2023 Fall Camp

[forkbeard3777]

Is there a Pre-Season Strength of Schedule listing anywhere? ND's schedule seems tougher than most.

Not sure, but 3 top-10 opponents...it's definitely a bear.

Off the top of my head, Florida, Ole Miss, and South Carolina have ridiculously hard schedules:

FLORIDA
@ Utah
McNeese State
Tennessee
Charlotte
@ Kentucky
Vanderbilt
@ South Carolina
Georgia (Jacksonville, FL)
Arkansas
@ LSU
@ Mizzou
FSU

OLE MISS
Mercer
@ Tulane
Georgia Tech
@ Alabama
LSU
Arkansas
@ Auburn
Vanderbilt
Texas A&M
@ Georgia
UL-Monroe
@ Mississippi State

SOUTH CAROLINA
UNC (Charlotte, NC)
Furman
@ Georgia
Mississippi State
@ Tennessee
Florida
@ Mizzou
@ Texas A&M
Jacksonville State
Vanderbilt
Kentucky
Clemson

 

[lcaps20]

Is there a Pre-Season Strength of Schedule listing anywhere? ND's schedule seems tougher than most.

I think Jamie U mentioned in his Thursday article that SP+ has ND's schedule at 24th

 

[forkbeard3777]

Most worried about USC, as well.

I’d rate them toughest to easiest USC, Clemson, OSU.

I think OSU will continue to be very beatable. And, Clemson is a very beatable team but tough environment.

The mighty Green Wave of Uptown New Orleans whipped their ass - Tulane. Tulane ran for 300+ on them. If I'm MF, I'm telling the offensive line and Estime to "get ready." Pound the ball, bleed the clock, wear their defense out, and keep Williams on the sideline.

 

[greyhammer90]

NDs schedule is weird. It's not nearly the toughest schedule from top to bottom, but that 4 game sprint of OSU, @Duke, @Louisville, USC is going to be really difficult to get through unscathed.

 

[greyhammer90]

The mighty Green Wave of Uptown New Orleans whipped their ass - Tulane. Tulane ran for 300+ on them. If I'm MF, I'm telling the offensive line and Estime to "get ready." Pound the ball, bleed the clock, wear their defense out, and keep Williams on the sideline.

We tried to do that last year and it didn't work though. But Hartman will actually make them respect the pass so hopefully the run game cometh.

 

[Rockin’Irish]

We tried to do that last year and it didn't work though.

I think with Hartman as the QB, the efficiency of running the ball should be much more consistent this year. A team like USC won’t be able to focus all its energy to stop the run, ND should have the ability to keep defenses off balance even with the lack of go to receivers before the season starts. I would expect the receivers to emerge much better than what we’ve seen/heard so far with very limited insight into fall camp.

 

[IrishLion]

NDs schedule is weird. It's not nearly the toughest schedule from top to bottom, but that 4 game sprint of OSU, @Duke, @Louisville, USC is going to be really difficult to get through unscathed.

 

[stpeteirish]

The mighty Green Wave of Uptown New Orleans whipped their ass - Tulane. Tulane ran for 300+ on them. If I'm MF, I'm telling the offensive line and Estime to "get ready." Pound the ball, bleed the clock, wear their defense out, and keep Williams on the sideline.

USC's game vs Tulane is totally irrelevant. Caleb Williams sat out and SC "had nothing to play for" and mailed it in.
And, you may recall, we had little success running the ball (or stopping the run) vs SC last year even though the previous games indicated that would be to our advantage.

We might beat them this year, of course, but our coaching staff is going to have to figure out why we we didn't dominate the LOS vs those guys last year and correct it.

 

[DONTH8]

USC's game vs Tulane is totally irrelevant. Caleb Williams sat out and SC "had nothing to play for" and mailed it in.
And, you may recall, we had little success running the ball (or stopping the run) vs SC last year even though the previous games indicated that would be to our advantage.

We might beat them this year, of course, but our coaching staff is going to have to figure out why we we didn't dominate the LOS vs those guys last year and correct it.

what? He went for like 460 and 5 TDs....

 

[IrishLion]

We tried to do that last year and it didn't work though. But Hartman will actually make them respect the pass so hopefully the run game cometh.

I think with Hartman as the QB, the efficiency of running the ball should be much more consistent this year. A team like USC won’t be able to focus all its energy to stop the run, ND should have the ability to keep defenses off balance even with the lack of go to receivers before the season starts. I would expect the receivers to emerge much better than what we’ve seen/heard so far with very limited insight into fall camp.

Hartman is definitely going to make life easier on Estime and the OL.

Also, and I can't emphasize this enough... RUN A FUCKING SCREEN PASS.

And I'm not talking that "new" variation of the screen that ND has been using since 2018, where the HB runs an angle with the TE's and WR's essentially blocking downfield right away (which I love).

I'm talking a legit, let-the-big-dogs-get-out-and-run screen to counter those times where the defense wants to bring 8 into the box and confuzzle whichever version of Drew Pyne is at QB. The entirety of the second half against Navy last year should have been slip screens until Navy decided to play normal defense, but Tommy just...... didn't call them? And there many other times last year where you could've broken some pressure with a simply screen or even a swing pass, but Tommy didn't believe in the trusty high-percentage shit with Pyne in there.

There had to have been a reason for it besides just Pyne. But with the combination of Parker hopefully being a "take what they give us" coordinator (based on having Hartman, Estime, and the OL), and Hartman himself being able to throw a simple short pass to a RB in-stride, we should be able to beat pressure packages this year.

 

[notredomer23]

Hartman is definitely going to make life easier on Estime and the OL.

Also, and I can't emphasize this enough... RUN A FUCKING SCREEN PASS.

And I'm not talking that "new" variation of the screen that ND has been using since 2018, where the HB runs an angle with the TE's and WR's essentially blocking downfield right away (which I love).

I'm talking a legit, let-the-big-dogs-get-out-and-run screen to counter those times where the defense wants to bring 8 into the box and confuzzle whichever version of Drew Pyne is at QB. The entirety of the second half against Navy last year should have been slip screens until Navy decided to play normal defense, but Tommy just...... didn't call them? And there many other times last year where you could've broken some pressure with a simply screen or even a swing pass, but Tommy didn't believe in the trusty high-percentage shit with Pyne in there.

There had to have been a reason for it besides just Pyne. But with the combination of Parker hopefully being a "take what they give us" coordinator (based on having Hartman, Estime, and the OL), and Hartman himself being able to throw a simple short pass to a RB in-stride, we should be able to beat pressure packages this year.

Careful, some on this board get ants in their pants when you suggest that.

 

[condoms SUCk]

Most worried about USC, as well.

I’d rate them toughest to easiest USC, Clemson, OSU.

I think OSU will continue to be very beatable. And, Clemson is a very beatable team but tough environment.

Have I missed something? Has USC learned to tackle? Until they show they have a defense with a pulse (Pyne was 23-36 318 3TD's and 1 INT) I refuse to count this game as a loss, it's 50/50 for me rn.
Toughest to easiest- Clemson, OSU, U$C.

 

[Domina Nostra]

The mighty Green Wave of Uptown New Orleans whipped their ass - Tulane. Tulane ran for 300+ on them. If I'm MF, I'm telling the offensive line and Estime to "get ready." Pound the ball, bleed the clock, wear their defense out, and keep Williams on the sideline.

USC's game vs Tulane is totally irrelevant. Caleb Williams sat out and SC "had nothing to play for" and mailed it in.
And, you may recall, we had little success running the ball (or stopping the run) vs SC last year even though the previous games indicated that would be to our advantage.

We might beat them this year, of course, but our coaching staff is going to have to figure out why we we didn't dominate the LOS vs those guys last year and correct it.

what? He went for like 460 and 5 TDs....

Suppose you agree that he didn't actually sit out, which is nobody's fault, not even the Tulane's--but that he did have the RIGHT to sit out.

 

[WilliamWallace]

Aren’t both Clemson and OSU starting new QB’s? If so, they’re going to have to prove they have a legitimate passing game or it could be a long day for both of them.

 

[StPaul_Irish]

Aren’t both Clemson and OSU starting new QB’s? If so, they’re going to have to prove they have a legitimate passing game or it could be a long day for both of them.

Kind of, Clemson has Klubnik who got some run last year, and has legit tools.

Pretty Sure OSU hasn't named a QB as Brown nor McCord have separated from each other.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Aren’t both Clemson and OSU starting new QB’s? If so, they’re going to have to prove they have a legitimate passing game or it could be a long day for both of them.

OSUs top 5 receivers are better than our number 1 receiver. They will still have a good passing offense

 

[WilliamWallace]

I also don’t see how Clemson will be vastly improved from last year. So if the stars are aligning, with improved offense, as well as defense, I don’t see how we’re not favored in both of those games. I guess it’ll be a prove scenario before we start garnering any respect.

 

[condoms SUCk]

Practice clips from today, ISD.

Merriweather with 1 rep, 1 drop. The only drop in the entire video, coaches and players combined lol.

Sometimes the light just comes on for players, hoping that's the case here. We don't need him to be on the same level of Marvin Harrison Jr., but a solid RELIABLE WR is a must for NS to make a playoff run. His weakness in 50/50 balls is definitely a concern, dude needs to sack up and go get the ball.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

I also don’t see how Clemson will be vastly improved from last year. So if the stars are aligning, with improved offense, as well as defense, I don’t see how we’re not favored in both of those games. I guess it’ll be a prove scenario before we start garnering any respect.

At Clemson at night wont be easy. They still have a ton of talent

 

[WilliamWallace]

OSUs top 5 receivers are better than our number 1 receiver. They will still have a good passing offense

Maybe so, but they still have to get them the ball. I’m sure by week 5 they will be better than their first, but unless he’s a Heisman contender we have the advantage. I truly believe last year is a different story with a legitimate QB.

 

[forkbeard3777]

USC's game vs Tulane is totally irrelevant. Caleb Williams sat out and SC "had nothing to play for" and mailed it in.
And, you may recall, we had little success running the ball (or stopping the run) vs SC last year even though the previous games indicated that would be to our advantage.

We might beat them this year, of course, but our coaching staff is going to have to figure out why we we didn't dominate the LOS vs those guys last year and correct it.

Huh???

 

[NDohio]

Aren’t both Clemson and OSU starting new QB’s? If so, they’re going to have to prove they have a legitimate passing game or it could be a long day for both of them.

Fair statement for OSU. That game being earlier in the season is definitely an advantage for ND. Clemson, not so much. Klubnik got some run last season and they will be well into their season by the time ND visits. Clemson at night with a new O-Coordinator (who seems to be really good), is going to be the toughest test of the season for ND. That is the game I am most concerned about.

 

[condoms SUCk]

Maybe so, but they still have to get them the ball. I’m sure by week 5 they will be better than their first, but unless he’s a Heisman contender we have the advantage. I truly believe last year is a different story with a legitimate QB.

Yup, I like ND's chances against OSU this year....the only game that really gives me nightmares is Clemson. On the road, at night and they will be out for revenge for last years a$$ whooping. USC is gonna be a shootout, just win by 1 baby.

 

[PutuporShutup]

Have I missed something? Has USC learned to tackle? Until they show they have a defense with a pulse (Pyne was 23-36 318 3TD's and 1 INT) I refuse to count this game as a loss, it's 50/50 for me rn.
Toughest to easiest- Clemson, OSU, U$C.

They knew how to tackle on fourth and 1 last year with 2 moronic 4th down play calls

 

[SeekNDestroy]

Huh???

Maybe he meant “mentally.”

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

I also don’t see how Clemson will be vastly improved from last year. So if the stars are aligning, with improved offense, as well as defense, I don’t see how we’re not favored in both of those games. I guess it’ll be a prove scenario before we start garnering any respect.

I think a lot of the pundits are counting on Klubnik improving with a full offseason as the starter, and he certainly has the intangibles to be an overall improvement over DJ Uiagalelei, who seemed to digress last year (will be fun to see what he can do at Oregon St, though, with lower expectations).

Plus, Will Shipley is still their workhorse. We did a great job of containing him last year, but that was no small feat, and will surely be a tall order again this year. Plus, they just don't lose at home very often. We almost got them in '15, and I think this roster is more talented, Hartman is familiar with that stadium and atmosphere, I still like our odds. But It's not going to be the cake walk that last year's game was.

 

[condoms SUCk]

They knew how to tackle on fourth and 1 last year with 2 moronic 4th down play calls

fair hahaha

 

[PutuporShutup]

OSUs top 5 receivers are better than our number 1 receiver. They will still have a good passing offense

Agree they will still have a good passing offense but the QB is more important than the WRs. Ohio State's QB will not be battle tested vs a good D before the ND game. Not saying they won't have some success, but we should give that QB some major problems.

 

[Irish#1]

I think we beat OSU and USC, but drop a close one at Clemson unless Klubnik starts having nightmares about BenMo.

 

[Luckylucci]

Have I missed something? Has USC learned to tackle? Until they show they have a defense with a pulse (Pyne was 23-36 318 3TD's and 1 INT) I refuse to count this game as a loss, it's 50/50 for me rn.
Toughest to easiest- Clemson, OSU, U$C.

Just to be clear, I don’t think it’s an automatic loss, in fact, I like our chances in every single game this season. I said, “most worried” not we’ll certainly lose.

And, USC is not the best team but it has the best player. In fact, it has arguably the best player in college football. A guy so good (equally as douchey) that teams are already planning to tank for him. That’s dangerous for any opposing team. There is nothing about OSU and Clemson that scare me other than their traditional pedigrees.