2018 Northwestern Post Game

[pumpdog20]

Some of you are picky as fuck. That was a good win. Save for the stupid punt block, and Griffith making any attempt what so ever at knocking the ball down on the second touchdown, that's a blow out against a decent team.

I'll put it out there now. I almost jinxed this team. I knew I should have waited to see if they would be undefeated before buying FSU tickets. But I bought them on Thursday because seats were available that I like. I knew that would be the nail in the coffin for this season.

Nope, this team is different.

 

[BeatSC]

Observations:

Why didn’t we run wide more often?
While Book did come around he threw into double coverage as opposed to taking wide open receivers underneath.
While we got 5 sacks I think most of them came at the very end and not when we could have used them sooner.
Some obvious holding on our Dline on some critical third downs.
The breaks feel almost exclusively NWs way and sadly special teams were anything but special. Newsome is a captain and needs to sense a rush and speed up or soccer style punt if necessary. When was the last time ND pressured any kick? Not a top 25 special team unit including Yoon.
Would have liked to see Austin on a jet sweep.
Kmet is looking the part of a top TE.
Our Oline doesn’t look athletic and isn’t athletic. I see arms that look small and soft and belly dimensions that exceed chest size. Maybe that helps with leverage but imagine how bad this line would look if Wimbush were back there holding the ball too long?
No doubt Michigan is lamenting their loss to us but bear in mind that we with Wimbush (who did play a good first half) and without Dexter who would have made a Difference.
Our D gave up one TD to UM and and stats were lopsided in our favor.
THe lack of turnovers created by this D is alarming. Our DBs rarely play the ball but I’m sure they re coached that way. I thought Elko’s Calling card was opportunist D’s?

 

[Southside Sully]

Observations:

Why didn’t we run wide more often?
While Book did come around he threw into double coverage as opposed to taking wide open receivers underneath.
While we got 5 sacks I think most of them came at the very end and not when we could have used them sooner.
Some obvious holding on our Dline on some critical third downs.
The breaks feel almost exclusively NWs way and sadly special teams were anything but special. Newsome is a captain and needs to sense a rush and speed up or soccer style punt if necessary. When was the last time ND pressured any kick? Not a top 25 special team unit including Yoon.
Would have liked to see Austin on a jet sweep.
Kmet is looking the part of a top TE.
Our Oline doesn’t look athletic and isn’t athletic. I see arms that look small and soft and belly dimensions that exceed chest size. Maybe that helps with leverage but imagine how bad this line would look if Wimbush were back there holding the ball too long?
No doubt Michigan is lamenting their loss to us but bear in mind that we with Wimbush (who did play a good first half) and without Dexter who would have made a Difference.
Our D gave up one TD to UM and and stats were lopsided in our favor.
THe lack of turnovers created by this D is alarming. Our DBs rarely play the ball but I’m sure they re coached that way. I thought Elko’s Calling card was opportunist D’s?

ND has 13 turnovers gained so far this season. Same as Clemson, Ohio State, Penn State, West Virginia etc. Better than teams such as, Georgia, Stanford, Ole Miss, VaTech, Washington, Texas. Alarming is being a bit dramatic

 

[BobbyMac]

I predicted this game at 41-17. The difference between that and 31-21 was about 3 plays that almost happened.

Box score says it wasn't very close but sadly it was another 1 possession game in the 4th qtr.

Hopefully these close games pay off when ND plays in the Semi's vs a team who isn't used to playing with the noose tightened.

On to FSU where I'll predict another statement game, gotta happen eventually.

 

[sportallyr]

Young?

Oops yes, you're right. Thx Lax

 

[BeatSC]

ND has 13 turnovers gained so far this season. Same as Clemson, Ohio State, Penn State, West Virginia etc. Better than teams such as, Georgia, Stanford, Ole Miss, VaTech, Washington, Texas. Alarming is being a bit dramatic

Hmmm? I guess it just feels that way since we didn’t get any yesterday and lost the TO battle again. Feels like this D could do better than the current number especially with so many teams playing from behind.

 

[NDohio]

I am seeing a few people throwing out the "we are not elite" phrase. I am just a little curious as to what is elite? If Alabama is the standard for elite then no, ND is not elite. However, ND is clearly one of the top five teams in the country. I think that's elite...

 

[indianamouse]

I am seeing a few people throwing out the "we are not elite" phrase. I am just a little curious as to what is elite? If Alabama is the standard for elite then no, ND is not elite. However, ND is clearly one of the top five teams in the country. I think that's elite...

Well said

 

[Rudy89]

I am seeing a few people throwing out the "we are not elite" phrase. I am just a little curious as to what is elite? If Alabama is the standard for elite then no, ND is not elite. However, ND is clearly one of the top five teams in the country. I think that's elite...

That’s all well and good. I’m happy to be in the hunt. However, after 2012 when we were literally #1 only to be completely overmatched in the title game that wasn’t a good look for the program. People look at the finish more than the journey and while this journey has been amazing and memorable for us Irish fan if in the playoffs Bama makes us look like fools then we will still be looked at as fools. I hope we can fix whatever issues we can and hope for the best if we run the table but just being real even if we win out I see the playoffs going similar to every other trip to the BCS/ NY6 we have had in the last 20 years.

 

[NDohio]

That’s all well and good. I’m happy to be in the hunt. However, after 2012 when we were literally #1 only to be completely overmatched in the title game that wasn’t a good look for the program. People look at the finish more than the journey and while this journey has been amazing and memorable for us Irish fan if in the playoffs Bama makes us look like fools then we will still be looked at as fools.

Sorry, I completely disagree. Every team that plays this Alabama team is expected to get blown out. There will be nothing embarrassing about losing badly to Alabama if that were to happen.

I hope we can fix whatever issues we can and hope for the best if we run the table but just being real even if we win out I see the playoffs going similar to every other trip to the BCS/ NY6 we have had in the last 20 years.

You mean like last year?

 

[DONTH8]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee6XSHJkuKs

Replay for those wanting it

 

[Sea Turtle]

What what it take to get a defensive line like Clemsons?

Aren't they a good school compared to most power 5 teams? Wouldn't most of their players qualify here?

I guess what I'm saying is that when I think Clemsin, I don't think of bare minimum SEC football factories

 

[Meacon Irish]

You mean like last year?

We weren't in a NY6 bowl last year.

 

[Irish#1]

All the running into the boundary when it was loaded up was a little confusing to me.

Ara loved running to the boundary.

 

[Irish YJ]

I guess what I'm saying is that when I think Clemsin, I don't think of bare minimum SEC football factories

but you probably should lol

I am seeing a few people throwing out the "we are not elite" phrase. I am just a little curious as to what is elite? If Alabama is the standard for elite then no, ND is not elite. However, ND is clearly one of the top five teams in the country. I think that's elite...

Everyone has their own definition of elite. My definition is simple. Elite is when you can beat or closely compete with the top teams in the sport. Bama skews things, and has screwed up the grading curve for CFB for a while now. Currently, Bama is the only elite team out there. Clemson has been elite a few times, although it's a little hard to rate them given their schedule. On a 1-10 scales, 10 being elite, we're currently a strong 7 with potential to be 8. I think Clemson is in the 8 to 9 range. Bama is the only 10 out there, and, like I said, screws the scale.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

but you probably should lol




Everyone has their own definition of elite. My definition is simple. Elite is when you can beat or closely compete with the top teams in the sport. Bama skews things, and has screwed up the grading curve for CFB for a while now. Currently, Bama is the only elite team out there. Clemson has been elite a few times, although it's a little hard to rate them given their schedule. On a 1-10 scales, 10 being elite, we're currently a strong 7 with potential to be 8. I think Clemson is in the 8 to 9 range. Bama is the only 10 out there, and, like I said, screws the scale.

This post doesn't really make sense to me. On one hand elite means you can beat or closely compete with the top teams in the sport, but then on the other hand Bama is the only elite team out there and skews things...thats a complete contradiction in itself.

By your definition of elite, Notre Dame (who beat #4/5 already this year and hasn't lost yet would have to be elite...especially taking into effect they haven't played Bama or Clemson yet this year, so you can't downgrade them based on data that doesn't yet exist this season. Clemson would be elite as well. At worst, Notre Dame and Clemson are high 8, possibly 9 if you are saying Bama is the only 10. What team besides Bama (who again we dont have that data on yet) could Notre Dame or Clemson not compete with to not be considered elite...I guess I just don't really understand the logic

 

[Circa]

What what it take to get a defensive line like Clemsons?

Aren't they a good school compared to most power 5 teams? Wouldn't most of their players qualify here?

I guess what I'm saying is that when I think Clemsin, I don't think of bare minimum SEC football factories

Funny post dude.

 

[Circa]

but you probably should lol




Everyone has their own definition of elite. My definition is simple. Elite is when you can beat or closely compete with the top teams in the sport. Bama skews things, and has screwed up the grading curve for CFB for a while now. Currently, Bama is the only elite team out there. Clemson has been elite a few times, although it's a little hard to rate them given their schedule. On a 1-10 scales, 10 being elite, we're currently a strong 7 with potential to be 8. I think Clemson is in the 8 to 9 range. Bama is the only 10 out there, and, like I said, screws the scale.

Alabama CHEATS! When ESPN Isn't in bed with them along with the NCAA. Will the haters apologize?

and btw. It Is poser fans such as yourself that keep people thinking we just aren't there yet.

 

[Irish YJ]

This post doesn't really make sense to me. On one hand elite means you can beat or closely compete with the top teams in the sport, but then on the other hand Bama is the only elite team out there and skews things...thats a complete contradiction in itself.

By your definition of elite, Notre Dame (who beat #4/5 already this year and hasn't lost yet would have to be elite...especially taking into effect they haven't played Bama or Clemson yet this year, so you can't downgrade them based on data that doesn't yet exist this season. Clemson would be elite as well. At worst, Notre Dame and Clemson are high 8, possibly 9 if you are saying Bama is the only 10. What team besides Bama (who again we dont have that data on yet) could Notre Dame or Clemson not compete with to not be considered elite...I guess I just don't really understand the logic

Talk to me in January when Bama is a clear elite, Clemson a step behind, and ND a spot or two off... might make more sense to you then. Point is, Bama is the only true elite right now. Clemson is a maybe and TBD.

Similar to 2012. We were undefeated, ranked #1, and we were no where near elite. We all knew it then, and we all know it now.

Anyway, we're all spitballing about ratings/rankins, so of course we don't have unlimited data points. We have a ton of stats, predictors, and polls. ..........., and like I said, everyone has their own definition. I'm happy with mine.

 

[Circa]

Talk to me in January when Bama is a clear elite, Clemson a step behind, and ND a spot or two off... might make more sense to you then. Point is, Bama is the only true elite right now. Clemson is a maybe and TBD.

Similar to 2012. We were undefeated, ranked #1, and we were no where near elite. We all knew it then, and we all know it now.

Anyway, we're all spitballing about ratings/rankins, so of course we don't have unlimited data points. We have a ton of stats, predictors, and polls. ..........., and like I said, everyone has their own definition. I'm happy with mine.

Is this Koon?

 

[Irish YJ]

Alabama CHEATS! When ESPN Isn't in bed with them along with the NCAA. Will the haters apologize?

and btw. It Is poser fans such as yourself that keep people thinking we just aren't there yet.

I try not to be like the scUM fans..
Keep it as real as possible, and you're not overly broken hearted when Bama beats us by a few baker's dozens....

 

[Irish YJ]

Is this Koon?

if we had a poll on IE, asking who thinks ND is elite (defined as able to beat or closely compete with the top team or teams in CFB, meaning we can at minimum closely compete with Bama), what do you think the results would be?

 

[ND88]

Is this Koon?

No, what YJ is saying is based on logic.

Seriously though, it's a very realistic perspective and difficult to disagree with.

We have a great football team, but we have much left to prove and improve upon to hang with the big boys.

We also need better overall recruiting and coaching.

LSU is definitely overrated, but it was never a contest. Alabama went on the road and modestly (by their standards) destroyed the #4* CFP team in the country.

We would have been ecstatic to win a game like that this season.

With that said, we would have hung some TDs on Alabama. That LSU offense is ... not good.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

The only team or teams that are elite are the ones that James Franklin says are elite.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

I agree bama is elite I honestly think Notre Dame could/would beat Clemson in a playoff game but bama woulda beat us by 2 touchdowns even if we played a perfect game

 

[Irish YJ]

No, what YJ is saying is based on logic.

Seriously though, it's a very realistic perspective and difficult to disagree with.

We have a great football team, but we have much left to prove and improve upon to hang with the big boys.

We also need better overall recruiting and coaching.

LSU is definitely overrated, but it was never a contest. Alabama went on the road and modestly (by their standards) destroyed the #4* CFP team in the country.

We would have been ecstatic to win a game like that this season.

With that said, we would have hung some TDs on Alabama. That LSU offense is ... not good.

Give me last years OL with this year's team, and I'd give us a puncher's chance.
If you check pre-season's predictions, I was one of the more optimistic predictors. Regardless, I'm very happy and think we're having a hell of a year,,, but we have a ways to go.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

Very few on this board predicted an undefeated season this year. I think 9-3 was the average prediction with a few 8-4 and 10-2 thrown in. 9-3 is still possible but I don't think we'll lose all 3 of the remaining games and will win at least 2. So it's pretty strange that there are so many complaints about how this team is performing. Yes the OL is troubling and the ST is no better than any other year. Other than that, this team is exceeding preseason expectations. Hopefully last year was the beginning of consistent 10+ win seasons.

And of course winning out and making the playoffs would be icing on the cake and great for recruiting.

 

[T-Boone]

Yes the OL is troubling

Am I the only one who thinks the OL is okay this year. About as expected?

 

[Circa]

if we had a poll on IE, asking who thinks ND is elite (defined as able to beat or closely compete with the top team or teams in CFB, meaning we can at minimum closely compete with Bama), what do you think the results would be?

Exactly why I think your posting this. So, you can say hey I was right. Pat my back

 

[Circa]

if we had a poll on IE, asking who thinks ND is elite (defined as able to beat or closely compete with the top team or teams in CFB, meaning we can at minimum closely compete with Bama), what do you think the results would be?

I just won't alow myself to compare apples and oranges. Alabama has set themselves up for dominance through anything but good sportsmanship. If they are that star to conquer? We'll surely need our luck.