Sep 28 | Oklahoma

[Whiskeyjack]

(This plan made more sense when I was a broke kid who didn't have enough up-front money to get both both beer and food for the tailgate ... under those circumstances, we cut out the food).

Wisdom.

 

[ulukinatme]

I'm having dreams about our 12 personnel establishing the run early and opening up some play action in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

I'm having nightmares about 5 DBs dropping into zone and Tommy throwing intermediate routes OR THOSE GOD DAMN WR SCREENS.

I think this is it. We have to establish the run game in a game like this. That'll help get safeties and DBs to cheat up, which will then open up the play action.

 

[adsnorri]

There are some RVs parked behind Linebacker. As well as on Twyckenham running along the East side of the campus, close to Edison. These are private yards, so you would be paying local residents and it is most likely first come basis. This area is a great area to tailgate though, one of the best. There is a group that has a party bus and even puts on a live band show out right on the street. It is a nice option. Not sure how in advance you need to get there in order to get a spot but it seems that some people come up on Friday and the homeowners(multiple) allow them to park and stay overnight.

 

[koonja]

Looking at the first two drives of their game vs. Tulsa, their DBs don't look very big. Our WRs will hopefully be able to create space on the outside.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

F/+:

OU: 8th
ND: 24th

FEI:

OU: 4th
ND: 31st

S&P+:

OU:
Overall - 13th

Offense - 27th
Passing Off - 79th
Rushing Off - 29th
Standard Downs - 84th
Passing Downs - 18th

Defense - 14th
Passing Def - 12th
Rushing Def - 27th
Standard Downs - 14th
Passing Downs - 29th

ND:
Overall - 18th

Offense - 10th
Passing Off - 44th
Rushing Off - 82nd
Standard Downs - 39th
Passing Downs - 86th

Defense - 57th
Passing Def - 47th
Rushing Def - 37th
Standard Downs - 51st
Passing Downs - 45th

Note: It looks like the overall and collective unit ratings have been opponent adjusted (thus the big bump our offense got for hanging 17 on MSU), but the situational rankings haven't been yet.

FEI really doesn't like us right now. I hope S&P+ is more accurate here, because we'd have a good chance based on those numbers.

Oklahoma apparently lost a lot of starters from last year's defense (which was quite good). Based on Oklahoma's depth chart, it looks like some of the players listed as depth on that site have since moved positions in order to allow for more veteran starters. But that's still a lot of production to replace. Would one of the visiting Sooners care to fill us in on your fanbase's expectations for the defense?

In any case, the advanced models should all project a significant margin of victory for OU. We need to take a big step forward this week to have a realistic shot at winning.

 

[ulukinatme]

Apparently they're trying to have a green-out in the stadium. No way it works haha. Would be cool to see though. If they can't do it in the JACC for a basketball game where they hand out free shirts to everyone, no way it'll work in the stadium.

Green clashes with blue hairs.



I don't think it'll work either, tbh. The stadium has always been a mix of blues (Hate that Madonna/Faust blue from awhile back), some yellow's/golds, greens, and the occasional white shirts for no reason. Solidarity is not something we pull off.

 

[ulukinatme]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> also lists all five running backs with an “or” between them. So, yeah.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/statuses/382534735517724672">September 24, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Our mantra should be changed to "Next OR in."

 

[CarrollVermin]

Bottom line, can't run the ball, can't win the game. I don't trust the offensive line to get it done, against a five, six, or seven man front. Our passing game has regressed to the Weis-era "throw the fade to Tate" with the disappearance of the TE and the short passing game.

Stoops isn't an idiot and noted on the radio that they understand the game plan...our D will not give up the "chunk" plays and they have to turn the short five yard route into a ten yard game. However, the success that MSU had running the game scares me, especially when you throw in a passer that can actually throw the ball.

Our offense misses the dual threat at QB. Say what you want about Tommy, and he has those that will defend him to their grave, but his lack of play-making ability decreases our efficiency...which is partly why we end up throwing the ball out of an empty back set on 3rd and 1. I thought that Kelly was all about developing QB's which leads me to wonder why Hendrix isn't ready to at least change the tempo of the game from time to time.

We will have to create multiple turnovers to keep this close, regardless of what color the fans are wearing in the stands.

 

[NDdomer2]

Bottom line, can't run the ball, can't win the game. I don't trust the offensive line to get it done, against a five, six, or seven man front. Our passing game has regressed to the Weis-era "throw the fade to Tate" with the disappearance of the TE and the short passing game.

Stoops isn't an idiot and noted on the radio that they understand the game plan...our D will not give up the "chunk" plays and they have to turn the short five yard route into a ten yard game. However, the success that MSU had running the game scares me, especially when you throw in a passer that can actually throw the ball.

Our offense misses the dual threat at QB. Say what you want about Tommy, and he has those that will defend him to their grave, but his lack of play-making ability decreases our efficiency...which is partly why we end up throwing the ball out of an empty back set on 3rd and 1. I thought that Kelly was all about developing QB's which leads me to wonder why Hendrix isn't ready to at least change the tempo of the game from time to time.

We will have to create multiple turnovers to keep this close, regardless of what color the fans are wearing in the stands.

Unfortunately the amount of meaningful reps Andrew has got over the years has been very limited directly affecting his development.

It all really started with the bare cabinet of qbs Kelly was left with. Christ was the only one really and we all know how well that went. Forced bk to put Tommy's development into hyperdrive. Next thing you know Golson's on campus. He steals his share over 2 years. Then bam we need a qb and Tommy it is with no time to get Andrew reps. The fact that Malik isn't doing any scout team means what little reps don't go to Rees are split. Pretty much been that way Andrew's whole time at ND.

I don't know if any of you have read Outliers but it's really just about being given an opportunity that he never really got and what little ones he did he never did anything with.

 

[NDdomer2]

Irish offense needs to win first down | Inside the Irish

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>South Bend-Adams RB Shaq Vann tells ISD <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball">@NDFootball</a> stopped by school today. Vann will visit ND for the Oklahoma gm this Saturday.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/382650644969971712">September 24, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[NoJusticeNoPeace]

We have too many colors to pull off a uniformed crowd. The teams that can are teams that usually have one color and white as their main colors. Also too many old people who aren't on the Internet to hear about it, and there is always the chance that it's cold and people wear non-green jackets or sweaters once they get in and the sun goes down. It's just a stupid thing to try because it will never ever work.

 

[ACamp1900]

It would be so awesome to beat OU in both games... when we scheduled them and UT I honestly thought, 'oh ****, please just win one of the FOUR so i don't have to hear about an 0'fer during the holidays with my wife's family...'

 

[GowerND11]

We have too many colors to pull off a uniformed crowd. The teams that can are teams that usually have one color and white as their main colors. Also too many old people who aren't on the Internet to hear about it, and there is always the chance that it's cold and people wear non-green jackets or sweaters once they get in and the sun goes down. It's just a stupid thing to try because it will never ever work.

I get your point here but really all I can think of is....

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Green jerseys ??? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WishfulThinking&src=hash">#WishfulThinking</a></p>— lOUIS NIX III (@1IrishChocolate) <a href="https://twitter.com/1IrishChocolate/statuses/382673318320418816">September 25, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[GreenSox04]

Game manage. That's what it'll take. TR has to stay within himself and let the stable get between the tackles and CRUSH the clock.


Done stating the obvious.

I'm not nervous about this game. Granted it is Tuesday.

I still trust this D.

This week will tell the tale of the season.

 

[Patulski]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>BK - our two tight ends sets to need to do a lot more moving forward.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/382540064930017280">September 24, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Here's an example. We had 3rd and 1 after Folston had two nice runs on basic up the gut runs. Then, on 3rd and 1 we have a two tight end set, where we motion Koyack in and then out toward Nicklas. We also pull Lombard, who is supposed to turn the corner as Niklas and Koyack seal their men. Unfortunately, Koyack got beat inside and his man occupies both he and Lombard. So, with the direction of the play plugged, Folston does something he probably could do in High School and runs to the other side trying to outrun the opposite DE. Not happening. 4th down. Koyack is really struggling with quicker players that are knifing inside of him. On a 3rd down rollout, he let his man beat him inside and Rees had to hurry his throw to a wide open Daniels as a result.

Niklas is also struggling at times. We had a play where we had a big hole inside and Niklas was supposed to blow up the Middle Linebacker who did not see him coming. Instead of destroying the MLB, and having a big gain, Niklas bounced off him like a puppy. The MLB made the tackle. What could have been a big gain was stopped in its tracks.

 

[anarin]

Win or Lose, 1/3 of our members should stay away from this board for this game.

This will be no cakewalk win for us, and we know what happens when these games happen

 

[Irish Insanity]

Win or Lose, 1/3 of our members should stay away from this board for this game.

This will be no cakewalk win for us, and we know what happens when these games happen

If they can't responsibly post in threads, they can join the chat. All that **** goes away a few posts later. lol

 

[phork]

Oklahoma is going to get beat down. They barely beat a bad WVU team and they play in the BIG12.

 

[greyhammer90]

If they can't responsibly post in threads, join the chat. All that **** goes away a few posts later. lol

I wish more people would listen to this on gamedays.

If you can't be smart, post in a place that erases your stupidity.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I wish more people would listen to this on gamedays.

If you can't be smart, post in a place that erases your stupidity.

I do it most gamedays. And thats part of the reason. The other is because its easier to have a back and forth discussion with one or more posters w/o taking up a whole page+ in a thread.

 

[Irish#1]

i dont buy it. BK has been all over this year in his run game comments. He has mentioned the right side is a work in progress, then he says the o line is fine, then he says ronnie stanley isn't fitting in or whatever he said. I think he has said a focus on the run game the last two weeks. Believe it when I see it at this point.

We def. run the ball at our best out of 12 but as I see it right now Kelly doesn't trust Koyack enough to stay in it.

I honestly think Kelly and co made a decision to focus on pass pro during camp knowing we would need it most and the run scheme can build as they go. I only say that because I don't see any reason why a team that can pass pro this well shouldnt be able to average above 3 ypc.

He can't keep harping directly on the same people or group. If he did he'd lose them. By talking in more generalities about the lack of a run game, he gets his message across without pointing fingers.

The more I have read and thought about this game, the better I feel. I like our chances.

 

[ulukinatme]

Oklahoma is going to get beat down. They barely beat a bad WVU team and they play in the BIG12.

Big 12 teams can struggle against teams that play defense, but don't discount their offenses. They often have good skill positions and can be hard to stop. I'm hoping our defense shows up, because I'm not sure how our offense will stack up.

 

[stlnd01]

Big 12 teams can struggle against teams that play defense, but don't discount their offenses. They often have good skill positions and can be hard to stop. I'm hoping our defense shows up, because I'm not sure how our offense will stack up.

We're going to have to play a smart game on offense. I don't think we can run as little as we have the last few weeks - but then I'm not sure OU's run defense is as strong as Michigan State's either. Tommy's obviously going to need to be more efficient than he was on Saturday, but our defense has been improving and should be tight enough that we won't need to put up 40 points to win. Also, worth noting that the Bulldozer (or whatever his stupid nickname is) has never gone on the road and won a big game as a starter. We could stand to make him make a few mistakes.

I think this will boil down like the Michigan game - the victor being the team that makes fewer mistakes and more big plays - with the advantage that we're at home, and the disadvantage that we showed them up last year. It's winnable but we'll need to play our best game yet.

 

[Big Oil Okie]

Yeah, as far as I know, you've got it right. The RV lot used to be much closer to the stadium and it was way better, but you'll still get a really nice tailgating atmosphere out there.

Only tip I'd give you is don't let yourself get trapped out there by staying at the tailgate too long, especially if you plan on taking the shuttles into the stadium. In fact, I'd avoid the shuttles and just walk if you feel up to a stroll. It's far, maybe a mile, but it's kind of nice to walk through campus and get some of the game-day atmosphere.

One of my favorite things to do when I parked out there used to be to save a little room in my stomach, pack a road soda for the walk and stop at the Knights of Columbus "tailgate" at the Sacred Heart Parish Center by the lake on the way to the stadium. Awesome steak sandwiches. Don't know if they still do that or not; it's been a few years since I parked north of the stadium. You'll probably have plenty of good food, but it might be worth asking about. (This plan made more sense when I was a broke kid who didn't have enough up-front money to get both both beer and food for the tailgate ... under those circumstances, we cut out the food).

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to a great time.

Are open containers cool? We planned on leaving the tailgate around noon to walk to the stadium and walk around a bit. Just need to make sure we can drink, ha. I'm a nervous wreck for OU games, especially bIg ones. Drinking calms me.

I leave tomorrow to begin my journey from Denver to Dallas and then up to South Bend. Can't wait. But I feel a little bad for leaving my 8 months pregnant wife and 2nd old, haha.

 

[MPClinton22]

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to a great time.

Are open containers cool? We planned on leaving the tailgate around noon to walk to the stadium and walk around a bit. Just need to make sure we can drink, ha. I'm a nervous wreck for OU games, especially bIg ones. Drinking calms me.

I leave tomorrow to begin my journey from Denver to Dallas and then up to South Bend. Can't wait. But I feel a little bad for leaving my 8 months pregnant wife and 2nd old, haha.

Open containers are fine on game days as long as you are 21, which I am assuming isn't an issue!

And definitely take some time to check out the campus, it will be well worth it!

One of my favorite things to check out is the midnight drummer's circle (if you will be there by Friday night). It's at midnight (obviously) in front of the steps of the main building, which is the one with the Golden dome. It's a cool way to kick of game day and get excited for Saturday.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

FEI projects an Irish loss this Satuday:

66.8% PWE :: Oklahoma 26, NOTRE DAME 19

 

[Emcee77]

I thought this was the most interesting part of the presser. It sounded to me, listening to Kelly's answer, like he basically thinks the OL is doing a great job run blocking ... its the TEs and WRs who need to step it up (he didn't mention them but that was the clear implication).

Here's the full quote. He actually did call out the TEs; I didn't even catch that part when I heard it live.

Q. Regarding the offensive line, what would you say would be the main difference in terms of a unit that's able to pass block so well while the running game is struggling a little bit?

COACH KELLY: There are so many factors to that. You know, I think we're blocking the five guys they're blocking the five guys that they're supposed to block pretty good. There are times when obviously we need to be better at it. We have to block seven and eight, and we've got to get better at that. But they're doing a great job in pass protection. We need to do a much better job as a unit, as a whole, and that's not just the offensive line, that's everybody, coaches and tight ends included, in blocking the whole play.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

That's a fairly low confidence range. They are 50% against the spread in that range this year, only 20% last week. I will take it. Whiskey, love seeing BCFtoys on here, btw

While we are at it: despite the despair we all felt after last week, look who is 10th on the S&P+ offensive rating - #1 in your hearts y'all