Aug 30 | Rice

[Austin Owl]

By all means, we would love to hear an Owl fan's perspective on where you think they can target us and/or what our perceived weaknesses are. We are a pretty open group, and love to hear from other fanbases. As long as you are respectful, giving your opinion wont be bashed here.

Okay......Well- I think our best chance is to force Golson to be a passer. I think I would try to stack the box and sell out to stop the running game. Run blitz, bring safeties up- anything to disrupt a consistent running game. If he beats us through the air, then so be it. If we stay in a base defense I just don't think we can hold up. We need turnovers, and I think the best way for us to get them is to have a rusty QB, whose strength is not the passing game, have to put the ball in the air a whole bunch. Underdogs only win by being aggressive and taking some risks. That obviously means we would open ourselves up to big plays and a real ugly blowout- but in order to give us a chance to win I would do that (not sure all Owls agree with me on this).

On the other side of the ball, sort of the same thing. We have to be aggressive. I would come out throwing the ball and hope to pop a big play or two and then mix in the running game against what is hopefully a softer playing defense. I wouldn't take as many chances as I think we have to on defense though, because I think we will be able to move the ball a bit anyway against your somewhat-diminished defense (due to the suspensions). I do think Jordan Taylor playing for us is important (he is questionable with an injured foot) because he has the size and ability at WR to cause problems for anyone.

Ultimately, I think we will just be too out-manned, but we do have guys that can and probalby will give you problems, like Taylor at WR, Davis and Dillard at RB, Covington at DT, and Callahan at CB (he is an interception waiting to happen). If our QB plays to his potential and we can cause some turnovers on defense we do have a chance.

All of that said- I am NOT convinced that what I outlined above is even close to the strategy we will actually employ. Using history as a reference, I would bet that we run the ball, run the ball, and then run it some more- and try to 'shorten the game', even if we get down a couple of scores, and then just try to keep it close. Last year's A&M game was a departure from that so hopefully that continues on Saturday.

 

[GBdomer]

Anybody else gonna be in town?

 

[woolybug25]

Okay......Well- I think our best chance is to force Golson to be a passer. I think I would try to stack the box and sell out to stop the running game. Run blitz, bring safeties up- anything to disrupt a consistent running game. If he beats us through the air, then so be it. If we stay in a base defense I just don't think we can hold up. We need turnovers, and I think the best way for us to get them is to have a rusty QB, whose strength is not the passing game, have to put the ball in the air a whole bunch. Underdogs only win by being aggressive and taking some risks. That obviously means we would open ourselves up to big plays and a real ugly blowout- but in order to give us a chance to win I would do that (not sure all Owls agree with me on this).

On the other side of the ball, sort of the same thing. We have to be aggressive. I would come out throwing the ball and hope to pop a big play or two and then mix in the running game against what is hopefully a softer playing defense. I wouldn't take as many chances as I think we have to on defense though, because I think we will be able to move the ball a bit anyway against your somewhat-diminished defense (due to the suspensions). I do think Jordan Taylor playing for us is important (he is questionable with an injured foot) because he has the size and ability at WR to cause problems for anyone.

Ultimately, I think we will just be too out-manned, but we do have guys that can and probalby will give you problems, like Taylor at WR, Davis and Dillard at RB, Covington at DT, and Callahan at CB (he is an interception waiting to happen). If our QB plays to his potential and we can cause some turnovers on defense we do have a chance.

All of that said- I am NOT convinced that what I outlined above is even close to the strategy we will actually employ. Using history as a reference, I would bet that we run the ball, run the ball, and then run it some more- and try to 'shorten the game', even if we get down a couple of scores, and then just try to keep it close. Last year's A&M game was a departure from that so hopefully that continues on Saturday.

Interesting... Thanks for sharing that. Are a lot of Owl fans under the impression that Golson isn't a good passer? Regardless of whether selling out to stop the run worked or not, I could tell you that asking us to pass the ball is like a wet dream for our coach. While we should try to establish a run (imo) in this game, if your boys sell out and stack the box, I assure you that Brian Kelly will go full air assault.

I think Golson is much more of a "pass first" QB than you think. In a perfect world, our offensive strategy would be a pass first spread, if Kelly had his way.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Okay......Well- I think our best chance is to force Golson to be a passer. I think I would try to stack the box and sell out to stop the running game. Run blitz, bring safeties up- anything to disrupt a consistent running game. If he beats us through the air, then so be it. If we stay in a base defense I just don't think we can hold up. We need turnovers, and I think the best way for us to get them is to have a rusty QB, whose strength is not the passing game, have to put the ball in the air a whole bunch. Underdogs only win by being aggressive and taking some risks. That obviously means we would open ourselves up to big plays and a real ugly blowout- but in order to give us a chance to win I would do that (not sure all Owls agree with me on this).

On the other side of the ball, sort of the same thing. We have to be aggressive. I would come out throwing the ball and hope to pop a big play or two and then mix in the running game against what is hopefully a softer playing defense. I wouldn't take as many chances as I think we have to on defense though, because I think we will be able to move the ball a bit anyway against your somewhat-diminished defense (due to the suspensions). I do think Jordan Taylor playing for us is important (he is questionable with an injured foot) because he has the size and ability at WR to cause problems for anyone.

Ultimately, I think we will just be too out-manned, but we do have guys that can and probalby will give you problems, like Taylor at WR, Davis and Dillard at RB, Covington at DT, and Callahan at CB (he is an interception waiting to happen). If our QB plays to his potential and we can cause some turnovers on defense we do have a chance.

All of that said- I am NOT convinced that what I outlined above is even close to the strategy we will actually employ. Using history as a reference, I would bet that we run the ball, run the ball, and then run it some more- and try to 'shorten the game', even if we get down a couple of scores, and then just try to keep it close. Last year's A&M game was a departure from that so hopefully that continues on Saturday.

WIth the suspension of Daniels, the WR group is untested so that might be how Rice decides to open the game. The caveat is that ND does have a couple burners (Chris Brown & Will Fuller) so big plays are a real risk.

Not knowing anything about Rice's strengths and weaknesses, I think running the ball is probably going to be the best way to attack ND's defense this year.

EDIT: Golson is a mobile guy who can punish a defense but I don't think he's a real threat to gash a defense repeatedly on the ground. His best asset is buying time and making plays with his arm when the defense breaks down. There's certainly a risk that he will show some rust but he's got plenty of arm strength and Brian Kelly loves to throw the ball.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Yeah stacking the box is exactly what Kelly wants.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

We need turnovers, and I think the best way for us to get them is to have a rusty QB, whose strength is not the passing game, have to put the ball in the air a whole bunch.

I'm not surprised that other fan bases perceive Golson as more of a runner, but that ain't the case. He's definitely a pass-first QB with a monster arm. The kid threw for 151 TD passes in high school. And Kelly's offense is a pass-first spread. He throws to run, not the other way around.

On the other side of the ball, sort of the same thing. We have to be aggressive. I would come out throwing the ball and hope to pop a big play or two and then mix in the running game against what is hopefully a softer playing defense.

Our secondary is the deepest and most talented unit on our defense.

All of that said- I am NOT convinced that what I outlined above is even close to the strategy we will actually employ. Using history as a reference, I would bet that we run the ball, run the ball, and then run it some more- and try to 'shorten the game', even if we get down a couple of scores, and then just try to keep it close.

That's probably the wiser course. Our front-7 is thin, inexperienced, adjusting to a new scheme and much smaller than it used to be. If there's any area in which our defense is bound to regress, it's against the run.

 

[irishff1014]

Okay......Well- I think our best chance is to force Golson to be a passer. I think I would try to stack the box and sell out to stop the running game. Run blitz, bring safeties up- anything to disrupt a consistent running game. If he beats us through the air, then so be it. If we stay in a base defense I just don't think we can hold up. We need turnovers, and I think the best way for us to get them is to have a rusty QB, whose strength is not the passing game, have to put the ball in the air a whole bunch. Underdogs only win by being aggressive and taking some risks. That obviously means we would open ourselves up to big plays and a real ugly blowout- but in order to give us a chance to win I would do that (not sure all Owls agree with me on this).

On the other side of the ball, sort of the same thing. We have to be aggressive. I would come out throwing the ball and hope to pop a big play or two and then mix in the running game against what is hopefully a softer playing defense. I wouldn't take as many chances as I think we have to on defense though, because I think we will be able to move the ball a bit anyway against your somewhat-diminished defense (due to the suspensions). I do think Jordan Taylor playing for us is important (he is questionable with an injured foot) because he has the size and ability at WR to cause problems for anyone.

Ultimately, I think we will just be too out-manned, but we do have guys that can and probalby will give you problems, like Taylor at WR, Davis and Dillard at RB, Covington at DT, and Callahan at CB (he is an interception waiting to happen). If our QB plays to his potential and we can cause some turnovers on defense we do have a chance.

All of that said- I am NOT convinced that what I outlined above is even close to the strategy we will actually employ. Using history as a reference, I would bet that we run the ball, run the ball, and then run it some more- and try to 'shorten the game', even if we get down a couple of scores, and then just try to keep it close. Last year's A&M game was a departure from that so hopefully that continues on Saturday.

I like you positive out look. But like others i think a lot of people are being a bit foolish on Golson passing the ball. I understand you all have a good corner but with group of WR's we could use i really think they would be to much for the secondary to handle. I am not trying to be negative towards your team i just have a lot of faith in our guys.

 

[Austin Owl]

Interesting... Thanks for sharing that. Are a lot of Owl fans under the impression that Golson isn't a good passer? Regardless of whether selling out to stop the run worked or not, I could tell you that asking us to pass the ball is like a wet dream for our coach. While we should try to establish a run (imo) in this game, if your boys sell out and stack the box, I assure you that Brian Kelly will go full air assault.

I think Golson is much more of a "pass first" QB than you think. In a perfect world, our offensive strategy would be a pass first spread, if Kelly had his way.

I didn't say he was not a good passer. Simply put- I don't think we can stop your running game without exposing our secondary somewhat. I am picking (at least in my mind) the lesser of two evils. If we make you guys throw it a bunch then he may throw for 400 yards and get a big blowout. But I think we stand a better chance of getting a turnover or two that way too (because- and not meaning any disprespect- I saw him play in a few games and he did not impress me all that much as a passer). If we can't stop your run, it is going to be a looooong day and we have no chance. I agree that Kelly is a guy that wants to throw it all over the yard given the chance

 

[woolybug25]

I didn't say he was not a good passer. Simply put- I don't think we can stop your running game without exposing our secondary somewhat. I am picking (at least in my mind) the lesser of two evils. If we make you guys throw it a bunch then he may throw for 400 yards and get a big blowout. But I think we stand a better chance of getting a turnover or two that way too (because- and not meaning any disprespect- I saw him play in a few games and he did not impress me all that much as a passer). If we can't stop your run, it is going to be a looooong day and we have no chance. I agree that Kelly is a guy that wants to throw it all over the yard given the chance

I see. That's interesting. I actually hope this is the gameplan that they use. Not because I think its necessarily a bad plan, but because it will make the game a hell of a lot of fun to watch!

 

[Irishbounty28]

Can't wait for this game to happen. I am all in and took some vacation from work for opening weekend. Hope we can come out fast and explosive and get this game in hand quickly. I think we have the horses to score some points, and believe that the running backs will have a good day. Should be a good weekend.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Interesting... Thanks for sharing that. Are a lot of Owl fans under the impression that Golson isn't a good passer? Regardless of whether selling out to stop the run worked or not, I could tell you that asking us to pass the ball is like a wet dream for our coach. While we should try to establish a run (imo) in this game, if your boys sell out and stack the box, I assure you that Brian Kelly will go full air assault.

I think Golson is much more of a "pass first" QB than you think. In a perfect world, our offensive strategy would be a pass first spread, if Kelly had his way.

I was just thinking the same thing. Not that Golson has proven he can sit in the pocket and deliver the ball consistently but Kelly would love nothing more than target 1 v 1 matchups all game long. We haven't seen it work at ND, yet, but he isn't afraid to take what a defense gives him.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

One really interesting thing to watch. Everyone that has seen Golson throw since he is back talks about his accuracy, release, and unexpected arm strength. He was a lot different quarterback in '12. I think that he will not only rock this year, but he will have a very low turnover rate. Saturday may tell!

 

[NDdomer2]

First play run or deep? Floyd's TD against wmu first play was awesome. We opened the SFU game with a long screen, George went for 70 a couple plays in against Navy.

Hope we start the fire works early.

 

[Buster Bluth]

One really interesting thing to watch. Everyone that has seen Golson throw since he is back talks about his accuracy, release, and unexpected arm strength. He was a lot different quarterback in '12. I think that he will not only rock this year, but he will have a very low turnover rate. Saturday may tell!

If Notre Dame is going to have a 9+ win season he's going to need to be very good. Much better than 2012. I'm hoping that's the case.

 

[Irish#1]

First play......Look for play action with a rub where the receiver can come back across the middle and break one.

 

[greyhammer90]

I'd get a chub if we came out for the first play in an I formation

I know that's not our game but damn I'd love it

 

[JughedJones]

I'd get a chub if we came out for the first play in an I formation

I know that's not our game but damn I'd love it

Who would we even put in as the FB?

I'd love it too, but I'm having a hard time picturing the personnel.

 

[Irish Insanity]

First play.......probably gonna be a special teams play. But I've been wrong before.

 

[Booslum31]

I'd get a chub if we came out for the first play in an I formation

I know that's not our game but damn I'd love it

Wishbone with two TE's

 

[greyhammer90]

Who would we even put in as the FB?

I'd love it too, but I'm having a hard time picturing the personnel.

.... Moore....

 

[JughedJones]

.... Moore....

 

[Booslum31]

Who would we even put in as the FB?

I'd love it too, but I'm having a hard time picturing the personnel.

Sheldon Day

 

[NDdomer2]

Luatua

 

[aubeirish]

One really interesting thing to watch. Everyone that has seen Golson throw since he is back talks about his accuracy, release, and unexpected arm strength. He was a lot different quarterback in '12. I think that he will not only rock this year, but he will have a very low turnover rate. Saturday may tell!

Agreed. I also think that his confidence and the way he handles himself will be much better this time around. He had a humbling experience, and from what I can gather, he matured in a big way. I think it is the first year in a long time that I am not worried at all about the QB position. Golson can be deadly.

P.S.:I have been very positive about Tommy, but, who was I kidding? haha.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Luatua

Ding ding ding. Especially since he is playing the roll of hback


Sent via tapatalk

 

[NDdomer2]

Ding ding ding. Especially since he is playing the roll of hback


Sent via tapatalk

Creates a lot of nice play action.

 

[PANDFAN]

Quick hits
• Kelly confirmed defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder will coach from the sidelines this season, with only outside linebackers coach Bob Elliott and the graduate assistants from the box. On offense, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur will be in the box, with the other offensive coaches on the field.

Denbrock is back to “100 percent” after undergoing surgery following a bout of prostate cancer earlier this month, Kelly said.

“I would definitely say that he’s been in our morning meetings and evening meetings and putting in 14-15 hour days,” Kelly said. “I haven’t seen anything different from him relative to his health from where he was last year.”

• Notre Dame practiced Thursday in a stadium that was “10 to 15 degrees warmer” than in years past due to the recently installed FieldTurf.

“It’s definitely warm in there,” he said. “It makes a difference. I’m glad we’ve been in there and can get more acclimated. The heat and rubber definitely makes a difference in there. We feel a lot more comfortable in the surroundings and the field. It’s a great surface. We’re excited.”

• Kelly spoke publicly for the first time about the naming of the four captains — fifth-year senior safety Austin Collinsworth, senior running back Cam McDaniel, senior center Nick Martin and junior defensive end Sheldon Day — after going “back and forth” for some time.

“We have a huge redshirt junior class,” he said. “We have some sophomores that are really dynamic leaders as well, but I didn’t want to forget about our seniors. We had three different factors involved here as it relates to the captains. Some that weren’t going to be named captain maybe that might be named captain next year. We could have some captains this year that are underclassmen that might not be captains this year.”

Brian Kelly: Academic Investigation 'Has Concluded'

 

[LongSufferringOwl]

This was a comment over on Bleacher Report:

Well, Golson had 6 fumbles and 6 picks with only 12 TDs vs. Cement Foot's 13 turnovers with TWENTY SEVEN TDs. So, Zaire will replace Golson's "deer in the headlights" routine and lead the team to victory for the next three years.

From previous posts, Golson had a great year leading the team to the national championship game 2 years ago. Any idea of what period of time the above quote was referring to?

 

[Ironman8]

Golson was bad to start the year as a RS Freshman.

He got better as the year went on.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

This was a comment over on Bleacher Report:

Well, Golson had 6 fumbles and 6 picks with only 12 TDs vs. Cement Foot's 13 turnovers with TWENTY SEVEN TDs. So, Zaire will replace Golson's "deer in the headlights" routine and lead the team to victory for the next three years.

From previous posts, Golson had a great year leading the team to the national championship game 2 years ago. Any idea of what period of time the above quote was referring to?

No idea.