2012 Season--Optimistic?

[tommyIRISH23]

I am hearing alot of "gloom and doom" from posters on here. I know on the surface things may look pretty bleak, especially with the "heavy hitters" our opponents bring back. The offseason has been very kind to our opponents. Barkley, Jones, Denard..etc are all coming back.

If this was 2007, yeah I'd say agree that we'd be in trouble because the pisspoor defenses ND was fielding. But guys, look at our defense, we've got a fighting chance in eveyr game. Our Dline is going to be insanely good, provided they stay healthy, the opposing QB's are going to have to think VERY fast. Aslong as we have corners who are confident, and will TRY and make a play on the ball...we have a chance. We have very athletic corners filling the gaps of departing players. They will be thrown into situations, because of how effective our dline will be, where they will have to react more then think because the QB isn't going to have 15 seconds to throw the ball. I think that sets up well for young athetlic players.

I'm more worried about the underneath outs/slants/crossing patterns then getting hit with an air-raid siren for 50 yard chunks. I will be shocked if our LB's aren't better in coverage next season.

I think some are severly undervaluing our defense. They will keep us in every single game we play next season. Our defense was pretty damn good this season, and still very young. FRESHMAN were working there way into starting/recieving heavy playing time. They were taking minutes from seasoned vets. These boys will be that much stronger, smarter, faster and more confident in their game then this season.

If the obvious problems get fixed on offense, ND has the chance to make some noise. Obviously, you can't replace Mike Floyd. But, as previously stated, Mike's production was virtually the entire offense through the air this season. But, why is that? was it because he was the only one getting open? Look a little further, you'll see ND had countless players open all season that didn't get looked at. Now, add on a rejuinated stable of running backs, and the threat of the read option...ND's offense doesn't look too bad.

There is a lot of work to be done, but I don't think it's a matter of missing pieces moreso then getting the right pieces in place and utilizing them effriciently.

So stop being so "gloomy and doomy" and look objectively. Next years team may be better, and more productive then this years out of necessity because of Mike departure along with a nasty young defense growing more mature.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Infact, I will put 100,000 Vbucks that ND will win atleast 9 games next season, counting a bowl.

 

[notredomer23]

It's simple. It comes down to quarterback play. If golson lives up to the hype then we will do very well. If Rees is the quarterback expect similar results

 

[ACamp1900]

I am a heart and soul lifer... but also a dead set realist... i expect 7-8 wins until ND proves it can do otherwise...

simple as that

 

[kmoose]

I am hearing alot of "gloom and doom" from posters on here. I know on the surface things may look pretty bleak, especially with the "heavy hitters" our opponents bring back. The offseason has been very kind to our opponents. Barkley, Jones, Denard..etc are all coming back.

If this was 2007, yeah I'd say agree that we'd be in trouble because the pisspoor defenses ND was fielding. But guys, look at our defense, we've got a fighting chance in eveyr game. Our Dline is going to be insanely good, provided they stay healthy, the opposing QB's are going to have to think VERY fast. Aslong as we have corners who are confident, and will TRY and make a play on the ball...we have a chance. We have very athletic corners filling the gaps of departing players. They will be thrown into situations, because of how effective our dline will be, where they will have to react more then think because the QB isn't going to have 15 seconds to throw the ball. I think that sets up well for young athetlic players.

I'm more worried about the underneath outs/slants/crossing patterns then getting hit with an air-raid siren for 50 yard chunks. I will be shocked if our LB's aren't better in coverage next season.

I think some are severly undervaluing our defense. They will keep us in every single game we play next season. Our defense was pretty damn good this season, and still very young. FRESHMAN were working there way into starting/recieving heavy playing time. They were taking minutes from seasoned vets. These boys will be that much stronger, smarter, faster and more confident in their game then this season.

If the obvious problems get fixed on offense, ND has the chance to make some noise. Obviously, you can't replace Mike Floyd. But, as previously stated, Mike's production was virtually the entire offense through the air this season. But, why is that? was it because he was the only one getting open? Look a little further, you'll see ND had countless players open all season that didn't get looked at. Now, add on a rejuinated stable of running backs, and the threat of the read option...ND's offense doesn't look too bad.

There is a lot of work to be done, but I don't think it's a matter of missing pieces moreso then getting the right pieces in place and utilizing them effriciently.

So stop being so "gloomy and doomy" and look objectively. Next years team may be better, and more productive then this years out of necessity because of Mike departure along with a nasty young defense growing more mature.

I'm optomistic that this team will perform better, next year. But I'm not all that optomistic that their record will be much better. It's a very tough schedule. And I think you are over-valuing the defense. Lo Wood was supposed to be an impact player, at corner. He might be athletic, but he looked like he had no clue, on the one touchdown pass that he gave up. We still need OLBs who can keep us from getting beat off of the edge of the defense. Safety is still an unknown, at this point, as well. There is a ton of talent on defense, to be sure. But there was a ton of talent on offense this year, that just didn't produce like they should have.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

It's simple. It comes down to quarterback play. If golson lives up to the hype then we will do very well. If Rees is the quarterback expect similar results

I think BK is feeling the pressure, whether he deserves it or not is different story. But, I think he understands that if his team screws the pooch next season, he's in trouble. Hendrix or Golson will start. He needs, at the very least, a average offense to be competitive. The read option will definetly mask any defincienies the new QB has. And, by Mike departure, necessity will require the QB move the ball around to different recievers.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I'm optomistic that this team will perform better, next year. But I'm not all that optomistic that their record will be much better. It's a very tough schedule. And I think you are over-valuing the defense. Lo Wood was supposed to be an impact player, at corner. He might be athletic, but he looked like he had no clue, on the one touchdown pass that he gave up. We still need OLBs who can keep us from getting beat off of the edge of the defense. Safety is still an unknown, at this point, as well. There is a ton of talent on defense, to be sure. But there was a ton of talent on offense this year, that just didn't produce like they should have.

Lo Wood got brought into the game cold and had to cover the best reciever in football. I don't believe that is a representation of his skill level, or talent. Even if he was confused, this will be his 3rd year in the system, and he will be getting all the reps. Im confident he'll be okay.

I think our defensive line will keep us in every game because of the pressure they'll bring. I agree, we need LB's that can cover the edges, but ND did get a lot better as the season wore on.

I agree the safety is a big questions, just remember deeper then the deepest!

 

[tommyIRISH23]

My point is, its not like the roster is void of talent. The players are there. It sucks not knowing, but it could be ALOT worse.

 

[ACamp1900]

My point is, its not like the roster is void of talent. The players are there. It sucks not knowing, but it could be ALOT worse.

I agree... but the roster was just a talented this year... with a weaker schedule... and they ended with the record they did while barely beating Purdue, Pitt and Navy...

though i wish i could regain your optimisim...

 

[irishfanjho15]

I agree... but the roster was just a talented this year... with a weaker schedule... and they ended with the record they did while barely beating Purdue, Pitt and Navy...

though i wish i could regain your optimisim...

What?

38-10 over Purdue

56-14 over Navy

 

[irishff1014]

I am ready to see Jalen On the field so we can see if Mike was bluffing. Everyone was saying he gave Mike a run for his money in practice i am ready to see this on the field and him make a name for himself. I think that our record will be the same but our schedule in the begining of the season is going to give us some false hopes. But it also helps the team by playing team we can beat and give this team some good games to get rolling into the meat of the schedule.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I agree... but the roster was just a talented this year... with a weaker schedule... and they ended with the record they did while barely beating Purdue, Pitt and Navy...

though i wish i could regain your optimisim...

It's more expierenced. And, the reason was the offense, not the defense. If the QB situation fails, then I agree, were screwed. But, I think its a pretty safe assumption that Golson/Hendrix can run atleast 75% of the playbook. And, if the play breaks down, they can run.

Well win 6-7 with Rees. Golson/Hendrix well win 8-9

 

[ACamp1900]

What?

38-10 over Purdue

56-14 over Navy

ha, thanks...

whatever we should have beaten both by 90...



I guess i meant BC and Wake... either way, the under performing this year was the point.

 

[ACamp1900]

Here is an honest question, why does anyone assume Golson will be an improvement on Rees?????...

on what evidence is this based other than wishful thinking?

 

[phillyirish]

I still think 2013 will be our year. By then our young defensive backs will have some experience, and are front 7 will have some solidified stars. Plus our quarterback (whoever it is) will have at least a year under him.

On a side note, Im not afraid of Oklahoma at all next year. Landry Jones is overrated and he will be exposed by not having his security blanket of Ryan Broyles.

 

[irishfanjho15]

ha, thanks...

whatever we should have beatn both by 90...



I guess i meant BC and Wake... either way, the under profroming this year was the point.

as long as we get it straight, I'm all for correctness and it would be performing by the way

 

[nsisk157]

...and pitt

 

[ACamp1900]

as long as we get it straight, I'm all for correctness and it would be performing by the way

I changed it already... posting fast tonight...

 

[notredomer23]

Our defense is going to be better next year in my opinion. The only position with a talent drop off is wide out and a small drop off at corner. I'm excited for the defense. I am just as excited for the offense if we have the right qb.

A camp is right though. Why should fans expect anything but 7-8 wins when that's all we have done since 2007.

Here's to a break out year

 

[greyhammer90]

I am a heart and soul lifer... but also a dead set realist... i expect 7-8 wins until ND proves it can do otherwise...

simple as that

This. It seems like every year there is something that holds us back. I won't believe that our program is consistent enough for a nine or ten win season until the team shows me otherwise. That being said.... We're going all the way next year

 

[irishfanjho15]

I changed it already... posting fast tonight...

yeah its a work night lol

but in all seriousness, I am hopeful for 2012 but you do make a valid point until they prove otherwise we shouldn't expect more than 7-8 wins, but IMHO I hope for 12-0 until I'm proved wrong, but to each his own

*acamp that post about performing should have been italicized also, I lose myself in my sarcasm sometimes

 

[irishfanjho15]

Our defense is going to be better next year in my opinion. The only position with a talent drop off is wide out and a small drop off at corner. I'm excited for the defense. I am just as excited for the offense if we have the right qb.

A camp is right though. Why should fans expect anything but 7-8 wins when that's all we have done since 2007.

Here's to a break out year

 

[ACamp1900]

I also have concerns about the secondary and linebacking core... Teo is Teo... aside from that????????........

 

[irishfanjho15]

I also have concerns about the secondary and linebacking core... Teo is Teo... aside from that????????........

I really think Kendall Moore is poised to break out

I also think Tee will start day one after early enrolling

Just my opinion though

*but trust your concerns are more than realistic

 

[nsisk157]

I think next year is a bit different than most with the lack of "Front Loading" of the schedule. The first three games should give Golson some good experience going into the Michigan game.

We start with Navy…We performed exceptionally well last year and I expect the same. The Motherland’s atmosphere, the venue and the experience should alone be all we need to take the opener.

Home versus Purdue...again, should win.

3rd game: a Cousins-less Sparty... Away, still could be tricky, but they lose their QB and their best def player to the draft...

After the first three, hopefully we're teeming with confidence and that set us up for a huge redemption match vs. Denard and the Skunkbears. 3-0 going into UM should be a reality, not wishful thinking. 2012 could be special, or it could be Notre Dame of the better part of my life…

(assuming the back half of our D can come into its own quickly with the incoming recruits and rising Frosh & Sophs)

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Here is an honest question, why does anyone assume Golson will be an improvement on Rees?????...

on what evidence is this based other than wishful thinking?

I am assuming that Hendrix/Golson know enough of the playbook to run the offense which is based on the both of them being in BK's system. I don't think they are required to be as proficient at reading coverages as Rees because Rees' only option at moving the ball was to complete a pass. He would/could not run the ball for 3-4 yards, if he didn't throw a completion it was 2nd and 10..etc. Hendrix/Golson can scan the field, if they don't see anything they like..they can scamper for a few yards. The running element will change how teams play ND, the defense can't drop 8 back in coverage, so theoretically, there will be holes in the defense and someone open.

But, this is all pointless if the QB can't run any of the offense, or is really confused which is probably what happend this year. BK gave all the reps to Rees and Crist last spring, and fall camp. The really stunted the growth of the other QB's. I expect Hendrix/Golson to get the lions share of reps.

 

[jakerbluegold]

In my simplified opinion, two of our biggest weaknesses were our QB and DB play. There will definitely be some changes in both areas.

Whether it's Golson or Hendrix, I believe that their skill-sets will open up the offense more. I'm sure that there will be some mistakes with the new starter, but I'll take that to have a mobile QB our there.

With the current recruits coming in at DB, it's kind of the same thing, some freshman mistakes, but also an increase in speed/talent.

All of that said, I think we're looking at an 8 to 9 win season, like this year.

 

[tankjeep]

I'm optomistic that this team will perform better, next year. But I'm not all that optomistic that their record will be much better. It's a very tough schedule. And I think you are over-valuing the defense. Lo Wood was supposed to be an impact player, at corner. He might be athletic, but he looked like he had no clue, on the one touchdown pass that he gave up. We still need OLBs who can keep us from getting beat off of the edge of the defense. Safety is still an unknown, at this point, as well. There is a ton of talent on defense, to be sure. But there was a ton of talent on offense this year, that just didn't produce like they should have.

x2, well said. OLB was one of our weaknesses on the edge. and as far as our offense, it underachieved big time. partly due to execution and to play calling. i'm sure that part of it was due to the fact that bk might not have been all that confident in the qb position. so now, with hendrix showing a lot of promise and golson developing....next season will be a bright spot for this offense.

but the schedule will be tough. i think our boys have a lot that they want to prove.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Great thread.

1. QB was the difference between 10-2 and 8-5 this year. That will be a different story next year.

2. 2012 will have its ups and downs, but if Golson is in there then those downs have a chance to be ups just by keeping plays alive, instead of falling to the ground. Will our QB throw bad interceptions? Yes. Will be fumble the ball? Yes. Are there going to be 10 TOs in the first 2 games, and 2 99yard fumble recoveries returned on us? No.

3. The defense is still going to be young, but FSU and the Stanford game showed that talent is there to hang with athletic and physical teams. But there is experience needed.

4. Our secondary is very young, but very talented. Josh Atkinson, Jalen Brown, Bennett Jackson, Ron Darby, Tee Shepard all have first class speed. You can teach technique, scheme. You can learn to play double moves, the run, zones, and press. You cant teach speed. Prime example...FSU. They didnt have great CBs in skill or athleticism, but they all were fast as ****. Speed makes up for playing the wrong technique, closes on slips/or bad reads, and closes passing lanes. I know that having the best front 7 in a long time at ND will only help the growth of the secondary.

5. Jalen Brown was given a shoutout by Michael Floyd at the team banquet as a thanks for the hard work in practice. Joe Romano also got a shoutout. Jalen from what I have heard had a nice year and got a lot of good reps. Is he ready to play, no. Jalen needs another year before he is ready for the bright lights. Will he play next year? Possibly in mob up, and more than likely on SpTeams.

6. I am concerned about the right side of the line. We lost our starting RG/RT. I think that whoever fills the voids will add a little more athleticism to both positions, but Dever was damn good and TRob has been through everything in the last 4 years. Lot of experience gone from the right side.

7. WR are going to have to step up. TJ will benefit from a QB that can throw deep routes, Toma will always give 1000%.......DaVaris has a lot of skill but never played. Daniel Smith....theres a reason he has never made it in a key situation. The young kids will def get their shot. I feel that Greenberry can step in, but how will he translate into a college offense where he isnt #1 priority all the time and how well will he pick up the finer points of the playbook/run game. Chris Brown has playmaking potential all over him, but he needs at least 10lbs. Lot of talent, not a lot of experience and a inexperienced qb.

All in all theres a lot of questions, but having a QB that can take off for 5 yards if someone runs the wrong route, misses a block, or gets confused by the defense will be very nice for Kelly and the fanbase. I love Rees and what he has done and given, but he couldnt extend a play when it needed to be and that was the difference in 2011.

 

[returnofthemack]

Infact, I will put 100,000 Vbucks that ND will win atleast 9 games next season, counting a bowl.

I'll take that bet. I probably won't have 100,000 but you can have all my Vbucks if ND wins 9 games. And if I get banned after we lose to Denard, I'll try to get the mods to give you as many Vbucks as I have at that time.