Am I the only one who noticed this?

[GoldenDomer2357]

So our offense put up a lot of yardage, and we are well aware of our redzone blunders. The turnovers go without saying, as well as the obscene amount and types of penalties. However, everyone seems to be heralding our defense. Statistically it was pretty good and yes, that side of the ball kept us in the game. But I would love to see a statistic that centered on the amount of USF players that were not tackled after first contact with an ND player. We need to learn to wrap guys up and make better open field tackles. I can't tell you how many times during that game that I saw a USF player hit at the line of scrimmage or even for a loss and ends up attaining 5 or ten yards. The stats show a DECENT defensive performance, but we need to get more physical make sure when our opponent is hit, he is hit hard, and will not rumble for any additional yardage.

 

[Mr. McGibblets]

If it was a problem, I think that is an issue with it being the first game. I think alot of coaches worry about tackling, turnovers, mental errors, penalties, etc. for the first game. ND pretty much erred in all of those categories. Tackling improves as the season goes on hopefully the discilpine will as well.

I'm sure the wet field and uniforms didnt help matters, either.

 

[tankjeep]

our defense gave up one offensive TD. that's saying something. granted they may need to wrap up, but as a whole, they did their job. it was enough to win the game. the offense stunk it up in the red zone.

 

[nd1]

last week was just a bad week but the d did what they were surposed to do. and as bad as we played we was still in the game. lets be honest most teams that turn the ball over as much as we did in the red zone alone are not uaually in the game.

 

[tankjeep]

last week was just a bad week but the d did what they were surposed to do. and as bad as we played we was still in the game. lets be honest most teams that turn the ball over as much as we did in the red zone alone are not uaually in the game.

5 turnovers and a team is usually down by 2 to 3 td's easily. our defense was above average. the killer was the face mask penalties.

 

[irishff1014]

Every coach says they worry about tackling the first game no big deal

 

[GoldenDomer2357]

I agree with what everyone is saying. Defense absolutely played above average. Just something I noticed and something that has plagued us in years prior. The face mask penalties were completely killer.

 

[Black Irish]

Poor tackling is a wide spread problem, and I think it tends to get worse as guys go from college to pros. Defenders do too much hollywood tackling trying to make the high light reel. I watch guys make shoulder tackles and all I can here is my HS football coach yelling at us, "WRAP HIM UP!!!" Defenders need to be reminded of that simple fact.

 

[Junkhead]

I can't imagine how frustrated the D players had to be. Time to take that frustration out on scUM.

 

[Irishman77]

Flemming getting sucked in was horrendous to watch. The guy got dominated in the first half. Watch how many times they run outside of him.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Flemming getting sucked in was horrendous to watch. The guy got dominated in the first half. Watch how many times they run outside of him.

In the first half, Fleming bit on several Dive Options and lost contain on Daniels. In the second half, he did a much better job. Let's hope he carries that 2nd half performance over into the Michigan game, because Robinson is a lot more dangerous than Daniels.

 

[BeauBenken]

I feel that Fleming biting is probably because he was able to do it in practice against slower guys. I recall Kelly saying Fleming was practicing great giving the example of how he took away the HB and QB in the dive option play.

 

[Irishman77]

the dive is not his responsibility. when defenders try to do others jobs they don't do there own. Contain the outside is football 101 and I would grade Flemming a D-. I do have faith he will improve this Saturday or Robinson runs for 260 and 3 td's

 

[Irishman77]

btw I think our offensive line was very very good. and Ciere is elite. I really he wouldn't tap his helmet for a breather after every carry though!

 

[BeauBenken]

the dive is not his responsibility. when defenders try to do others jobs they don't do there own. Contain the outside is football 101 and I would grade Flemming a D-. I do have faith he will improve this Saturday or Robinson runs for 260 and 3 td's

I know that, but that doesn't mean Fleming didn't feel like he could do it.