How Will 2011 Irish Match Up?

[PJWhitfield]

I looked at Notre Dame's history for common elements in the championship seasons. I found five: a superior coach, a solid previous season, a veteran quarterback, a balanced schedule and a team that dominates, i.e., doesn't have a lot of narrow wins. It seems to me like the chief question marks for 2011 are the QB and the schedule. The 2010 season was probably a solidly enough building block, but it isn't totally clear-- five losses is a bit much. And the domination thing is something that can't be predicted. A team develops a killer instinct or it does not. On average, nat'l champ N.D. teams smashed opponents by 20 or more points six to eight times in a season. I've got more on the five elements on the signature link below.

 

[mvanbv00]

It seems to me that BK likes to get ahead early and try to run in the second half and play the ball control game. I don't see us totally dominating many teams, ever, although BK could change his style. It just doesn't seem like BK to run up the score.

I hope that we can have a great 2011 and that can be our solid season before the NC. The 2012 schedule is brutal, but if we can build on what we have started toward the end of this season (defense) we should have a good shot in 2012. 2011 will also allow us to mold a qb and get some experience at that position for the 2012 season. I'm definitely looking forward to the future!!! GO IRISH!!

 

[Riddickulous]

It seems to me that BK likes to get ahead early and try to run in the second half and play the ball control game. I don't see us totally dominating many teams, ever, although BK could change his style. It just doesn't seem like BK to run up the score.

I hope that we can have a great 2011 and that can be our solid season before the NC. The 2012 schedule is brutal, but if we can build on what we have started toward the end of this season (defense) we should have a good shot in 2012. 2011 will also allow us to mold a qb and get some experience at that position for the 2012 season. I'm definitely looking forward to the future!!! GO IRISH!!

We lose five starters (possibly more, depending on how the depth chart shapes up), including Johnson, Fleming, Blanton, Gray, and Smith. The secondary could cost us some games.

 

[rtrn2glory]

It seems to me that BK likes to get ahead early and try to run in the second half and play the ball control game. I don't see us totally dominating many teams, ever, although BK could change his style. It just doesn't seem like BK to run up the score.

I hope that we can have a great 2011 and that can be our solid season before the NC. The 2012 schedule is brutal, but if we can build on what we have started toward the end of this season (defense) we should have a good shot in 2012. 2011 will also allow us to mold a qb and get some experience at that position for the 2012 season. I'm definitely looking forward to the future!!! GO IRISH!!

The improvement of our running game will dictate whether we are able to become an elite/explosive offense. When we ran the ball effectively this year our big play guys were able to make things happen towards the end of the year, but it's obvious that if we aren't able to run the ball every game will be a grind it out win it late type of game.

 

[irishff1014]

We lose five starters (possibly more, depending on how the depth chart shapes up), including Johnson, Fleming, Blanton, Gray, and Smith. The secondary could cost us some games.

I disagree with you here. The young guys will get some playing time this year and they will learn from the guys that we all ready have. They will be fine.