, and Stanford for Sacks Allowed at 1.36/game.

 

[connor_in]

5. USC may have stamina problems BUT they've out scored the competition 38-19 in the 4th Q. How much of a problem is allowing 1.7 ppg in the 4th Q?

7. Whatever mobility and OLine problems they may have, USC is tied at #29 with ND, Oregon, and Stanford for Sacks Allowed at 1.36/game.

Not mocking ...just curious because I do not know...what was the rankings of some of the D's they have faced compared to what we have

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Not mocking ...just curious because I do not know...what was the rankings of some of the D's they have faced compared to what we have

Def. F/+:

Hawai'i - 108th
Syracuse - 37th
Stanford - 7th
Cal - 43rd
Utah - 48th
Washington - 28th
Colorado - 124th
Arizona - 63rd
Oregon - 11th
Arizona State - 40th
UCLA - 30th
ND - 4th

They hung 51 points on UO (11th), but only managed 14 against Stanford (7th). If anything UO is overrated here, and I expect their ranking to fall significantly by the end of bowl season. Our defense is most comparable to Stanford's, so I'd use these stats for reference.

Except that Golson >>> Nunes, and USC will be without Barkley.

 

[Patulski]

5. USC may have stamina problems BUT they've out scored the competition 38-19 in the 4th Q. How much of a problem is allowing 1.7 ppg in the 4th Q?

Perhaps the announcers were referring to their three losses, where USC allowed 35 points in the 4h quarter. They ended up giving up a crucial 4th Qtr TD against UCLA.