Clemson Postgame...

[stlnd01]

Totally agree on Kizer. Dude's got a pair. Will be very interesting to see how the QB situation develops over the next couple of seasons.

 

[ickythump1225]

If we finish off the year strong I don't see how Zaire can unseat Kizer next year. Then there's Wimbush behind both of them, a kid who is the most talented (according to scouting reports and recruiting rankings) of the bunch.

 

[phgreek]

Fortuna...DAMNNNNNNN! (apologies if posted elsewhere)

Notre Dame was supposed to be past showings like Saturday's -- so, now - Notre Dame Fighting Irish - ESPN

 

[T Town Tommy]

Fortuna...DAMNNNNNNN! (apologies if posted elsewhere)

Notre Dame was supposed to be past showings like Saturday's -- so, now - Notre Dame Fighting Irish - ESPN

I would suggest Kelly quit talking about titles and start talking about the next opponent. For the life of me, it appears the first goal for ND is winning a NC when the first goal should actually be winning the game at hand.

Quit thinking big picture and start thinking about the little things week in and week out that one must do to win the game at hand. It's like Kelly can't see the forest for the trees. Little thinks done correctly, over and over, lead to wins. Wins lead to more wins. And enough of that leads to NCs.

Not trying to rant but good grief. The only thing that should be on anyone's mind every week is who the opponent is on Saturday and what must be done in order to win THAT game. The rest comes later.

 

[philipm31]

I would suggest Kelly quit talking about titles and start talking about the next opponent. For the life of me, it appears the first goal for ND is winning a NC when the first goal should actually be winning the game at hand.

Quit thinking big picture and start thinking about the little things week in and week out that one must do to win the game at hand. It's like Kelly can't see the forest for the trees. Little thinks done correctly, over and over, lead to wins. Wins lead to more wins. And enough of that leads to NCs.

Not trying to rant but good grief. The only thing that should be on anyone's mind every week is who the opponent is on Saturday and what must be done in order to win THAT game. The rest comes later.

True though that may be, it is still a lot easier to say to your troops when they KNOW they can lose at least once--if not twice a year (re: LSU)--and still have a shot at a NC, whereas ND can never lose a game. So basically, ND's year is done, whereas Bama's is just getting started now that Ole Miss is out of the picture. Oh well, now I can stop worrying about ND for the rest of the season--which sucks btw.

 

[T Town Tommy]

True though that may be, it is still a lot easier to say to your troops when they KNOW they can lose at least once--if not twice a year (re: LSU)--and still have a shot at a NC, whereas ND can never lose a game. So basically, ND's year is done, whereas Bama's is just getting started now that Ole Miss is out of the picture. Oh well, now I can stop worrying about ND for the rest of the season--which sucks btw.

I disagree. Notre Dame still has a great shot to get in the playoff. In the old BCS format, maybe the loss is too much to overcome. But the way the conferences are playing out right now, if ND can run the table, they should be sitting pretty good at years end.

 

[phork]

True though that may be, it is still a lot easier to say to your troops when they KNOW they can lose at least once--if not twice a year (re: LSU)--and still have a shot at a NC, whereas ND can never lose a game. So basically, ND's year is done, whereas Bama's is just getting started now that Ole Miss is out of the picture. Oh well, now I can stop worrying about ND for the rest of the season--which sucks btw.

Alabama still has a long way to go. They are already down a game in the SEC and stil play LSU. A 1 Loss ND looks to be on top of a Pac12 thats going to eat itself alive as is the SEC.

 

[Irish#1]

Still can't get over that first dumb ass two point try.

Not only did it not work, but gave up a time out.

Just take the 5 yard penalty, kick the extra point, keep momentum and live to play it another time.

It's a 50/50 split on opinions, but I agree. It was too early IMO to go for two. When you do and fail it takes a little life out of that TD and now makes it even tougher. If it were later in the game I would have went for two , but there was still pretty much the entire fourth quarter left to play and this team has shown it can strike quickly.

 

[DCirishfan]

Doesn't it seem weird to see Kelly on the sideline in his 5th season motioning for the QB to hurry? We saw that in year 1, 2, 3, 4, and now 5. It's become evident that the QB isn't the issue.

Don't get my wrong... I love Brian Kelly. But coaching faux pas have become too common, and at some point the coach can't blame the players any more... It's getting embarrassing. I'll take this any day over what we've had previously... but get your act together Kelly. A coach wins championships as much as the players do.

And I can guarantee that Meyer or Saban would will a championship with our talent.

Don't kid yourselves guys.

Well said.

 

[DCirishfan]

It's a 50/50 split on opinions, but I agree. It was too early IMO to go for two. When you do and fail it takes a little life out of that TD and now makes it even tougher. If it were later in the game I would have went for two , but there was still pretty much the entire fourth quarter left to play and this team has shown it can strike quickly.

It was a bad call.

 

[DCirishfan]

Alabama still has a long way to go. They are already down a game in the SEC and stil play LSU. A 1 Loss ND looks to be on top of a Pac12 thats going to eat itself alive as is the SEC.

Alabama will be in playoffs, we won't.

 

[DCirishfan]

I disagree. Notre Dame still has a great shot to get in the playoff. In the old BCS format, maybe the loss is too much to overcome. But the way the conferences are playing out right now, if ND can run the table, they should be sitting pretty good at years end.

I'm in between. I don't think they have a great shot but they have A shot. Usc Will be tough imo.

 

[kmoose]

It was a bad call.

It was exactly the right call. And the play called was right, too. The execution, however........

 

[ThePiombino]

Well said.

No. RS frosh at QB, not a seasoned vet. So no- not well said.

It was a bad call.

No. It wasn't a bad call based on the chart. It was only a bad call based on the outcome.

Alabama will be in playoffs, we won't.

Bama has just as much of an uphill battle as we do, so not sure how you can say that with certainty.

I'm in between. I don't think they have a great shot but they have A shot. Usc Will be tough imo.

You sound like someone who has nothing to add, but desperately wants to say something.

Oh, and for the love of God - MULTIQUOTE IS THERE FOR A REASON!!!

 

[connor_in]

My 2 cents on the first 2 point conversion attempt...

For those of you who hate the call, it was at worst a debatable call. There have been articles and posts and charts that all show that it was at least a worthwhile option. I have seen nothing anywhere where all agree that you should never do such a thing at such a time. I am sorry if you hate it, but look around and at least admit that much and quit b!tching about it. Also, if CR makes that catch (on a relatively catchable ball compared to many on that sloppy night), how many of you are still moaning about it today. Also, Yoon has not been completely automatic either and you cannot guarantee that he would have made it (yes I know he made the FG earlier, that doesn't mean he makes this one).

I am not saying that it was the only option, just a valid one. I am not trying to be the almighty defender of BK, as I don't always agree with him, but he has proven himself a pretty good coach over his career and I don't see any of us out there getting paid millions (for a reason) as a big time CFB coach.

Remember our D had only given up one TD drive that wasn't on a short field and do you think there would be more pressure on a conversion at that point or on one with 7 seconds remaining on the game clock?

 

[dublinirish]

I'd rather play with 11 guys with a chance of being misaligned from time to time than 10 guys. Joe is so slow that teams aren't even bothering blocking him sometimes, they just let him jog free.

I agree with you on this Koon. It's obvious teams that play ND have singled him out as the weak link. They would be crazy not. FSU did the same thing last year and only that Jaylon was playing like Superman the defense would have been in serious trouble.

 

[RDU Irish]

Well Saban and Meyer are not coming to ND, so now what? Who do you take over Kelly that actually has a legit shot at taking the job? Part of what makes them great coaches is their lack of responsibility to the STUDENT aspect of the student-athlete. They can do things at OSU and Bama that would never fly at ND...... which is why they would never take a job that hamstrings their ability to win at all costs.

The two point play call is only bad because it didn't work, does that sum up the arm chair QBs well enough? Completely defensible call, not liking it does not make it stupid.

WTF with "ND is completely out of it" then responding "we aren't beating USC so...." relating to our playoff hopes. Either we have a good shot if we win out or we don't. Don't be a whiny baby about every point, have some perspective or shut your mouth. It is valid to say you place very low odds on us winning out OR you don't think a one loss ND ever has a shot.

 

[ND NYC]

Was against the first 2 pt try during the game...and am still against it, despite all the aforementioned references to "the chart", etc.

been a 100% supporter of Kelly's since day 1...but I am growing tired of all the "wtf is he doing" during games and also some of the things he does and says...to be sure, i'm still with him, but my support has begun, for the first time since he got here, to wane.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Was against the first 2 pt try during the game...and am still against it, despite all the aforementioned references to "the chart", etc.

been a 100% supporter of Kelly's since day 1...but I am growing tired of all the "wtf is he doing" during games and also some of the things he does and says...to be sure, i'm still with him, but my support has begun, for the first time since he got here, to wane.

A two point conversion in the fourth quarter is the tipping point regarding your respect for Kelly?

You must be standing too close to the edge...

I would like for every post dissing Kelly to conclude with who that particular poster believes would be a better (realistic) hire.

Last time I'll say this. The two point conversion did not come close to determining the outcome to this game. Fumbles, drops, and a miserable punt were all leading contributors.

If you're not impressed by how Kelly has been coaching through these injuries, especially with Deshone, you have no business supporting this team.

 

[roller]

I also think someone forgot to look into Clemson's field. It was well drained artificial turf and it seemed like it took the first quarter for the entire team to realize they weren't playing in a mud pit. Clemson had confidence in their footing, we did not.

For the record, the field is NOT artificial turf. All grass.

Clemson is an agricultural school with a great turf management program and crew. The way that field stood up to those conditions is a testament to the work of the crew...not to mention the "multimillion dollar drainage system" they had installed a few years back.

I certainly expected it to be a mud bowl by the second half, but that field looked almost as good after as before.

 

[roller]

By the way, if anyone cares, here's my take on the gameday experience at Clemson:

Negatives:

1. The Rain. It caused most people to show up to the tailgate lots only a couple of hours before the game. I was there at 10 am and most people didn't show up until 3-4. I was told this was because of the rain and I believe it.
2. There are only a few bars in downtown Clemson. I went out the night before and went to 3 bars and it was really hard to get a drink. They were fun places though. Wingin It has good bar food.
3. NO BALLOONS WTF

Positives:

1. I don't think I met a single person that wasn't nice to me. Everyone was extremely welcoming and eager to help out. Lots of people said "Welcome to Clemson" or stopped by my tailgate to ask what we thought about the game. So basically, they treated us like we would treat them at ND.
2. Fans were also very knowledgeable. The handful that I spoke to before the game knew all of our starters names and knew all about the guys that got hurt. A couple told me they have been watching the Showtime Series and respect our program a lot. They also didn't boo as much as other teams tend to do on calls that go against them. I remember them booing a couple of times but otherwise they basically acknowledged correct calls.
3. The game environment was incredible! Those fans know what they are doing. I stood the entire game along with everyone else that I could see in the lower levels. Not sure if the upper levels were standing but the lower levels definitely were. The ENTIRE GAME. And they were LOUD. And they were loud well before we snapped the ball. For 3rd downs they basically started getting loud once the playclock started. We really need to find a way to get our fans to cheer the way Clemson fans do. It's almost embarrassing how less noisy our stadium is.


Overall just a really great place to see a football game. I encourage everyone to try and get down there once in your life. Definitely the coolest experience (other than ND) I have ever been to.

Glad to hear you had a positive experience. Many Clemson fans take pride in being welcoming to opposing fans.

We do have our idiots, like all fan bases, but, in general, this is the kind of report we tend to read after visits, especially by those who are new to Death Valley.

Great game, great heart shown by your team. We were lucky to survive. Would be nice to play more regularly.

Until next time...

 

[NDohio]

For the record, the field is NOT artificial turf. All grass.

Clemson is an agricultural school with a great turf management program and crew. The way that field stood up to those conditions is a testament to the work of the crew...not to mention the "multimillion dollar drainage system" they had installed a few years back.

I certainly expected it to be a mud bowl by the second half, but that field looked almost as good after as before.

The grass parking areas however... LOL

 

[roller]

The grass parking areas however... LOL

Wasn't there myself...remained in Charleston to experience the historic rainfall -- a little over 2 feet (yes, feet) at my location...but no problems at my home fortunately.

I can't imagine the conditions in the many grass lots around the campus, many of which are low lying. Had to be ugly.

 

[theclassickiller]

A two point conversion in the fourth quarter is the tipping point regarding your respect for Kelly?

You must be standing too close to the edge...

I would like for every post dissing Kelly to conclude with who that particular poster believes would be a better (realistic) hire.

Last time I'll say this. The two point conversion did not come close to determining the outcome to this game. Fumbles, drops, and a miserable punt were all leading contributors.

If you're not impressed by how Kelly has been coaching through these injuries, especially with Deshone, you have no business supporting this team.

I don't understand why people say stuff like this. Make a point, attack the topic, don't attack the person. If someone doesn't share your opinion they don't have a right to support the team. Nice.

Also, I completely disagree with you on the 2-pt conversion. Both teams scored 3 touchdowns and a field goal, but we lost by 2. Fumbles, miscues, injuries, etc. aside, the coach made the decision that decided the margin. It had every bit as much to do with the loss, if not more, as any other factor.

But you can still support this team if you want.

 

[ACamp1900]

But you can still support this team if you want.

WRONG!

 

[RDU Irish]

For the record, the field is NOT artificial turf. All grass.

Clemson is an agricultural school with a great turf management program and crew. The way that field stood up to those conditions is a testament to the work of the crew...not to mention the "multimillion dollar drainage system" they had installed a few years back.

I certainly expected it to be a mud bowl by the second half, but that field looked almost as good after as before.

Color me impressed! Do you happen to know the variety of grass used? (opening the door for Caddyshack references) - Has to be some form of Bermuda. I am in the process of reseeding my lawn in North Carolina and might as well take a few notes.

Before the ND Traditionalists cry foul, remember they don't deal with 9 months of winter at Clemson, many more options for turf than at ND.

 

[Cackalacky]

The grass parking areas however... LOL

Haha. I was soooo dirty. What a mess.

 

[Cackalacky]

Color me impressed! Do you happen to know the variety of grass used? (opening the door for Caddyshack references) - Has to be some form of Bermuda. I am in the process of reseeding my lawn in North Carolina and might as well take a few notes.

Before the ND Traditionalists cry foul, remember they don't deal with 9 months of winter at Clemson, many more options for turf than at ND.

Bermuda IIRC.

 

[PANDFAN]

they had a 1:15hr of a bus ride to the game...one the many things they were looking at as to why they came out soooo slow against clemson...

 

[RDU Irish]

Bermuda IIRC.

Can't growth that in SB. You sure can keep it tight to the ground and beat it up. Grows and spreads on the Carolina clay around here too. Baffles me the people that try to force fescue into their yards.