2018 Pittsburgh Post Game

[IrishFaninTX]

I actually got frustrated watching and left around half with the wife to get some Costco shopping done while it might be quiet (we live less than 10 miles from ND stadium). I didn't even watch the DVR of the second half. Anyway, 38-80 rushing is not great by any means, and Book channeled his inner Wimbush too many times and ran. That said, after seeing all the other top 10 upsets....perspective. 7-0, somewhat healthy, bye week. I have no illusions of winning the NC, but win and move on.

Clemson lost to a bad Pitt team and won natty 2 years ago. We didn't lose to a bad Pitt team. 7-0

 

[aaronb]

So he's our 4 game starter and rode out a great win. I appreciate your over analysis.

Anyone else wonder how Wimbush broke camp as the starter? Even in a "Bad Game" its still night and day.

 

[stlnd01]

Anyone else wonder how Wimbush broke camp as the starter? Even in a "Bad Game" its still night and day.

I still think he has a higher ceiling, physically, and coaches get seduced by that. Also was, what, 9-3 as a starter and a natural born leader. Biggest area where Book beats Wimbush is in reading live defenses and making the right decisions in real time. That might be the hardest thing to replicate in practice.
Also Wimbush’s legs helped us beat Michigan.

I won’t begrudge them starting Wimbush. But I’m glad they switched to Book.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

It's a really, really good time for the bye week. ND needs to get back to the drawing board on kick coverage and now there's a template on how to defend Book. He needs to get to work on using the whole field because teams are going to force him to make plays outside his comfort zone.

I don't think the special teams problems can be laid at the feet of Polian alone. It's a team culture issue that has always been present under Kelly. Polian's predecessor was a rookie coach who was also in charge of tight ends. ND admitted that they had basically zero live coverage reps coming into the Michigan game. Practice and preparation time are a zero sum game so I understand the temptation to expect special teams to be good enough on their own. Obviously that's not working out so far this year.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Didn't get a chance to watch the game yet. Is it worth my time? And anyone want to throw a quick recap on here? Sifting thru this thread is painful.

 

[Irishize]

D. Hayes is actually playing well. Like with Book, it’s about the entirety of the game. Very good against the run. A solid number of QB Hurries. Just isn’t getting home quite yet. We are so much better when Hayes is on the depth chart, it even close.

I doubt the coaches wanted to play him much...if any as they likely preferred to rest him these next two weeks to be fully refreshed after his shoulder issue. Most the fanbase & the ND analysts expected the bench to be emptied by the second half. That’s turned out to be te kiss of death.

 

[ACamp1900]

Didn't get a chance to watch the game yet. Is it worth my time? And anyone want to throw a quick recap on here? Sifting thru this thread is painful.

Pitt played great defense, entirely different team from what they’ve been thus far this season. We played well enough to win but a few timely errors made it a game. Our defense did what one would expect... multiple fans cried about Diane Lang.

 

[tko]

Didn't get a chance to watch the game yet. Is it worth my time? And anyone want to throw a quick recap on here? Sifting thru this thread is painful.

First series for Pitt, 4th and 4 about to punt and Fertitta jumps offsides. Scream at the tv and then fast forward to the end of the third and watch from there.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

ND needs to figure out special teams why when the other team punts we make zero attempt to go after the kicker to block the punt?!

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

ND needs to figure out special teams why when the other team punts we make zero attempt to go after the kicker to block the punt?!

Fear of penalties.

 

[Irishnuke]

ND needs to figure out special teams why when the other team punts we make zero attempt to go after the kicker to block the punt?!

Because it’s usually a better idea to set up field position than try to block a punt which rarely happens even when teams attempt to. Plus you touch the kicker and it’s a first down. The bad special teams play has nothing to do with not blocking punts.

 

[irishandy]

Postgame Thoughts:
1) The crowd seemed as flat as ND did the first 3 quarters...a shame that the crowd doesn't get into every game.
2) Pitt made this game look easy for them the first 3 quarters.
3) The good on Book: 14-15 in the 2nd half with 2 TD's.
4) The bad on Book: he missed too many open wide receivers.
5) Julian Okwara is playing elite college football.
6) Tariq Bracy & Houston Griffin both had solid games.
7) Alize Mack & Miles Boykin are becoming Book's go to guys.
8) Bonus on Book: I like how he handles the game. Kid has a bad play, straps on his helmet for the next play, doesn't let the last quarter or the last play bother him, and he comes up big when needed.

We are 7-0, the buy week can't come at a better time, picked up a 4* commit, and won another college football game.

Go Irish!

 

[Riddickulous]

D. Hayes is actually playing well. Like with Book, it’s about the entirety of the game. Very good against the run. A solid number of QB Hurries. Just isn’t getting home quite yet. We are so much better when Hayes is on the depth chart, it even close.

On the huge Khalid Kareem sack at the end of the game, Kareem was initially doubled by the LT/LG with Hayes coming in untouched off the edge. The LT released Kareem to block Hayes, who immediately made a move to the inside, forcing the LG to let Kareem go too and giving him a free run at the QB. Great play that won't end up on the stat sheet.

 

[koonja]

Aaron Banks was really good and didn't have a screw up in that 2nd quarter drive he got.

Did he play again? If not, why? Hes a big body and was finding the right guy every time. I want him to take over.

 

[ulukinatme]

Glad we pulled out. 7-0 and top 4.
OL needs to get better, we’re confused and outworked all game.

Nobody ever pulls out. It's just something we promise to do.

This post deserves more reps!

 

[RuntheBall]

One aspect that I think isn't getting enough credit is the D. They played really well. They got stuck on the field the first Pitt TD drive (partially because of the penalty...), but didn't allow another point. Credit to Pickett on that drive he really threaded a couple of needles on that drive when I thought the coverage was good. Towards the end the runD seemed to get worn down though. After that... a missed FG or two... but those were long tries. They kept us in the game long enough for Book and Co to comes around.

 

[IrishLax]

From Kelly presser on his decision to punt in 4Q:

“ I'd like to say that I forced them to take a time-out because I was going to go for it. I was. Our analytics tells us to go for it, so I'll get a note from our analytics people on Monday telling me that I was incorrect and that I should have gone for it.

“The sense I had in the game, however, is that they weren't going to go 80 yards on us, so I was not going to give our defense a short field to operate. So I went against our mathematicians in that situation.

“That's why I went for two, as well. The analytics provided us the information that said to go for two in that situation.”

This is refreshing as hell. First of all, the fact that they have an analytics group that does the math on the “optimal” decision based on situation and score. Second, that Kelly KNOWS what the optimal decision was and had a rational reason for why he did something different.

Far cry from that ridiculous decision to go for 2 against Northwestern a few years back.

 

[Dizzyphil]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly said that Notre Dame sent in “twice as many” clips of holds that the Irish believe were missed. Eight clips sent in.</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1051534826568863749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




It is really getting ridiculous how many holds are not being called. I know the Defense is getting frustrated as well.

 

[wizards8507]

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

On the crowd I’ve been to two home games this year and both times I’ve noticed older people leaving around half time. I’m sorry but if you can’t stick the whole game out then consider giving your season tickets to someone who will.

 

[ND88]

On the crowd I’ve been to two home games this year and both times I’ve noticed older people leaving around half time. I’m sorry but if you can’t stick the whole game out then consider giving your season tickets to someone who will.

No, I disagree with making our elders the target here. They are not the ones to point fingers at. They’ve earned their dues. However, if you are able-bodied and can stand up and cheer, then get your ass up and do it. The issue is more with “healthier” fans who come to act like spectators of tennis, and not football (no offense to tennis).

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

No, I disagree with making our elders the target here. They are not the ones to point fingers at. They’ve earned their dues. However, if you are able-bodied and can stand up and cheer, then get your ass up and do it. The issue is more with “healthier” fans who come to act like spectators of tennis, and not football (no offense to tennis).

I agree to disagree I’ve noticed numerous elders sitting down while everyone else stands or some elders complaining because of people standing

 

[ND88]

I agree to disagree I’ve noticed numerous elders sitting down while everyone else stands or some elders complaining because of people standing

I’m with you on people complaining about standing, whether elders or younger. It’s just that I’ve witnessed others being told or have been personally told by more able-bodied people to sit down. That stuff iritates me, especially when it isn’t a polite request. I can respect politeness though, because it is possible to loud while sitting. It’s just not as fun.

 

[EddytoNow]

I’m with you on people complaining about standing, whether elders or younger. It’s just that I’ve witnessed others being told or have been personally told by more able-bodied people to sit down. That stuff iritates me, especially when it isn’t a polite request. I can respect politeness though, because it is possible to loud while sitting. It’s just not as fun.

There are times to stand and cheer and there are times to sit down and watch the game. If you've paid good money for a ticket to watch the game, it can be annoying when someone in front of you chooses to stand up the entire game, especially if they are on the tall side and prevent you from seeing the game either standing or sitting.

By all means, stand and yell when a ND player makes an outstanding play. Stand and yell when ND scores or makes a crucial stop in the red zone. Stand and yell for outstanding effort on offense and defense. However, take time to sit down in between plays, during time outs, between quarters, etc. Seek a good balance of standing and sitting, if for no other reason than to be courteous to those sitting/standing behind you. After all, they have a right to see the game, too.

 

[EddytoNow]

Postgame Thoughts:
1) The crowd seemed as flat as ND did the first 3 quarters...a shame that the crowd doesn't get into every game.
2) Pitt made this game look easy for them the first 3 quarters.
3) The good on Book: 14-15 in the 2nd half with 2 TD's.
4) The bad on Book: he missed too many open wide receivers.
5) Julian Okwara is playing elite college football.
6) Tariq Bracy & Houston Griffin both had solid games.
7) Alize Mack & Miles Boykin are becoming Book's go to guys.
8) Bonus on Book: I like how he handles the game. Kid has a bad play, straps on his helmet for the next play, doesn't let the last quarter or the last play bother him, and he comes up big when needed.

We are 7-0, the buy week can't come at a better time, picked up a 4* commit, and won another college football game.

Go Irish!

So you might say that Mack and Boykins are Ian's Bookends, right?

I'll let myself out.

 

[ND88]

There are times to stand and cheer and there are times to sit down and watch the game. If you've paid good money for a ticket to watch the game, it can be annoying when someone in front of you chooses to stand up the entire game, especially if they are on the tall side and prevent you from seeing the game either standing or sitting.

By all means, stand and yell when a ND player makes an outstanding play. Stand and yell when ND scores or makes a crucial stop in the red zone. Stand and yell for outstanding effort on offense and defense. However, take time to sit down in between plays, during time outs, between quarters, etc. Seek a good balance of standing and sitting, if for no other reason than to be courteous to those sitting/standing behind you. After all, they have a right to see the game, too.

If I’m surrounded by Notre Dame fans, I’m high-fiving as many of them as possible, talking with them, and respecting them like I would my own family. It’s not difficult to gauge the personalities around you. It’s a fairly quick study. My contention is with people who are flat out rude. I didn’t mention standing the entire game. I mentioned being corrected for standing. This includes those moments when momentum is a factor. What then? According to your “good balance” philosophy, I should both stand and just expect to make some people upset, because some don’t even want to get up for big moments, and that’s just fact.

 

[ND88]

But now that I am thinking of it, the stadium should designate the end closest to touchdown Jesus as a standing section. Complete a U-shape from the end of the student section on one side under the press box to the other side. The rest of the stadium can sit all game, but if you are in this section, expect fans to stand all game and/or frequently. You can sit in this section as well, but no complaints.

 

[Circa]

Anyone else wonder how Wimbush broke camp as the starter? Even in a "Bad Game" its still night and day.

BK has stated in a few of his pc's . Wimbush was In for Michigan and in order to follow up from last seasons maturation process. Book wasn't completely ready to lead without some prior mojo...

 

[ThePiombino]

Would love to know the rationale for NOT going for two later in the game...

From Kelly presser on his decision to punt in 4Q:

This is refreshing as hell. First of all, the fact that they have an analytics group that does the math on the “optimal” decision based on situation and score. Second, that Kelly KNOWS what the optimal decision was and had a rational reason for why he did something different.

Far cry from that ridiculous decision to go for 2 against Northwestern a few years back.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[IrishLax]

Would love to know the rationale for NOT going for two later in the game...

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

It makes sense given the time and score and potential two-possession scenarios. You go for a 1 and FG coming back gets you a win even if they score a TD. You go for 2 and get it and that doesn’t change. You go for 2 and miss and you no longer get a win you go to OT.