2018 Northwestern Post Game

[NDBoiler]

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

I think you’d find that the majority of the board agrees with what YJ is saying. It’s not like he’s saying something off the wall and defies logic. It’s a pretty sensible and realistic point he is making.

 

[BeatSC]

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.

Holy crap! As I’m reading down these posts i was think Not the exact same thing. I still think we’re missing a stud or two on the D but the O line making our ground game legit wouldn’t be an equalizer imo. This years oline should be better next year but would like to see them add muscle not just belly.

 

[Irish YJ]

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

wut? i was responding to post abut "elite". i responded with "my" definition (and said it was subjective). I can't help most agree with me.... I don't need a pat on my back for having a widely shared opinion.

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.

BK said Saban was honorable just yesterday on his interview during Game Day. He said ND and Bama have different business models, but he does it the right way. Those are BK's words. Not sure I'd describe them as using bad sportsmanship.

I hate Bama, but they are simply exploiting the rules that exists, and do it better than anyone else, with a coach who is unquestionably the best in the league. It's not Bama's fault that ND requires more than the normal NCAA requirements. And, they simply place a higher value on FB, while ND put a higher value on education. I love that about ND, but I'm not going to be holier than thou about the 98% of colleges that don't.

No need to have a victim mentality about things. ND has chosen it's road, Bama theirs.

 

[NDBoiler]

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.

What evidence have you seen of this? I’d love nothing more than for an SEC powerhouse to be exposed for cheating, but I have heard zero to support any of what you said.

 

[Irish YJ]

Holy crap! As I’m reading down these posts i was think Not the exact same thing. I still think we’re missing a stud or two on the D but the O line making our ground game legit wouldn’t be an equalizer imo. This years oline should be better next year but would like to see them add muscle not just belly.

yup, OL is the biggest piece (bigger step back than I though), but we need a few other pieces as well. OL would give us a puncher's chance IMO. To have more than a puncher's chance, we'd need a few other upgrades. I love our DL, but they aren't to the level of several other top DLs. DBs are good, but S is still a concern. Book is absolutely a stud with accuracy, but he needs to throw the long ball better (better OL and faster WRs may help). Just in terms of talent, TE and CB are the only position groups I think are close to the top of the league.

I love the youngsters and the talent we have coming in though. I haven't felt this good about depth and well roundedness since the 80s lol.

BK was asked to compare 12 to 18. He said this years team is a situation where the sum if greater than the parts.

 

[Irish YJ]

What evidence have you seen of this? I’d love nothing more than for an SEC powerhouse to be exposed for cheating, but I have heard zero to support any of what you said.

Tommy will never get caught...

 

[Crazy Balki]

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

I think it's fine. They're good not great. I'd like them to generate more push on short-yardage situations, but Chip Long does them absolutely zero favors when all they call in the run game is runs up the gut. Against NW, they rarely ever attacked the perimeter and barely used Armstrong. That was incredibly disappointing, because instead of keeping NW honest in the run game, we kept running right into their strength, which was their big and physical front 7.

Pass protection has been quite good.

Hopefully they continue to improve as Banks and Ruhland/Kraemer gain more experience and the line as a whole becomes more cohesive. Losing Bars was a significant setback, but they're taking it in stride.

 

[Crazy Balki]

wut? i was responding to post abut "elite". i responded with "my" definition (and said it was subjective). I can't help most agree with me.... I don't need a pat on my back for having a widely shared opinion.



BK said Saban was honorable just yesterday on his interview during Game Day. He said ND and Bama have different business models, but he does it the right way. Those are BK's words. Not sure I'd describe them as using bad sportsmanship.

I hate Bama, but they are simply exploiting the rules that exists, and do it better than anyone else, with a coach who is unquestionably the best in the league. It's not Bama's fault that ND requires more than the normal NCAA requirements. And, they simply place a higher value on FB, while ND put a higher value on education. I love that about ND, but I'm not going to be holier than thou about the 98% of colleges that don't.

No need to have a victim mentality about things. ND has chosen it's road, Bama theirs.

I mean, what do you expect Kelly to say, "Yeah Bama are notorious cheaters and scumbags"?

He's not going to lay into Alabama and their exploits. It's not his place to and any attempt to would just come off as envious and being a sore sport anyways. It wouldn't benefit him or ND to call them out. They cheat. They do, period. To say they don't, not only ignores the landscape of powerhouse SEC football programs, but ignores Alabama's entire football history, which is saturated in cheating and scandal. They are one of the dirtiest programs in the history of the sport.

That being said, Alabama just plays the game the way many football factory programs do. They have the bag men, they have the non-existent academic curriculum, etc. This isn't any different than what other big-time programs do, they just do it better than anyone else. They've got the best combination to succeed in today's CFB world. They're a program willing to do any means necessary for the sake of winning. They'll pay the best coach above top dollar to come to Bama and pay him a king's ransom to stay forever; They'll invest hundreds of millions of dollars on top of the line facilities and equipment; They'll pull strings to make sure their athletes are able to invest most, if not all of their time in the day to football-related functions; And yes, they'll do all the devious things to land the best recruits in the nation.

Nick Saban may be honorable, but Alabama is certainly not. On the flip side, what major football factory is honorable these days? It's a very dirty business and ND is one of very VERY few that play the game as cleanly as remotely possible.

 

[Rudy89]

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.




You mean like last year?

Last year was a great memory and the biggest bowl win in years but it wasn’t an NY6 bowl.

 

[Irish#1]

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.

This is so true.

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

Whether they want to admit it or not, everyone is still comparing them to last years line. Two top ten O-line draft picks. Let that sink in. Has Saban even done that?

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.

It is apples and oranges. If Bama is elite, no one else is. Take Bama out of the equation and discuss.

 

[NDohio]

We weren't in a NY6 bowl last year.

You're right - it was a major bowl win that most on here expected us to lose - but it wasn't an NY6.

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.

To the bold. ND can compete with the top teams in the sport. Right now I don't think anyone can compete with the top team in the sport. So, that is kinda my point. If the definition of elite is what Bama is right now then no, ND is not elite. If being able to play competitively with the top ten teams in college football, then yes, ND is elite.

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?

Again, if it's just a comparison to Alabama, then every college football team this year should have a no result in that poll.

But also, we are talking about ND fans here. Of course it would be no. This is the most battered fan base in the country and we as fans lack confidence in the Irish no matter how good they are.

I guess my overall point to the naysayers of ND being elite is that I honestly and truly believe that this team can play against anyone named Alabama. It's very similar to 2012. If ND plays any other team in that national title game it would have a been a good game with ND having a real chance to have gotten another title. Plus I think this team is more balanced and overall better than ND 2012. Unfortunately so is Bama...

 

[FDNYIrish1]

We are seeing a juggernaut in Bama that is historic. Everyone else is playing checkers to be honest. I’m quite happy with the growth of this team and program. We’ve got great coaches and great kids. I’d give ND a punchers chance against anyone in one game. I think the program is in great shape right now and only getting better. We are seeing player development finally and the future looks bright. I think the 2012 team was awesome but to be honest I like this team a lot better.

 

[stlnd01]

2019 CFP rankings:

Bama






Clemson







ND/Michigan/Oklahoma/LSU/Etc.

 

[beryirish]

When that receiver/tight end caught that 4th down juggle I was in disbelief. I just yelled at the tv in a stern voice "oh no, this is not happening tonight."

 

[stlnd01]

When that receiver/tight end caught that 4th down juggle I was in disbelief. I just yelled at the tv in a stern voice "oh no, this is not happening tonight."

That was a hell of a football play, both by the QB, who had one of our D Linemen bearing down on him hard, and the receiver for snagging that ball. Not much you can do but tip your hat, and not let them get back to Fourth and Manageable on the next round.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Love getting Michael Young more involved in the offense he is going to be a big contributor next year for this team, and going down the stretch for us.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Breaking news:

A photo has just been released of Chip Long after his late game 4th down call:

 

[irish4ever]

I thought the OL was improved. Northwestern sold out on the run. We figured it out in the second half. This game had me scared shitless so I’m happy to get out with a win.
I’m sick of the special teams garbage.

Aren't we all?!? It's pretty frickin' atrocious … blocked punt, KO returns for TD's, numerous kickoffs going out of bounds, holding call on our returns! Geesh, damn it sux!!!

 

[Irish#1]

2019 CFP rankings:

Bama






Clemson

ND/Michigan/Oklahoma/LSU/Etc.

FIFY

 

[NDLS_USMC]

Nick Saban may be honorable, but Alabama is certainly not. On the flip side, what major football factory is honorable these days? It's a very dirty business and ND is one of very VERY few that play the game as cleanly as remotely possible.

Love this debate b/c, at fundamental level, it calls into question what "honorable" is for CFB (or basketball) today.

Is it even honorable to REQUIRE academic performance from kids who are not prepared at all? Should the NCAA, in all its billions, not be morally compelled to create a prep school-like pipeline for these kids?

I know we've debated this on IE at length and depth but it bothers me to think the NCAA *should* get to block these kids from the free market while also telling them...regardless of background and preparation...you have to take college level classes to pursue your best chance at rocketing past your economic disadvantage.

In my mind, I can see the true moral justification for the position that the NCAA is plain wrong and I'm gonna give these kids whatever i can to fuel the possibility of success.

Plus Nick Saban goes to Mass and loves the Rosary.

 

[NDohio]

Love this debate b/c, at fundamental level, it calls into question what "honorable" is for CFB (or basketball) today.

Is it even honorable to REQUIRE academic performance from kids who are not prepared at all? Should the NCAA, in all its billions, not be morally compelled to create a prep school-like pipeline for these kids?

I know we've debated this on IE at length and depth but it bothers me to think the NCAA *should* get to block these kids from the free market while also telling them...regardless of background and preparation...you have to take college level classes to pursue your best chance at rocketing past your economic disadvantage.

In my mind, I can see the true moral justification for the position that the NCAA is plain wrong and I'm gonna give these kids whatever i can to fuel the possibility of success.

Plus Nick Saban goes to Mass and loves the Rosary.

I kind of agree with you on your greater point, but just to clarify the NCAA is not the one that mandates a player has to wait to become eligible for the draft.

https://operations.nfl.com/the-players/the-nfl-draft/the-rules-of-the-draft/

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the draft, players must have been out of high school for at least three years and must have used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season. Underclassmen and players who have graduated before using all their college eligibility may request the league’s approval to enter the draft early.

Players are draft-eligible only in the year after the end of their college eligibility.

Before the draft, NFL Player Personnel staff members confirm the eligibility of draft prospects; that means researching the college backgrounds of approximately 3,000 college players each year. They work with NCAA compliance departments at schools across the country to verify the information for all prospects. They also check the rosters of college all-star games to make sure that only draft-eligible players play in the games.

The Player Personnel staff also review all of the applications submitted by players who want to enter the draft early. Underclassmen have until seven days following the NCAA National Championship Game to declare their intentions to do so. For the 2017 NFL Draft, 106 undergraduates received NFL approval to enter the draft, as did 13 players who graduated without using up all their college eligibility.

Once players have become draft-eligible or have declared their intention to enter the draft early, the Player Personnel staff work with teams, agents and schools to clarify the players’ status. They also work with agents, schools, scouts and teams to enforce league rules for Pro Days (where NFL scouts come to colleges to observe prospects) and private workouts.

During the draft, Player Personnel staff confirm that all players who are drafted are draft-eligible.

 

[BobbyMac]

When that receiver/tight end caught that 4th down juggle I was in disbelief. I just yelled at the tv in a stern voice "oh no, this is not happening tonight."

As soon as he stuck his paw out and the ball stuck to it, I KNEW it was gonna be Skowronek's name called. All I could think was... the kid who did everything he could to get an ND offer in HS is gonna be the one to make the play that leads to a NW win.

Thankfully, karma took the day off.

 

[NDLS_USMC]

That makes more sense. NFL is clearly all business and doesn't pretend to play school.

 

[IrishLion]

I was shitfaced on Saturday night, trying to watch the game at a brewery during my 10-year HS reunion, while simultaneously fending off other people from getting the channel changed on my ONE tv in the corner to LSU/Bama, even though the other 5 TV's in the brewery already had it on.

Rewatching the game in pieces at work this morning, and found this gem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee6XSHJkuKs - Fast Forward to 1:32:40

Book's eyes as he scans the field and then finds his man open are an incredible thing to see. You can literally see when he finds what he's looking for and makes the decision to throw.

Really excited about this guy as BK and Long continue to fine-tune the offense.

 

[ACamp1900]

Looks like it was already taken down...

 

[notredomer23]

So I was in Mexico with no access to TV or highlights and was just getting very sporadic updates.

Fair assessment that we dominated offensively and defensively, and special teams cost us another blowout?

 

[ACamp1900]

So I was in Mexico ...

cochinas??

 

[IrishLion]

Looks like it was already taken down...

Laaaaaame.

It's still working for me, likely because I haven't exited from the video yet.

 

[GowerND11]

So I was in Mexico with no access to TV or highlights and was just getting very sporadic updates.

Fair assessment that we dominated offensively and defensively, and special teams cost us another blowout?

Yes and no. Really shot ourselves in the foot on the 3rd drive. Had first and goal, ended up with a 44 yard FG attempt that was missed. Punch it in, it's 14-0 in the first quarter.

 

[ACamp1900]

Yes and no. Really shot ourselves in the foot on the 3rd drive. Had first and goal, ended up with a 44 yard FG attempt that was missed. Punch it in, it's 14-0 in the first quarter.

I missed the start of the game... I don't even want to know how dafaq this happened......