I, like most all of you, am extremely disappointed in the loss to Navy and quite frustrated with the play calling. But I think it is important to point out some very positive things I saw during the game. Add to the list if you like... please none of the negatives, we all know what they are.
1. Duval Kamara is better than advertised. The diving catch and the straight arm are excellent signs of effort in what is a disappointing season, plus show that this guy is the real deal at WR. A wonderful combination of hands and physicality this offense needs.
2. Armando showed signs of why we were so excited to land him as a recruit. He hits the hole with speed and can break it on any play. Once he loses the Freshman hesitancy he will be a playmaker.
3. Aldridge will be an excellent compliment to Armando. He too runs hard and show signs of improving vision. I see him as one of those RB's that really wears down a defense and gets stronger as the game goes on.
4. Walls was impressive for most of the game. If he keeps playing physical I think he can be a lock-down corner and force teams to look for plays on the other side of the field. I can't remember the last time I saw a ND CB come off the corner and stuff a run play like he did.
5. Ragone got a reception and made a decent run after the catch. Once he grows into his frame he will be an excellent target.
6. Couple veterans seemed to step back up - good game by Carlson and nice to see Zibby making some plays. Although the 2-point conversion failed, TT made a great run to get one of his touchdowns.
7. Ian Williams seemed very active. 2 solo tackles and 9 assists.
8. I loved seeing Robert Hughes get the TD. Weis definitely made the right play call to get him the TD in that situation. The spirit of the ND family in this type of situation is more important than a football win.
9. The O-line at times looked good, not great, but good. They seemed to enjoy the physical run blocking. Improvement is still needed, but I saw a couple guys get physical at times.
10. Where did Scott Smith come from. I don't remember his name coming up in many games this year, but he made a couple plays on defense and I think it was he who had a big clothes-line tackle on a kick off or punt coverage. We need guys, especially linebackers, to make plays. Again, still a lot of room for improvement, but guys need to step up when called upon.
1. Duval Kamara is better than advertised. The diving catch and the straight arm are excellent signs of effort in what is a disappointing season, plus show that this guy is the real deal at WR. A wonderful combination of hands and physicality this offense needs.
2. Armando showed signs of why we were so excited to land him as a recruit. He hits the hole with speed and can break it on any play. Once he loses the Freshman hesitancy he will be a playmaker.
3. Aldridge will be an excellent compliment to Armando. He too runs hard and show signs of improving vision. I see him as one of those RB's that really wears down a defense and gets stronger as the game goes on.
4. Walls was impressive for most of the game. If he keeps playing physical I think he can be a lock-down corner and force teams to look for plays on the other side of the field. I can't remember the last time I saw a ND CB come off the corner and stuff a run play like he did.
5. Ragone got a reception and made a decent run after the catch. Once he grows into his frame he will be an excellent target.
6. Couple veterans seemed to step back up - good game by Carlson and nice to see Zibby making some plays. Although the 2-point conversion failed, TT made a great run to get one of his touchdowns.
7. Ian Williams seemed very active. 2 solo tackles and 9 assists.
8. I loved seeing Robert Hughes get the TD. Weis definitely made the right play call to get him the TD in that situation. The spirit of the ND family in this type of situation is more important than a football win.
9. The O-line at times looked good, not great, but good. They seemed to enjoy the physical run blocking. Improvement is still needed, but I saw a couple guys get physical at times.
10. Where did Scott Smith come from. I don't remember his name coming up in many games this year, but he made a couple plays on defense and I think it was he who had a big clothes-line tackle on a kick off or punt coverage. We need guys, especially linebackers, to make plays. Again, still a lot of room for improvement, but guys need to step up when called upon.
grin: