What I don't get about the ND boards.

[kmoose]

Who says he hasn't? You're just speculating, of course. We don't know anything, regardless of what you think you are extrapolating from vague references in old press conferences.

Brian Kelly says it, every week, when he announces a starting QB.

 

[koonja]

The only thing I don't get is why did Kelly even bother making Crist the starter if he was going to give him such a slim margin: one half of inconsistent football was all it took for him to pull the plug on Crist. And after showing almost 0 confidence in the player Kelly had chosen as starter, he then goes on to tolerate some pretty terrible play by Rees, who is supposed to be a "game manager". If we're going to be getting inconsistent play from our QBs, I'd rather have it from a guy who can, at least on occasion, do this: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rI_I70F0XjI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I was at that game. I was so excited I almost cried. Hopefully not, but that might be the greatest play I'll ever see at ND.

PS, the two passes to TJ that game were also beautiful.

 

[kmoose]

fair enough.. then I don't want my immobile pocket passing QB in the spread system who has the arm strength of a 10 year old to turn it over 2.25 times per game.

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Hyperbole or not, no QB at D-IA completes 66% of his passes, over 4 games, for damn near 1,000 yards, with a weak arm. You can argue that his arm is not as strong as Crist's, but it's not weak.

 

[IrishinSyria]

I was at that game. I was so excited I almost cried. Hopefully not, but that might be the greatest play I'll ever see at ND.

PS, the two passes to TJ that game were also beautiful.

It's tough to imagine a greater play... too bad the d couldn't keep it together.

 

[koonja]

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Hyperbole or not, no QB at D-IA completes 66% of his passes, over 4 games, for damn near 1,000 yards, with a weak arm. You can argue that his arm is not as strong as Crist's, but it's not weak.

I agree. I just think that teams are going to start creeping up closer and closer to the line of scrimmage. We saw it this week, vs a Pitt team with an awful passing defense.

Tommy doesn't have a bad arm, but Crist has a strong arm. When Crist is in, the offense runs more seem routes (see highlight above) and it spreads out the defense much more. Now Tommy's more accurate than Crist, I will not argue that. But if Pitt, who again, is really bad in coverage, was able to box-in Rees so much, good teams are going to put a strangle hold on our passing offense.

I'd rather be the delusional ND fan who hears Crist is getting another chance and raise my expectations than know that Tommy is going to be the starter for the rest of the year, know we're going to turn it over like crazy, and just pray the defense plays hard enough to give us a chance to win on a weekly basis.

 

[koonja]

It's tough to imagine a greater play... too bad the d couldn't keep it together.

I know, but I don't put that on the D. We turned the ball over and had more 3 and outs once Crist went down than the D could handle. Denard got too many possessions, he was bound to make some plays eventually.

If Crist didn't get injured we would have handled them. Out scored them 24-7 when he was playing.

 

[meowmix]

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Hyperbole or not, no QB at D-IA completes 66% of his passes, over 4 games, for damn near 1,000 yards, with a weak arm. You can argue that his arm is not as strong as Crist's, but it's not weak.

Denard Robinson throws 30 yard "long bombs". Kellen Moore also has a weak arm. The difference is that Moore is extremely accurate and Boise's spread provides open receivers, especially against the awful teams they play. And Denard, as we all know, is a running back in a wildcat offense. Thus, he makes up for disgusting passing with incredible running.

 

[meowmix]

He looked pretty fast when he tried to run down the DB who returned Jonas's fumble 96 yards.

Little did he know, he was probably running for his 'life' as the starting QB.

If ND punches it in and goes up 7-0 on that beautiful drive, Crist settles in, nobody panics, BK doesn't turn purple and we have a different season IMO.

So true. Dayne makes mistakes but I think his upside counters those. I figure if he and Rees are both going to have turnovers (for the record I don't think Dayne would have turned it over as much), let Dayne play so that we can push the ball downfield. I think I've seen Rees throw 2 nice long balls (last year vs. Army to Eifert, and this year to TJ vs. MSU). The rest, he was bailed out by Floyd. I just really dislike the claims that Tommy should start because he's a "gamer". If you want to argue for him starting, say he's more accurate or reads the defense better. You can't give him all the credit for wins, especially wins like this past week or against USC.

 

[koonja]

Have you guys noticed that with Rees we run absolutely no bubble screens to Theo?

It's because he's too short to make the throw over most lineman. I loved watching Theo run those last year.

 

[IrishGiant]

We absolutely give two games away to start the season. We win convincingly against Michigan State. We come from behind to pull out the victory against Pitt. All the boards are downcast more after a two game winning streak than they were after two horrible performances where we handed the opponents the game on a silver platter.

People we won two in a row.

Some people are never happy, or satisfied. I'll take an ugly win over a fantastic loss any day. I could understand getting all twisted after a loss, but come on. A win is a win, I dont care how ugly.

 

[meowmix]

Some people are never happy, or satisfied. I'll take an ugly win over a fantastic loss any day. I could understand getting all twisted after a loss, but come on. A win is a win, I dont care how ugly.

Nobody here is mad that we won. I, personally, and many others are just worried that Tommy may not be able to correct some of his recurring mistakes before we face a team that our defense can't dominate (USC, Stanford, possibly Air Force)

 

[Irish Fam]

Rees does not have a weak arm. period. He has thrown lasers multiple times this year.

 

[irishtrain]

We absolutely give two games away to start the season. We win convincingly against Michigan State. We come from behind to pull out the victory against Pitt. All the boards are downcast more after a two game winning streak than they were after two horrible performances where we handed the opponents the game on a silver platter.

People we won two in a row.

So far what I see is pretty much what I expected-except for the 4th quarter in Ann Arbor-heck I'm proud of what they've done and what they are about to do. By the end of the season this will be the team you want to see. I'm sticking by 9-3 but they got to win one of my upset type games/Maryland/Air Force. I still got 'm winning the rest of'em. By the way the topic is correct-how about a little love for Jonas Gray. Once you do that and know the feeling it tends to repeat itself. I look for him to do more now. 9-3 with a loss to Air Force or Maryland.

 

[IrishGiant]

Nobody here is mad that we won. I, personally, and many others are just worried that Tommy may not be able to correct some of his recurring mistakes before we face a team that our defense can't dominate (USC, Stanford, possibly Air Force)

I'm happy they won, and dont stress over what I have no control over. They will improve.

 

[irishff1014]

So far what I see is pretty much what I expected-except for the 4th quarter in Ann Arbor-heck I'm proud of what they've done and what they are about to do. By the end of the season this will be the team you want to see. I'm sticking by 9-3 but they got to win one of my upset type games/Maryland/Air Force. I still got 'm winning the rest of'em. By the way the topic is correct-how about a little love for Jonas Gray. Once you do that and know the feeling it tends to repeat itself. I look for him to do more now. 9-3 with a loss to Air Force or Maryland.

Also we still have to play Navy. They have not missed a beat with their New QB/RB what ever you want to call it. Until we beat them this game scares me.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

Rees does not have a weak arm. period. He has thrown lasers multiple times this year.

multiple as in two? yeah, maybe

 

[irishff1014]

Rees does not have a weak arm. period. He has thrown lasers multiple times this year.

There is a difference between throwing the ball hard and distance.

 

[BobD]

Rees does not have a weak arm. period. He has thrown lasers multiple times this year.

Respectfully, I would have to say he's thrown multiple dead ducks this year and a few lasers.

 

[Carlyle Javar Holiday]

If you truly want to see arm strength, watch a qb throw a laser on a dead run.

 

[ulukinatme]

Tommy had two turnovers at Pitt. One was a strip sack that came from behind and there isn't much you can do about that unless you're holding onto the ball too long, Tommy usually gets it out quick enough. I blame blocking in this case, saw the same thing happen to Roethlisberger of Pitt twice last night. The other TO was an Int, and it was Tommy's fault. Granted, the receiver had been open, but Tommy had to fight out of an arm tackle and it delayed his throw. He probably should have evaluated the target again after fighting out of the tackle, but I can see how he was thinking about getting the ball to Eifert.

I honestly believe Tommy gives us the best chance to win games right now. For all the love Golson gets, I'm sure he's not ready, otherwise we'd probably see him in as he's a great fit for the offense. I really do hope we see Hendrix at some point this year for special packages ala Tebow's freshman year, mostly because Hendrix really ran well during the Blue & Gold game and he should have a good grip on a small package offense. I'm sure Crist can still win games, but when it comes down to it that South Florida half really hurt because we came away with 0 points on the board while Tommy lit it up. Aside from a quiet Pitt game, Tommy puts points on the board no matter who we play.

If anything I think Pitt disguising their defense lead to some confusion, and the double team of Floyd took away our biggest weapon. When your biggest weapon is taken out of the game, you need other players to step up. Thats what Eifert did for us, it opened the offense up for more one on one chances for him to get the ball, and he responded. I think Pitt's coach is good, heck, he beat us last year with Tulsa. If anything, our boys may have taken a game off here after a hard opening schedule. Lets just hope we destroy the remaining teams on the schedule and end up with a nice bowl at the end of the season.

 

[irishff1014]

Tommy had two turnovers at Pitt. One was a strip sack that came from behind and there isn't much you can do about that unless you're holding onto the ball too long, Tommy usually gets it out quick enough. I blame blocking in this case, saw the same thing happen to Roethlisberger of Pitt twice last night. The other TO was an Int, and it was Tommy's fault. Granted, the receiver had been open, but Tommy had to fight out of an arm tackle and it delayed his throw. He probably should have evaluated the target again after fighting out of the tackle, but I can see how he was thinking about getting the ball to Eifert.

I honestly believe Tommy gives us the best chance to win games right now. For all the love Golson gets, I'm sure he's not ready, otherwise we'd probably see him in as he's a great fit for the offense. I really do hope we see Hendrix at some point this year for special packages ala Tebow's freshman year, mostly because Hendrix really ran well during the Blue & Gold game and he should have a good grip on a small package offense. I'm sure Crist can still win games, but when it comes down to it that South Florida half really hurt because we came away with 0 points on the board while Tommy lit it up. Aside from a quiet Pitt game, Tommy puts points on the board no matter who we play.

If anything I think Pitt disguising their defense lead to some confusion, and the double team of Floyd took away our biggest weapon. When your biggest weapon is taken out of the game, you need other players to step up. Thats what Eifert did for us, it opened the offense up for more one on one chances for him to get the ball, and he responded. I think Pitt's coach is good, heck, he beat us last year with Tulsa. If anything, our boys may have taken a game off here after a hard opening schedule. Lets just hope we destroy the remaining teams on the schedule and end up with a nice bowl at the end of the season.

We would have had points if Jonas did fumble. After that fumble it took the air out of the stadium for few mins. Eifert really didn't start to pick it up till after half time. We have 2 good backs right now that are really getting shafted. If this team could put teams away like we should our rushing numbers would be even better. There really hasn't been a te we could run on. I love that fact that either running back right now can carry the wieght. Would just like to see them really blow up a game that we had a lead in.

 

[irish4ever]

Boston Red Sox have a 5-17 record this past month. If the Sox end up making the playoffs by winning 3-4 in a row, do the fans feel confident that they can still win? I sure as hell don't. I didn't think they had a chance being down 3-0 to the Yanks though either.

Point is, just because they win doesn't mean its all fine and dandy. If you think BK and his staff are content with how things went then you're wrong. Yes, a win on the road is a win, any way you can get it. But to ignore the obvious problems is plain stupid.

That's exactly the way I took Kelly's brief comments directly after the game ... any win on the road is good, but the overall performance wasn't that great for the Irish.

 

[Rhode Irish]

How many threads do we need on the same exact subject?

I totally get why everyone is frustrated with Rees. You can't be a good team if you lose the turnover battle every game, and Tommy does not take good enough care of the football. I also get what people like about Hendrix and Golson, but apparently they are not ready to play yet or we would have seen one of them already. And I agree with those who think Crist got the hook prematurely - his first half vs. USF was not as bad as Rees's first half yesterday, the big difference being a Gray fumble vs. a Gray 79-yd TD.

However, having said all of that, it is apparent that Kelly believes Rees gives him the best chance to win. He is not good enough to avoid some growing pains. He's just going to have to learn from his mistakes and continue to get better. The kid didn't have a great game, but that is football. You can't play great every game. At least he answered the bell and helped us avoid what would have been a devastating loss.

Some of you guys really need to just take a deep breath and relax. Like I said, I get where you're coming from and I don't necessarily disagree. But it isn't worth having an aneurysm over.

 

[irishff1014]

How many threads do we need on the same exact subject?

I totally get why everyone is frustrated with Rees. You can't be a good team if you lose the turnover battle every game, and Tommy does not take good enough care of the football. I also get what people like about Hendrix and Golson, but apparently they are not ready to play yet or we would have seen one of them already. And I agree with those who think Crist got the hook prematurely - his first half vs. USF was not as bad as Rees's first half yesterday, the big difference being a Gray fumble vs. a Gray 79-yd TD.

However, having said all of that, it is apparent that Kelly believes Rees gives him the best chance to win. He is not good enough to avoid some growing pains. He's just going to have to learn from his mistakes and continue to get better. The kid didn't have a great game, but that is football. You can't play great every game. At least he answered the bell and helped us avoid what would have been a devastating loss.

Some of you guys really need to just take a deep breath and relax. Like I said, I get where you're coming from and I don't necessarily disagree. But it isn't worth having an aneurysm over.

Thats just it he isn't changing. Every weekend you can count on atleast 2 turnovers by him self.

 

[tankjeep]

We absolutely give two games away to start the season. We win convincingly against Michigan State. We come from behind to pull out the victory against Pitt. All the boards are downcast more after a two game winning streak than they were after two horrible performances where we handed the opponents the game on a silver platter.

People we won two in a row.

what do you expect from irish faithful? haha, i kid i kid.

but truly, we are the most fickle fan base there is.

 

[tankjeep]

How many threads do we need on the same exact subject?

I totally get why everyone is frustrated with Rees. You can't be a good team if you lose the turnover battle every game, and Tommy does not take good enough care of the football. I also get what people like about Hendrix and Golson, but apparently they are not ready to play yet or we would have seen one of them already. And I agree with those who think Crist got the hook prematurely - his first half vs. USF was not as bad as Rees's first half yesterday, the big difference being a Gray fumble vs. a Gray 79-yd TD.

However, having said all of that, it is apparent that Kelly believes Rees gives him the best chance to win. He is not good enough to avoid some growing pains. He's just going to have to learn from his mistakes and continue to get better. The kid didn't have a great game, but that is football. You can't play great every game. At least he answered the bell and helped us avoid what would have been a devastating loss.
Some of you guys really need to just take a deep breath and relax. Like I said, I get where you're coming from and I don't necessarily disagree. But it isn't worth having an aneurysm over.

boom! there goes the dynamite!!

 

[NDinL.A.]

Thats just it he isn't changing. Every weekend you can count on atleast 2 turnovers by him self.

And who's the better alternative??? You keep saying Crist, but EVERY time the chips are down, aside from UM last year, he folds. So, like you say with Rees, Crist wasn't getting better either. At least with Rees, ND wins. With Crist, when the chips are down and he starts to suck, we lose.

Still waiting for you to say who is a better alternative.

 

[Irish52]

Could not agree more. Hedrix deserves to show what he can do it a game situation. I think he should play a half in the Purdue game. I also think Dayne should be given another chance. He was the starter at the start of the season, had a bad half and lost his job. Rees had a horrible 3 quarters in the Pitt game and wasn't pulled. Only by the grace of God did he save the game for ND. I guess I don't understand Kelly's thinking/coaching!!

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

I think we should turn to Hendrix if, and only if, we lose our 3rd game.. I'll cringe through as many Rees starts as I have to as long as we're winning, but once/if we get that 3rd L, it's time to see what Hendrix has as a starting QB (that includes having an ENTIRE gameplan around him, having him get the first team reps in practice, and letting him be free to make some mistakes (Rees is)).. after the third loss, give him the start vs. Navy if we lose to USC or something (don't call me a pessimist, I truly think we'll beat USC, I'm just saying if we do lose, it's time to move in a different direction)

 

[NDinL.A.]

Could not agree more. Hedrix deserves to show what he can do it a game situation. I think he should play a half in the Purdue game. I also think Dayne should be given another chance. He was the starter at the start of the season, had a bad half and lost his job. Rees had a horrible 3 quarters in the Pitt game and wasn't pulled. Only by the grace of God did he save the game for ND. I guess I don't understand Kelly's thinking/coaching!!

Why does Hendriz 'deserve' a shot? What did he do? He got badly beaten out by both Rees and Crist, despite getting equal reps this spring. He doesn't deserve anything. He has to earn it. And so far, he hasn't. As Shark said above, he won't see time unless ND starts to lose. Until then, you don't play musical chairs with your QBs and play a redshirt freshman who has never seen any live action after a 2 game winning streak. You just don't. Espceially when the season hangs in the balance. That would be insane.