Late season realistic expectations.

[IrishSteelhead]

Question is whether or not that was a result of good coaching, scheme and qb play or more a factor of a portion of the previous reasons with crappy competition?

UC was crappy too though talent wise sans a few guys. No reason our QB's can't replicate Pike's success IMO.

 

[Grahambo]

UC was crappy too though talent wise sans a few guys. No reason our QB's can't replicate Pike's success IMO.

Wasn't Tony Pike like the 5th string QB at one point?

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Wasn't Tony Pike like the 5th string QB at one point?

Not sure, but he was one of those guys without many physical gifts who just "got" BK's offense and thrived in it.

 

[irish4ever]

10-2

Who have you replacing the "turnover machine"? He'll play lights out against Northwestern and some will get a hard-on on how good he looked only to turn into the frickin' turnover machine against either L'ville or U$C. My guess is 9-3 n possibly even 8-4.

 

[T Town Tommy]

My "outsider" opinion:

The Irish will finish 10-2 and get a pretty good bowl game. If this team - with all the losses to draft, injury, suspensions - and the fact that they are still young - can somehow finish at 11-2 heading in to the off season - that would be a huge success. Even 10-3 should be looked at as a serious building block.

The Irish have been in every game this year. Even the ASU game - a game in which they set themselves back more than what ASU was doing. I can't remember a year in recent memory that ND can say they were as good or better than their opponent. Yes, 2012 was close but even then it took some strange things to happen to get to the title game.

Bottom line for me is this. The Irish needs to finish strong, win a solid bowl game, finish strong through NSD, and come out in the spring with the attitude that they will be a top five team next season. And that is more realistic now than ever before. Turn it up in practice, separate the men from the boys and then get busy busting butt.

This Irish team is getting closer. And the combination of young, solid play makers coupled with a pretty good coaching staff, can help them get over that hump. Got enough players now to get after it in practice. Fix the mistakes there. Find out who belongs and who doesn't. Make them earn their way. Every practice should be harder than than any game. Depth can not be an issue anymore. Somebody has to step up and be that voice of leadership. Find your CJ Mosley (shameless Bama plug) who will be the "coach" on the field and in practice. If someone is not giving their all in practice - call them out. Don't wait on a coach.

For all the wait till next year talk - well, I think next year can be "the year." The talent is there. No reason to sugar coat it, make excuses, downplay expectations. If the Irish can't get to the playoffs next year, then maybe "time for a change" is due. Not wholesale changes but tweaks to where the weakness is continuing to show. Anything short of a playoff next year and it should be seen as a major disappointment for the Irish.

 

[connect the dots]

My "outsider" opinion:

The Irish will finish 10-2 and get a pretty good bowl game. If this team - with all the losses to draft, injury, suspensions - and the fact that they are still young - can somehow finish at 11-2 heading in to the off season - that would be a huge success. Even 10-3 should be looked at as a serious building block.

The Irish have been in every game this year. Even the ASU game - a game in which they set themselves back more than what ASU was doing. I can't remember a year in recent memory that ND can say they were as good or better than their opponent. Yes, 2012 was close but even then it took some strange things to happen to get to the title game.

Bottom line for me is this. The Irish needs to finish strong, win a solid bowl game, finish strong through NSD, and come out in the spring with the attitude that they will be a top five team next season. And that is more realistic now than ever before. Turn it up in practice, separate the men from the boys and then get busy busting butt.

This Irish team is getting closer. And the combination of young, solid play makers coupled with a pretty good coaching staff, can help them get over that hump. Got enough players now to get after it in practice. Fix the mistakes there. Find out who belongs and who doesn't. Make them earn their way. Every practice should be harder than than any game. Depth can not be an issue anymore. Somebody has to step up and be that voice of leadership. Find your CJ Mosley (shameless Bama plug) who will be the "coach" on the field and in practice. If someone is not giving their all in practice - call them out. Don't wait on a coach.

For all the wait till next year talk - well, I think next year can be "the year." The talent is there. No reason to sugar coat it, make excuses, downplay expectations. If the Irish can't get to the playoffs next year, then maybe "time for a change" is due. Not wholesale changes but tweaks to where the weakness is continuing to show. Anything short of a playoff next year and it should be seen as a major disappointment for the Irish.

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. No, it's T Town Tommy!

 

[T Town Tommy]

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. No, it's T Town Tommy!

So connect... what's your late season expectations for your Irish?

 

[connect the dots]

So connect... what's your late season expectations for your Irish?

I was taught by the Sisters of Providence in the fifties. On Saturday afternoon, they would all gather in the convent's common room to listen to the Notre Dame game on the radio. As children, we were taught the Notre Dame fight song along with the Our Father and the Hail Mary. Those women were full of grace, and they had high expectations for Notre Dame football. I share their high expectations, and your season ending script makes perfect sense to me.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I want the SEC (Alabama, Auburn, Miss St, Ole Miss) or Ohio State. I feel like any of those matchups could be a statement for us coming into 2015.

That's assuming we win out......

We need some real damn leaders to emerge. I mean the vocal, talk with their hands type leaders.

 

[BobbyMac]

Wasn't Tony Pike like the 5th string QB at one point?

If he was, it was early in his career. He was the back-up his Jr. year when the starter got hurt at the start of the season.

Not sure, but he was one of those guys without many physical gifts who just "got" BK's offense and thrived in it.

6-6 and a good arm is all the hardware you need. It's the software that separates the Pike's from the Brady's and Manning's.



..

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

I want the SEC (Alabama, Auburn, Miss St, Ole Miss) or Ohio State. I feel like any of those matchups could be a statement for us coming into 2015.

That's assuming we win out......

We need some real damn leaders to emerge. I mean the vocal, talk with their hands type leaders.

Man, I'm with you but those match ups make me so nervous. Especially since I live in Ohio and all my friends are high ranking member of the Ohio State Cult.

whats up the "leaders"? or Lack there of. I know Schmidt led the Defense, but from the couch, he didn't stand out over anyone else in my opinion in terms of leadership. Wheres the 'man' at? someone on the team has to have it, and if we don't. 2015 will be the same ole same ole. We need some real A**holes on the field.

 

[NDohio]

I want the SEC (Alabama, Auburn, Miss St, Ole Miss) or Ohio State. I feel like any of those matchups could be a statement for us coming into 2015.

That's assuming we win out......

We need some real damn leaders to emerge. I mean the vocal, talk with their hands type leaders.

Man, I'm with you but those match ups make me so nervous. Especially since I live in Ohio and all my friends are high ranking member of the Ohio State Cult.

whats up the "leaders"? or Lack there of. I know Schmidt led the Defense, but from the couch, he didn't stand out over anyone else in my opinion in terms of leadership. Wheres the 'man' at? someone on the team has to have it, and if we don't. 2015 will be the same ole same ole. We need some real A**holes on the field.

I think we would all agree that Manti has been the best leader ND has had in a long time. These characteristics don't fit him at all.

I think EG really needs to step up as a leader. He can be the quiet leader like Manti was, but he needs to take control of his issues and then take control of this team.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

I think we would all agree that Manti has been the best leader ND has had in a long time. These characteristics don't fit him at all.

I think EG really needs to step up as a leader. He can be the quiet leader like Manti was, but he needs to take control of his issues and then take control of this team.

I don't want guys to be something they're not.

I should rephrase.

I want to see guys be bad asses. I really liked Manti, I appreciate everything he did, I really do. I don't know if I would of wanted to play with him. Was he any better than say James Laurinaitis from Ohio State? debatable, but lets say statistically they were even. Completely different leaders. I like the Laurinaitis type leader, Not playing up to par? He's telling you about it, need a big hit? he's making it. I want guys that when you look in there eyes you're like " oh s**t" he's bringing it. I don't get that vibe, from anyone.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I don't see a "leadership" deficit on our offense. When Golson holds onto the ball, we're scoring lots of points.

On defense, the lack of leadership is a function of our youth. Schmidt filled that role admirably through the Navy game, but his absence was sorely felt against ASU. Others will step up and shoulder the burden of communicating and getting everyone lined up correctly soon enough.

I don't think we have an "attitude" problem on either side of the ball.

 

[wizards8507]

I don't want guys to be something they're not.

I should rephrase.

I want to see guys be bad asses. I really liked Manti, I appreciate everything he did, I really do. I don't know if I would of wanted to play with him. Was he any better than say James Laurinaitis from Ohio State? debatable, but lets say statistically they were even. Completely different leaders. I like the Laurinaitis type leader, Not playing up to par? He's telling you about it, need a big hit? he's making it. I want guys that when you look in there eyes you're like " oh s**t" he's bringing it. I don't get that vibe, from anyone.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

So...you're confident that this was him, all Day, every saturday? Negative. This was post a insane goal line stop. If there were cameras around my basement you would of seen a pail, non visibale tattooed guy in a ND T Shirt looking the same.

 

[wizards8507]

So...you're confident that this was him, all Day, every saturday? Negative. This was post a insane goal line stop. If there were cameras around my basement you would of seen a pail, non visibale tattooed guy in a ND T Shirt looking the same.

My point was more about the current squad than it was about Manti. No, I don't think he was like that all game every game. But I also haven't seen any passion like that from the current group of guys.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

My point was more about the current squad than it was about Manti. No, I don't think he was like that all game every game. But I also haven't seen any passion like that from the current group of guys.

Oh! well then i'll take of my boxing gloves. Because we are on the same page. Although I would of preferred a picture of a soulless Rocky Boiman

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Yup. Zero passion on this team...

 

[ND NYC]

hope were not confusing the modern thuggery "look-at-me-i-just-made-a-tackle-so-i-am-going-to-preen-and-pose for-the-camera-and-do-this-dance-ive-been-working-on-and-show-up-my-opponenet" with "passion for the game"

 

[Jerry]

My expectations (or hope) is that ND wins out and gets a crack at an SEC team (Miss St., LSU) or say Clemson. Some are predicting KSU which I guess is ok but less glamorous to me.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

hope were not confusing the modern thuggery "look-at-me-i-just-made-a-tackle-so-i-am-going-to-preen-and-pose for-the-camera-and-do-this-dance-ive-been-working-on-and-show-up-my-opponenet" with "passion for the game"

Not from my perspective. Like, Spielman, he completely went on what seemed like a 15min rant on Redfield. Is there any doubt that he would of told Max what was up if he was in fact playing in the game? absolutely! he would of given Redfield the ole' "what the f@#k was that" that's the kind of leadership I would like to see. Someone playing at a high level, at all times, and demanding everyone else do it too.

 

[T Town Tommy]

When I mentioned in my post about finding leadership from the players, I was not suggesting that the Irish find a thug leader. I was merely suggesting that they find that positive, vocal leader both on and off the field that will hold players accountable when they aren't performing to the level they should be. Sorry if it was taken another way.

Also,I was not suggesting that ND had a leadership void. I don't believe they do. I would just like to see a little more from some of the older guys. Don't know who that is.... thought Schmidt was close to that before his injury.

 

[Black Irish]

I want the SEC (Alabama, Auburn, Miss St, Ole Miss) or Ohio State. I feel like any of those matchups could be a statement for us coming into 2015.

That's assuming we win out......

We need some real damn leaders to emerge. I mean the vocal, talk with their hands type leaders.

It sounds like Kelly and VanGorder need to recruit more Italians.

Seriously, I'm confident the Irish go 10-2 and get a good bowl game. And I agree, I'd like to see a marquee match up from a Power 5 team. Beating OSU or an upper-echelon SEC team would warm my soul like a glass of fine whiskey.

 

[Rudy89]

Not knocking the people who say 10-2 but I would like to hear reasons why you feel that way same thing with those who think we are gonna lose out why do you feel we are that bad or good? I would like to think we can still beat USC and win our bowl game. However this teams hasn't really looked too impressive since the Stanford game ( yeah we looked good against FSU but it's hard for me personally to say you looked impressive during a loss that's just my perspective) so for the level headed guys and guys who keep up with more college football than me why do u feel we will finish how you say. Tommy did a good job of this in his post.

 

[ickythump1225]

Not knocking the people who say 10-2 but I would like to hear reasons why you feel that way same thing with those who think we are gonna lose out why do you feel we are that bad or good? I would like to think we can still beat USC and win our bowl game. However this teams hasn't really looked too impressive since the Stanford game ( yeah we looked good against FSU but it's hard for me personally to say you looked impressive during a loss that's just my perspective) so for the level headed guys and guys who keep up with more college football than me why do u feel we will finish how you say. Tommy did a good job of this in his post.

I think we are very capable of winning out. We have shown that we can be very very good, and we have also shown we are capable of making mind blowing mistakes. I think we are more talented and better than every team left on our schedule and I think being home for back to back games will serve us well. I think having 3 straight road games (even with a bye sandwiched in there) was tough for our young team especially considering we went to Tallahassee and then to Tempe playing very very good teams.

I'm not overly worried about getting into a "good" bowl so long as we're 10-2. Getting 10 wins should at least guarantee us a later bowl with a pretty decent opponent. Winning out from this point and getting 11 wins would make this season a success.

 

[stlnd01]

Not knocking the people who say 10-2 but I would like to hear reasons why you feel that way same thing with those who think we are gonna lose out why do you feel we are that bad or good? I would like to think we can still beat USC and win our bowl game. However this teams hasn't really looked too impressive since the Stanford game ( yeah we looked good against FSU but it's hard for me personally to say you looked impressive during a loss that's just my perspective) so for the level headed guys and guys who keep up with more college football than me why do u feel we will finish how you say. Tommy did a good job of this in his post.

If we play to our ability we certainly can finish 10-2 (I also thought if we played to our ability we would have beaten Arizona State). For the simple reason that we're a better, more complete, team than anyone left on our schedule.

But this is college football. There's no guarantee you play to your ability every week. Or that
your opponent doesn't play lights out.

I suppose Northwestern could beat us. Stranger things have happened. But it's unlikely, because they appear to suck this year.

Could we lose to Louisville? Sure. They've got a good defense and some dangerous weapons on offense. They'll try and do to us what Arizona State did with the blitzing. But hopefully we learned something from that experience, and they're not as good on offense as ASU was, especially with their QB situation. This is a game we should win.

USC? They've got loads of top-end talent, and appear to have a strong passing game, which could give us trouble. They're a couple of plays from being a one-loss team, probably ranked in the top ten. But they're so up and down emotionally it's hard to know what team you'll get in a given week with them. And aside from Arizona State, whose QB was hurt and beat them anyway, I don't think they've played a team that's in our league on both sides of the ball. Also banged up at the end of the season with a short roster and nothing in particular to play for. Right now, I'd pick us to win. But it's probably a toss-up.

So, a "will win," a "should win, and a "toss-up." If we play well, that means 10-2. Not a bad season, all things considered. If we play poorly, 8-4, and that would be frustrating.