Aug 30 | Rice

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Thanks, didn't know about the turf.

Turnovers are always key, especially in bad weather. I suspect Kelly will have a tight leash on Golson if the conditions are bad and none of our backs have a propensity to fumble (not that I can remember). I hope we keep it clean.

Special teams could play a role. We have a great kicker but our return game is non-existent and our coverage is mediocre, at best. Kelly thinks they'll be vastly improved this year. We'll see. How are your special teams?

It's funny you brought this up. It's been so long since we've worried about this, how long before Bryant has a fumble and we see him on a tight leash? I hope he keeps it protected because we need all of our RBs available.

 

[JughedJones]

We have a new kicker this year. Grad transfer from LSU.

Damnit.

Welp, now I'm feeling iffy.

 

[wizards8507]

I hope he keeps it protected because we need all of our RBs available.

I certainly agree that it would be nice for GB to protect the ball, but I think we're in better shape than most when it comes to "needing all of our RBs available." Most teams don't have a 1A, 1B, and 1C situation. Granted, a lot of teams have better 1As than we do, but we have very little drop off if one guy had to be held back for whatever reason.

 

[Austin Owl]

Thanks, didn't know about the turf.

Turnovers are always key, especially in bad weather. I suspect Kelly will have a tight leash on Golson if the conditions are bad and none of our backs have a propensity to fumble (not that I can remember). I hope we keep it clean.

Special teams could play a role. We have a great kicker but our return game is non-existent and our coverage is mediocre, at best. Kelly thinks they'll be vastly improved this year. We'll see. How are your special teams?

They used to be a liability but we have gotten much better over the last few years to where we are average. Our punter is very good, gets good hang time. Our punt return game is not- we seem to fair catch 90% of the time. We graduated the best kicker we've had in years (he is in camp with Texans) and the jury is out on the LSU transfer that is supposedly taking his place. Behind him it's not good. So, not sure on KO or FG's. Our KO return game is okay, not great.

 

[woolybug25]

They used to be a liability but we have gotten much better over the last few years to where we are average. Our punter is very good, gets gets hang time. Our punt return game is not- we seem to fair catch 90% of the time. We graduated the best kicker we've had in years (he is in camp with Texans) and the jury is out on the LSU transfer that is supposedly taking his place. Behind him it's not good. So, not sure on KO or FG's. Our KO return game is okay, not great.

He'll look VERY good on Saturday.

 

[JughedJones]

They used to be a liability but we have gotten much better over the last few years to where we are average. Our punter is very good, gets gets hang time. Our punt return game is not- we seem to fair catch 90% of the time. We graduated the best kicker we've had in years (he is in camp with Texans) and the jury is out on the LSU transfer that is supposedly taking his place. Behind him it's not good. So, not sure on KO or FG's. Our KO return game is okay, not great.

Well, watch and learn!

 

[Wild Bill]

It's funny you brought this up. It's been so long since we've worried about this, how long before Bryant has a fumble and we see him on a tight leash? I hope he keeps it protected because we need all of our RBs available.

I don't think it'll be an issue. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic.

Alford has done a great job with our backs, in my opinion. They run with discipline and protect the ball.

 

[IrishLion]

Our punter is very good... Our punt return game is not- we seem to fair catch 90% of the time.

Haha, this guy and his return game worries.

You ain't seen nothing until you watch ND's punt return unit. It's mind-bottling.

 

[Cali_domer]

Haha, this guy and his return game worries.

You ain't seen nothing until you watch ND's punt return unit. It's mind-bottling.

Our punt returners wave better then most the country. I would put them up against anyone.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Haha, this guy and his return game worries.

You ain't seen nothing until you watch ND's punt return unit. It's mind-bottling.

Ha ha, does the truth slip in? Our return game could turn any man to the bottle.

It's mind numbing
It's mind boggling
It's MIND BOTTLING!

malopropisms are one of my favorite things

 

[ulukinatme]

Ha ha, does the truth slip in? Our return game could turn any man to the bottle.

It's mind numbing
It's mind boggling
It's MIND BOTTLING!

malopropisms are one of my favorite things

I thought IE trademarked the "mind bottling" faux pas phrase a long time ago?

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I thought IE trademarked the "mind bottling" faux pas phrase a long time ago?

It's certainly possible. I'm still a rook so perhaps that was before my time and I missed it's fleeting moment of fame?

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gold Lightning.

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDFB?src=hash">#NDFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dboyz?src=hash">#Dboyz</a>

Pic: <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewLamping">@AndrewLamping</a> <a href="http://t.co/7Ukzt3hF9W">pic.twitter.com/7Ukzt3hF9W</a></p>— The Turning Point (@TheIrishTP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheIrishTP/statuses/504975018271719424">August 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[IrishLion]

It's certainly possible. I'm still a rook so perhaps that was before my time and I missed it's fleeting moment of fame?

My "mind-bottling" malapropism was fully intentional haha.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Irish19 and Austin Owl were on the right track. Last year, this year, the team that can outslug Rice in the trenches, has the fresh legs to run the ball down their throats, and then when their db's suck in to play the run, throws deep to top them, will destroy them. Rice is a good team, and they will come to play. But they are not a complete team, as good as they are. A lot of the outcome depends on the gameplan Kelly brings, and the will the Irish use in executing that game plan! What did Leahy say? Give me a fourteen point lead at halftime and I will dictate the outcome of the game?

 

[LongSufferringOwl]

Irish19 and Austin Owl were on the right track. Last year, this year, the team that can outslug Rice in the trenches, has the fresh legs to run the ball down their throats, and then when their db's suck in to play the run, throws deep to top them, will destroy them. Rice is a good team, and they will come to play. But they are not a complete team, as good as they are. A lot of the outcome depends on the gameplan Kelly brings, and the will the Irish use in executing that game plan! What did Leahy say? Give me a fourteen point lead at halftime and I will dictate the outcome of the game?

I think both defenses are young and untested. We were helped significantly by the academic issue. (I am glad to see another school with a Honor Code that is enforced! We had a 100% graduation rate last year.)

Both teams rely on hard nosed running games. Both teams have QBs that were not starters last year, but ours did have a significant role in beating both Air Force 2 years ago and Kansas last year.

All that being said, I expect us to beat the spread, and I hope we will have a very competitive game coming out on top!

 

[FLDomer]

I think both defenses are young and untested. We were helped significantly by the academic issue. (I am glad to see another school with a Honor Code that is enforced! We had a 100% graduation rate last year.)

Both teams rely on hard nosed running games. Both teams have QBs that were not starters last year, but ours did have a significant role in beating both Air Force 2 years ago and Kansas last year.

All that being said, I expect us to beat the spread, and I hope we will have a very competitive game coming out on top!

Ours helped us go 12-0 2 years ago....well 11-1 because of the concussion and than the Bama buzzsaw.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Ours helped us go 12-0 2 years ago....well 11-1 because of the concussion and than the Bama buzzsaw.

Yeah, I love the discussion about what could/should happen but we need to be clear on what each team is bringing to the field. Our QB might be rustier from such a long vacation but he isn't a slouch and he's not new to the college football landscape. He only helped us to our best season in 20+ years as a RS Frosh.

We are anxiously excited to see if he truly progresses to that next level, if so, then we should put up big time points. If not, then as you say, it'll likely be a competitive game and you could even take us to the wire.

We are merely two days away!

 

[LongSufferringOwl]

Ours just pulled us out of a 14-7 hole at half time against Air Force and threw for 264 yds, 2 TDs and 26 points as a freshman. He did play some last year, helping us to beat Kansas. Should be interesting game!

 

[PANDFAN]

Ours just pulled us out of a 14-7 hole at half time and threw for 264 yds, 2 TDs and 26 points as a freshman. He did play some last year, helping us to beat Kansas. Should be interesting game!

they won 3 games...wouldn't hang my hat on that

2 of their wins were again south dakota , Louisiana tech

 

[Cali_domer]

they won 3 games...wouldn't hang my hat on that

They do have a schematic advantage though

 

[dshans]

Can a seven point deficit at half time legitimately be considered "a hole?"

A slight depression ... maybe.

 

[Austin Owl]

Yeah- I wouldn't hang my hat on a QB comparison just yet LSO- especially using KU as an example.
The Domers have a point. Golson has a 12-1 record as a starter, Jackson is 0-1 (and looked bad in an ugly game vs Houston). He looked great against Air Force, and I thought he should have been the starter going into last season. But he didn't look very good when he played last year for the most part. The reality is this- he is unproven and still a bit of an unknown. He definitely has more talent and a higher upside as a runner and passer than McHargue (last year starter), but we need to see more than a half before we know if he can realize that.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

We almost lost to Purdue last year and they were ranked lower than some FCS schools. This isn't a competition for who can convince the other that their team is better, I'm ready for Saturday to show us what we have!

 

[Cali_domer]

We almost lost to Purdue last year and they were ranked lower than some FCS schools. This isn't a competition for who can convince the other that their team is better, I'm ready for Saturday to show us what we have!

No doubt.. ND has the absolute uncanny ability to play down to their opponent(No offense Owl fans). This game has me extremely nervous that it may be like USF all over again..

 

[Austin Owl]

I agree. Saturday can't get here soon enough. Tired of just talking about it.

I am a Rice die hard, and I always believe we have a chance- if only because I've been watching football long enough to know that anything can happen and that funny shaped ball takes some crazy bounces sometimes. So, on our board I'll talk about where I think we can exploit a weakness here or there, and how if we get a few breaks I can see us stealing one. But, out of respect for the fact that this is a ND board, I try to keep my comments as objective as possible (thinking with my head), while still enjoying the back and forth.

The reality is this: ND is a more proven team with more highly recruited players. They play a much tougher schedule year in and year out, and they should be favored to win this game fairly easily (i.e. 21 point spread). The only positive I can take out of that sober analysis- for me- is that a Rice upset will be especially sweet if it happens

I hope to come back and post here after the game either way. Have fun at the game.

 

[woolybug25]

I agree. Saturday can't get here soon enough. Tired of just talking about it.

I am a Rice die hard, and I always believe we have a chance- if only because I've been watching football long enough to know that anything can happen and that funny shaped ball takes some crazy bounces sometimes. So, on our board I'll talk about where I think we can exploit a weakness here or there, and how if we get a few breaks I can see us stealing one. But, out of respect for the fact that this is a ND board, I try to keep my comments as objective as possible (thinking with my head), while still enjoying the back and forth.

The reality is this: ND is a more proven team with more highly recruited players. They play a much tougher schedule year in and year out, and they should be favored to win this game fairly easily (i.e. 21 point spread). The only positive I can take out of that sober analysis- for me- is that a Rice upset will be especially sweet if it happens

I hope to come back and post here after the game either way. Have fun at the game.

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.

 

[greyhammer90]

I hope to come back and post here after the game either way. Have fun at the game.

If you win, don't bother unless you feel like trolling. Things will be hostile. This place gets ugly after a close win, never mind a loss.

Just a heads up.

 

[Austin Owl]

If you win, don't bother unless you feel like trolling. Things will be hostile. This place gets ugly after a close win, never mind a loss.

Just a heads up.

Fair enough, and understood.

 

[ulukinatme]

If you win, don't bother unless you feel like trolling. Things will be hostile. This place gets ugly after a close win, never mind a loss.

Just a heads up.

Shit, things can get hairy after a decent win too

I had to make this a few years ago for some people: