Aug 31 | Texas A&M

[FightingIrishLover7]

Are we sure Leonard needs an oline?
I don't remember Duke having an oline last year, but I sure remember Leonard...

 

[GrangerIrish24]

I listened to it. They gave an honest assessment. Basically said to take them seriously.

 

[PutuporShutup]

A&M isn’t going to throw against ND.
Their gameplan will be to run the ball.
Klein has game film as OC in the past. Whenever he plays a good passing defense he puts 2 TE’s out there & runs the ball.
Klein knows ND’s defense is legit, but the one weakness they have had is against the run. Add in that Bowen will be making his debut at MLB.
A&M will want to limit mistakes, keep it close & keep the crowd engaged.
They know ND’s OL is young, so they will want to protect their own offense & keep it low scoring.
They are going to run a classic ND offense. Multiple TE’s, run the ball & play good defense.

Agree other than our Run D has struggled at times vs good olines that spread our D out and make us play nickel so only 6 in the box. About the only good run where the O had double TE was the first drive where the stanford QB broke a bunch of tackles and squirted out.

You look at the rushing we gave up like the ohio state long TD, or dukes 2nd half funs, or louisville longs runs, clemson long td. They were all vs nickel coverage where we only had 6 in the box. A lot of times, they pulled a lot to a side and we were unable to match it or shoot a gap.

I do think you are right they will run the ball a lot, but I don't think it will be with 2 TEs as much as you think.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I listened to it. They gave an honest assessment. Basically said to take them seriously.

People have a weird fascination of attacking Prister anytime he says something objective against ND.
People want sunshine, rainbows, and arrogance - ala Driskell

 

[SeekNDestroy]

Do we have to wait until game week to see the updated roster (weights,etc.)?

 

[NDohio]

Agree other than our Run D has struggled at times vs good olines that spread our D out and make us play nickel so only 6 in the box. About the only good run where the O had double TE was the first drive where the stanford QB broke a bunch of tackles and squirted out.

You look at the rushing we gave up like the ohio state long TD, or dukes 2nd half funs, or louisville longs runs, clemson long td. They were all vs nickel coverage where we only had 6 in the box. A lot of times, they pulled a lot to a side and we were unable to match it or shoot a gap.

I do think you are right they will run the ball a lot, but I don't think it will be with 2 TEs as much as you think.

Right, and hopefully we have corrected Liufau taking bad angles and DJ Brown missing tackles.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

A&M isn’t going to throw against ND.
Their gameplan will be to run the ball.
Klein has game film as OC in the past. Whenever he plays a good passing defense he puts 2 TE’s out there & runs the ball.
Klein knows ND’s defense is legit, but the one weakness they have had is against the run. Add in that Bowen will be making his debut at MLB.
A&M will want to limit mistakes, keep it close & keep the crowd engaged.
They know ND’s OL is young, so they will want to protect their own offense & keep it low scoring.
They are going to run a classic ND offense. Multiple TE’s, run the ball & play good defense.

I'm not disagreeing with this but I don't think they can win with that game plan. I think they must let Weigman take some shots and they can't wait until the 3rd or 4th quarter to work the ball down field. Our run fits better be on point! I wonder how many snaps Bowen gets vs. KVA? I have a hunch he'll overtake him in snaps early in the season but probably not 'first game early'. I'm rooting for all of our LBs but the way the staff and even McCullough talked about KVA and what he was doing to 'good pass blocking RBs' is a huge vote of confidence in his ability to disrupt games, even as a freshman.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Do we have to wait until game week to see the updated roster (weights,etc.)?

We may never get them TBH.

Seeing Wagner listed at 290 is laughable given we've seen him in camp and he is considerably bigger than 290.

 

[PutuporShutup]

I'm not disagreeing with this but I don't think they can win with that game plan. I think they must let Weigman take some shots and they can't wait until the 3rd or 4th quarter to work the ball down field. Our run fits better be on point! I wonder how many snaps Bowen gets vs. KVA? I have a hunch he'll overtake him in snaps early in the season but probably not 'first game early'. I'm rooting for all of our LBs but the way the staff and even McCullough talked about KVA and what he was doing to 'good pass blocking RBs' is a huge vote of confidence in his ability to disrupt games, even as a freshman.

Yep, I think our LBs vs the run game is one of the "less talked about" keys to the game. If our LBs play good, A&M is going to have a tough time moving the ball. Agree on KVA as well, he seems much more instinctive than Bowen. Bowen seems more Carlo Calabrese (with more athleticism)

 

[NormND_44]

Lot of mind games going on out of both camps right now. I think some of the rumors on both sides are at least partially manufactured (e.g., Wagner's weight is prob not as big an issue; Pendleton was never going to start against A&M; A&M's WR corps is terrible, etc.). Both coaches have a history of this type of stuff..

The one pattern worth calling out though - is O'Malley loves to telegraph things he has heard from the staff or seen in confidence and then 9 months later say "we tried to tell you." Sampson does the same thing, but more bluntly. Their attitudes on the pod gave me pause today...

 

[Irish du Nord]

If you want to get your blood pressure up, listen to the Irish Illustrated episode that dropped today.

From their take, “A&M's offense isn’t having any issues (not connecting on deep balls, WR drops as been reported by A&M sites) and their offense will be elite on game one.
Just give Weigman the Heisman now and our OL is such trash that we won't be able to do anything and the team will have multiple losses.
In short, the team shouldn't even play the game, it's gonna be an automatic L so don't even bother watching or making the trip. Kyle Field is essentially Mordor and we don't have a prayer.”

Great listen from the ND beat guys. I’m being hyperbolic but I’m not far off, it was insane.

The OL is obviously a concern but they act as though there’s no remedy and they didn’t even seem as though A&M will have issues scoring against our D either, it was bonkers.
Multiple A&M reports have stated their offense is having issues in fall camp, they don’t have their OL solidified either, the WR’s are having issues with drops and Weigman is having difficulty connecting on deep routes. I refuse to believe a guy coming off of almost 10 months from not playing will be crisp and elite game 1 against our defense.

I haven’t listened yet but Pete Sampson has a tendency to try to be sobering even when it isn’t warranted. 2019 Iowa State comes to mind…

 

[ND7983]

People have a weird fascination of attacking Prister anytime he says something objective against ND.
People want sunshine, rainbows, and arrogance - ala Driskell

I usually back Prister.
But he has the habit of freaking out and going overboard sometimes.
It’s okay to call him out objectively the same way you say he calls out ND objectively.
I didn’t even have to listen to know it was him.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

I usually back Prister.
But he has the habit of freaking out and going overboard sometimes.
It’s okay to call him out objectively the same way you say he calls out ND objectively.
I didn’t even have to listen to know it was him.

It was more O'Malley and Sampson than Prister

 

[Fbolt]

Listened to II this evening. I have no idea what anyone is talking about WRT II stating their concerns about ND. They seemed pragmatic. See my notes below:

• Wegman is really good but he hasn't played against great competition. He can do enough with his legs to remind the D he can run. Not Leonard. Hurt his ACL in week 4.
• Conner Weigman: A 6'3" sophomore from Cypress, Texas, who some say developed into a first-round graded quarterback last season. In 2023, he had 979 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.
• He has 3 WRs who have combined for 1300 Yards.
• A&M's OL is farther along than NDs. However, they didn't run the ball well last year.
• Believes they'll stretch the field with WR speed although Weigman strength is not the deep ball. They didn't say what his strength was (accuracy?). Game plan-not concerned.
• Believes ND will go nickel for this game. Not many flaws in NDs secondary. A strong camp for them.
• Knapp/Pendleton are getting the reps for a reason. Clear that Baker did not seize the job after Rudolph stating he was the T.
• Not enough time to watch the team this camp-not a lot of access for the press. A lot of feelings but not much substance.
• Concern about Weigman outshining Leonard is a feeling-nothing more.
• Don't underestimate A&M. The setting of playing at A&M is troubling because, "you can feel it in your bones". Feelings?
• Quite a few 5 stars on the A&M DL. A bunch of talent there. Never panned out for their last coach-believes Elko will make it happen this year.
• I don't think you can disregard the ND OL and the crowd factor. Thinking v Knowing.
• NDs OL is not proven.
• Denbrock's ability to mod and adjust during the game is big. Much different than last years OC. Advantage Denbrock.

There is quite a bit of speculation by these guys and what I am actually hearing is that ND needs to take A&M seriously. Rather sure they are. I wasn't impressed by A&Ms Elko presser as noted but was very impressed with Golden's presser. Denbrock was not crowing about the O, merely stating that it's going well and will improve.

2 stated ND will likely lose to A&M. Dang-did not see that coming and their reasons seem to be based on feelings of the atmosphere and A&Ms potential coupled with NDs OL. Surprised.

Also advised Freeman hasn't been "ahead of the curve" yet? Unsure what that means. They also said they like what they've seen in practice and they'll be just fine. Yet-not much viewing time?

 

[SDIrishFan]

Are there people on ND's side that aren't taking A&M seriously? Pretty sure almost every one has been saying this is our toughest game of the year, is HUGELY important to setting the tone for the year and critical to us having a shot at a playoff run. I'd imagine that's being relayed to the players from the staff.

 

[NDPhilly]

I think our outside skill talent + Denbrock will be the difference maker, as I dont expect us to be able to run the ball at all. We are going to live or die on the getting the ball into Mitchell, Love, Greathouse, Faison, Evans, etc... hands quickly.

 

[Steds83]

FWIW, they also said this team can still be “great” with a week 1 loss. Also all seemed pretty unanimous that if they get through A&M they’d feel pretty good about 12-0.

 

[RipWheeler]

I think our outside skill talent + Denbrock will be the difference maker, as I dont expect us to be able to run the ball at all. We are going to live or die on the getting the ball into Mitchell, Love, Greathouse, Faison, Evans, etc... hands quickly.

It’s a formula that Elko has struggled with and I think Denbrock is will prove to be his kryptonite.

 

[Wild Bill]

I think our outside skill talent + Denbrock will be the difference maker, as I dont expect us to be able to run the ball at all. We are going to live or die on the getting the ball into Mitchell, Love, Greathouse, Faison, Evans, etc... hands quickly.

I agree, I doubt we'll be able to consistently pick up 4 or 5 on the ground but I wouldn't be shocked if Love breaks a long run or Leonard gives them fits tucking and running. That'll make the stat line look better than the actual product. Could be enough to win too.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I still think everyone is underestimating the fact this is game 1 in a new system for all players at ass to mouth. Elkos defense is good, but it can and has taken time to produce the dominant results we think about when we reference Elkos defense. I stand by this that if ND can score 21 points, it will be a W. I think they score more than that and win 27-17.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

I still think everyone is underestimating the fact this is game 1 in a new system for all players at ass to mouth. Elkos defense is good, but it can and has taken time to produce the dominant results we think about when we reference Elkos defense. I stand by this that if ND can score 21 points, it will be a W. I think they score more than that and win 27-17.

Devil’s advocate: I think fans follow this line of thinking b/c they are comparing what he did year 1 at Duke vs year 1 at ND. He inherited much better talent when he came to ND in ‘17. Further, he’s inheriting even better talent at TAMU year 1 this year & it will be facing an extremely green OL.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Does A&M have a pre season all american frosh LT on their oline?

Both teams know what they have in their oline going against each dline in practice.

I don’t think he’s a freshman but Prister said he’s the best LT on ND’s schedule this season.

 

[EvilleIrish]

Is there no concern that AM fixed their OL through the portal?

 

[Ndaccountant]

Devil’s advocate: I think fans follow this line of thinking b/c they are comparing what he did year 1 at Duke vs year 1 at ND. He inherited much better talent when he came to ND in ‘17. Further, he’s inheriting even better talent at TAMU year 1 this year & it will be facing an extremely green OL.

His first game in 2017 he allowed 330 yards and 16 points to Temple. Temple eclipsed 16 points just one other time in the next four games. At ass to mouth, he gave up over 400 yards to a Bryant led Clemson. I really like Elko and respect the hell out of him. But situaltionally, I think there is an edge to ND being overlooked.

 

[Rizzophil]

A&M isn’t going to throw against ND.
Their gameplan will be to run the ball.
Klein has game film as OC in the past. Whenever he plays a good passing defense he puts 2 TE’s out there & runs the ball.
Klein knows ND’s defense is legit, but the one weakness they have had is against the run. Add in that Bowen will be making his debut at MLB.
A&M will want to limit mistakes, keep it close & keep the crowd engaged.
They know ND’s OL is young, so they will want to protect their own offense & keep it low scoring.
They are going to run a classic ND offense. Multiple TE’s, run the ball & play good defense.

Agree

 

[NDFAN2008]

People worrying about the game A&M is gonna have their hands full dealing with our Defense and the depth across the board at DL and Linebaker they won’t be able to throw respect Wegmab having to run for his life all night

 

[Irish#1]

I look for Denbrock to play the edges and run wide to keep the line honest. I’m expecting a
screen or two.

I will be shocked if this team isn’t ready. Just need to weather the first 10 minutes or so.

 

[rtrn2glory]

If Elko wasn't there I'd be less concerned.. You know he's going to have his dudes coached up on defense and ready to play.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

I still think everyone is underestimating the fact this is game 1 in a new system for all players at ass to mouth. Elkos defense is good, but it can and has taken time to produce the dominant results we think about when we reference Elkos defense. I stand by this that if ND can score 21 points, it will be a W. I think they score more than that and win 27-17.

Tell me your fetish without telling me your fetish.

 

[ColoradoIrish]

I look for Denbrock to play the edges and run wide to keep the line honest. I’m expecting a
screen or two.

I will be shocked if this team isn’t ready. Just need to weather the first 10 minutes or so.

Going to be a lot east west type stuff early. I'd expect to some tunnel screens, rb screens and draw plays with both RB and Leonard early. Slow down the push rush and keep their DL from being able to pin their ears back and get a good push rush. Having a good player caller and guy that can make adjustments early and often as OC makes all the difference. I expect it to be close early but think we get some breathing room in 3rd quarter before a&m gets a late score to make the game look closer than it really was