Saturday's difference maker

[BillyIrish]

Jonas Gray is my pick. with Armando hurt, Jonas has a chance to shine. Purdue gave up 280 yards on the ground last week to Northern Illinois. Our O-Line should be able to open up some running lanes for our backs. Jonas needs to protect the ball and keep on running hard.

If we win, Jonas is going to be a big reason why...

 

[phork]

I like Tate in another dive into the band. Hopefully ours..

 

[jason_h537]

Offense: Deion Walker becomes another deep threat for Clausen

Defense: Kapron Lewis Moore has shown flashes of ability and has a big game for us

 

[JefMaj]

Harrison Smith, Ian Williams, & Darrin Walls - take your pick - their due.

 

[WeisWeisBaby]

I think it's Charlie Jr.

 

[JefMaj]

Suckin' on a chili dog - outside the tasty freeze (in re: Jr.)


True story: I sit in Gold seats, section 10 C, immediately behind Charlie and Maura (they use all 3 seats) and Jr. and friends sit in row in front of him. When ESPN and Erin are in the house, she always tends to visit CW when Jr. goes cruisin' (usually at halftime). CW always tells him (Jr. and his buddies when they get back too late to meet her) she was there and I always add: She asked about you.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

McCarthy

 

[Senoj13]

I will go with McCarthy on defense Shaq on offense. I also predict Theo takes one to the house on a kick return

 

[mizzouirish]

I like the Jonas Gray pick, until he has a fumble or misses a key block. Then it will be Riddick if Gray fails.

 

[mizzouirish]

Maybe a combo of Gray and Hughes ala Autry Denson and Marc Edwards. Anyone down for that?

 

[IHateMarkMay]

I will go with McCarthy on defense Shaq on offense. I also predict Theo takes one to the house on a kick return

I don't see it happening, I was at the MSU game and I sat in a corner seat and watched him return one, he went 20 some yards and you could just tell he ran out of steam. I don't remember how far along it was, but I want to say it was the first quarter. I just don't know if he has the speed to out run everybody for 100 yards.

 

[military_irish]

i know its only PU's run defense so it's nothing to be overly excited about but i feel like one of the RB's will take one 30 or more yards to the house.

 

[Riddickulous]

Offense: Duval Kamara (100+ yards, establishes himself as a reliable target for Clausen)

Defense: Robert Blanton

 

[NDinL.A.]

Shaq Evans...

 

[Riddickulous]

Shaq Evans...

I'm not so sure about that one.

The last time Charlie said somebody was going to get "significantly" more playing time, it was Manti Te'o. Te'o plays no more than five downs a game.

 

[jmurphy75]

I concur!

 

[NDinL.A.]

I'm not so sure about that one.

The last time Charlie said somebody was going to get "significantly" more playing time, it was Manti Te'o. Te'o plays no more than five downs a game.

While I do wish Te'o was playing much more, he played a lot more than 5 downs vs. MSU. He was even in on the last drive. He plays more and more each game. As freshmen get more and more acclimated to the college game and the college schemes, they get more PT. I expect him to get more PT tomorrow night, and more as the season progresses. At least, he better, as he is much more athletic than any other LB we have playing.

As for Shaq, I read too quickly and thought the thread said 'breakout star', not biggest difference maker. The difference maker in this game will be Jimmy Clausen, followed by Mr. Golden Tate. I'm HOPING that Shaq gets the chance to shine, as I'm not sold at all on Duval Kamara as a #2 option. If not him, then Deion or Goodman...

 

[We_Are_ND]

My prediction and I feel like you can take this to the bank. I have a feeling Clausen is still hurting pretty bad.

You are gunna see run, run, run, and more run. Using Allen and Hughes with a little bit of Jonas. Allen gets about 60 yards, Hughes 70, and Jonas with another 35.

Then we will mix it up with a TON of short throws and screens. No way CW wants Jimmy sitting in the pocket with a chance of getting sacked. Control the line of scrimmage and throw alot of screens and 3 step drops. A safe controlled game.

 

[We_Are_ND]

oops, with a difference maker being the O-line.

 

[jfjkd01]

I have a feeling Clausen is still hurting pretty bad.
You are gunna see run, run, run, and more run.

I agree with you, we will run the ball more this week, and if Jimmy is still hurting, I think we will see Dayne Crist more than just 2 or 3 plays tomorrow night..........

 

[BGIF]

Lots of names. Not sure if that means we've got lots of talent ready to step up or we're all desperate and reaching for names.

The Tally

Jonas Gray 3
Tate 2
Walker 1
KLM 1
H.Smith 1
I. Williams 1
Walls 1
McCarthy 2
Evans 2
Kamara 1
Blanton 1
Riddick 2
Hughes 2
Clausen 1
Allen 1
OLine 1

16 people if we count the OLine as 1 person.

My inclination was Clausen, the wounded leader, but by now we expect him to complete 90% of his passes for 400 yds and 5 TDs regardless of his health. Remember all the whinning as a freshman when he played with a surgically tender elbow? Or last year when he threw picks in bunches? Sadly given his high level of performance this year IF he's the difference maker it will be for a subpar performance.

I'll add a new name to the list, Kyle Rudolph. He will be kept in as added pass protection on some plays as John Carlson was when Jimmy (and the OLine) was hurting in the past. This should set up the TE drag a play he should excel at but I don't recall ND using. He will also be ripe for middle yardage plays underneath and crossing over the middle, whether lined up tight or split out, while PU's Secondary is chasing Tate and whoever downfield.

PU's LB's are 215, 220, and 221. Only one is taller than 6-2. Rudolph uses his 6-6 height and 260 pounds to outmuscle them all day. For the second week in a row he's the John Mackey Player of the Week.

 

[tko]

Harrison Smith, Ian Williams, & Darrin Walls - take your pick - their due.

Unfortunately Harrison Smith's difference making has been to the negative side over the years with all his bonehead penalties, so I hope that's not the situation tonight. I look for Theo Riddick to get in the groove tonight if given the chance. I'm not sold on Gray yet. I would love to see a young receiver like Deion Walker and Shaq get some looks. The question tonight is whether or not Charlie goes into a shell and plays conservative football, afraid to stay the course. There's no time like the present to keep the same aggressive approach despite the injuries and see if guys can step up. The beauty is Charlie's job is on the line each and every week now and that should mean we'll be showing up with our best. I pray I don't have to pace around the house tonight full of angst!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[phork]

And Allen is iffy for the game..

So as long as Tate doesn't drop any more easy ones, I think perhaps Rudolph should have a career day today.

 

[jakerbluegold]

Offense: Duval Kamara (100+ yards, establishes himself as a reliable target for Clausen)

Defense: Robert Blanton

I'm likin' me some Kamara as well.

Defensively, I think Ethan Johnson is due for a couple of big plays.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Ya know, I originally said McCarthy, and I still think he has a pretty big game. But since Purdue is a running team I am going to say Brian Smith.

 

[fightinirish68]

gotta pick mccarthy. always solid. and offense..whom ever is playing slot