Defense Wins Championships

[notredomer23]

Which is exactly why we will still be really good this year, but not the caliber of the top teams. 2010, we return 10 starters on defense. A defensive line that is a year older, bigger, and hopefully atleast a little better. On offense we return 7/8 starters(hughes has been FB not Alrdidge cuz of injury and we hardly utilize FB) lose 3 starting OLinemen, but returning our 2 guards, Dan Wenger who has started and has done pretty well this year, and Matt Romine who has done very well this year as a back up tackle. With Verducci running the show, I am not worried about our offensive line.

On our defensive line, will we finally have the bulk in the middle and the speed and agility at the ends to be a run stopping team? Ethan Johnson will be a year bigger after his switch from DE, and we will have 2 juniors and 2 seniors on the line. Our LB's will be good(Te'o there or not), and our secondary should be good.

Returning 17 or 18 starters for the 2nd year in a row next year. I think next season should be NC or Bust.

 

[RyanS]

Which is exactly why we will still be really good this year, but not the caliber of the top teams. 2010, we return 10 starters on defense. A defensive line that is a year older, bigger, and hopefully atleast a little better. On offense we return 7/8 starters(hughes has been FB not Alrdidge cuz of injury and we hardly utilize FB) lose 3 starting OLinemen, but returning our 2 guards, Dan Wenger who has started and has done pretty well this year, and Matt Romine who has done very well this year as a back up tackle. With Verducci running the show, I am not worried about our offensive line.

On our defensive line, will we finally have the bulk in the middle and the speed and agility at the ends to be a run stopping team? Ethan Johnson will be a year bigger after his switch from DE, and we will have 2 juniors and 2 seniors on the line. Our LB's will be good(Te'o there or not), and our secondary should be good.

Returning 17 or 18 starters for the 2nd year in a row next year. I think next season should be NC or Bust.

Well, lets not put the cart before the horse here. I am very worried that we may lose a few more than 3 from our offense after this season. It is possible that we lose Clausen and/or Tate at the end of this season.

I did not say "likely" just possible. I remember assuming Darius Walker was coming back....that still stings.

 

[notredomer23]

Well, lets not put the cart before the horse here. I am very worried that we may lose a few more than 3 from our offense after this season. It is possible that we lose Clausen and/or Tate at the end of this season.

I did not say "likely" just possible. I remember assuming Darius Walker was coming back....that still stings.

Darius Walker left because if he didnt he would have gone through the 07 debatacle and not get drafted or even signed at all probably. Clausen would be foolish to leave this year with McCoy and Bradford, and Tate will not leave because he will not be as good an NFL receiver as college

 

[RyanS]

Darius Walker left because if he didnt he would have gone through the 07 debatacle and not get drafted or even signed at all probably. Clausen would be foolish to leave this year with McCoy and Bradford, and Tate will not leave because he will not be as good an NFL receiver as college

Walker left because of bad advice. He was told he was a first round draft pick and believed it.

Had walker stayed 07 would not have been as bad as it was....no one saw 07 coming (unless your name is Mark May).

Bradford's stock may drop dramatically if his shoulder doesn't heal up. Clausen (according to Mel Kiper) has all of the tools, but is lacking in production on the field. If JC blows up this year, his stock will be crazy high.

Tate gets more polished every practice.....and route running can be taught....hands like his (well.....forget Saturday) and Speed like his cannot.

Clausen and Tate would be drafted in the first 2 rounds right now.....let them have good - great seasons and I am willing to bet both would be considered first rounders at the end of the season.

Again, it isn't something I would say is "likely" just possible.

 

[notredomer23]

I understand what your saying, but they could be missing out on millions if they go this year

 

[AlumniHall98]

good points Ryan, but I do not see Clausen leaving at the end of this year simply because his draft stock will not likely reach the height of McCoy nor Bradford (even with the shoulder injury, the draft gurus are very high on this kid), combine that with the fact that JC proclaimed 3 NCs when he arrived in South Bend in a stretched hummer before his freshman campaign so if he leaves before really accomplishing anything meaningful (i.e. a BCS or NC win) than he eats crow big time, as well as the fact that he would be coming back with a core of guys around him that will make him look even BETTER than he does now, likely will be a top 3 Heisman candidate, chance to break every QB in ND history, and will have a much improved Defense to give hime every chance of running the table next season - for these reasons and more, I just don't see him going.

Of course, what do any of us really know about Clausen's thoughts and intentions. He is going to do what he sees best for him, but I think he will stay for a senior season.

Tate, as great as he is on this level, I am just not sure what his stock will be on the NFL level - he is not a huge target, he does have great speed and sure hands, but even still I do not see him reaching the heights of say a Calvin Johnson, a Crabtree, a Harvin, etc. The name I DO most definitely think will be mentioned along with those guys.....Michael Floyd of course. He is destined for BIG time NFL status. But I don't know that the same can be said for Tate, and either way, I think Tate comes back next year to help our chances for an NC shot as well.

 

[Riddickulous]

good points Ryan, but I do not see Clausen leaving at the end of this year simply because his draft stock will not likely reach the height of McCoy nor Bradford (even with the shoulder injury, the draft gurus are very high on this kid), combine that with the fact that JC proclaimed 3 NCs when he arrived in South Bend in a stretched hummer before his freshman campaign so if he leaves before really accomplishing anything meaningful (i.e. a BCS or NC win) than he eats crow big time, as well as the fact that he would be coming back with a core of guys around him that will make him look even BETTER than he does now, likely will be a top 3 Heisman candidate, chance to break every QB in ND history, and will have a much improved Defense to give hime every chance of running the table next season - for these reasons and more, I just don't see him going.

Of course, what do any of us really know about Clausen's thoughts and intentions. He is going to do what he sees best for him, but I think he will stay for a senior season.

Tate, as great as he is on this level, I am just not sure what his stock will be on the NFL level - he is not a huge target, he does have great speed and sure hands, but even still I do not see him reaching the heights of say a Calvin Johnson, a Crabtree, a Harvin, etc. The name I DO most definitely think will be mentioned along with those guys.....Michael Floyd of course. He is destined for BIG time NFL status. But I don't know that the same can be said for Tate, and either way, I think Tate comes back next year to help our chances for an NC shot as well.

Neither Clausen nor Tate will leave after this season.

Jimmy Clausen would be up against Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy (slightly overrated), and Sam Bradford (grossly overrated). Other possible foes in the draft: Jevan Snead, Tim Hiller, Dan LeFevour. He has a chance to come back, dominate, improve his draft stock, and up his salary. Plus, he's Notre Dame all the way.

Golden Tate. Would get buried beneath the Dez Bryant hype.

As for Golden Tate's pro potential: There's another undersized, fast receiver that plays in the National Football League. His name is Steve Smith. Maybe you've heard of him.

 

[TDHeysus]

good points Ryan, but I do not see Clausen leaving at the end of this year simply because his draft stock will not likely reach............

I see Clausen seeing this thing thru to his senior year...unless CW is fired. then, like me, he will be gone. If Weis get fired, I will have to take an open ended sabbatical from Notre Dame Football just in order to keep my sanity.

 

[AlumniHall98]

Neither Clausen nor Tate will leave after this season.

Jimmy Clausen would be up against Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy (slightly overrated), and Sam Bradford (grossly overrated). Other possible foes in the draft: Jevan Snead, Tim Hiller, Dan LeFevour. He has a chance to come back, dominate, improve his draft stock, and up his salary. Plus, he's Notre Dame all the way.

Golden Tate. Would get buried beneath the Dez Bryant hype.

As for Golden Tate's pro potential: There's another undersized, fast receiver that plays in the National Football League. His name is Steve Smith. Maybe you've heard of him.

Steve Smith is an exceptional example, but a very good one. Point well taken. And believe me, I LOVE Golden, not just for the receiver he is, but for the type of player he is, the way he represents the university. There is no bigger G-Tate supporter than me, and I wish for all the world he is a stud receiver in the NFL. I just hope the draft experts realize his value when goes in... AFTER next year.

 

[PADOMERNUT]

Walker left because of bad advice. He was told he was a first round draft pick and believed it.
Had walker stayed 07 would not have been as bad as it was....no one saw 07 coming (unless your name is Mark May).

Bradford's stock may drop dramatically if his shoulder doesn't heal up. Clausen (according to Mel Kiper) has all of the tools, but is lacking in production on the field. If JC blows up this year, his stock will be crazy high.

Tate gets more polished every practice.....and route running can be taught....hands like his (well.....forget Saturday) and Speed like his cannot.

Clausen and Tate would be drafted in the first 2 rounds right now.....let them have good - great seasons and I am willing to bet both would be considered first rounders at the end of the season.

Again, it isn't something I would say is "likely" just possible.

Any evidence to back this up? I dont think anyone thought he would be a first round pick. I think he left because he just came off a 130yd performance against LSU in the Sugar Bowl, and he knew what was coming back the following year, and felt that his stock would never be higher.

But nobody on this planet would think he was a first round pick.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

...no one saw 07 coming...

I saw it coming, and watched every play of that train wreck season. Lost a friend or two, a massively loved one, and a couple of neighborhood puppies.

Good thing Ty is gone. Good man, bad coach.

 

[Riddickulous]

I saw it coming, and watched every play of that train wreck season. Lost a friend or two, a massively loved one, and a couple of neighborhood puppies.

Good thing Ty is gone. Good man, bad coach.

Not to mention a terrible recruiter and the laziest coach in college football.

 

[notredomer23]

Not to mention a terrible recruiter and the laziest coach in college football.

I just remember in 2004 with DJ Fitzpatrick as our kicker one time it was 4th and 1 at BC's 30 or something like that(might have not been BC) and he punted the damn ball.

 

[Riddickulous]

I just remember in 2004 with DJ Fitzpatrick as our kicker one time it was 4th and 1 at BC's 30 or something like that(might have not been BC) and he punted the damn ball.

How about 2002, when Shane Walton just about scored more points than the entire offense.

 

[phork]

I have been reading about Clausen being mentioned in NFL articles more and more lately. People are finally buying into his hype. I hope he can continue his success the rest of this year.

 

[jason_h537]

Alot of people were hoping ND could run the table but no one should have seriously believed it. This team was built for next year. All the pieces should be in place.

If Weis si fired i can see alot of our Juniors leave early

There was some talk that Tate might leave after this year. Jimmy could go if he keeps playing the way he does. His only real competition will be Bradford. My hope is that we can finish the season strong and the guys decide to return to win a championship

 

[TDHeysus]

....If Weis si fired i can see alot of our Juniors leave early....

and some fans too....

 

[Riddickulous]

and some fans too....

Notre Dame's already massive fanbase grows and drops dramatically depending on the program's success.

 

[King&Expedition]

Don't come this way TDHeysus, we have no room on this ride for you. Maybe you could cheer for Chaffey College or LaVerne.

I think Clausen stays it out too. Barring injury he stands to set many a record at that place. Better for him in the long run to set himself up for a better draft status down the road. Floyd is big and fast enough to do well as a pro and is more of a threat to leave early. Just my .02

 

[Riddickulous]

Don't come this way TDHeysus, we have no room on this ride for you. Maybe you could cheer for Chaffey College or LaVerne.

I think Clausen stays it out too. Barring injury he stands to set many a record at that place. Better for him in the long run to set himself up for a better draft status down the road. Floyd is big and fast enough to do well as a pro and is more of a threat to leave early. Just my .02

Woah woah woah woah woah.

SC FAN!

 

[dshans]

Don't come this way TDHeysus, we have no room on this ride for you. Maybe you could cheer for Chaffey College or LaVerne.

I say that he should cheer for Rollins College (Winter Park, FL). They have one helluva water ski team.

Welcome, K&E. BUT ... would you do me a favor? Could you reduce the size of your "Fight On" signature thingie a bit? It hurts my Irish Eyes and sears my Celtic Soul.

Keep visiting, keep posting and keep truckin'. Pride is a wonderful thing ...

[Don't hate me TDH, I'm just an Irish wise-ass who happens to be a Domer. I crack 'em as I sees 'em.]

 

[King&Expedition]

Sorry dshans, It gets bigger with every Trojan win. It just grows and grows. Don't apologize to TDH, Green on green crime is not a punishable offense. Let the good times roll I always say.

 

[BGIF]

....no one saw 07 coming (unless your name is Mark May).

...

NO ONE?

ND had lost from '06:

• A Heisman caliber QB, ND's All-Time Passer
• Two 1000 yd WRs holding a bunch of ND All-Time Receiver Records
• A 1000 yd rusher and the ND All-Time RB Pass Catcher
• 3 OL Starters
• Half the 2 Deep on the DLine

Add the inferior recruiting classes and you had to be not only blind but deaf and dumb not to know what was coming in '07.

 

[jason_h537]

NO ONE?

ND had lost from '06:

• A Heisman caliber QB, ND's All-Time Passer
• Two 1000 yd WRs holding a bunch of ND All-Time Receiver Records
• A 1000 yd rusher and the ND All-Time RB Pass Catcher
• 3 OL Starters
• Half the 2 Deep on the DLine

Add the inferior recruiting classes and you had to be not only blind but deaf and dumb not to know what was coming in '07.

Thank You.

People have these unrealistic expectations of the team. Everyone should have known Notre Dame would struggle in 07. This team is a rebuilding process. Let the season play out before jumping to conclusions

 

[TDHeysus]

Notre Dame's already massive fanbase grows and drops dramatically depending on the program's success.

my reference to fans leaving was to myself, not any legion of fans. If CW is fired in the next 1-2 years, I will walk away from ND for a while (my previous open-ended sabbatical reference) because at that point I would be fundamentally disconnected from the ppl that would want to see Weis fired. Plus, if he is fired, ND will circle the drain for another 3-4 years after the firing, and I would lose my sanity.

Don't come this way TDHeysus, we have no room on this ride for you. Maybe you could cheer for Chaffey College or LaVerne.......

You can bet I would never 'come your way'. I havent got to the point in my life that I would sell my soul for wins. I would rather abstain from CFB before I would go to darkside of the concrete jungle.

isnt about time for Pete the Cheat to call a press conference and explain why what he is doing isnt an NCAA violation? its been a few weeks now....it usually a once-a-week occurrence.

I almost miss not seeing ol' Pete 'operate in the gray-area' Carroll on TV with one of his many clarification speeches.

 

[dshans]

Sorry dshans, It gets bigger with every Trojan win. It just grows and grows. ... Let the good times roll I always say.

I expect the Irish to deflate your banner to a quarter of its size on Oct. 17th.

If you happen to find yourself in New Orleans the last weekend of April (I expect to be there for my annual pilgrimage to the Jazz & Heritage Festival) I'll buy you a few beers and we can Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Don't come this way TDHeysus, we have no room on this ride for you.

Did you just challenge my good bud TDHeysus?

Oh no you di'ent.

lol

 

[TDHeysus]

Did you just challenge my good bud TDHeysus?

Oh no you di'ent.

Ooh. If I knew TDH and knew where he lived I would fly over there, pick him up, then somehow find where you live and we would call you names (as we drove by real fast so as not to get arrested for disturbing the piss).

I'm badass that way.

You'll know it was us, because all that will be left in front of your house will be bacon bits, midgets, and a pack pep'd up chihuahuas...

/flex

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

lol. Defense wins championships..