Post Game Observations.........

[kmoose]

1. Wow, yet another gut wrenching loss.

2. ND got outcoached, plain and simple. Kelly all but abandoned the running game, in the middle half of the game. ND ran effectively, in the 1st quarter. They could have continued to run effectively, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and had FSU's athletic defense sucking wind by the time the 4th quarter rolled around. Instead, FSU's secondary looked almost well rested, late in the game.

3. I think we saw a glimpse of what an offense without Michael Floyd is going to look like. Way more sacks, way more forced balls, way less production. If we don't find a stud tailback by next season, this offense may be one of the worst in College Football.

4. Special Teams is still a Keystone Kops unit. I'm not a coach, but can it really be that hard?

5. Despite a spirit crushing year, ND is still not too far from being a very good team. I think that is what makes this year so frustrating.

 

[CarrollVermin]

No QB next year with any experience unless Tommy starts. If that's the case I may need a new liver.

 

[Grahambo]

3 losses that should very, VERY easily been wins.

 

[UPMich_NDfan]

When they least deserve the love, they need it the most! Go irish, go bang bang Notre dame gang

 

[Sherm Sticky]

ND Sucks...that's all!

 

[gspjeb]

Defensive line did a great job....right up until we stopped blitzing which I do not understand....coaches dropped that one.

A great QB can make a mediocre team great.....a poor QB can make an incredibly talented team mediocre.....I hope Golson/Fuller can fix this one.

another observation is that we will be lucky to be 6-6 next year with six or seven of our opponents ranked based on tonights premonition of life without Floyd and potentially Eifert.

My only hope is that the recruits out there realize how much we need them and how early they will play...Greenberry, Tee,
Ronald, Fuller

time to start drinking and taking time away from the Irish for a few months

 

[phork]

1. Wow, yet another gut wrenching loss.

2. ND got outcoached, plain and simple. Kelly all but abandoned the running game, in the middle half of the game. ND ran effectively, in the 1st quarter. They could have continued to run effectively, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and had FSU's athletic defense sucking wind by the time the 4th quarter rolled around. Instead, FSU's secondary looked almost well rested, late in the game.

3. I think we saw a glimpse of what an offense without Michael Floyd is going to look like. Way more sacks, way more forced balls, way less production. If we don't find a stud tailback by next season, this offense may be one of the worst in College Football.

4. Special Teams is still a Keystone Kops unit. I'm not a coach, but can it really be that hard?

5. Despite a spirit crushing year, ND is still not too far from being a very good team. I think that is what makes this year so frustrating.

All I am going to comment on is #5. We will be lucky to be 6-6 next year. Kelly is beginning to lose me as a fan. I was his #1 slappy when Weis was fired. He seems to be over his head at this point. Chuck Diaco Norris is losing credibility as well. This is FAR from being a very good team.

Lets take stock of next year, shall we? No Floyd. Eifert (if he comes back) will be doubled. TJ and Toma cannot get the job done. Wood runs like he is afraid to break the glass surrounding anyone in another uniform. Rees should never start another game, period. Which means our QB goes back to a newb situation. Goodman can field fair catches all day long, ask him to catch a pass is like asking for the immaculate conception.

Our defense loses the best secondary we have (which isn't saying much), and we'll be starting some fresh faces on CB. We are going to mediocre for quite a long time. Call me negative all you want, but those are the facts. All the while we watch teams like Michigan run right past us.

Next year is going to be painful. I suggest you all tune out, keep an eye on the scores on your iPhones or Androids and cheer meekly from the shadows.

 

[DillonHall]

Why didn't Hendrix play more earlier in the game?

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Punting has improved.

DBs played pretty well.

Cierre seemed timid at times.

Need a strong #2 back.

Eifert was a Beast.

Lynch/Tuitt/Nix were solid.

We made some bad penalties...thinking 55

Our coaches did not make adjustments, FSU staff did.

 

[Mr. McGibblets]

The content with a 14-0 lead exhibited by the Irish in the 3rd Quarter was a joke. FSU’s 2 Best corners go down and yet rather than attacking them, they stick with the run. But not the run with Hendrix up the middle that got them down the field to set up the jump-ball for Floyd; but rather with Rees handing the ball off to Wood. He had some nice runs and they kept the FSU D honest, but I only recall one play-action pass that was way too high for the small target, Toma.

And then the Blitz dried up which annoyed me most. They dialed down and allowed Manuel to get comfortable and allowed the receivers to run free.

Gary Gray struggled, but I cant bang on him anymore, he is what he is.

Slaughter played great and so did the D line.

I was impressed with the players effort, but the coaches did not put them in the best position to succeed in the 2nd half==especially with the shuffling in and out of the QBs.

 

[phork]

Punting has improved.

DBs played pretty well.

Cierre seemed timid at times.

Need a strong #2 back.

Eifert was a Beast.

Lynch/Tuitt/Nix were solid.

We made some bad penalties...thinking 55

Our coaches did not make adjustments, FSU staff did.

We made adjustments as well. Like not picking on the 2nd string DBs and not blitzing!

 

[IrishGiant]

what a dud to finish the season. Kelly's prediction of winning multiple titles seems laughable right now. I may be rushing a bit to judgement, but I dont think Hendrix will make a QB based on what I have seen thus far (albeit a small sample size) Lets face it, they are an uninspiring team. I hope they blow our doors off next year, but I dont see it happening.

 

[Axl Rose]

-Our receiving core outside of Floyd is no good. Where was Toma and Jones? Goodman stinks, Smith doesn't look like he'll ever see the field, and who knows if Massa can even play WR. Hopefully Daniels is the real deal and Greenberry stays committed.

-The D-line looks like it will be nasty and deep in 2012. Thats one group that I have no worries about.

-If Eifert returns than the TE core looks equally as talented. Hopefully he does return.

-Enough Tommy, we wasted a year with him when we could have been developing Hendrix or Golson. ND will never win with Tommy, so why start him. The team needs a dual threat QB.

-The running game needs a big back to compliment the smaller faster backs. Hopefully Roberson and Mahone can provide that next year.

-Field goal kicking was a big disappointment this year. Hopefully Brindza can kick field goals.

-With Cave coming back I think we'll see the line truly become dominant next year.

-I wish ND would show some killer instinct and not let up when we get ahead.

 

[Rocket89]

1. Wow, yet another gut wrenching loss.

2. ND got outcoached, plain and simple. Kelly all but abandoned the running game, in the middle half of the game. ND ran effectively, in the 1st quarter. They could have continued to run effectively, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and had FSU's athletic defense sucking wind by the time the 4th quarter rolled around. Instead, FSU's secondary looked almost well rested, late in the game.

3. I think we saw a glimpse of what an offense without Michael Floyd is going to look like. Way more sacks, way more forced balls, way less production. If we don't find a stud tailback by next season, this offense may be one of the worst in College Football.

4. Special Teams is still a Keystone Kops unit. I'm not a coach, but can it really be that hard?

5. Despite a spirit crushing year, ND is still not too far from being a very good team. I think that is what makes this year so frustrating.

1. I guess.

2. Not sure what you watched. Irish rushed for 26 yards in the first quarter, and only 18 yards from the running backs. That's a 2.0 average from the running backs in the first quarter. The rest of the game Wood and Riddick ran for 78 yards on 17 carries for a 4.5 average---so the exact opposite of what you're saying seems true.

3. Perhaps, although Floyd wasn't out of the game for that long.

4. I think special teams on the day were pretty close to even. We were supposed to be at a serious disadvantage and we weren't.

5. Maybe.

 

[IrishLax]

Where was Ethan Johnson? I didn't see him all game.

ND backing off the blitz after going up 14-0 was shocking to me. Absolutely shocking.

Kelly's faith in Rees to beat a very athletic FSU team without Michael Floyd playing was equally shocking.

I do not understand the mistakes. I do not understand the turnovers, the dropped long TD by Floyd, the missed field goal.... just blows my mind.

 

[pkt77242]

Punting has improved.

DBs played pretty well.
Cierre seemed timid at times.

Need a strong #2 back.

Eifert was a Beast.

Lynch/Tuitt/Nix were solid.

We made some bad penalties...thinking 55

Our coaches did not make adjustments, FSU staff did.

Gray got beat multiple times.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

We made adjustments as well. Like not picking on the 2nd string DBs and not blitzing!

You should break out the sarcasm font.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

1. Not really sure what Diaco was thinking, maybe hes dyslexic and thought that it was 41-0 and not 14-0.

2. Floyd's absence will definitely hurt, but it wouldn't be as bad if we had a decent QB. I only saw limited views of the field, but I saw TJ Jones open a few times, and the QB (both Rees and Hendrix) didn't even glance his way. I think we have the players to run a solid offense, just not a QB to get it done. Maybe Hendrix will emerge, but theres just something about him I don't like. Rees is Rees, he's reached his ceiling.

3. I may be the minority, but I don't think losing our corners will really hurt. They have been suspect all year, and I don't think the next guys in can be that much worse.

4. Danny Fox is terrible in coverage. It'd be nice for a LB to step up in that department.

5. I feel bad for BK. He looks embattled. He is feeling the pressure. He's going to get a ridiculous amount of criticism, and I don't tihnk he deserves it. He is building his team for a fanbase that wants to win now. I wish people would lay off of him for a few years, he's building a team from scratch...it takes time. People just dont get that.

6. I am optimistic for next season, I think the wave of new faces will be more athletic, more aggressive, and better developed football players than those whom are leaving. Our defense will keep us in every game, if someone steps up to be a competent QB then ND will win 9-10 games. But the QB position is paramount, it will be the different between 9/10 wins and 7/8 wins.

 

[OlympiaIrishFan]

We can't win with Rees at the helm against good teams. He proves it over and over. 6 TDs and 12 Tunovers. only 1 300 yard passing game and 4 with under 190 yards. We can't win with Tommy here, we just can't. Unless we lineup inferior teams over and over and then Tommy can win. Put a good Defense out there and he gets owned. 12-4 record is really tainted. AF, Maryland, etc he is fine. Good D, Horrible.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Gray got beat multiple times.

They also scored 6 points.

 

[tadman95]

All of the committed recruits are important to filling in the holes for next year. Greenberry's rise this year makes him the next Floyd type player. Shepard and Darby are critical!

I think Rees has reached his peak. I hope not but he really hasn't improved much this year. Golson has the potential to take over this offense and make it work. Hope the comments about his arm and accuracy hold up.

We have to have a QB that can make plays, I think Golson is the guy.

 

[irishff1014]

1. Wow, yet another gut wrenching loss.

2. ND got outcoached, plain and simple. Kelly all but abandoned the running game, in the middle half of the game. ND ran effectively, in the 1st quarter. They could have continued to run effectively, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and had FSU's athletic defense sucking wind by the time the 4th quarter rolled around. Instead, FSU's secondary looked almost well rested, late in the game.

3. I think we saw a glimpse of what an offense without Michael Floyd is going to look like. Way more sacks, way more forced balls, way less production. If we don't find a stud tailback by next season, this offense may be one of the worst in College Football.

4. Special Teams is still a Keystone Kops unit. I'm not a coach, but can it really be that hard?

5. Despite a spirit crushing year, ND is still not too far from being a very good team. I think that is what makes this year so frustrating.

Kelly has had some game where i think he just looks at the paper and say we will call this play. His play calling has been questionable in alot of games. one of the 2 freshman running backs are going to get playing time. Wood acted like he was afraid to put his head down and hit someone. Hopefully this doesn't kill our recruiting.

 

[gkIrish]

Don't be surprised if it comes out later this week that Floyd asked to not play after the injury. Friend at the game told me he saw a coach arguing with him. I'll look into this more.

 

[IrishGiant]

All of the committed recruits are important to filling in the holes for next year. Greenberry's rise this year makes him the next Floyd type player. Shepard and Darby are critical!

I think Rees has reached his peak. I hope not but he really hasn't improved much this year. Golson has the potential to take over this offense and make it work. Hope the comments about his arm and accuracy hold up.

We have to have a QB that can make plays, I think Golson is the guy.

I think he will be better than Hendrix. IDK why. Just a gut feeling. I'm not at all confident in Hendrix' field vision on passing plays.

 

[Honey Nut Irish]

The deep balls on 3rd and 1 baffle me. As does having Eifert or Floyd run a five yard route on 3rd and long. Let Toma run those routes, put the playmakers where they can make plays.

I think calling plays is too much for Kelly on the sideline.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Where was Ethan Johnson? I didn't see him all game.

ND backing off the blitz after going up 14-0 was shocking to me. Absolutely shocking.

Kelly's faith in Rees to beat a very athletic FSU team without Michael Floyd playing was equally shocking.

I do not understand the mistakes. I do not understand the turnovers, the dropped long TD by Floyd, the missed field goal.... just blows my mind.

Ethan played, but Tuitt started.

 

[wallym]

1. Wow, yet another gut wrenching loss.

2. ND got outcoached, plain and simple. Kelly all but abandoned the running game, in the middle half of the game. ND ran effectively, in the 1st quarter. They could have continued to run effectively, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and had FSU's athletic defense sucking wind by the time the 4th quarter rolled around. Instead, FSU's secondary looked almost well rested, late in the game.

3. I think we saw a glimpse of what an offense without Michael Floyd is going to look like. Way more sacks, way more forced balls, way less production. If we don't find a stud tailback by next season, this offense may be one of the worst in College Football.

4. Special Teams is still a Keystone Kops unit. I'm not a coach, but can it really be that hard?

5. Despite a spirit crushing year, ND is still not too far from being a very good team. I think that is what makes this year so frustrating.

This above. Perfect post...we got outcoached. Frustrating year. South Florida, Michigan, UCS, and now FSU.

I never post, BTW...but I cannot take the silly, stupid, strange play calling, weird penalties, bad throws, red zone interceptions, etc.

Our "D" was outstanding tonight!!!! Dominant, outstanding, and played fast! Loved it. Great foundation for next year. But just like the rest of this year, our "O" put the "D" in a bad spot and lost this game. I thought BK could manufacture "O" when needed....how do we make so many mistakes, especially inside our opponents 30 yard line.

I'm deleting my account so I don't post what I'm really feeling (ever again). I'll lurk and read, as you guys do a good job of expressing what I feel. Go Irish, and there is always next year.

 

[Irish Bronco]

I definitely agree with needing a #2 back. An under 6 foot,stout power runner preferably. After Gray's injury I thought their had to be someone on the D or the offense that could step in for goal-line/4th&1 situations. Did Te'o ever play full back in high-school?

 

[phork]

Don't be surprised if it comes out later this week that Floyd asked to not play after the injury. Friend at the game told me he saw a coach arguing with him. I'll look into this more.

Not surprising, he is protecting the investment.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I think he will be better than Hendrix. IDK why. Just a gut feeling. I'm not at all confident in Hendrix' field vision on passing plays.

I'm nervous that we don't know who the guy is, and that some are pointing towards a red shirted QB as being the answer. ND is in trouble if this carousel continues. Name a starter, and give him all the reps from now til Navy