The Irish Envy Consensus

[palinurus]

Several of the defensive players have said exactly this; the defensive scheme is structured to make yards tough to get and long plays even harder. Therefore, the scheme favors types of play which are not risk-taking. When Lo Wood ran back his INT, other players were saying that they were delighted but that the reason that this did not happen more is "that's not what this defense is all about".

Thanks; that's a good point. And, in fact, I can't recall many -- maybe not any -- big yardage plays this year. And, you could argue, that strategy keeps you in games with top offensive teams (like USC) long enough (by allowing, perhaps time consuming drives that end in FGs) to get a break and maybe pull something out -- as they nearly did vs So Cal. I mean, even though the team didn't play well, they had a chance for a tie until 6 minutes left.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Thanks; that's a good point. And, in fact, I can't recall many -- maybe not any -- big yardage plays this year. And, you could argue, that strategy keeps you in games with top offensive teams (like USC) long enough (by allowing, perhaps time consuming drives that end in FGs) to get a break and maybe pull something out -- as they nearly did vs So Cal. I mean, even though the team didn't play well, they had a chance for a tie until 6 minutes left.

Really? I have nightmares about one of them.

 

[palinurus]

Really? I have nightmares about one of them.

I'd succeeded in blocking that from my memory and you went and trashed the wall. Of course, that was a blown coverage, but I guess we have to count it.....(

 

[phork]

Thank you we have beaten the SEC to death... Our defense is better than the SEC.. History doesn't lie.. WE HAVE A WINNING RECORD AGAINST THE SEC..

Maybe 40 years ago.

 

[Patulski]

I agree. It's not an unfair criticism of Rees to note that he's not exactly the type of quarterback that you would craft from mud and muscle to run Kelly's offense.

One other thing that has not been noted: Even with a QB crafted from mud and muscle to run Kelly's offense, he would still have growing pains reading coverages and adapting quickly to run and zone blitzes.

 

[irishtrinity]

Maybe 40 years ago.

try 1980-2000= 8-5 thats real good...
ND has the biggest d line in CFB NOW!!!

 

[phork]

try 1980-2000= 8-5 thats real good...
ND has the biggest d line in CFB NOW!!!

Sorry.. 20-30 years ago.

 

[notredomer23]

Maybe 40 years ago.

Last 3 games vs the SEC we are 2-1. Beat Tenn in 2004 and 2005. That Tenn team in 2004 made it to the SEC championship game in 2004 and were only defeated by us, undefeated Auburn, and undefeated Auburn again.

 

[phork]

Last 3 games vs the SEC we are 2-1. Beat Tenn in 2004 and 2005. That Tenn team in 2004 made it to the SEC championship game in 2004 and were only defeated by us, undefeated Auburn, and undefeated Auburn again.

Oh right, that power house. Forgot about that one.

 

[DillonHall]

The overall SEC is down this year, but the top, with LSU and Alabama, is head and shoulders above us, especially on the defensive side of the ball. And don't forget that the SEC has won the last 5 national championships and is well on its way to its sixth.