"Killer instinct" applies more to a boxer than to a football team. But in regards to ND football, I kinda think the athletes are always busting their asses for the team. Every year except for '07. I kinda sensed a sort of sabotage on that team from within, especially when the center can't get a simple snap back to the QB. I actually "blame" the '07 season on TW. (I'm just a fan behind a comp and wish Coach TW a great life)
Just to backtrack a bit, I thought the Davies years had athletes full of killer instinct, and although I didn't like him as head coach, I thought ND had become suicidal with their scheduling. I don't think any coach in the country, not even Rockne's ghost could have gone undefeated.
I thought Willingham was a full speed train wreck. I cussed out loud when he was hired, and puppies and kitties (the cute ones) hid under couches. I thought Ty's athletes had the killer instinct (weren't they Davies' recruits?), but Ty was a total disaster. I was not even fooled by the good start. I called his demise precisely to their first loss. I remember talking to a colleague of mine and telling him Ty's team would completely collapse by game 9. He asked me why I was so negative. I told him to wait and see. By game 9, my colleague was ready to start betting on everything I said.
Anyway, I see this current team as busting its *** on every play. I am so much liking the total program. Few penalties. Special teams are as good as it has been in YEARS, if not my entire life of watching ND football (not dynamic, but SOLID), this is my favorite D since the Alvarez years, and things are looking solid.
