Post Game Observations....

[devolg]

It will be just that much sweeter when Jimmy beats the Trojans next season in LA for his senior year in front of his home town crowd at the Coliseum.

I like the way you think

 

[kmoose]

1: Charlie once again cost us the opportunity to compete for the win. Kick the $%#&ing feild goal & take the points. Take the 3 on the 4th & 1 & scratch the missed extra point & we kick a field goal with 1 second left & head into OT carrying the momentum.

2: Said it before & will say it again. Football games are 4 quarters & until we start showing up to play all 4 rather then then just the 4th, we'll never beat the teams that matter.

3: Play calling. Cannot for the life of me figure out why we march the ball down the field running it & put points on the board only to come out the next 2 possessions with all passes?

Should of ran it to the right with Hughes on the final play. No way they expect a run, no reason not to run & you punch it in with the hardest guy to tackle on the team. Didn't understand the pass call.

4: Secondary Blows. Nothing more to say here.

5: Tons of things to be happy about but it's difficult to brag about anything after such a deflating loss.

1. Charlie addressed this issue, in his post game presser. Polian, the Special Teams Coach, decides at what yard line the kick is a go, and at what yard line the FG attempt is a no go. Weis checked with Polian, and Polian told him that he needed another 3 yards. I'm not sure that Tausch isn't nursing some kind of injury, to be honest. Why else would that walk on have been kicking off? It's not like the kid was putting his kickoffs into the end zone, for touchbacks. I think maybe Tausch has some small injury that limited his range.

2. I couldn't agree more. The defense, in particular, has only played well in spots this year. They have yet to put together a complete game for 4 quarters. Even in the shutout of Nevada, they were getting gashed on the inside runs.

3. USC was giving up 8.6 pts. a game, and we hung four TDs on them. They had not given up a single TD pass, in 5 games, and Jimmy threw for two. They were giving up about 260 yards a game, and ND put up 360 on them. And yet, the playcalling stunk? As for whether or not they should have run the ball, at the end? You play to your strengths, around the goal line. In terms of passing or running, ND is obviously a stronger passing team. You put the ball in the hands of your stars. I, like you, would have liked to have seen a run, just to keep the D honest, but I am not going to fault Weis for playing to the strength of the team.

4. I was pretty shocked at how badly the secondary played. It's not like they have been good all year, but I expected one hell of a lot better. For all you Corwin Brown lovers out there, let's not forget that he is the DB Coach. Hopefully, they get it straightened out.

5. I know what you mean. But, even if we can't brag about them, we know that there were positives. And there is nothing wrong with pointing those out.

 

[devolg]

1. Charlie addressed this issue, in his post game presser. Polian, the Special Teams Coach, decides at what yard line the kick is a go, and at what yard line the FG attempt is a no go. Weis checked with Polian, and Polian told him that he needed another 3 yards. I'm not sure that Tausch isn't nursing some kind of injury, to be honest. Why else would that walk on have been kicking off? It's not like the kid was putting his kickoffs into the end zone, for touchbacks. I think maybe Tausch has some small injury that limited his range.

2. I couldn't agree more. The defense, in particular, has only played well in spots this year. They have yet to put together a complete game for 4 quarters. Even in the shutout of Nevada, they were getting gashed on the inside runs.

3. USC was giving up 8.6 pts. a game, and we hung four TDs on them. They had not given up a single TD pass, in 5 games, and Jimmy threw for two. They were giving up about 260 yards a game, and ND put up 360 on them. And yet, the playcalling stunk? As for whether or not they should have run the ball, at the end? You play to your strengths, around the goal line. In terms of passing or running, ND is obviously a stronger passing team. You put the ball in the hands of your stars. I, like you, would have liked to have seen a run, just to keep the D honest, but I am not going to fault Weis for playing to the strength of the team.

4. I was pretty shocked at how badly the secondary played. It's not like they have been good all year, but I expected one hell of a lot better. For all you Corwin Brown lovers out there, let's not forget that he is the DB Coach. Hopefully, they get it straightened out.

5. I know what you mean. But, even if we can't brag about them, we know that there were positives. And there is nothing wrong with pointing those out.

1. Ya I heard all that but to me it's a shakey excuse at best. Whats 3 yards? It's much less of a gamble to attempt a FG 3 yards out of range than to go for it on 4th & 1 after you just got stuffed on a 3rd & 1. If anything if you're gonna go for it on 4th & why run the same exact play you got stuffed on the previous. What happened to the screen or stretching the edge ND used to be so good at?

3. I'm talking early 1st half. Almost all Jimmy's numbers came 4th quarter. I guess what I'm getting at is it was obvious they needed to establish the run in order for the passing game to work early on. ND's offense is notorious for big pass plays so naturally teams are gonna be looking to defend it & looking to make Jimmy uncomfortable in the pocket. You gotta get em backed off & concerned about the run. What we did was establish the run on 1 drive & think it was good enough & came back passing the next 2 possessions which netted notta. It needed to be mixed up more. Had it been I'm confident we would have more scores in the 1st half.

 

[BeatSC]

3. USC was giving up 8.6 pts. a game, and we hung four TDs on them. They had not given up a single TD pass, in 5 games, and Jimmy threw for two. They were giving up about 260 yards a game, and ND put up 360 on them. And yet, the playcalling stunk? As for whether or not they should have run the ball, at the end? You play to your strengths, around the goal line. In terms of passing or running, ND is obviously a stronger passing team. You put the ball in the hands of your stars. I, like you, would have liked to have seen a run, just to keep the D honest, but I am not going to fault Weis for playing to the strength of the team.

4QUOTE]

I thought the playcalling was below average for 2 1/2 quarters with the exception of the fake FG (awesome CW) and the limited use of Goodman in the wildcat. I thought we could have at least tried it a couple of more times. That fourth and one play call was just bad. I was expecting CW to fake the run and tight end pass. Have you seen Tate jump? Give hime the ball a la Walter Payton and he jumps for 3 yards over the stack. this team is obviously better the more pressure they are under to make plays. JC threw too many balls away too early in the first half. Looked like the first half last year for a while.

 

[WabashFalcon]

1. Ya I heard all that but to me it's a shakey excuse at best. Whats 3 yards? It's much less of a gamble to attempt a FG 3 yards out of range than to go for it on 4th & 1 after you just got stuffed on a 3rd & 1. If anything if you're gonna go for it on 4th & why run the same exact play you got stuffed on the previous. What happened to the screen or stretching the edge ND used to be so good at?

3. I'm talking early 1st half. Almost all Jimmy's numbers came 4th quarter. I guess what I'm getting at is it was obvious they needed to establish the run in order for the passing game to work early on. ND's offense is notorious for big pass plays so naturally teams are gonna be looking to defend it & looking to make Jimmy uncomfortable in the pocket. You gotta get em backed off & concerned about the run. What we did was establish the run on 1 drive & think it was good enough & came back passing the next 2 possessions which netted notta. It needed to be mixed up more. Had it been I'm confident we would have more scores in the 1st half.

What's three yards? If the ball ends up a single foot short, it wouldhn't have counted for points. Thus, it would have ended up an empty possession. It was a good call to go on 4th. AA just didn't bounce it outside. He does it, he's got the First down and another 6 yards.

 

[devolg]

What's three yards? If the ball ends up a single foot short, it wouldhn't have counted for points. Thus, it would have ended up an empty possession. It was a good call to go on 4th. AA just didn't bounce it outside. He does it, he's got the First down and another 6 yards.

But the fact remains he didn't & we ended up with squat. It was shit call because it deflated the team & the momentum. Take the 3.

 

[Steve]

But the fact remains he didn't & we ended up with squat. It was shit call because it deflated the team & the momentum. Take the 3.

Take what 3?!?!?! Weis already said that they needed 3 more yards to attempt a field goal.

 

[IrishRamMan10]

i forget whqt thread i saw this in but did Jimmy really say We will not lose again?

 

[devolg]

Take what 3?!?!?! Weis already said that they needed 3 more yards to attempt a field goal.

Wow I really cannot believe people are buying this. 10 yards short OK but 3?? Gimme a break. Theres no way you can convince me thats an even remotely logical reason to go for it rather than attempt it.

 

[kmoose]

Wow I really cannot believe people are buying this. 10 yards short OK but 3?? Gimme a break. Theres no way you can convince me thats an even remotely logical reason to go for it rather than attempt it.

So what, we are supposed to believe you, as opposed to a guy who gets paid to coach kickers for a living? I understand what you are saying, but you don't think missing a field goal is going to deflate the team and take momentum away, too?

What it comes down to is that there is no way for either side of this debate to prove their position. The kick never happened, so no one knows if it would have been good or not. I don't have a problem with people questioning the call to go for it, but I do have an issue with people taking him to task, as if it is a given that he left three points on the field. Notice that later in the first half, he chose not to go for it, and punted the ball away.

 

[devolg]

So what, we are supposed to believe you, as opposed to a guy who gets paid to coach kickers for a living? I understand what you are saying, but you don't think missing a field goal is going to deflate the team and take momentum away, too?

What it comes down to is that there is no way for either side of this debate to prove their position. The kick never happened, so no one knows if it would have been good or not. I don't have a problem with people questioning the call to go for it, but I do have an issue with people taking him to task, as if it is a given that he left three points on the field. Notice that later in the first half, he chose not to go for it, and punted the ball away.

Given Charlies "impeccable" record on 4th & short in FG range I really don't think theres much else to say. This is just one of several opportunities over the years for Weis to put points on the board with a FG & he passed & failed. How many years to we have to suffer through this poor kicker excuse? If you can't ask your kicker to step it up in a big game & make up 3 yards than we have even more problems than we thought.

Sure I'll concede that the 3 points weren't a given but I have to believe it was the "smarter" call.

 

[kmoose]

Sure I'll concede that the 3 points weren't a given but I have to believe it was the "smarter" call.

I can live with that. I think I would have chosen to try the FG, as well. But that might be one reason why I am not a D-IA Head Coach.

 

[phork]

i forget whqt thread i saw this in but did Jimmy really say We will not lose again?

Well I hope he didn't say that, because it rings hollow and whiffs of "I can say that because all our tough games are behind us". ND should win out. The ability is there.

 

[irishfan]

Well I hope he didn't say that, because it rings hollow and whiffs of "I can say that because all our tough games are behind us". ND should win out. The ability is there.

I hope he said it. What's he supposed to say? "We're going to lose one or two more times."

 

[jason_h537]

This was from another forum. Someone said that Jimmy was in tears in the locker and threw his helmet and told the team that we will not lose again. Something like he never wants to feel this way again and next year USC goes down. This is not reported just someone talking so take it for what its worth.

I hope its true

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Well I hope he didn't say that, because it rings hollow and whiffs of "I can say that because all our tough games are behind us". ND should win out. The ability is there.

{shakes head}

 

[Riddickulous]

This was from another forum. Someone said that Jimmy was in tears in the locker and threw his helmet and told the team that we will not lose again. Something like he never wants to feel this way again and next year USC goes down. This is not reported just someone talking so take it for what its worth.

I hope its true

If Jimmy actually said this, it means that he is coming back for sure, as implied when (and if) he said, "Next year USC goes down".

This is just what these boys need. Expect Manti Te'o to be tearing heads off next week against BC.

 

[IrishGolden09]

I feel bad for the BC bunch coming to South Bend this weekend, unfortunately it's their task to feel our boys wrath. The loss to SC and the fact that they've had our number are enough motivation to beat the hell out of 'em.

 

[BGIF]

Well I hope he didn't say that, because it rings hollow and whiffs of "I can say that because all our tough games are behind us". ND should win out. The ability is there.

Despicable.

 

[WabashFalcon]

Can we just ban the freaking Walmart Wolverine now? Please? Phork is NDOM lite.

 

[Irish52]

Offense/Defence

Offense/Defence

While the O-line was average at best and will likely continue that way, they have enough skilled players to overcome that weakness. Unfortunately, the D-line and Corners are average or less, except for standout linebackers, especially Manti Teo. I don't beleive that Tenuta is the savior everybody expected with his hiring. He has been incapable of making any adjustments..either during the game or half-time. And if Weis has one notable weakness, it's his inability to attrack or hire outstanding assistant coaches. Three shots at the end zone from the 4 yard line.....and no points. Give Saban, Meyer or Kelly that same opportunity and I'd be willing to mortgage the house on a touchdown. Weis either wins the rest of the games or resigns...if he truly loves ND as much as he says he does.

 

[kmoose]

While the O-line was average at best and will likely continue that way, they have enough skilled players to overcome that weakness. Unfortunately, the D-line and Corners are average or less, except for standout linebackers, especially Manti Teo. I don't beleive that Tenuta is the savior everybody expected with his hiring. He has been incapable of making any adjustments..either during the game or half-time. And if Weis has one notable weakness, it's his inability to attrack or hire outstanding assistant coaches. Three shots at the end zone from the 4 yard line.....and no points. Give Saban, Meyer or Kelly that same opportunity and I'd be willing to mortgage the house on a touchdown. Weis either wins the rest of the games or resigns...if he truly loves ND as much as he says he does.

Standout linebackers? I assume you mean Brian Smith and Manti Teo. While both of these guys may stand out on this team, neither one of them is a standout linebacker, nationally. Teo is playing really well, for a freshman. But I doubt anyone would put him in even the Top 50 linebackers in the country. I think he will turn into a guy who gets some All American consideration, but he sure as hell ain't there, yet.

I love how Tenuta went from one of the best defensive minds in college football, to a guy who "can't get it done", in the minds of many ND fans.

 

[jason_h537]

Brian Smith and Te'o or both NFL caliber linebackers. Smith plays with more emotion than brains sometimes but he can get it done

 

[kmoose]

Brian Smith and Te'o or both NFL caliber linebackers. Smith plays with more emotion than brains sometimes but he can get it done

Really? Teo is an NFL caliber linebacker, right now? Or you have confidence that he will develop into one?

I love Brian Smith's game. But Courtney Watson couldn't hack it in the NFL, and Courtney Watson was light years ahead of Brian Smith. Not sure where you are getting that Brian Smith is "NFL cailber".

 

[jason_h537]

I am talking about measurables. Put them both in the combine they would be great. Great size and speed combinations. Both need work on technique but they have what it takes

 

[irishfan]

Brian Smith and Te'o or both NFL caliber linebackers. Smith plays with more emotion than brains sometimes but he can get it done

On a side note, this is probably a forgotten play considering when and where it happened during the game, but how crazy was that hit that Smith had on the USC tight end on the goal line at the beginning of the 4th quarter? He completely jacked that guy up.

 

[jason_h537]

Smith played a great game. I cant believe Barkley completed those thrwos on 3rd and short with big 58 in his face.

I do not think Barkley has been hit all year like he was against us.

 

[irishfan]

Smith played a great game. I cant believe Barkley completed those thrwos on 3rd and short with big 58 in his face.

I do not think Barkley has been hit all year like he was against us.

Agreed. I think Te'os hit on him early on the sideline shook him up a little big at least until halftime

 

[phork]

Smith played a great game. I cant believe Barkley completed those thrwos on 3rd and short with big 58 in his face.

I do not think Barkley has been hit all year like he was against us.

Yah, he was being hit by OSU, in fact he was injured. Sadly for OSU their defensive effort was wasted by their horrendous offense.