2022 Post-Game: Ohio State

[Sea Turtle]

We aren't that good. And Ohio State isn't either. We are looking at a 9-3, 8-4 type of season.

I hear you buddy. We will have to catch a game together this year for a change.

 

[Luckylucci]

The fact we didn’t get a quality WR transfer is laughable in retrospect. I mean what were they thinking?

Shockingly poor roster management. It’s kind of insane that they had that long to address it and didn’t even attempt to do so.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

A few things I feel confident about for both teams after tonight:

Ohio state
1. Ryan Day is going to really keep them in the upper echelon. Dude works hard on the sideline and is a pretty solid gameday coach. He is intense and demanding but obviously is also a players coach.
2. They made some really good plays in the second half in key spots. Stroud is patient and willing to take what you give him even though they are used to being able to pop explosive plays. We did not create any new blueprint for how to contain Ohio State. We just proved to be plenty competent in executing what almost everybody has tried to make them do.
3. Ohio State has kids up and down their roster that were elite ranked recruits. Their is talent on their defense. They looked athletic and assignment sound, and again high 4 and 5 stars everywhere. They will be a top 15 defense this year.

Notre Dame
1. They went into a hostile environment against a top 3 team that many predict will have the best offense in college football and maybe win it all…and they competed for 4 quarters. They didnt flinch and a really young QB mostly kept his composure and took care of the football.
2. Freeman was much more energetic and verbal both with the refs and over the headset than in the Fiesta Bowl. He has taken control quickly and put his stamp on how this program will operate and compete. I expect we will see very few “flat” games under him.
3. I think the conservative playcalling was part of the gameplan tonight and less of an indictment on Tommy Rees (although I’d like to see more from him). The coaches knew the teams strengths and weaknesses and put together a gameplan to limit possessions and hope we could win a hard fought game. Ohio State was a little better tonight, but that doesnt mean it wasnt the right strategy. It put us in a spot with a chance to win the game on the road against #2.
4. To me, that is the next step. Learning to be competitive in these games and keep upgrading the talent which go hand in hand. It hurts to lose and Im sure the players and coaches are hurting tonight, but this team will continue to get better and the future is bright. Freeman seems willing to play young guys and there are some ballers on the way.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Shockingly poor roster management. It’s kind of insane that they had that long to address it and didn’t even attempt to do so.

But ND won't let them just take a talented player, right? Don't they have to be a 5th year from northwestern or Harvard?
I mean, it's not like the school is going to let some talented sophomore in a log jam at auburn come here and play.

 

[ulukinatme]

A few things I feel confident about for both teams after tonight:

Ohio state
1. Ryan Day is going to really keep them in the upper echelon. Dude works hard on the sideline and is a pretty solid gameday coach. He is intense and demanding but obviously is also a players coach.
2. They made some really in the second half in key spots. Stroud is patient and willing to take what you give him even though they are used to being able to pop explosive plays. We did not create amy new blueprint for how to contain Ohio State. We just proved to be plenty competent in executing what almost everybody has tried to make them do.
3. Ohio State has kids up and down their roster that were elite ranked recruits. Their is talent on their defense. They looked athletic and assignment sound, and again high 4 and 5 stars everywhere. They will be a top 15 defense this year.

Notre Dame
1. They went into a hostile environment against a top 3 team that many predict will have the best offense in college football and maybe win it all…and they competed for 4 quarters. They didnt flinch and a really young QB mostly kept his composure and took care of the football.
2. Freeman was much more energetic and verbal both with the refs and over the headset in the Fiesta Bowl. He has taken control quickly and put his stamp on how this program will operate and compete. I expect we will see very few “flat” games under him.
3. I think the conservative playcalling was part of the gameplan tonight and less of an indictment on Tommy Rees (although I’d like to see more from him). The coaches knew the teams strengths and weaknesses and put together a gameplan to limit possessions and hope we could win a hard fought game. Ohio State was a little better tonight, but that doesnt mean it wasnt the right strategy. It put us in a spot with a chance to win the game on the road against #2.
4. To me, that is the next step. Learning to be competitive in these games and keep upgrading the talent which go hand in hand. It hurts to lose and Im sure the players and coaches are hurting tonight, but this team will continue to get better and the future is bright. Freeman seems willing ti play young guys and there are some ballers on the way.

Pretty good analysis. Personally I'm not sold on Day, he had way too much talent to be down to us and finally pulling away late at home. I think Urban's influence has been slowly waning much like Harbaugh's exit from Stanford did. Both teams keep playing well because they've got talent, but I'm not sure the Buckeyes are as well coached now. I think Urban would have blown us up sooner. Don't get me wrong, Day is a good coach and they will continue to win 95-99%% of their games for some time, but he had no business losing to Oregon or Michigan last year, and he certainly shouldn't have been down against us for almost 3 quarters.

I was disappointed with the offense, but I think you're right. I think the playcalling and gameplan were indicative of what our limitations were and we played the best hand we could given the OL struggles and the situation at WR. People didn't like the conservative runs when we went 1st and 25 after the offensive pass interference, but that drive was most certainly dead at that point. Our WRs were almost non-existent all game with 3 catches total, and they were doing a pretty good job 2nd half of bottling up Mayer. We had little chance of converting, it was better to not do something stupid and play for the next possession. At that point we were only down 4.

 

[IrishinTN]

who you talking about with "we"? terrible take bub

Time will tell. Love to be wrong.

 

[NDFAN420]

Freeman needs an Al Golden type OC hire next.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Aside from Golden's bad call on the deep blitz that gave up the 2nd TD, the defense played heroically.

Buchner played better than I expected.

IOL was the real disappointment. OL is one of the few positions we've recruited better than OSU, so we really needed them to control the LOS to keep us in the game. Kristofic-Correll-Lugg got beaten consistently all four quarters. They'll look worse against Clemson's DL. Might as well plug in Schrauth and Spindler than continue to ride with that lot.

Had our IOL played up their ratings, that would have fixed a lot of the other issues people are complaining about offensively.

 

[ACamp1900]

I get shit fit hating but damn read y’all’s shit ,….. apparently I’m just real

 

[Luckylucci]

It’s all about the QB position for me.

 

[NorthDakota]

Aside from Golden's bad call on the deep blitz that gave up the 2nd TD, the defense played heroically.

Buchner played better than I expected.

IOL was the real disappointment. OL is one of the few positions we've recruited better than OSU, so we really needed them to control the LOS to keep us in the game. Kristofic-Correll-Lugg got beaten consistently all four quarters. They'll look worse against Clemson's DL. Might as well plug in Schrauth and Spindler than continue to ride with that lot.

Had our IOL played up their ratings, that would have fixed a lot of the other issues people are complaining about offensively.

This is what makes things super frustrating. ND does well at recruiting line. Can't afford for them to shit the bed like that.

 

[Irish2155]

This is the best ND team we’ve fielded in a long time. We’re loaded with the exception of this one position.

Buchner would be a lot better if had someone to throw to. Golden Tate, Mr. Floyd…please

That’s BK though, I think. I’m really cautious to put this on Rees unless he chose those WR.

11 - 1 and we get our rematch.

 

[NorthDakota]

This is the best ND team we’ve fielded in a long time. We’re loaded with the exception of this one position.

Buchner would be a lot better if had someone to throw to. Golden Tate, Mr. Floyd…please

That’s BK though, I think. I’m really cautious to put this on Rees unless he chose those WR.

11 - 1 and we get our rematch.

A line would be nice too. Our running game was limited to Estime channeling a young Jerome Bettis.

Having stud receivers would be nice obviously. But this is Notre Dame. If the line play ain't there currently, then we ain't gonna succeed against good teams.

 

[Irish2155]

A line would be nice too. Our running game was limited to Estime channeling a young Jerome Bettis.

Having stud receivers would be nice obviously. But this is Notre Dame. If the line play ain't there currently, then we ain't gonna succeed against good teams.

Forgive me, weren’t we without our Captain tonight? The All American.

 

[T-Boone]

if we had Kyren Williams would we win that game?

 

[GATTACA!]

if we had Kyren Williams would we win that game?

No. Give me Claypool and Fuller and we probably win though.

 

[T-Boone]

No. Give me Claypool and Fuller and we probably win though.

They are way out of eligibility.

 

[irishfan]

1) Buchner is very raw but the moment wasn’t too big for him which is a great sign. His accuracy is a concern, but considering the OL was getting him and the rest of the run game killed early on, I don’t blame him for any quick or off-balance throws.
2) Interior of the line needs to get fixed. At least the schedule plays out well and we should have a better sense of where things stand going into the BYU game.
3) We badly need the WRs to step up. Laughable anyone was suggesting we couldn’t have used that Iowa transfer who landed at Purdue. Need Wilkins or Meriweather to really make a move these next couple weeks.
4) Lack of true difference makers in the front 7 was apparent tonight. DL and LBs will look better going forward against worse competition but it is what is there. Those units I think are just pretty good not great.
5) Secondary played incredible minus Hart on OSU’s first TD drive. Tons of plays where Stroud and his WRs just made great plays where the coverage couldn’t be much better.
6) The schedule plays out well for us. We have a couple weeks to get the offense up to speed before BYU. I really think the final playoff spot (outside Bama, UGA, OSU) will come down to who wins between ND/Clemson.
7) Despite the issues we have, either we are better than people think we are or there is a massive talent gap between Bama/Georgia and Ohio State. I think Bama/Georgia would have run us off the field especially at home.

 

[arrowryan]

After last night, I raised the floor for this team just a little bit. Thats assuming Rees & Co get it figured out.

The defense was incredible. They played WAY above my expectations. I loved the true frosh CBs getting big time snaps. Morrison was very impressive.

The offense needs a lot of work. No way around that one. It will happen though. Buchner was decent and the OL will get better as the season progresses. Someone needs to step up at receiver.

 

[Grahambo]

All in all, not a bad first game. Plenty of positives to build a 10 win season. A Heisman candidate and possibly QB1 in next years draft made two wonderful plays along the sideline in the 2nd half while our starter last started a game in high school 3 years ago.

IOL was the biggest disappointment, Lugg in particular. If JPatt is healthy this game, maybe things going slightly different.

On to next week and MF’s first career win.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

It was pretty obvious the game plan was to go into Columbus and play conservative to hang around and not put too much on TB. I thought he played ok for his first start in as hostile an environment as possible. Like everyone else I was a bit disappointed with the Oline play for a lot of the game. Credit OSU for a solid defensive game plan on defense as well.
As for the D, I feel they just got gassed at the end. As easy as it is to pick on the double safety blitz call, they need to disguise that better pre snap. Stroud saw that shit a mile away and neither got home. He was solid though and kept us in the game.
I thought the boys played tough and physical. I’m optimistic after that performance. A lot of people thought we would get run out of the building. MFMF definitely looked the part on the sideline. I think this is a good team that will improve quickly.

 

[irishff1014]

1) Buchner is very raw but the moment wasn’t too big for him which is a great sign. His accuracy is a concern, but considering the OL was getting him and the rest of the run game killed early on, I don’t blame him for any quick or off-balance throws.
2) Interior of the line needs to get fixed. At least the schedule plays out well and we should have a better sense of where things stand going into the BYU game.
3) We badly need the WRs to step up. Laughable anyone was suggesting we couldn’t have used that Iowa transfer who landed at Purdue. Need Wilkins or Meriweather to really make a move these next couple weeks.
4) Lack of true difference makers in the front 7 was apparent tonight. DL and LBs will look better going forward against worse competition but it is what is there. Those units I think are just pretty good not great.
5) Secondary played incredible minus Hart on OSU’s first TD drive. Tons of plays where Stroud and his WRs just made great plays where the coverage couldn’t be much better.
6) The schedule plays out well for us. We have a couple weeks to get the offense up to speed before BYU. I really think the final playoff spot (outside Bama, UGA, OSU) will come down to who wins between ND/Clemson.
7) Despite the issues we have, either we are better than people think we are or there is a massive talent gap between Bama/Georgia and Ohio State. I think Bama/Georgia would have run us off the field especially at home.

I disagree. Justin A, Cross, transfer Smith played very good. The LB backers really only struggled in the 4th when the offense couldn't do jack shit. The only really bad call was when Golden decided to leave a freshman one on one with no help. I am not sure if Foskey played like crap or if they have to do better job creating mis matches for him.

 

[Irishben10]

Aside from Golden's bad call on the deep blitz that gave up the 2nd TD, the defense played heroically.

Buchner played better than I expected.

IOL was the real disappointment. OL is one of the few positions we've recruited better than OSU, so we really needed them to control the LOS to keep us in the game. Kristofic-Correll-Lugg got beaten consistently all four quarters. They'll look worse against Clemson's DL. Might as well plug in Schrauth and Spindler than continue to ride with that lot.

Had our IOL played up their ratings, that would have fixed a lot of the other issues people are complaining about offensively.

Time to move some chess pieces, to many times OSU has penetration straight up the middle, that doesn’t help Buchner in his 1st game & Rees needs to grow some balls and expand what plays we are running.

Starting to think it was rees and not Kelly after 2 games in a row we shit the bed in the 2nd half with play calling

 

[JAYBUCKEYESOAS!]

We aren't that good. And Ohio State isn't either. We are looking at a 9-3, 8-4 type of season.

Really? tOSU isn’t that good either? tIOSU’s DC has now beaten ND twice in a row. Yesterday was the tune up game with the new DC Knowles and ND was practically shut out after the second half.

 

[JAYBUCKEYESOAS!]

Why did people think this Buckeye defense wouldn't be good? 2021 means nothing. Over the last 4 years I'm showing they've picked up five 5 stars, twenty-six 4 stars, and only four 3 stars on defense. That doesn't even count Athletes they've recruited and moved over. They had tons of talent to work with, and they brought in one of the best defensive coordinators in the country. Many people here kept saying it will take weeks or longer for a new coordinator to implement a scheme and improve a defense, but that's a horrible wives tale that's been proven wrong time and time again. Good coordinators can make impacts right away, especially if they have a ton of talent to work with. This was a very good defense, and our OL and WRs were not up to the task.

Excellent observations, very sober and on point, thank you Sir.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Really? tOSU isn’t that good either? tIOSU’s DC has now beaten ND twice in a row. Yesterday was the tune up game with the new DC Knowles and ND was practically shut out after the second half.

Congrats on the practical shut out after the second half.

 

[JAYBUCKEYESOAS!]

I genuinely believe ND wins that game if they swap QBs. Stroud just made the winning plays. That’s a take it as you will on a lot of fronts with regards to basically everyone on the offense. In that regard, we’re still exactly where we all knew we were, QB play that can elevate the rest, the program as a whole to another level.

Come on man this again? “Stroud just made the winning plays”? Then why didn’t ND “just stop” those winning plays. In fact, tOSU’s new DC Knowles has just beaten ND back to back no? This was a tune up game with tOSU’s brand new DC at that and ND was practically shut out in the second half.

 

[greyhammer90]

Come on man this again? “Stroud just made the winning plays”? Then why didn’t ND “just stop” those winning plays. In fact, tOSU’s new DC Knowles has just beaten ND back to back no? This was a tune up game with tOSU’s brand new DC at that and ND was practically shut out in the second half.

Real talk are you 15 years old?

 

[irishff1014]

Really? tOSU isn’t that good either? tIOSU’s DC has now beaten ND twice in a row. Yesterday was the tune up game with the new DC Knowles and ND was practically shut out after the second half.

All in all, not a bad first game. Plenty of positives to build a 10 win season. A Heisman candidate and possibly QB1 in next years draft made two wonderful plays along the sideline in the 2nd half while our starter last started a game in high school 3 years ago.

IOL was the biggest disappointment, Lugg in particular. If JPatt is healthy this game, maybe things going slightly different.

On to next week and MF’s first career win.

Hey troll go back to whatever worthless Ohio state page you came from. He didn’t coach in the bowl game.

 

[JAYBUCKEYESOAS!]

Pretty good analysis. Personally I'm not sold on Day, he had way too much talent to be down to us and finally pulling away late at home. I think Urban's influence has been slowly waning much like Harbaugh's exit from Stanford did. Both teams keep playing well because they've got talent, but I'm not sure the Buckeyes are as well coached now. I think Urban would have blown us up sooner. Don't get me wrong, Day is a good coach and they will continue to win 95-99%% of their games for some time, but he had no business losing to Oregon or Michigan last year, and he certainly shouldn't have been down against us for almost 3 quarters.

I was disappointed with the offense, but I think you're right. I think the playcalling and gameplan were indicative of what our limitations were and we played the best hand we could given the OL struggles and the situation at WR. People didn't like the conservative runs when we went 1st and 25 after the offensive pass interference, but that drive was most certainly dead at that point. Our WRs were almost non-existent all game with 3 catches total, and they were doing a pretty good job 2nd half of bottling up Mayer. We had little chance of converting, it was better to not do something stupid and play for the next possession. At that point we were only down 4.

I am amazed at your bit on tOSU, our brand new DC Knowles has just beaten ND twice in a row and yesterday was his tune up game and ND was practically shut out the second half no?