Observations and Opinions from the game

[notredomer23]

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But we werent just prepared for this game. DD, i will not get into that, it brings back to much pain. Thomas, i understand its hard to rush against GT, but that was just bad. AA and JA did ok today. Tashard Choice is one of the best players i have ever seen come out of GT besides Calvin johnson in a long time. Our defense is improved, but still has a way to go.

Positives:
Clausen- I am impressed and like our future
Sharpley- Threw the ball well, but needs to feel pressure
Wide Receivers and Carlson- They played ok, but could definitly play better
Armando Allen and James Aldridge- Two explosive, durable backs.
Negatives
DD- Throw the ball, dont think just do
TT- IDK, he may have had an off day, but couldnt gain any yards.
O Line and rueland- Need to work on blocking the blitz
Offense- we played against a tough GT defense, but DD looked bad
Not bad not good
Defense-improved from last year. We just couldnt stop the direct snap for some reason





I like our future, not much this year, but a bowl win is definitly posible still. I expect Clasuen to start next week and lead us to a hopeful victory.

GT finishes a top ten team, gaurenteed.
__________________

 

[wallym]

Come on!! Let's be realistic...we have no prayer against PSU. No way, no how. I don't care what kind of practice they have this week.

 

[jakerbluegold]

Who is DD? JK, but there are positives,
gonna be a rough first half of the season, but oh well
I'm glad that I bought tickets to the Duke game

 

[IrishRamMan10]

I dont know why everyone is automatically throwing ND under the bus. This could possibly be the best defense we play all year (USC's will most likely be better). but the blitzing D taht GT brings the Irish will not see something as aggressive as taht this year at all. I loved waht i say from clausen with his quick reads and sharp passes. I think he should be the starter against GT with a allen, aldridge type of run game... This will bring a whole new offense to confuse Penn St. and i see it as aout best offense for success. They really have no film on that type of offense so that plays to our advantage.. I am encouraged by the D. I believe that by the end of tge year with will be a good enough D to win.... As for the o-line im not gonna dodge it they looked absolutely horrendous... however i have a feeling that the GT d will do that to a lot of O-lines this year

 

[jakerbluegold]

WallyM
are you a closet PSU fan or what!
PSU is a completely different game and CW is going to overhaul everything for the better
IE: No Travis Thomas or Demetrius Jones
JC and AA all day long, and some passing for God's sake
If you don't like that, go post on a different site

 

[wallym]

jakerbluegold - different game??? It's the big 10 for crying out loud, and a much more physical conference. Granted, GT's defense is very, very good and they blitz a lot. I'm glad we got exposed so early in the season and can improve. I do like what I see from Clausen, but it was mop up time and they only blitzed him once....and they sacked him. AA does look screaming fast, but we didn't try to find any other way to get him the ball because our line sucked. PSU will destroy us if we aren't able to be physical up front.

As far as the posting on another site...that's garbage. Shut up

 

[NDgettysburg]

PSU is a completely different game and CW is going to overhaul everything for the better

Overhaul after the first game? That sounds promising!

 

[notredomer23]

this is the year of the freshman...JC starts next week as well as allen.

we can go 8-4 we can also go 4-8. It depends how everything pans out. we did play the best defense in the country besides SC imo. Gt is a top ten team who may compete to be in the top 5

 

[GoshenGipper]

jakerbluegold - different game??? It's the big 10 for crying out loud, and a much more physical conference. Granted, GT's defense is very, very good and they blitz a lot. I'm glad we got exposed so early in the season and can improve. I do like what I see from Clausen, but it was mop up time and they only blitzed him once....and they sacked him. AA does look screaming fast, but we didn't try to find any other way to get him the ball because our line sucked. PSU will destroy us if we aren't able to be physical up front.

As far as the posting on another site...that's garbage. Shut up

Um, no it's not.

 

[Timugen]

Observations from the game

Observations from the game

Just curious if I'm the only one who thought that overall our team looked good EXCEPT THE OL. Most of the bad things that happened (including a lot of GT's points via unbelievable field position) are attributable to the OL.

RB's (less TT) showed tons of talent and promise if they had a decent OL.

For QB's it's hard to make a quick, fair judgment given the molestation factor, but I would say that Clausen looked the sharpest in his limited play, and seems to have the "it" factor.

As for WR, well it's pretty hard to judge since our QB's couldn't stay off the ground long enough to throw a ball.

The D, despite the score, actually played VERY WELL in the 1st half (not sure if they lost heart later or if it was the 2nd/3rd stringers once it got out of reach - I need to refresh myself on jersey numbers before making that call.) The score, which on the surface seems to be a smear on our D, really isn't indicative of how they played (again, in the first half.) We handed GT the ball on a silver platter like what, 3 or 4 times, in our territory and they walk away with all of 9 points. Last year that would have been 21 to 28 pts we would be looking at making up. If you ask me, most (if not all) of those points are on the shoulders of our offense (mostly because of our OL performance) screwing the pooch.

And that's the scary part. We have little experience but tons of talent, except on the OL apparently, which, quite frankly, looked like they were trying out for a Pop Warner scout team. That scares the shyte out of me.

 

[GoshenGipper]

It wasn't just the OL, but that was the biggest part.

 

[wallym]

At least we get a few extra hours to prepare this week...game Sat is at 6pm

 

[notredomer23]

I definitly like our future. 8-5 this year with a bowl win is IMO the most likely senario. next year is the year we will definitly be good again, the year after....NC

 

[Timugen]

It wasn't just the OL, but that was the biggest part.

I by no means meant to put the whole thing on the OL, and if that's the way it came across then I'd like to clarify it here.

Yes, we had a lot of things go wrong all over the field. But, the performance of the OL put our offense and our team in some extremely bad situations.

Generally speaking, my point is that the score is not indicative of the talent we have (and displayed on the field in this game) on this team. I did not intend to sound like I placed the loss squarely on the shoulders of the line, but I think this game would have been much more competitive and even winnable had we fielded an OL that performed.

The score in this game does not reflect the performance of the team, especially the D. On the flipside of that, one of the team's most critical units is the OL, and if they can't perform then nothing else really matters on Saturday.

 

[Timugen]

I guess another way to look at would be to look at the performance of the QB's.

Both Sharpley and Clausen had high completion percentages and their passes were on target (when they had more than 2 seconds to unload.) Yes, I know they took a ton of sacks and Jones coughed it up twice, but it's kinda hard for me to put the blame on the QB in those situations when he's getting sacked not by 1 or 2, but by 3 or 4 guys at the same time.

 

[Axl Rose]

Observations from the game

Observations from the game

In the past couple of years when ND lost I would be heart broken and annoyed, while I'm annoyed I understand the position ND's in. This IS a rebuilding year whether Charlie admits it or not, to me this is the year our underclassmen players get experience for a national title run in 08 and 09. Don't get me wrong I want to win this year as well, but this year more then years past we have to have patience.

BAD
-Travis Thomas can not be our starting running back! He couldn't find a hole to save his life and can't make anyone miss.

-Coach Latina needs to be on the hot seat, the O-line has been underachieving for years now.

-Turkovich and Duncan in particular played like garbage, as juniors they should be playing a whole lot better then what I saw today.

-Maurice Crum just isn't any good, how many RB's are gonna run by him? He constantly gets bullied around by linemen, TE's, and FB's.

-We just had bad strategy, If DD can't run the ND offense then he shouldn't be the QB. Don't install a brand new offense just to accommodate DD. How is it a team who threw more then almost any team in the NCAA only throw 3 passes in a half.

GOOD
-Aldridge, Allen, Parris, Kamara, Bruton, and Vernaglia looked pretty good. More experience will only make them better.

-Special teams looks like it may have gotten better.

-Jimmy Clausen is obviously our best passer, he needs to start PSU.

 

[GoshenGipper]

I guess another way to look at would be to look at the performance of the QB's.

Both Sharpley and Clausen had high completion percentages and their passes were on target (when they had more than 2 seconds to unload.) Yes, I know they took a ton of sacks and Jones coughed it up twice, but it's kinda hard for me to put the blame on the QB in those situations when he's getting sacked not by 1 or 2, but by 3 or 4 guys at the same time.

Yeah, it's extreamly hard to be a productive QB when you're under pressure all day.

I don't think most people realize how hard it is for a group of offensive linemen to learn to work together, and work as a cohesive unit. It really does take game experience working together and this group really didn't have any of that. when you combine that with the blitzing of GT you are going to have major problems.

 

[notredomer23]

In the past couple of years when ND lost I would be heart broken and annoyed, while I'm annoyed I understand the position ND's in. This IS a rebuilding year whether Charlie admits it or not, to me this is the year our underclassmen players get experience for a national title run in 08 and 09. Don't get me wrong I want to win this year as well, but this year more then years past we have to have patience.

BAD
-Travis Thomas can not be our starting running back! He couldn't find a hole to save his life and can't make anyone miss.

-Coach Latina needs to be on the hot seat, the O-line has been underachieving for years now.

-Turkovich and Duncan in particular played like garbage, as juniors they should be playing a whole lot better then what I saw today.

-Maurice Crum just isn't any good, how many RB's are gonna run by him? He constantly gets bullied around by linemen, TE's, and FB's.

-We just had bad strategy, If DD can't run the ND offense then he shouldn't be the QB. Don't install a brand new offense just to accommodate DD. How is it a team who threw more then almost any team in the NCAA only throw 3 passes in a half.

GOOD
-Aldridge, Allen, Parris, Kamara, Bruton, and Vernaglia looked pretty good. More experience will only make them better.

-Special teams looks like it may have gotten better.

-Jimmy Clausen is obviously our best passer, he needs to start PSU.

i agree with all you said beside Crum. He played sub par from what i was expecting, but he still played decent, and may have had an off game.

 

[irishnickname]

Did anyone else catch the play about midway through the third quarter where 4 out of our 5 offensive linemen were flat on their backs as Sharply was getting mauled? Granted Ga-Tech's defense was very good, there is no way this should ever happen in D-1 football. Ever.

I hope the line play improves or else Charlie needs to make some changes in the coaching of this group.

 

[ND4life]

GT was tough

GT was tough

first of all gotta give GT all the credit for handing us an ass woopen.

my observations:

QB-
DJ- had his oppurtunity but just didnt execute. i dont think he had the mental toughness to take all those blitzes. the 2 fumbles were a mistake and hopefully he will get a chance to redeem himself.

ES- kinda made me proud when he took that shot and got right back up (just like quinn for the past 4 years). had good throws and mental toughness like the 4th and 7. one overthrown to DG i was hoping he completed that one. 1 fumble i think he shouldve just took the sack but thats just me.

JC- just like someone else said, it was mop up duty. BUT he did get the ball out quick and one overthrown ball to DJ.

OL-just like most of you guys said our OL was horrendous. they were mostly simple blitzes but GT executed them to a T. gotta give them credit they were flying around.

RB- i loved the potential of JA and AA they did alright tonight. TT and JJ didnt do that well in blitz pick up. i dont think anyone did.

TE- they all need work with their run blocking footwork.

DL- TL thank god he came back.
justin brown- that was just a dumb mistake that took the momentum away and GT capitalized on it.

DE- got sucked in too much and didnt contain the outside enough which broke choice for most of his big plays.

LB- they got manhandled by the GT line

DB- they didnt pass much, so i cant give a good critique on their coverage skills but, they didnt help enough on the run game.

ST- happy we got a FG block, KR were hesitant bringing up the ball. glad we atleast put up 3 points.

overall- the whole ND nation has their hands full this season with this schedule. one game at a time and we will see our team improve.

GO IRISH!!!

 

[NDPOWER]

Share your opinions

Share your opinions

1. We are not going to see D. Jones on the field playing for Notre Dame ever again. CW wouldnt let him throw for a reason, and I am kinda glad he didnt. We will see J C or E S the rest of the year. Im hoping on JC. Its his team, and I think he should earn his stripes now rather then later. Bc if he does not get any expierence now then we will be in the same boat next year as we are now.

2. The Oline was a disgrace. Granted Gtech throws some crazy looks, but they were just not in the game. Missing assignments, getting blown off the ball and not opening up any lanes to run.

3. The defense didnt play to bad. They are on the field way to often and ran out of steam. The team never got momentum and we know how important that is in CFB. Its just as demoralizing for the defense as the offense when its 3 and out. They held the pass pretty well, although bennet missed some open recievers. I liked the looks they were giving. They were attacking, the front 3 and 4 couldnt get a push. (Dwartes point). But they didnt stop the run. I think the defense will get alot better throughout the season.

4. The talent on this team is not 7-5. They are young. But very athletic. What bothers me most of all is that CW walked away from his guns. The spread was a disaster. Hes a prostyle coach, and i think he overthought this game and tried to do something he couldnt. Gtech blitzs , but thats not hard to beat. Screens, quick slants, misdirections..etc he played right into tenutas game plan. With young players you need to start off right. They lose confidence really fast. He should stick with Clausen and do what hes been doing his whole career. Let JC sling the ball down field. Allen is too small to run between tackles set him up ion screens and swing passes (Brian Westbrook) . Use the athletic ability of duval kamara like stovall and jeff. RUN A PROSTYLE OFFENSE. If we would have done that from the start it wouldve been different. We may not have won. But we wouldve played ALOT better.

There is so much I want to write that went wrong. Its ridiculous. I dont care that they lost, it happens. But they got outcoached. CW really dropped the ball. Im hoping he learned his lesson, or reads this post. GET BACK TO HOW YOU MADE YOUR NAME!!!!

 

[benneboy]

Allen is too small to run between tackles set him up ion screens and swing passes

Incorrect!

Armando is the only bright spot we have to take from this game aside from John Carlson. He is special because he has blazing speed and is tough enough to run between the tackles as well. Armando's 8.3 ypc keep my spirits up.

 

[onenybrother]

I definitly like our future. 8-5 this year with a bowl win is IMO the most likely senario. next year is the year we will definitly be good again, the year after....NC[/QUOTE

Everyone know this is a retooling year for us. I'm gonna take my lumps this year,and take note's for the big payback next year.
Let's Go Dame !!!!

 

[GoshenGipper]

Incorrect!

Armando is the only bright spot we have to take from this game aside from John Carlson. He is special because he has blazing speed and is tough enough to run between the tackles as well. Armando's 8.3 ypc keep my spirits up.

I agree, Allen needs to get more touches. IMO he looks like he is the best playmaker on the team.

 

[Sureal]

I for one was pleased on how our D played. Yeah Crum could have done better but IMO they just got tired. This loss was attributed to the o plain and simple. We still can't pick up the blitz. Irritating to no end. Justin Brown penalty was un-called for. After seeing him on the bench after it happened I got the feeling that he knew he screwed up. There is no question that DD should not be undercenter to start the PSU game. He has to learn to hold onto the ball. Plain and simple. We can't afford turnovers like that. Our D played good, our secondary was great. Our contain got broken a couple of times but part of me wants to put that on fatigue. While I didn't agree with the gameplan I am assuming we get back to a balanced offense. We need to keep our playmakers on the field no matter what level of experience they have (AA,JA). O-Line needs to step up. RBs has to start picking up the blitz better. We had this issue for a couple of years now...

 

[johnnd05]

The good, the bad, and the mediocre

The good, the bad, and the mediocre

Good:

• Evan Sharpley: I thought he threw the ball really well, and showed a good head under some serious pressure. That said, he's about as mobile as a sofa.
• Jimmy Clausen: I'll say this: he certainly looks better than Brady did as a freshman. That said, he was playing against second-stringers, and he did trip over his own feet on that one play. Would I put him back out there next week? Not with THAT offensive line in front of him ...
• Armando Allen: Yeah, he's got it. I'm really disinclined to get overexcited about freshmen, but I could see him being the #1 back by midseason, if not next week. HOLD ONTO THE BALL, though!
• Trevor Laws: Given how many of his d-line mates were missing, he had a thankless job, and he did pretty damn well.
• David Bruton: He looked pretty solid back there, and blitzed really nicely on that sack.
• Robby Parris: Shark, anyone? I thought he looked pretty darn good, though we'll see how he does in more "standard" situations.

Bad:

• Justin Brown: How has this not been talked about more? We'd just come up with a huge stop, down only nine, the crowd was getting back into it, and they scored a touchdown practically right afterward. That was the real turning point of the game, IMO. What a fuckup.
• Travis Thomas: Deer in the headlights, anyone? I was VERY disappointed with how TT did, though thinking back I'm not sure why I ever had high expectations in the first place. He's a solid special-teamer, but not much more. Plus, he's not NEARLY the blocker that D-Walk was.
• The O-Line: One word: disaster. What a disappointment. If they don't get their shit together (and I'm not saying they won't - I know they're pretty young and it takes a while to get, etc.), Latina's going to be looking for a job come springtime.
• Terrail Lambert: He was AWFUL. Absolutely AWFUL. The guy got burned innumerable times - we were lucky he didn't end up giving up four touchdowns. Flashbacks to defensive secondaries of years past - Purdue will KILL us if he's out there. Awful. Awful, awful, awful.
• The option: I didn't understand that decision at ALL. We OBVIOUSLY don't have the talent - on the o-line or in the backfield - to run that sort of offense, except as a sort of change-up. I'm not going to blame DD here - he did what he was told, and frankly when given the opportunity to run (and not scramble) he did so pretty well. But there's NO WAY we're running that offense for the long-term.

The mediocre:

• Zbikowski: Where was he? Did he do anything? I suppose it's not a bad thing when you don't hear a DB's name being called, but I expected more than this from him. Those long runs killed us, and it's his responsibility to stop him.
• The defensive line: We have NO depth here, and with Hand suspended and Justin Brown being a fuckup, they were put in a DAMN difficult position. From what I recall, most of GT's big runs went to the outside, so that's probably not really their fault either. But you can't give up 200+ yards rushing, PERIOD.
• Aldridge: I admit I'm starting to sour on him. That said, he only got five (or so) carries, so let's see what happens next week when (1) he's likely to be the #1 or #1a guy, and (2) we - please, please, PLEASE!! - don't have to spend the whole damn game playing catchup.

Discuss. Anybody I'm missing?

 

[johnnd05]

I for one was pleased on how our D played. Yeah Crum could have done better but IMO they just got tired. This loss was attributed to the o plain and simple. We still can't pick up the blitz. Irritating to no end. Justin Brown penalty was un-called for. After seeing him on the bench after it happened I got the feeling that he knew he screwed up. There is no question that DD should not be undercenter to start the PSU game. He has to learn to hold onto the ball. Plain and simple. We can't afford turnovers like that. Our D played good, our secondary was great. Our contain got broken a couple of times but part of me wants to put that on fatigue. While I didn't agree with the gameplan I am assuming we get back to a balanced offense. We need to keep our playmakers on the field no matter what level of experience they have (AA,JA). O-Line needs to step up. RBs has to start picking up the blitz better. We had this issue for a couple of years now...

I disagree. Lambert, at least, was AWFUL, and Zbikowski wasn't much to write home about either. (See above.)

 

[johnnd05]

Good/Bad/Mediocre

Good/Bad/Mediocre

I realized I forgot to include Geoff Price among the mediocre and Nate Whitaker (he was doing kickoffs, right?) among the good.

 

[NDgettysburg]

I disagree. Lambert, at least, was AWFUL...

As much as I hate to agree with a Yankee fan....yer damn right. I commented on it during the game and in some threads, yet no one seemed to agree with me. All in all, he didn't have bad position, but he did nothing with it. He was just "there"...no hands up, no knocking passes down. Just "there".

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

I didn't think the Defense played that bad, but our O-Line was awful.
It didn't look like we had a plan when DJ was in there.
We looked a little better when Sharpley went in, but I think Clausen is the way to go for the rest of the season. Go Irish!