Areas of Concern

[Zorro50]

I don't want to be a glass half full kind of guy, but am curious for other's thoughts on why:

1. the team can't sustain a running game. Is it the OL or RB? playcalling? opponents?

2. the defense can't get to the QB? they get some pressure but have very few sacks, why? lack of d-line talent? qb are taking shorter drops because of the blitz packages ?

I feel that besides the kicking game this is what will keep ND from elite status.

 

[goldandblue]

1. I think most of the problem lays with the oline not getting the push needed for the running game to be competitive. They obviously are a much improved line from last year especially in the passing game but it may take one more year for this line to get the push needed for a good ground attack.

2. You hit most of it on the head. Teams we play know that we are going to be a very blitz heavy defense so they game plan for shorter step drops thus not giving our defense time to get the sacks. Pressure on the quarterback can sometimes be better than the sack. i.e. pressure the qb into a hurry up and throw situation and he throws an interception. I myself prefer the sack but I'll take what I can get.

ND is not elite status now nor will they be this year but with the team that Charlie and Co are building it is coming. We know Charlie can win football games. He won several his first two years, much of that most of us forgot after the disaster of last season. I wouldn't worry too much about the things you listed keeping us from the elite status because these things will go away. The Running game will improve, the defense will get it figured out and the kicking game hopefully will improve with the scholarship kicker we are bringing in this recruiting class.