Oct 17 | BYU

Bane · Sunday at 8:56 PM

IrishLax said:
I don't know, I remember a mediocre Purdue team somehow blasting a heavily favored Ohio State by 4 TDs. Because of some kid with cancer.

This is literally the biggest game they have hosted in many, many years. The "better" team doesn't always win. My fear is they manufacture just enough plays on offense / ref assistance to get into the 20s and then their defense is certainly the best unit we have seen. So we gotta play clean, you sick around (like the MSU game) and it can easily be a nail biter even if ND is the more talented team. Weird shit happens in CFB and this the first team we have played who is "good enough" to beat us.

I grant your general premise, but I would say the difference between our game and OSU's game is that OSU was probably overlooking Purdue whereas, unless Freeman is a terrible coach, there is zero chance we are overlooking BYU. This might be BYU's biggest game in a long time, but it's our biggest game since USC last year.

Also, that was Urban's last year in Columbus and he had clearly started to run out of juice and was imploding mentally (like he does). We are on a historic 16 game heater and Freeman is still well in his prime in his tenure here.

Of course, again, it is college football and BYU is good. They're good enough to beat us if we don't play to standard. But that is what gives this game juice. This will be a playoff atmosphere and we'll get a real test. This is what it's all about.

Rockin’Irish · Sunday at 8:57 PM

arrowryan said:
Has it? Not saying you’re wrong. I remember last year the zone defense was terrible. It has seemed more buttoned up this year.

They seemed to have done a good job with the WI QB and he is a significant run threat.

ReesusCrist · Sunday at 9:00 PM

Rockin’Irish said:
They seemed to have done a good job with the WI QB and he is a significant run threat.

He and Bear are different players though. Essentially all of Joseph's success running has been from designed runs, whereas Bear is much more of a scrambler, hence why our man coverage is at least a mild concern.

Dale · Sunday at 9:02 PM

We don’t play an obscene percentage of man anymore this season and the zone has been really solid overall, IMO.

calvegas04 · Sunday at 9:12 PM

Bane said:
I grant your general premise, but I would say the difference between our game and OSU's game is that OSU was probably overlooking Purdue whereas, unless Freeman is a terrible coach, there is zero chance we are overlooking BYU. This might be BYU's biggest game in a long time, but it's our biggest game since USC last year.

Also, that was Urban's last year in Columbus and he had clearly started to run out of juice and was imploding mentally (like he does). We are on a historic 16 game heater and Freeman is still well in his prime in his tenure here.

Of course, again, it is college football and BYU is good. They're good enough to beat us if we don't play to standard. But that is what gives this game juice. This will be a playoff atmosphere and we'll get a real test. This is what it's all about.

Byu's game vs Utah is big every year. Plus they had two big games against TT last season, they lost both but doesn't mean it wasn't a big game for them.

For the fans this is their biggest game in a long time because they hate ND so much

Rockin’Irish · Sunday at 9:14 PM

ReesusCrist said:
He and Bear are different players though. Essentially all of Joseph's success running has been from designed runs, whereas Bear is much more of a scrambler, hence why our man coverage is at least a mild concern.

True but Joseph appears significantly faster. I’d also imagine Bear will be involved in even more designed runs to help compensate for the loss of Martin. I’m sure he’ll have a spy on the ND defense for a decent amount of the game.

IrishBoognish · Sunday at 9:14 PM

Bane said:
I grant your general premise, but I would say the difference between our game and OSU's game is that OSU was probably overlooking Purdue whereas, unless Freeman is a terrible coach, there is zero chance we are overlooking BYU. This might be BYU's biggest game in a long time, but it's our biggest game since USC last year.

Also, that was Urban's last year in Columbus and he had clearly started to run out of juice and was imploding mentally (like he does). We are on a historic 16 game heater and Freeman is still well in his prime in his tenure here.

Of course, again, it is college football and BYU is good. They're good enough to beat us if we don't play to standard. But that is what gives this game juice. This will be a playoff atmosphere and we'll get a real test. This is what it's all about.

You're both right.

The thing none of us want to talk about is how we *should* win this game somewhat handily, but if we don't? Marcus will be on a relatively hot seat for the first time.

There's a lot of pressure here.

We forgot Marshall and NIU and the two big games last year pretty quickly for our fanbase because we believe in his mission (rightfully so)

But if we don't get this one? Especially after the whole PopTarts bullshit? His seat gets warm at least, maybe lava hot going into Miami.

ReesusCrist · Sunday at 9:17 PM

Rockin’Irish said:
True but Joseph appears significantly faster. I’d also imagine Bear will be involved in even more designed runs to help compensate for the loss of Martin. I’m sure he’ll have a spy on the ND defense for a decent amount of the game.

Agreed. We will likely see KVA shadowing Bear everywhere. He doesn't need a working thumb to do that.

IrishTusker · Sunday at 9:19 PM

IrishBoognish said:
You're both right.

The thing none of want to talk about is how we *should* win this game somewhat handily and if we don't? Marcus will be on a relatively hot seat for the first time.

There's a lot of pressure here.

We forgot Marshall and NIU and the two big games last year pretty quickly for our fanbase because we believe in his mission (rightfully so)

But if we don't get this one? Especially after the whole PopTarts bullshit? His seat gets warm at least, maybe lava hot coming to Miami.

I don't agree that his seat gets warm if we lose this game; as long as we win one of BYU or Miami we'll get into the playoff. And iirc the fanbase generally supported not playing the bowl game. If we miss the playoff, it gets warm, I'd say. Not "lava hot" though.

But yeah, we should win. And if we don't there are high odds it's directly related to some coaching problem.

Rockin’Irish · Sunday at 9:19 PM

ReesusCrist said:
Agreed. We will likely see KVA shadowing Bear everywhere. He doesn't need a working thumb to do that.

Our rush guys will have to be very disciplined.

Dale · Sunday at 9:22 PM

According to PFF, we are closer to 50% man coverage which is around 15 - 20th. We were north of 60% and most in the country in 2024 IIRC

IrishBoognish · Sunday at 9:23 PM

IrishTusker said:
I don't agree that his seat gets warm, as long as we win one of BYU or Miami we'll get into the playoff. And iirc the fanbase generally supported not playing the bowl game.

I supported not playing the Pop Tart game. The players supported it and I agreed.

I'm just saying BYU is using that as a big deal. Like we bounced playing *them* instead of understanding all our NFL players would be gone and they'd have the same team. It's bullshit, I'm just saying they have a narrative that feels real to them.

IrishBoognish · Sunday at 9:28 PM

IrishTusker said:
I don't agree that his seat gets warm if we lose this game; as long as we win one of BYU or Miami we'll get into the playoff. And iirc the fanbase generally supported not playing the bowl game. If we miss the playoff, it gets warm, I'd say. Not "lava hot" though.

But yeah, we should win. And if we don't there are high odds it's directly related to some coaching problem.

And as a PS...

If we lose this game? In my head Marcus will have a pretty fucking warm seat.

Beat Miami? OK... but you should have never lost that game... period.

(Im making up terrible scenarios in my head like a psychopath but that's what I do)

MPClinton22 · Sunday at 9:33 PM

IrishBoognish said:
You're both right.

The thing none of us want to talk about is how we *should* win this game somewhat handily, but if we don't? Marcus will be on a relatively hot seat for the first time.

There's a lot of pressure here.

We forgot Marshall and NIU and the two big games last year pretty quickly for our fanbase because we believe in his mission (rightfully so)

But if we don't get this one? Especially after the whole PopTarts bullshit? His seat gets warm at least, maybe lava hot going into Miami.

MF's seat will not be even lukewarm unless we lose 2+ games and miss the playoffs

benneboy · Sunday at 9:35 PM

IrishBoognish said:
And as a PS...

If we lose this game? In my head Marcus will have a pretty fucking warm seat.

Beat Miami? OK... but you should have never lost that game... period.

(Im making up terrible scenarios in my head like a psychopath but that's what I do)

Im not sure what this nonsensical rambling was intended to be but you think Marcus Freeman has a warm seat if we lose to BYU? Freeman's sitting on an ice cold chair right now that every fan with half a brain would like to super glue him to.

Anything indicating otherwise is embarrassing or thinly veiled trolling.

IrishBoognish · Sunday at 9:36 PM

fair enough

im a bed wetter and have been for 40 years

ITS HARD TO BELIEVE

(math isnt my strong suit... but you all know what I mean)

Bane · Sunday at 9:36 PM

calvegas04 said:
Byu's game vs Utah is big every year. Plus they had two big games against TT last season, they lost both but doesn't mean it wasn't a big game for them.

For the fans this is their biggest game in a long time because they hate ND so much

Yeah, nothing will compete with the Holy War for BYU just like nothing will match The Game for Michigan and OSU. And while BYU played TTU twice last year, this is the first time they've had Gameday on campus in 17 years. They'll be juiced for this one.

IrishBoognish said:
You're both right.

The thing none of us want to talk about is how we *should* win this game somewhat handily, but if we don't? Marcus will be on a relatively hot seat for the first time.

There's a lot of pressure here.

We forgot Marshall and NIU and the two big games last year pretty quickly for our fanbase because we believe in his mission (rightfully so)

But if we don't get this one? Especially after the whole PopTarts bullshit? His seat gets warm at least, maybe lava hot going into Miami.

If we don't, we don't. Shit happens, but I would become very skeptical of our chances in the postseason if we can't handle BYU. Would it change my opinion of Freeman? Not really, winning a national title is hard, and with our recruiting and roster building we're gonna be back for bites at the apple year over year.

Also, I would pushback on us "forgetting" about NIU. There's a contingent on this forum and in this fanbase that brings up NIU anytime we're favored by more than 20. It's our generation's '93 BC game. It has traumatized an entire generation of fans.

IrishTusker · Sunday at 9:40 PM

IrishBoognish said:
I supported not playing the Pop Tart game. The players supported it and I agreed.

I'm just saying BYU is using that as a big deal. Like we bounced playing *them* instead of understanding all our NFL players would be gone and they'd have the same team. It's bullshit, I'm just saying they have a narrative that feels real to them.

Okay, but we're playing BYU now, in what is a home game for them (so it will earn them lots of money/attention) and a game that matters more than a non-playoff bowl game. So we obviously aren't ducking them, and I assume they know that. And whatever motivation BYU gets from us not playing the bowl has nothing to do with how warm MF's seat is.

IrishTusker · Sunday at 9:42 PM

Bane said:
Yeah, nothing will compete with the Holy War for BYU just like nothing will match The Game for Michigan and OSU. And while BYU played TTU twice last year, this is the first time they've had Gameday on campus in 17 years. They'll be juiced for this one.

If we don't, we don't. Shit happens, but I would become very skeptical of our chances in the postseason if we can't handle BYU. Would it change my opinion of Freeman? Not really, winning a national title is hard, and with our recruiting and roster building we're gonna be back for bites at the apple year over year.

Also, I would pushback on us "forgetting" about NIU. There's a contingent on this forum and in this fanbase that brings up NIU anytime we're favored by more than 20. It's our generation's '93 BC game. It has traumatized an entire generation of fans.

Why? OSU lost as heavy favorites at home to Michigan in 2024 and then won the championship. This game matters for us making the playoffs, but I don't think a loss would tell us much about our ability to win in the playoffs. It would make Miami a must-win, though.

402puck · Sunday at 9:43 PM

IrishBoognish said:
But if we don't get this one? Especially after the whole PopTarts bullshit? His seat gets warm at least, maybe lava hot going into Miami

They’re 6-0, won 16 straight and 40 of the last 47.

Freeman and hot seat are not in the same realm of reality

IrishBoognish · Sunday at 9:51 PM

OK

Im not sure if I made myself clear, and that's my fault.

I know we didn't literally forget about NIU or Marshall. But it hit really hard.

I know we didn't forget about Miami and the weirdos from Texas Elko is coaching, but it hurt. We all felt out coached in both games.

That cant happen again

We have the power, we have it all. It will be a coaching problem if we lose to BYU

jprue24 · Sunday at 9:52 PM

First time BYU is hosting a top ten matchup

Bane · Sunday at 10:02 PM

IrishTusker said:
Why? OSU lost as heavy favorites at home to Michigan in 2024 and then won the championship. This game matters for us making the playoffs, but I don't think a loss would tell us much about our ability to win in the playoffs. It would make Miami a must-win, though.

Michigan is a rivalry game and Ryan Day has a specific mental block in his ability to coach against them. I was perhaps a little too strong in my language. Of course we could still win it all, but I perhaps came off strong because if I'm being honest, I just don't respect this BYU team very much. I think they feast off of extremely weak schedules and when they play anyone with half a pulse they look pedestrian to very bad. Watch their two games against TTU last year. Last year was last year, sure, but I would argue they're worse than they are last year because they're missing a lot of pieces.

I want to roll these fuckers, I want blood. If you don't live in the West you don't really know how delusional these people are. I'm with Kirby Smart and his pregame speech against Bama last night. I want to Leave No Doubt. This is our first game with real juice and I guess I'm just buzzing.

Fbolt · Sunday at 10:08 PM

BYU will be anticipating this game with something to prove. It's not like ND has no skin in this game; everyone saying we were crybabies, quitters, afraid to face BYU. I'd say this is a step in the "Leave No Doubt" plan MF and the team have. I expect the Irish to be up for the game and look for a comfortable W.

tirishman505 · Sunday at 10:13 PM

IrishBoognish said:
I supported not playing the Pop Tart game. The players supported it and I agreed.

I'm just saying BYU is using that as a big deal. Like we bounced playing *them* instead of understanding all our NFL players would be gone and they'd have the same team. It's bullshit, I'm just saying they have a narrative that feels real to them.

They’re also still worked up that we pulled out of a game in Provo eons ago. Reading the BYU message boards over the last couple of weeks just drives the point home that they have a massive persecution complex. If it wasn’t the Pop Tart bowl, it would have been something else.

notredomer23 · Sunday at 10:16 PM

The Mormons are gonna need their plastic magic underwear by half time with the amount of bed wetting they’ll be doing

stlnd01 · Sunday at 10:19 PM

tirishman505 said:
They’re also still worked up that we pulled out of a game in Provo eons ago. Reading the BYU message boards over the last couple of weeks just drives the point home that they have a massive persecution complex. If it wasn’t the Pop Tart bowl, it would have been something else.

BYU fans are not serious people.

IRISHbluehen · Sunday at 10:29 PM

NDPhilly · Sunday at 10:31 PM

Are we allowed to post in here what absolute nonsense Joe Smith's entire story is this week? Or is that a step too far?

Man this would be a great annual game.

Irish#1 · Sunday at 10:35 PM

Fbolt said:
BYU will be anticipating this game with something to prove. It's not like ND has no skin in this game; everyone saying we were crybabies, quitters, afraid to face BYU. I'd say this is a step in the "Leave No Doubt" plan MF and the team have. I expect the Irish to be up for the game and look for a comfortable W.

Agree. This is a big game for BYU, but it’s also a big game for ND. MF will have the team ready. I just hope BYU tries to throw on their first snap.

Oct 17 | BYU

Well-known member

Hearing Impaired

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Hearing Impaired

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Hearing Impaired

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

And I own every kind of classic car!

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Dee Snutzs

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

I've been around

Well-known member

Staph Member

Was away. Now returned.

Well-known member

Philly Torqued

Livin' Your Dream!