Aug 31 | Texas A&M

Jimmy3Putt

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I'm getting sick of hearing how the o-line is going to get killed. The starters don't have a lot of experience, but the second string does. These young guys beat out the players with experience. It probably wasn't even close because if it was, the vets would be playing.
 

InKellyWeTrust

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I'm getting sick of hearing how the o-line is going to get killed. The starters don't have a lot of experience, but the second string does. These young guys beat out the players with experience. It probably wasn't even close because if it was, the vets would be playing.
To be fair, the concern may be the vets are that bad.
 

Crazy Balki

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To be fair, the concern may be the vets are that bad.
I mean, for the most part, they were pretty darn solid most of last year. Coogan and Spindler were far from bad. Only one that that could be true is Baker, but even he played well in the bowl game against a good defensive line. Not this level but still pretty good competition.
 

IRISHDODGER

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I'm getting sick of hearing how the o-line is going to get killed. The starters don't have a lot of experience, but the second string does. These young guys beat out the players with experience. It probably wasn't even close because if it was, the vets would be playing.
it’s the logical Achilles Heel based on what the public knows & the fact they haven’t taken a snap yet. Odds are they will struggle b/c it’s reportedly (on paper) one of the best defensive fronts in the nation w/ a respected defensive mind as HC.

If you see ND in 3rd & long and they decide to play it safe w/ a draw play or end around and forgo the pass, that would be a telltale sign that staff can’t trust the OL yet. It’s not a diss on them but game one playing in a hostile environment w/ six career starts is a huge ask.

You simply can’t put them in a situation where the aTm front is allowed to pin their ears back and make a bee line for the QB. Joe Alt would struggle w/ that (see his matchup vs Gilati (sp?) of UL last year)
 

SDIrishFan

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I'm getting sick of hearing how the o-line is going to get killed. The starters don't have a lot of experience, but the second string does. These young guys beat out the players with experience. It probably wasn't even close because if it was, the vets would be playing.
I hope the o line is tired of hearing it too and ready to prove the haters wrong…
 

fightingirish26

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Sometimes other teams don’t allocate tickets for the band. Ohio State made the band pay for every seat and didn’t allow them to be in uniform or march on field, just a pep band.

ND always allows bands (except Rice + Stanford) to play at ND because we’re great people and it’s the other team’s super bowl
Idk about the invites but I went to the Pitt game last year and no band.
 

EvilleIrish

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I know the concerns about the o line might be a bit overblown but it’s alarming that Knapp is 290 and their stud DE is 285.
 

Veritate Duce Progredi

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I'm just playing devil's advocate. The insecurities of fans about our Oline is because nobody really knows until they see it.

That's part of it.

The other part is the lack of experience and youth and neither are things we've been accustomed to over the last 10 years or so.

I know someone will be able to dig up these stats but when have we ever had a younger OL than this? It might be unprecedented. We've been so used to just plugging in another 2-4 year developed player anytime we lose someone or we have a young guy emerge early and beat out starter.

If we assigned points 0 (true freshman) - 5 (5th yr SR) for the age of each player on the OL, I would guess we've hovered around 16-22 over the past decade. This OL would have a grand total score of 7.

I'm a fan so I have optimism and excitement to see how everything unfolds. Plus the young line will be bolstered by an excellent OC, a running QB, some damn good RBs and some excellent TEs, not to mention a strong defense.
 

KMac151993

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That's part of it.

The other part is the lack of experience and youth and neither are things we've been accustomed to over the last 10 years or so.

I know someone will be able to dig up these stats but when have we ever had a younger OL than this? It might be unprecedented. We've been so used to just plugging in another 2-4 year developed player anytime we lose someone or we have a young guy emerge early and beat out starter.

If we assigned points 0 (true freshman) - 5 (5th yr SR) for the age of each player on the OL, I would guess we've hovered around 16-22 over the past decade. This OL would have a grand total score of 7.

I'm a fan so I have optimism and excitement to see how everything unfolds. Plus the young line will be bolstered by an excellent OC, a running QB, some damn good RBs and some excellent TEs, not to mention a strong defense.
I thought I had read somewhere that it was ironically 1988.
 

Bowhunter08

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Texas Aggie here just stopping by to say hi and I look forward to the game. For those making the trip, I hope you travel safe and are on-time. Aggies will treat you very hospitably and stop any tailgate, introduce yourself and you will get free food and drinks.

If you arrive early enough, attend yell practice at midnight Friday night at Kyle Field. Should be close to 50K people in attendance - its free. Visiting fans are welcome and routinely attend.

About the game, I have no idea how it turns out. We have endured the Jimbo Era and many Aggies are numb to football. We are afraid to have high expectations. But having Coach Elko here makes keeping expectations low very, very hard. Combine that with a complete culture change in Aggieland, we may see and talented team (7th most talented team in college according to 247 comp) rise to the moment with 110K fans at night. Regardless of who wins, the crowd and environment will be amazing.

Over the last month, I have watched every 2023 ND football game. So I understand a little about your team. Talented and accomplished. I even watched a few Duke games to get familiar with RL and the DE.

This game may be decided by a key injury, a turnover a penalty and targeting. The margins, I believe, at that tight.

Just want to share some insights about our team leading up to the game - hopefully objective ones.

I have seen some previous posts here about the Aggie OL not being very good and questioned the strength of that unit because the Aggie coaches were moving people around on the OL just a few days ago. The issues is NOT because they do not have talent or experience......its highly competitive among some very talented players and they are searching for the best 5. Specifically the RT from last year was a true freshman (rated around .98 composite) was a guard but due to injuries to two tackles, played out of position all last year. He has now moved back to his normal LG spot and is the strongest guy on the team. The new RT is a 6-8 330 JR that was injured last year. He started for TAMU as a true freshman and held Alabama's Will Anderson (2nd pick in NFL I think) to no sacks or TFLs. So he is not a bum. The LT is a solid multi-year starter 6-7 315 Zuhn. He is mr. consistency. May be our best lineman....IDK. The Center is a BIG Polynesian 6-3 330 that was the starting center for Utah last year. He is STRONG and an anchor. Lastly at right guard is Reed-Adams 6-5 330 who was the starting guard for Kansas last year and is athletic enough to have played some TE last year in specialty plays. So the bottom line we dont know how good they will be. The ceiling may be high, or this collection of talented players may not mesh. We will see Saturday night.

A&M will have a big size advantage in the trenches when A&M is on offense.......but can ND overcome with scheme, desire, athleticism, speed and quickness. IDK.

Recognize the A&M OL has been going against probably one of the top 3 DL in College football (ND being another).

DE Scourton 6-3 285 (B1G10 sack leader and a monster) Originally from Bryan/College Station and will be hyped for this game
DT Hicks 6-5 300 (played as a freshman on a very talented A&M line. Was a 5 star out of HS)
DT Turner 6-4 300 (multi-year starter, played out of position as a DE last year. Elko moved him back to natural position) 5 star HS
DE Stewart 6-6 290 (Played behind Turner last year - and was big contributor. 5 star out of HS

These guys will need to keep RL in the pocket and collapse it for A&M to have any chance. If RL cuts loose and runs for yardage we will not win!!!!

Our secondary is a big unknown. We return a safety (5-star) and a talented CB. Not a BMO or a Watts but are good. We have several accomplished transfers fighting for the other CB position who are upperclassmen and also 5-star dez ricks from Bama. Just like the OL, ceiling is high but who knows what we have. When the lights come on can they play??????

RB is also an unknown. Moss (6-0 215) is the starter but he, IMHO, is not a home run threat. He is talented (de-committed from Bama to join Aggies) and was highly rated out of HS. He his more of a power runner though he has decent speed. He will get the 4-6 yards and keep the chains moving. It hurt like hell to loose Owens (5-star) to injury because he is our Jeramiah Love. We have 2 other very capable capable back ups, but our success will be on the back of Moss as a runner.

If ND gets out of College Station with the win, I truly believe you will be undefeated heading into the CFP. Who else could beat ya? FSU? LOL USC? They are a finesse team and punch them and a Lincoln Riley team will fade. Sorry for long post - Best of Luck!!!
 

GoIrish41

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Texas Aggie here just stopping by to say hi and I look forward to the game. For those making the trip, I hope you travel safe and are on-time. Aggies will treat you very hospitably and stop any tailgate, introduce yourself and you will get free food and drinks.

If you arrive early enough, attend yell practice at midnight Friday night at Kyle Field. Should be close to 50K people in attendance - its free. Visiting fans are welcome and routinely attend.

About the game, I have no idea how it turns out. We have endured the Jimbo Era and many Aggies are numb to football. We are afraid to have high expectations. But having Coach Elko here makes keeping expectations low very, very hard. Combine that with a complete culture change in Aggieland, we may see and talented team (7th most talented team in college according to 247 comp) rise to the moment with 110K fans at night. Regardless of who wins, the crowd and environment will be amazing.

Over the last month, I have watched every 2023 ND football game. So I understand a little about your team. Talented and accomplished. I even watched a few Duke games to get familiar with RL and the DE.

This game may be decided by a key injury, a turnover a penalty and targeting. The margins, I believe, at that tight.

Just want to share some insights about our team leading up to the game - hopefully objective ones.

I have seen some previous posts here about the Aggie OL not being very good and questioned the strength of that unit because the Aggie coaches were moving people around on the OL just a few days ago. The issues is NOT because they do not have talent or experience......its highly competitive among some very talented players and they are searching for the best 5. Specifically the RT from last year was a true freshman (rated around .98 composite) was a guard but due to injuries to two tackles, played out of position all last year. He has now moved back to his normal LG spot and is the strongest guy on the team. The new RT is a 6-8 330 JR that was injured last year. He started for TAMU as a true freshman and held Alabama's Will Anderson (2nd pick in NFL I think) to no sacks or TFLs. So he is not a bum. The LT is a solid multi-year starter 6-7 315 Zuhn. He is mr. consistency. May be our best lineman....IDK. The Center is a BIG Polynesian 6-3 330 that was the starting center for Utah last year. He is STRONG and an anchor. Lastly at right guard is Reed-Adams 6-5 330 who was the starting guard for Kansas last year and is athletic enough to have played some TE last year in specialty plays. So the bottom line we dont know how good they will be. The ceiling may be high, or this collection of talented players may not mesh. We will see Saturday night.

A&M will have a big size advantage in the trenches when A&M is on offense.......but can ND overcome with scheme, desire, athleticism, speed and quickness. IDK.

Recognize the A&M OL has been going against probably one of the top 3 DL in College football (ND being another).

DE Scourton 6-3 285 (B1G10 sack leader and a monster) Originally from Bryan/College Station and will be hyped for this game
DT Hicks 6-5 300 (played as a freshman on a very talented A&M line. Was a 5 star out of HS)
DT Turner 6-4 300 (multi-year starter, played out of position as a DE last year. Elko moved him back to natural position) 5 star HS
DE Stewart 6-6 290 (Played behind Turner last year - and was big contributor. 5 star out of HS

These guys will need to keep RL in the pocket and collapse it for A&M to have any chance. If RL cuts loose and runs for yardage we will not win!!!!

Our secondary is a big unknown. We return a safety (5-star) and a talented CB. Not a BMO or a Watts but are good. We have several accomplished transfers fighting for the other CB position who are upperclassmen and also 5-star dez ricks from Bama. Just like the OL, ceiling is high but who knows what we have. When the lights come on can they play??????

RB is also an unknown. Moss (6-0 215) is the starter but he, IMHO, is not a home run threat. He is talented (de-committed from Bama to join Aggies) and was highly rated out of HS. He his more of a power runner though he has decent speed. He will get the 4-6 yards and keep the chains moving. It hurt like hell to loose Owens (5-star) to injury because he is our Jeramiah Love. We have 2 other very capable capable back ups, but our success will be on the back of Moss as a runner.

If ND gets out of College Station with the win, I truly believe you will be undefeated heading into the CFP. Who else could beat ya? FSU? LOL USC? They are a finesse team and punch them and a Lincoln Riley team will fade. Sorry for long post - Best of Luck!!!
Thanks for the insight.
 

ND7983

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I know the concerns about the o line might be a bit overblown but it’s alarming that Knapp is 290 and their stud DE is 285.
The weight doesn’t matter. It’s so much more.
Baker is huge, but can’t move. Ironically, everyone thought he was too skinny at first & would need to gain weight. He did, & it hurt him.
Blake Fisher was the perfect size when he was a freshman. For some crazy reason he gained a bunch of weight & he got worse.
Knapp is 6’4 but as the arm length of a 6’6-6’7 kid. Evidently he is the 3rd strongest (according to ND), & has very violent hands & good footwork. Those things are more important to me than weight.
If he gained 10 lbs of fat, and was the magic 300 number, would people be happy?
 

Wild Bill

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I know the concerns about the o line might be a bit overblown but it’s alarming that Knapp is 290 and their stud DE is 285.
Just have to scheme around him in the run game. Nobody is drive blocking this mule off the ball one on one. Have to find his weakness and make his big ass work - chip him, hook him and get outside. Cut him every single time he's on the backside of a run. Stay on double team a tick longer, etc etc. Have to get him tired and thinking.

The offensive line has to play well as a unit to overcome individual inexperience.
 

jprue24

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A&M are largely good folks ... a little weird and cult-y, but affable.

I, honestly, like a little good natured ribbing as long as it's in good fun. A&M fans, however, really aren't like that. They're pleasant and they'll give you a "howdy" and all that shit...

The campus resembles a Russian Gulag. Remember, don't walk on the grass and don't wear your hat in the student union. Enjoy their marching band - easily one of the best, if not the best in my opinion. They've got some of the more unique traditions. Y'all will have a good time.

Go kick their ass. :clover:

The fan bases of Texas vs Texas A&M are night and day. I hold degrees from both. The difference in personalities, beliefs, behavior, is striking.

it's as clear as blue vs red. A&M is a tight-knit family that some describe as a cult. We have a saying "from the outside, you cant understand it; from the inside you cant explain it." but treating people well is a priority.

Now, don't take our Yells like "Beat the Hell Outta Notre Dame!" personally- these are 100+ yr old traditions you'll see. very iconic and "weird" I'm sure! :)

(and you'll hear a high pitched "Whoooooooop" incessantly before and during the game. That is the highest, proudest praise an Aggie will utter to anything approved of!

also if you hear "good bull" thats a complement. Like if an Ag sees you sporting your Irish colors to the max,
he might tell you that's "good bull!". it does NOT mean "bull shit"

if you hear "red-ass" that means hard-core Aggie. ot someone doing something iutstanding in an Old School way. We LOVE "old school"!

Sorry- one more big one i should mention:

"Howdy!" is the traditional way Ags should welcome guests and each other. yeah, sounds corny but it's Tradition.

oh and do NOTmiss the Fightin ' Texas Aggie Band (FTAB) at halftime- truly one of the great unique things you will ever see in college football. take your bio break after:



Couldn't tell you anything about the game - who won, what I ate, what the weather was like....but I do remember a bunch of guys with crewcuts doing a cheer -- 'What comes out of a Chinaman's ass? RICE RICE RICE".
pussy-buffet-lucy-gambaro.gif
 

Veritate Duce Progredi

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Texas Aggie here just stopping by to say hi and I look forward to the game. For those making the trip, I hope you travel safe and are on-time. Aggies will treat you very hospitably and stop any tailgate, introduce yourself and you will get free food and drinks.

If you arrive early enough, attend yell practice at midnight Friday night at Kyle Field. Should be close to 50K people in attendance - its free. Visiting fans are welcome and routinely attend.

About the game, I have no idea how it turns out. We have endured the Jimbo Era and many Aggies are numb to football. We are afraid to have high expectations. But having Coach Elko here makes keeping expectations low very, very hard. Combine that with a complete culture change in Aggieland, we may see and talented team (7th most talented team in college according to 247 comp) rise to the moment with 110K fans at night. Regardless of who wins, the crowd and environment will be amazing.

Over the last month, I have watched every 2023 ND football game. So I understand a little about your team. Talented and accomplished. I even watched a few Duke games to get familiar with RL and the DE.

This game may be decided by a key injury, a turnover a penalty and targeting. The margins, I believe, at that tight.

Just want to share some insights about our team leading up to the game - hopefully objective ones.

I have seen some previous posts here about the Aggie OL not being very good and questioned the strength of that unit because the Aggie coaches were moving people around on the OL just a few days ago. The issues is NOT because they do not have talent or experience......its highly competitive among some very talented players and they are searching for the best 5. Specifically the RT from last year was a true freshman (rated around .98 composite) was a guard but due to injuries to two tackles, played out of position all last year. He has now moved back to his normal LG spot and is the strongest guy on the team. The new RT is a 6-8 330 JR that was injured last year. He started for TAMU as a true freshman and held Alabama's Will Anderson (2nd pick in NFL I think) to no sacks or TFLs. So he is not a bum. The LT is a solid multi-year starter 6-7 315 Zuhn. He is mr. consistency. May be our best lineman....IDK. The Center is a BIG Polynesian 6-3 330 that was the starting center for Utah last year. He is STRONG and an anchor. Lastly at right guard is Reed-Adams 6-5 330 who was the starting guard for Kansas last year and is athletic enough to have played some TE last year in specialty plays. So the bottom line we dont know how good they will be. The ceiling may be high, or this collection of talented players may not mesh. We will see Saturday night.

A&M will have a big size advantage in the trenches when A&M is on offense.......but can ND overcome with scheme, desire, athleticism, speed and quickness. IDK.

Recognize the A&M OL has been going against probably one of the top 3 DL in College football (ND being another).

DE Scourton 6-3 285 (B1G10 sack leader and a monster) Originally from Bryan/College Station and will be hyped for this game
DT Hicks 6-5 300 (played as a freshman on a very talented A&M line. Was a 5 star out of HS)
DT Turner 6-4 300 (multi-year starter, played out of position as a DE last year. Elko moved him back to natural position) 5 star HS
DE Stewart 6-6 290 (Played behind Turner last year - and was big contributor. 5 star out of HS

These guys will need to keep RL in the pocket and collapse it for A&M to have any chance. If RL cuts loose and runs for yardage we will not win!!!!

Our secondary is a big unknown. We return a safety (5-star) and a talented CB. Not a BMO or a Watts but are good. We have several accomplished transfers fighting for the other CB position who are upperclassmen and also 5-star dez ricks from Bama. Just like the OL, ceiling is high but who knows what we have. When the lights come on can they play??????

RB is also an unknown. Moss (6-0 215) is the starter but he, IMHO, is not a home run threat. He is talented (de-committed from Bama to join Aggies) and was highly rated out of HS. He his more of a power runner though he has decent speed. He will get the 4-6 yards and keep the chains moving. It hurt like hell to loose Owens (5-star) to injury because he is our Jeramiah Love. We have 2 other very capable capable back ups, but our success will be on the back of Moss as a runner.

If ND gets out of College Station with the win, I truly believe you will be undefeated heading into the CFP. Who else could beat ya? FSU? LOL USC? They are a finesse team and punch them and a Lincoln Riley team will fade. Sorry for long post - Best of Luck!!!
Thanks for dropping into our little sliver of heaven and giving us a rundown.

giphy.gif


We've all read as much as we could, analyzed and read other analyses from both sides....

giphy.gif
 

HouseofPain

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As I said previously, if ND cant beat the 6th best team in the SEC, it doesnt belong anywhere near the playoffs.
 

TxAg33

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As I said previously, if ND cant beat the 6th best team in the SEC, it doesnt belong anywhere near the playoffs.
i would agree completely with that, but something tells me if you lost to A&M and then ran the table with even weaker teams, 99.44% of N.D. fans woukd feel otherwise.
 

Bowhunter08

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i would agree completely with that, but something tells me if you lost to A&M and then ran the table with even weaker teams, 99.44% of N.D. fans woukd feel otherwise.
The SEC is a meat grinder and a very physical league. I agree that even IF ND does not win Saturday they will make the playoffs barring injury to RL. The ND schedule, compared to an SEC schedule is very manageable. I wonder what ND fans think their record would be if they played Oklahoma's schedule: Tennessee, @Auburn, Texas, South Carolina, @Ole Miss, @Missouri, Bama, @LSU. Would ND make the CFP with that schedule?

Back to the game.....looks like the weather will work in favor of ND. Will be cooler with cloud cover. Humidity will be high though.

May the best team win
 

Hautian Domer

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I'm getting sick of hearing how the o-line is going to get killed. The starters don't have a lot of experience, but the second string does. These young guys beat out the players with experience. It probably wasn't even close because if it was, the vets would be playing.
We’re replacing Alt (5th pick overall) and Fisher (second round pick). A starter, Jagusah, is out for the season with an upper body injury. We’re starting a true freshman, which, I will never be convinced that that’s a good thing. The cause for concern is very real and very much warranted
 
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