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

[Patulski]

I have to politely disagree. The only skill players that Kelly inherited that fit his scheme are Te'o, Floyd and Eiffert--each of whom would fit any scheme.

He has done a great job of building and improving the one foundational element of successful teams--linemen. Weis either had bad linemen or insufficient coaching competencies as far as linemen go but, either way, the line play has improved significantly.

Kelly is absolutely building from scratch and, unlike Weis, he is focusing on the areas he needs to focus on in order to get the program to where it can be.

Believe me, if either of the lines had not been as improved as they were this year, we would've making our final post game observations for the season after the Stanford game.

Good analysis.

 

[wallym]

I'm thinking Massa needs a shot at QB

Just use wildcat with Theo at QB. What difference does it make?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I agree; FSU's receivers just made great plays down the stretch.

I still say that wasn't a catch by Green...his should was out before he had control.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Just use wildcat with Theo at QB. What difference does it make?

I'm saying...maybe McCarthy could run the option next year. Bring in Paul Johnson as coach.

 

[returnofthemack]

The second half adjustments, or lack thereof, disturbed me the most. Floyd was covered by a safety, and backup corners, and the matchup was not exploited. Blitzing worked wonders in the first half, so logically, the staff decided not to blitz during the second half. Ridiculous.

 

[returnofthemack]

I honestly don't understand why Kelly refused to stick with Hendrix. He was running the ball extremely well and making good decisions. He had a pretty bad interception (maybe that could have been averted if he had received meaningful playing time during the season...), but Rees' was worse.

 

[NDMontana]

I think this recruiting class is huge for Kelly. If the class falls apart the "Building a program" mantra will fall on tired ears, if it isn't already. I think Swarbrick is the one who is really on the hot seat. Both he and Kelly could be on a short leash next year.

Whether you are a Kelly guy are not I think you have to agree this is the reality of being the head coach at Notre Dame in the modern era.

I have to say that I'm a Notre Dame guy first and foremost (not Kelly, Weis, Swarbrick, Jenkins or any one person in any one role). However, this is the attitude that we, the fans, the board and the president(s) have to get away from.

Coaches should be signed to six year contracts with the explicit understanding that:
1. You entire body of work will be judged at the end of year six and that your performance will be reviewd annually each year after year six. However, prior to the end of year six, you are in no jeapordy and your position will not even come up for discussion in any official circles.
2. First Season: You will not evaluated at all based on the result of your first season--whether the results are beyond the wildest expectations or worse than anybody could have reasonably foreseen.
2. Second Season: You will be judged on the areas of the game for which improvement can be expected regardless of schemes (namely line play and, in some respect, the overall play of the defense). However, wins or losses will not factor in to the determination of your peformance.
3. Third Season: You will be judged on the performance of your recruits, who should now be redshirt sophomores or juniors, on the play of the defense, progression of the offense and the record will factor in a little.
4. Fourth through Sixth Seasons: You will be judged solely on your record. Seven losses combined in these three seasons is the max.

5. At the end of the sixth season, the above mentioned factors, proportionately, will determine if you keep your job.

 

[DillonHall]

I still say that wasn't a catch by Green...his should was out before he had control.

It was very close, but I agree.

 

[wallym]

I'm saying...maybe McCarthy could run the option next year. Bring in Paul Johnson as coach.

I think he played QB at Youngtown Mooney...why not? I love the option idea...then maybe we don't throw stupid throws into double coverage and control the ball/clock.

Hell, bring in Tuitt or Nix as QB inside the red zone and run the zone read...try to stop those big FU#%#@S!! . At least don't don't put your QB in a spot to make a stupid play. Les Miles would do it...just saying.

start a "just saying" threat....it might make everyone feel better about tonights bullSH**

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I think he played QB at Youngtown Mooney...why not? I love the option idea...then maybe we don't throw stupid throws into double coverage and control the ball/clock.

Hell, bring in Tuitt or Nix as QB inside the red zone and run the zone read...try to stop those big FU#%#@S!! . At least don't don't put your QB in a spot to make a stupid play. Les Miles would do it...just saying.

start a "just saying" threat....it might make everyone feel better about tonights bullSH**

Yep McCarthy ran the option in high school. We could also through Danny Spond in at QB, he played in HS and is a big boy. How about giving Barrati a shot? Just saying.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Martin and Dever were horrendous. Rees is an average MAC QB at best. His record is a fraud and people who use it as an example of why he's not an abomination have no football knowledge. He should be 3rd string next year. Hendrix had that stupid pick, but he's clearly more talented. I expect Golson to be the starter next year.

Dan Fox is a D3 level player. Why he plays is beyond me. Gray is gone which is awesome for the program. Lynch and Tuitt will be first round picks in 2 years.

Kelly and Diaco should be ashamed of how terrible they were. I've lost all faith in Kelly.

 

[returnofthemack]

I have to say that I'm a Notre Dame guy first and foremost (not Kelly, Weis, Swarbrick, Jenkins or any one person in any one role). However, this is the attitude that we, the fans, the board and the president(s) have to get away from.

Coaches should be signed to six year contracts with the explicit understanding that:
1. You entire body of work will be judged at the end of year six and that your performance will be reviewd annually each year after year six. However, prior to the end of year six, you are in no jeapordy and your position will not even come up for discussion in any official circles.
2. First Season: You will not evaluated at all based on the result of your first season--whether the results are beyond the wildest expectations or worse than anybody could have reasonably foreseen.
2. Second Season: You will be judged on the areas of the game for which improvement can be expected regardless of schemes (namely line play and, in some respect, the overall play of the defense). However, wins or losses will not factor in to the determination of your peformance.
3. Third Season: You will be judged on the performance of your recruits, who should now be redshirt sophomores or juniors, on the play of the defense, progression of the offense and the record will factor in a little.
4. Fourth through Sixth Seasons: You will be judged solely on your record. Seven losses combined in these three seasons is the max.

5. At the end of the sixth season, the above mentioned factors, proportionately, will determine if you keep your job.

I like that criteria. I would say the record should factor in more in the third season. Firing Kelly after the second or third season is ridiculous for many reasons, but first and foremost, who the hell would we get to replace him? I can only hope he proves himself during the next couple seasons. If he doesn't, oh well, I've already lowered my expectations significantly.

 

[NDMontana]

Martin and Dever were horrendous. Rees is an average MAC QB at best. His record is a fraud and people who use it as an example of why he's not an abomination have no football knowledge. He should be 3rd string next year. Hendrix had that stupid pick, but he's clearly more talented. I expect Golson to be the starter next year.

Dan Fox is a D3 level player. Why he plays is beyond me. Gray is gone which is awesome for the program. Lynch and Tuitt will be first round picks in 2 years.

Kelly and Diaco should be ashamed of how terrible they were. I've lost all faith in Kelly.

Rees is not an average MAC QB. He's an average FCS QB. Dan Fox...I don't agree with your conclusion--he's not a great DI player by any stretch of the imagination but he is a DI player.

Your lost faith in Kelly I'm chalking up to strong disappointment in the current moment and possibly a knee jerk reaction. I think you'll feel better about him by the weekend.

 

[phork]

I have to say that I'm a Notre Dame guy first and foremost (not Kelly, Weis, Swarbrick, Jenkins or any one person in any one role). However, this is the attitude that we, the fans, the board and the president(s) have to get away from.

Coaches should be signed to six year contracts with the explicit understanding that:
1. You entire body of work will be judged at the end of year six and that your performance will be reviewd annually each year after year six. However, prior to the end of year six, you are in no jeapordy and your position will not even come up for discussion in any official circles.
2. First Season: You will not evaluated at all based on the result of your first season--whether the results are beyond the wildest expectations or worse than anybody could have reasonably foreseen.
2. Second Season: You will be judged on the areas of the game for which improvement can be expected regardless of schemes (namely line play and, in some respect, the overall play of the defense). However, wins or losses will not factor in to the determination of your peformance.
3. Third Season: You will be judged on the performance of your recruits, who should now be redshirt sophomores or juniors, on the play of the defense, progression of the offense and the record will factor in a little.
4. Fourth through Sixth Seasons: You will be judged solely on your record. Seven losses combined in these three seasons is the max.

5. At the end of the sixth season, the above mentioned factors, proportionately, will determine if you keep your job.

And that is why you are not an AD at any college. 6 years is way too much. If I was to be the "You have carte blanche" guy, you would have 4years max. 4 Years gets your players in, with capable back ups.

This team is floundering, and this was supposed to be a good to great year for us. We lose too much talent to compete next year, I don't care how much O Kelly can "manufacture", he sure isn't doing it with the team he had this year. Pray for 6-6.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Martin and Dever were horrendous. Rees is an average MAC QB at best. His record is a fraud and people who use it as an example of why he's not an abomination have no football knowledge. He should be 3rd string next year. Hendrix had that stupid pick, but he's clearly more talented. I expect Golson to be the starter next year.

Dan Fox is a D3 level player. Why he plays is beyond me. Gray is gone which is awesome for the program. Lynch and Tuitt will be first round picks in 2 years.

Kelly and Diaco should be ashamed of how terrible they were. I've lost all faith in Kelly.

This was the stupidest post I've ever seen. Dan Fox a D3 player...Martin and Dever were horrendous...Kelly and Diaco should be ashamed of how terrible they were..Get the F*ck out of here!

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Why should I have confidence in the coaches? They laid an egg in all 5 big games this year. Kelly & Company cost us this game. We better be great in 2013.

 

[pkt77242]

Martin and Dever were horrendous. Rees is an average MAC QB at best. His record is a fraud and people who use it as an example of why he's not an abomination have no football knowledge. He should be 3rd string next year. Hendrix had that stupid pick, but he's clearly more talented. I expect Golson to be the starter next year.

Dan Fox is a D3 level player. Why he plays is beyond me. Gray is gone which is awesome for the program. Lynch and Tuitt will be first round picks in 2 years.

Kelly and Diaco should be ashamed of how terrible they were. I've lost all faith in Kelly.

Exaggerate much?

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

D3 might be exaggeration for Fox, but he doesn't belong on the field for ND. He never fails to mess up in pass coverage. If someone can't beat him out for 3rd ILB next year, we'll struggle for 6-6.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Why should I have confidence in the coaches? They laid an egg in all 5 big games this year. Kelly & Company cost us this game. We better be great in 2013.

Get real...the coaches didn't laid an egg, the team laid an eggl. The coaches didn't have 5 turnovers vs USF or Michigan. The coaches didn't fumble a snap at the 1 yard line or throw a swing pass incorrectly so it was a lateral and not hustle and cover the ball against USC. The coaches didn't turn the ball over 3 times vs FSU.

 

[NDMontana]

And that is why you are not an AD at any college. 6 years is way too much. If I was to be the "You have carte blanche" guy, you would have 4years max. 4 Years gets your players in, with capable back ups.

This team is floundering, and this was supposed to be a good to great year for us. We lose too much talent to compete next year, I don't care how much O Kelly can "manufacture", he sure isn't doing it with the team he had this year. Pray for 6-6.

And if you were an AD at any college the football team would be in constant upheaval. You just keep canning guys after four years or grossly overweighting the performance of their first two years (ahem..Charlie Weis) or putting too much stock into the rankings of the recruits they bring in.

You need an objective way to measure the progress of your programs and, unfortunately, when you buy into a coach bringing in an entirely new scheme it takes more than three or four years.

College and the NFL are different, granted, but what franchise has been as stable as the Steelers? And how many coaches have they had in the last 30 years?

How many college football programs year in and year out are as successful as VA Tech? And how many coaches have they had in the last fifteen years?

Clearly anybody can understand that stability isn't acceptable if the price is having 6-6 teams +/- 2 wins every year. But hire, wait four years, fire, hire, wait four years, fire, etc. is an endless loop that programs do not want to get into. Those extra two years, after going through three entire classes, also helps reflect the attitude you've instilled or tried to instill and habits you attempt to inculcate in your players, passed down through some years.

You give Kelly four years and he's still got, presumably, some Weis guys he might be leaning on, the imprint of the Weis guys is still on some of the senior and juniors in that fourth year who spent two-three years with Weis guys. You need the program to be completely owned by the current coach and reasonably be able to say that there is no footprint from the previous regime before you can judge it.

 

[NDPhilly]

Diaco seemed like he was coaching with a "don't lose" mentality rather than going for the win in the 2nd half.

 

[returnofthemack]

Get real...the coaches didn't laid an egg, the team laid an eggl. The coaches didn't have 5 turnovers vs USF or Michigan. The coaches didn't fumble a snap at the 1 yard line or throw a swing pass incorrectly so it was a lateral and not hustle and cover the ball against USC. The coaches didn't turn the ball over 3 times vs FSU.

The coaches decided they'd play not to lose rather than play to win. The coaches called little to no blitzes in the second half. The coaches didn't draw up plays designed to exploit Floyd's mismatch. The coaches kept shuffling QBs and allowed Tommy Rees to play. They're obviously not at fault for stupid turnovers, but a lot of the culpability rests on them.

 

[kmoose]

The coaches didn't turn the ball over 3 times vs FSU.

True, but you can't let them off of the hook that easily. They appeared to make all of the wrong adjustments, in this game. I'm not saying that one game out of 13 means that you shouldn't have faith in them, but they certainly were major contributors to this loss.

 

[irishff1014]

Our coaching staff so far hasn't shown that they can make the changes the need to durning a game.

 

[mpkennedy3]

Post Game thoughts......

1. The Defense played well enough to win, again.

2. The offense disappointed because they couldn't hold on to the ball. This needs to be fix by next year.

3. Rees is not a starter on a BCS team or even a top 25 team. I appreciate what he did this year and his management of the team, but his turnovers, again tonight we awful. He doesn't have the arm or the mobility to get the job done. I tried to support him this year, but the awful turnovers in this game makes me hope that he never takes a meaningful snap for the irish again in his career.

4. Another missed opportunity by the coaching staff. We had FSU on the ropes up 14-0 with they secondary banged up and we let them back into the game before they eventually won. I still think Kelly is the man for this program, but the Honeymoon is over and we need to see some progress next year.

5. I can't wait for the spring game, and I hope Golson dazzles.....

 

[Sherm Sticky]

True, but you can't let them off of the hook that easily. They appeared to make all of the wrong adjustments, in this game. I'm not saying that one game out of 13 means that you shouldn't have faith in them, but they certainly were major contributors to this loss.

I'll agree with that.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Come to think of it that KR by Joyner really turned the game around...

 

[kmoose]

Our coaching staff so far hasn't shown that they can make the changes the need to durning a game.

Really? ND outscored their opponents, 84-13, in the 3rd quarter for the year. I'd say that they made the correct changes way more often than they didn't.

 

[NDPhilly]

Come to think of it that KR by Joyner really turned the game around...

I would agree with that. Up 14-0 all the momentum and that happens.

 

[aaronb]

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

Whoever the QB is the staff needs to give them some play calling help.

Is there a rule against leaving in a TE or back to help block in this offense?

I've been a Tommy supporter. However he didn't look good tonight. It looks like the constant sideline chewing out has really worn him down. His body language around Kelly has been really bad the last few games.

Hendrix reminds me of Christ in that he is big and strong. Yet seems slow making decisions and is always trying to force throws late. He doesn't seem like the answer to me.

Hopefully someone takes a huge step forward. Hopefully the staff can put whoever they choose in a winnable situation. Right now we look like a run and shoot team.