JC definetly showed my why...

[Clausen2Kamara]

he was so highly recruited last year... I was at the game and he looked like he has learned a lot from his first start. Regardless of the opponent, I saw attributes I have been waiting to see from JC. Things like getting rid of the ball, having a feel for the pocket, and makin something out of nothing and avoiding big mistakes. He threw it away when need be and he also scrambles for some valuable yardss when he got the chance. When he did have time tho, he consistantly hit the Wr's hands with darts. It was a great display. Numerous passes were dropped, makin his numbers worse..Having a sound running game with Hughes and AA helped his cause. Anybody see what I saw? I know it was against Duke but he can use those attributes against anybody in the country from now on...I think he feels like he finally belongs..

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

He looked alot better when he had to leave the pocket. His passes looked pretty sharp as well. I'm guessing more than one WR we are recruiting was impressed.

 

[mbooch]

KNow what? I have a sneaky suspicion that, in two years, CRIST will be the starting QB.

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Maybe, but I don't think JC is gonna give it up easily.

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

You know, it sickens me to see a lot of posters just giving this job to Christ. I mean he is a talented QB, no doubt, but I'm tellin you right now if we throw him in to be our starting QB next season than he will no doubt struggle as much if not more than JC is. Clausen, proved to me that he learned from his past experiences. He showed savvy in the pocket, he showed awareness, he showed the ability to throw on the run. Mind you, it was against Duke but still, he showed the things that make a winning QB. He will be our starter next year and he will allow Dayne to take a redshirt and learn the offense. Remember that JC is only a freshman as is most of his talent Wr's. Jimmy will show us if he is really real or not against Stanford, they are obviously a good team (by beating SC) if he can show in that game what he showed today, he's going to be our QB until he turns pro, like it or not. I seriously believe he will be a top 20 pick and will get progressively better under the tutelage of Weis and the progression of our young talent on the WR and OL fronts..../

 

[mbooch]

He looked alot better when he had to leave the pocket. His passes looked pretty sharp as well. I'm guessing more than one WR we are recruiting was impressed.

Maybe, but I don't think JC is gonna give it up easily.

True enough, Stoney. My thought is this. I'm seeing the next "weapon" area of the ND offense as the RB corp. That means the QB does a LOT of handing off and watching other guys grab the headlines. Something tells me that isn't what Papa Clausen has in mind. Just a hunch.

 

[SoCalDomer]

You know, it sickens me to see a lot of posters just giving this job to Christ. I mean he is a talented QB, no doubt, but I'm tellin you right now if we throw him in to be our starting QB next season than he will no doubt struggle as much if not more than JC is. Clausen, proved to me that he learned from his past experiences. He showed savvy in the pocket, he showed awareness, he showed the ability to throw on the run. Mind you, it was against Duke but still, he showed the things that make a winning QB. He will be our starter next year and he will allow Dayne to take a redshirt and learn the offense. Remember that JC is only a freshman as is most of his talent Wr's. Jimmy will show us if he is really real or not against Stanford, they are obviously a good team (by beating SC) if he can show in that game what he showed today, he's going to be our QB until he turns pro, like it or not. I seriously believe he will be a top 20 pick and will get progressively better under the tutelage of Weis and the progression of our young talent on the WR and OL fronts..../

Don't forget Clausen enrolled early, and while he was unable to throw physically during the spring, it's the mental side and advance review of the playbook that helped. I agree, we need to stop putting the incomers up on a pedestal of expectations before they even get on campus.

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

True enough, Stoney. My thought is this. I'm seeing the next "weapon" area of the ND offense as the RB corp. That means the QB does a LOT of handing off and watching other guys grab the headlines. Something tells me that isn't what Papa Clausen has in mind. Just a hunch.

I agree that ND has a bright future at RB with the likes of Hughes and Allen but I don't see that being a problem for Jimmy. If anything, I think JC wants a strong running game, this opens up his passing lanes and the ability to fool defenses on play-action...

 

[piyachi]

Something tells me that isn't what Papa Clausen has in mind. Just a hunch.

For as much as he gets the 'pretty boy' tag he seems to be anything but a primadonna. I think we are going to slide into the USuCk-esque position where bringing in talented freshman is the norm, as is them not seeing the field for a while. I hear what you are saying about our running game, but as long as Weis is the coach he will be a 50/50 run/pass coach (yea i know it seems arbitrary but I'd rather have that than an Arkansas or Hawaii gimmick offense). Thus we won't have to worry about recruiting either position since we will be scoring with both.

Quinn sort of had an advantage in our lack of a running game because (in my opinion) it suited his skill set better. But I don't think we are going to change our QB recruiting or playing based on the success of our running game. We have real talent in the backfield, but Weis really does pride himself on his experience with QBs and I think as we keep developing them we will keep bringing in the best of the best (Miramar U (spelling?)).

Long post, shortened - Jimmy is going to have plenty of opportunities to show that development. He is a team player, and has now been through the worst of what he will see in college ball. Crist will have his time, but it will be once Jimmy is done with his.

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

Don't forget Clausen enrolled early, and while he was unable to throw physically during the spring, it's the mental side and advance review of the playbook that helped. I agree, we need to stop putting the incomers up on a pedestal of expectations before they even get on campus.

Agreed 100% bro, we have got to realize that not many frosh can just come in and beat the likes of Mich and USC not matter how bad we want them to. JC showed me legit progression today and it bodes well for next season. If we don't have at least 7 wins next season with a whole year knowin who our QB is under Weis than I think there needs to be a change...but it won't happen cuz I seriously do think next years team will suprise just like the 02 team did...but we will see. I would hate to jinx them!!

 

[mbooch]

Don't forget Clausen enrolled early, and while he was unable to throw physically during the spring, it's the mental side and advance review of the playbook that helped. I agree, we need to stop putting the incomers up on a pedestal of expectations before they even get on campus.

"The pedestal" is where a lot of people have had JC since last January.

Basically, what worries me about the equation is WEIS. Right now, the unit that has the most promise on this team is the RB corp. Given that the O line is still in the starting blocks, the emphasis for 2008 OUGHT to be developing the offense leading with the RUNNING game. I worry that Weis will fall in love with "developing" another all-world QB in Clausen, or Crist for that matter, at the expense of what the TEAM obviously needs, an O line that can knoack people down, and an RB corp that can get us out of the innumerable GD third and looongs we've sufferred through all year.

 

[Wham]

True enough, Stoney. My thought is this. I'm seeing the next "weapon" area of the ND offense as the RB corp. That means the QB does a LOT of handing off and watching other guys grab the headlines. Something tells me that isn't what Papa Clausen has in mind. Just a hunch.

Wow. Impressive thought processes going on here.

But some of that also depends on CW giving up on the idea that he is a master schemer who will focus on his choice of QB to carry out CW's imagined offensive passing game, and all other facets of the team be damned. CW will have to grow as a coach. Big time.

Hopefully, Papa Clausen wants his son to fight for his position. So far, I think JC is one hell of a fighter.

Let the competition begin.

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

Long post, shortened - Jimmy is going to have plenty of opportunities to show that development. He is a team player, and has now been through the worst of what he will see in college ball. Crist will have his time, but it will be once Jimmy is done with his.

Agreed my friend....Crist has a bright future but JC is here to stay for a few years...

 

[Wham]

Damn you folks type fast...

 

[Wham]

"The pedestal" is where a lot of people have had JC since last January.

Basically, what worries me about the equation is WEIS. Right now, the unit that has the most promise on this team is the RB corp. Given that the O line is still in the starting blocks, the emphasis for 2008 OUGHT to be developing the offense leading with the RUNNING game. I worry that Weis will fall in love with "developing" another all-world QB in Clausen, or Crist for that matter, at the expense of what the TEAM obviously needs, an O line that can knoack people down, and an RB corp that can get us out of the innumerable GD third and looongs we've sufferred through all year.

mbooch I think you are right on the money. Kudos. (because you are thinking what I am thinking -lol)

Piyachi - you continue to impress. You da man. (Although I only agree with you 95% of the time. I have yet to disagree with a single word jonesman has posted.)

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

"The pedestal" is where a lot of people have had JC since last January.

Basically, what worries me about the equation is WEIS. Right now, the unit that has the most promise on this team is the RB corp. Given that the O line is still in the starting blocks, the emphasis for 2008 OUGHT to be developing the offense leading with the RUNNING game. I worry that Weis will fall in love with "developing" another all-world QB in Clausen, or Crist for that matter, at the expense of what the TEAM obviously needs, an O line that can knoack people down, and an RB corp that can get us out of the innumerable GD third and looongs we've sufferred through all year.

I agree to disagree bro, I understand what you are saying but most of our OL will have a full year under their belts and will get stronger over the off-season. They will also have a much better understanding on what it takes to be effecitive on this level. Not to mention they will have a much better feel for one another which is vital in having a succesful OL. Now I think our running game will be strong next year, our passing game will be as vital against the likes of SC and Mich. We can't just run the ball on these guys or we will lose. CW knows this and I think it will be a 60-40 distribution from run to pass...against great teams like this. Now if we can just run them over against the less talented teams than I'm all for it. I just think this passing offense all together will take a big jump forward cuz keep in mind it takes the OL the longest to develop..

 

[piyachi]

mbooch I think you are right on the money. Kudos. (because you are thinking what I am thinking -lol)

Piyachi - you continue to impress. You da man. (Although I only agree with you 95% of the time. I have yet to disagree with a single word jonesman has posted.)

Hahaha thanks - I'm still working to improve that 5%

 

[Wham]

Hahaha thanks - I'm still working to improve that 5%

Last 5% is purely cosmetic. You write too pretty and sound too intelligent. Gotta uglify it a bit. lol.
You da man!

 

[mbooch]

C2K. Agreed. I don't want to come off as a "three yards and a cloud of dust" guy, but, IMO, Charlie is WAY to impatient with the running game. ALSO, as the games in SB and Ann Arbor should remind us all, Notre Dame plays in a LOUSY weather city. In November, frankly, finesse is NOT the answer, but it IS when BCS ranking get finalized. Therefore, I will always be a "run first" believer.

 

[Junkhead]

Even though the D's he's faced the past few weeks are nothing like early in the season, JC seems more poised. I am confident he will really show his stuff next season. He has 6 tds and 0 Ints the past 2 weeks. If it weren't for the drops, his numbers would be much better. He is no primadonna, hell, the kid is even stiff arming as he runs downfield! Crists time will come, but I have no problem seeing JC become "the guy" for 3 more years.

 

[Wham]

I have wondered why his deep passes have so much air. Today it looked like it took effort to throw the ball more than 35 yards. Right about now I'm thinking his arm is young and lacks strength. Maybe a bit of atrophy set in after surgery?

 

[kjones]

Basically, for more people than I'd like, Crist is the new Clausen. You could probably read quotes from last year verbatim and simply insert his name in there.

 

[lefty20]

I don't really think it takes Clausen effort to throw it 35 yards. I think he has to learn that it doesn't take as much air under the ball as he throws it with. The throw to Grimes for the first td pass from the 25 was an absolute strike with great zip and a throw I don't think many college qb's can make let alone a freshmen. That should answer his arm strength questions. His throw to Parris in the first quarter had to much air as did the throw to Kamara for the TD. He will learn that with experience but at this point I am very impressed. The throw with Grimes wasn't a throw Quinn would of made til his Junior year. I am by no means saying Clausen as a freshmen is better then Quinn as a junior. Anyone who thinks Crist will just come in and take his spot has goggles on. Clausen was hyped 10 times more then Crist is(who is a 5 star recruit on all sites in his own right) and is finally close to being 100% and look what you get. 6 td's and no ints in 2 games. Let alone a good line and receivers that don't drop 7 passes per game. Yes it was a win vs Duke but the talent difference between the young guys and the old guys is absolutely astonishing. The coming years will be exciting years to say the least. Go Irish.

 

[WaveDomer]

Yeah, Dayne Crist hasn't even taken a snap in college yet. So, everyone should relax a bit on him. I have a feeling right now, from watching Clausen, that his receivers have to catch up with him. What I mean is that he often puts it where only they can grab it. Sometimes that makes for a tough catch. The Duval TD was not too much air, it was a throw to the endzone from a QB who knew his WR could out-jump the defender. The Grimes TD was sick. The Carlson TD was quick release money. This kid is good. He is finally playing without a pile of defenders on his back. As for the backfield, well there is a ton of talent there and they are coming up great, but Weis is never going to be Bill Cowher and the QB and WR positions are making strides too. Once the line comes together and the RBs start picking up all the blocks, this offense will be pretty scary. I believe Weis called 48 runs to 32 passes today. Just because he is a QB guy doesn't mean he is going to give up the run. Look at his pedigree: Parcells and Belichick, both of whom run the ball and pass the ball. There is room on this offense for everyone who produces.

 

[Irish girl]

In my opinion, which is in the minority, I feel that CW had decided on JC before camp started. THen he went out to make it so. In the early games, he did such a bad job, he was pulled in the second half. When Evan Sharply came in, he seemed to pull the team together. Then JC sat and even thou ES didn't win the games, he played well enough to let JC mature and learn. I don't feel the CW ever even looked at ES play and was committed to get JC back in the game. I think the Demetrius did the right thinkg in transferring and if Evan wants to play football, he whould change schools.

 

[notredomer23]

IMO-the only way crist gets in there in the next 3 years is if Clausen gets hurt. Clausen is a baller and has great determination. Did you see him stiff arm the guy to get a first down. now thats what i want in a kid

 

[Irish93]

Let's not forget that there is a decent chance that JC will graduate in 3.5 years, and only play 3 years of football. That leaves Crist taking over his junior year. Not a bad transition from an experience perspective IMO.

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

In my opinion, which is in the minority, I feel that CW had decided on JC before camp started. THen he went out to make it so. In the early games, he did such a bad job, he was pulled in the second half. When Evan Sharply came in, he seemed to pull the team together. Then JC sat and even thou ES didn't win the games, he played well enough to let JC mature and learn. I don't feel the CW ever even looked at ES play and was committed to get JC back in the game. I think the Demetrius did the right thinkg in transferring and if Evan wants to play football, he whould change schools.

Pretty strong statement. Do you have anything positive to say after a great win like that?

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

JC is our QB now, and next year (probably) Beyond that, we don't what the heck is going on. Hell JC is just becoming comfortable and starting to look the way we expected him to from day one (which was foolish).
Before we declare the next wonderboy our starting QB, let's do two things.

1) Let the current wonderboy have a chance to be the next Montana/BQ
2) Have future wonderboy sign his LOI

 

[Irish93]

Pretty strong statement. Do you have anything positive to say after a great win like that?

I agree that JC was the starting QB from day 1. You are starting to see why in the past two weeks. He really has a good arm, and wasn't healthy earlier in the year. Now, with JC healthy, we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.