Dec 29 | College Football Playoff Semifinal | Clemson

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I have a paranoid feeling something is up with Jalen Elliot. I've noticed Studstill featured 3 times in the bowl prep ISD "highlights", and havent seen Elliot at all. And I cant remember Studstill being featured once all season.

Perhaps could have to do with the line.

My first guess would be Studstill getting a look at some new 5+ DB sets.

 

[Circa]

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[irishtrooper]

Holy crap, reading some comments here have me wondering why we should even show up. This Clemson team (that squeaked by Syracuse btw) is just too good in every position for it to be competitive unless we play a seemingly perfect game. I guess you can put me in the group of fans that actually think the good guys win this one and the stats (advanced or otherwise) get skewed by competition and who was at QB when. I think, unless we have a bad game (Pitt) that we will be competitive with this unstoppable juggernaut.

Before the everyone comes to argue about how wrong I am, I realize what happened during the other common opponent (Pitt). I also realize they have more recruiting stars (not that we are slouches in that regard). Also I get that they are very good and well-coached, but I just don’t see that team as just being able to run us right over.

I expect us to run more than 15 times, because I expect some relative balance in a close game. We are acting li,e we’re already down by 3 tds. It’s not that I expect Dex to run wild, but he can pop one as he’s done all year. I understand the line isn’t as strong as last year, but there is talent. Talent that is hopefully (finally) healthy. I’m sure their DL will make some plays, but I don’t see the mismatch some here see. Lesser lines have held up better against them than what some of us expect.

It’s a little disheartening to see such a defeatist attitude from our fan base.

Lastly, I get that Vegas has us as big underdogs for a reason. Reasons that I touched on above. Some of that gets built up by overwhelming poor competition and Vegas does get it wrong sometimes too. Take a look at the LA Rams and how they look relative to Vegas numbers right now. There’s reasons to believe what you wish in either direction. I choose to believe in the idea that it’ll be a great Saturday evening. If I’m wrong, so be it. This year feels different than 2012, 2015 or 2017. I feel like there are fewer weak points and a lot more depth.

Here’s to hoping I’m not wrong though!

 

[Valpodoc85]

The B samples are irrelevant for this game. NCAA is closed for the holidays. There will be no appeal until January.

ND always plays the best as an underdog. I always get unsettled when they are heavily favored. I like our chances

 

[ND88]

It’s a little disheartening to see such a defeatist attitude from our fan base.

I can't speak for the fanbase. My view is less defeatist and more realistic. We simply have to prove we belong, and by that, I mean win. It really comes down to that. This doesn't exclude belief that we can win. I believe we can win and will hold out hope that we will. The statistical analysis is often right, but not always right. It still has to be won on the field. Clemson fans can talk. Notre Dame fans can talk. At the end of the day, we have to prove we can win the big game on the big stage. The game will have to speak. That's where we make our voice heard.

 

[IrishLax]

I can't speak for the fanbase. My view is less defeatist and more realistic. We simply have to prove we belong, and by that, I mean win. It really comes down to that. This doesn't exclude belief that we can win. I believe we can win and will hold out hope that we will. The statistical analysis is often right, but not always right. It still has to be won on the field. Clemson fans can talk. Notre Dame fans can talk. At the end of the day, we have to prove we can win the big game on the big stage. The game will have to speak. That's where we make our voice heard.

Exactly. It's not defeatist, it's being objective. Notre Dame can win the game... but there is no objective person that can look at the matchup and say "Notre Dame is the better team and just needs to take care of business."

Ignorant chest thumping and faux bravado is for SEC fans, and most Notre Dame fans have no interest in talking a bunch of smack that isn't backed up by facts.

 

[irishtrooper]

Exactly. It's not defeatist, it's being objective. Notre Dame can win the game... but there is no objective person that can look at the matchup and say "Notre Dame is the better team and just needs to take care of business."

Ignorant chest thumping and faux bravado is for SEC fans, and most Notre Dame fans have no interest in talking a bunch of smack that isn't backed up by facts.

Who’s saying ND just needs to take care of business? Who’s chest-thumping? Who’s talking smack? I just think many have built Clemson up to being too good to even compete with and that’s ridiculous. I feel that I am being objective and still believe we win. I think execution is important and adjustments will be imperative.

 

[Irish YJ]

This definitely plays to ND's strengths but Clemson plays aggressive and can shut down the short quick throws. Bentley, South Carolina's QB, lit them up down field, in particular the middle of the field. I'm not sure Book can do the same. He's a different QB.

SC's WR that had 200ish yards is a 4.4 guy IIRC. We don't have that, unless Lenzy plays (posted on the SC stats previously, and commented when BK was talking about the need for speed, and possible new faces)....

Clemson hasn't faced big/skilled WRs like ours in the short game. Their DBs and LBs should struggle against Boykin and company.

Holy crap, reading some comments here have me wondering why we should even show up. This Clemson team (that squeaked by Syracuse btw) is just too good in every position for it to be competitive unless we play a seemingly perfect game. I guess you can put me in the group of fans that actually think the good guys win this one and the stats (advanced or otherwise) get skewed by competition and who was at QB when. I think, unless we have a bad game (Pitt) that we will be competitive with this unstoppable juggernaut.

Before the everyone comes to argue about how wrong I am, I realize what happened during the other common opponent (Pitt). I also realize they have more recruiting stars (not that we are slouches in that regard). Also I get that they are very good and well-coached, but I just don’t see that team as just being able to run us right over.

I expect us to run more than 15 times, because I expect some relative balance in a close game. We are acting li,e we’re already down by 3 tds. It’s not that I expect Dex to run wild, but he can pop one as he’s done all year. I understand the line isn’t as strong as last year, but there is talent. Talent that is hopefully (finally) healthy. I’m sure their DL will make some plays, but I don’t see the mismatch some here see. Lesser lines have held up better against them than what some of us expect.

It’s a little disheartening to see such a defeatist attitude from our fan base.

Lastly, I get that Vegas has us as big underdogs for a reason. Reasons that I touched on above. Some of that gets built up by overwhelming poor competition and Vegas does get it wrong sometimes too. Take a look at the LA Rams and how they look relative to Vegas numbers right now. There’s reasons to believe what you wish in either direction. I choose to believe in the idea that it’ll be a great Saturday evening. If I’m wrong, so be it. This year feels different than 2012, 2015 or 2017. I feel like there are fewer weak points and a lot more depth.

Here’s to hoping I’m not wrong though!

don't confuse defeatist with being informed and realistic. That said, I believe we can compete with the right game plan. Without the right game plan, we'll need a lot of luck/calls to go our way. Without the right game plan and without luck/calls, we'll get smacked. We shall see. I'm predicting ND by 2

 

[irishtrooper]

More hope

https://www.outkickthecoverage.com/heres-why-irish-tide-will-meet-in-cfp-title-game/

 

[Irishize]

This definitely plays to ND's strengths but Clemson plays aggressive and can shut down the short quick throws. Bentley, South Carolina's QB, lit them up down field, in particular the middle of the field. I'm not sure Book can do the same. He's a different QB.

He really is a different QB. And Clemson is tired of hearing about how USCe “lit them up”.

 

[irishtrooper]

don't confuse defeatist with being informed and realistic. That said, I believe we can compete with the right game plan. Without the right game plan, we'll need a lot of luck/calls to go our way. Without the right game plan and without luck/calls, we'll get smacked. We shall see. I'm predicting ND by 2[/QUOTE]

I’m right there with you, but think it’s still some defeatist fans. Obviously some are realistic and I understand this is a tall task, but one I think they (given execution/proper adjustments) will complete.

 

[Irishize]

Holy crap, reading some comments here have me wondering why we should even show up. This Clemson team (that squeaked by Syracuse btw) is just too good in every position for it to be competitive unless we play a seemingly perfect game. I guess you can put me in the group of fans that actually think the good guys win this one and the stats (advanced or otherwise) get skewed by competition and who was at QB when. I think, unless we have a bad game (Pitt) that we will be competitive with this unstoppable juggernaut.

Before the everyone comes to argue about how wrong I am, I realize what happened during the other common opponent (Pitt). I also realize they have more recruiting stars (not that we are slouches in that regard). Also I get that they are very good and well-coached, but I just don’t see that team as just being able to run us right over.

I expect us to run more than 15 times, because I expect some relative balance in a close game. We are acting li,e we’re already down by 3 tds. It’s not that I expect Dex to run wild, but he can pop one as he’s done all year. I understand the line isn’t as strong as last year, but there is talent. Talent that is hopefully (finally) healthy. I’m sure their DL will make some plays, but I don’t see the mismatch some here see. Lesser lines have held up better against them than what some of us expect.

It’s a little disheartening to see such a defeatist attitude from our fan base.

Lastly, I get that Vegas has us as big underdogs for a reason. Reasons that I touched on above. Some of that gets built up by overwhelming poor competition and Vegas does get it wrong sometimes too. Take a look at the LA Rams and how they look relative to Vegas numbers right now. There’s reasons to believe what you wish in either direction. I choose to believe in the idea that it’ll be a great Saturday evening. If I’m wrong, so be it. This year feels different than 2012, 2015 or 2017. I feel like there are fewer weak points and a lot more depth.

Here’s to hoping I’m not wrong though!

I think Irish YJ touched on it better than I can but it’s not “defeatist”...it’s more “facts don’t care about our feelings”. There’s nothing wrong w/ being Pollyanna but I prefer to deal w/ the realities of what ND faces. NO ONE IS SAYING ND CAN’T WIN...but looking at everything, I don’t feel the urge to lay $ on the Irish or talk smack to my ND hating buddies.

I’m always hesitant to post what I did b/c then half the board reacts like you did...which I get...we’re all fans & fan is short for fanatic but I’m just saying I don’t think ND wins & will be satisfied w/ a competitive game as it will gain respect nationally & (hopfully) close the book on 2012.

 

[irishtrooper]

I’m not mad about the ones “keeping it real” here and I’m not Pollyanna about this game. I believe we win and y’all can keep telling me all the reasons we can’t, but I will continue to think we’ll come out on top. I don’t think I’m reacting poorly as I’m just trying to explain why I feel the way I do about this particular game. Just because some feel less confident than I doesn’t make me angry, it is just a little surprising that there isn’t a little more belief.

There’s an article on Inside the Irish where Chris Simms gives his reasoning that this’ll be a close game. He sums it up well. Again, you may choose to give more credence to those that believe we are in over our heads. That’s cool, but I’m on the other side.

At the end of the day I think (hope) we can all agree to be extremely pleased when/if we win. I hope OU finds a way to beat Bama though. I’d certainly rather face them.

 

[Irishize]

I don't think it has anything to do with being down at all. It's simply doing what we do best (short passing game) vs what they do worst (their pass D). And doing it from the start till they try to compensate, or hopefully over compensate.

Yes, but my point is Long will not & cannot abandon the run to the point where Clemson pins their ears back & attacks the QB.

WF was having some success running the ball in their 1st half vs Clemson. Then Clemson broke off a few big scores & they had to abandon the run for 100% pass and the game was over in an instant.

 

[Irishize]

I’m not mad about the ones “keeping it real” here and I’m not Pollyanna about this game. I believe we win and y’all can keep telling me all the reasons we can’t, but I will continue to think we’ll come out on top. I don’t think I’m reacting poorly as I’m just trying to explain why I feel the way I do about this particular game. Just because some feel less confident than I doesn’t make me angry, it is just a little surprising that there isn’t a little more belief.

But you did react emotionally by doing the predictable “Well I guess we may as well not even play the game” tirade. It’s just objectivity. Doesn’t mean you have to agree b/c I guarantee most Irish fans agree w/ you that ND will win a close one. But w/ your confidence I would recommend jumping on that +12.5 pts ND is currently getting from Vegas. Personally, I’m hoping for an ND cover but until ND wins one or avoids a blowout on the biggest stage for all the nation to see...I’ll hold off on betting on them.

There’s an article on Inside the Irish where Chris Simms gives his reasoning that this’ll be a close game. He sums it up well. Again, you may choose to give more credence to those that believe we are in over our heads. That’s cool, but I’m on the other side.

At the end of the day I think (hope) we can all agree to be extremely pleased when/if we win. I hope OU finds a way to beat Bama though. I’d certainly rather face them.

I agree w/ this last statement. Cheers!

 

[Woneone]

This conversation literally just happened on my couch.

Wife: How bad is Georgia Tech?
Me: They are ok. They got smoked by Clemson earlier in the year.
Wife: The team we play?
Me: Yes.
Wife: Is this the best team they beat?
Me: No. They beat Syracuse and Texas A&M by a few points each.
Wife: Didn't we beat Syracuse?
Me: Yea, by a bunch.
Wife: Is Texas A&M really good?
Me: Not really.
Wife: Then why is everyone complaining about us?
Me: I need another beer...

 

[Irishize]

This conversation literally just happened on my couch.

Wife: How bad is Georgia Tech?
Me: They are ok. They got smoked by Clemson earlier in the year.
Wife: The team we play?
Me: Yes.
Wife: Is this the best team they beat?
Me: No. They beat Syracuse and Texas A&M by a few points each.
Wife: Didn't we beat Syracuse?
Me: Yea, by a bunch.
Wife: Is Texas A&M really good?
Me: Not really.
Wife: Then why is everyone complaining about us?
Me: I need another beer...

That’s why I love (&sometimes hate) CFB. The reason we fans sometimes get caught up in the transitive property is b/c it’s all we have to go on but it doesn’t reveal much.

If it did it would mean that FCS (at the time) App St was better than the Tim Tebow-led UF in 2007 b/c they upset scUM in the Big House & that same scUM team beat UF in the bowl game. Or that Troy was better than 10-4 Auburn last season since they upset LSU in Death Valley & that same LSU team went on to beat a top 10 Auburn.

And of course, what ND haters love to spew, the Irish barely beat Vandy & Ball St so by the transitive property any FBS team in the nation should be able to compete w/ ND. But those are the outliers & don’t take into account ND was playing w/ a backup QB & a WR starting at RB (after all, it wasn’t like the Irish D was struggling in those games). Did it mean that those team would beat Stanford, VT, Syracuse & FSU since ND went on to blow them out? Of course not.

 

[Irish#1]

Even those that are being “realistic “ are letting some emotions play into this. Forget about stats, best d line, and common opponents. ND is undefeated and belongs in this game. We will run better than most think and our D will keep this game manageable. ND can and will win in a tight game.

 

[Irish YJ]

I’m right there with you, but think it’s still some defeatist fans. Obviously some are realistic and I understand this is a tall task, but one I think they (given execution/proper adjustments) will complete.

We'll some are still shell shocked from 2012, and I understand it. Our schedule/opponents outside of scUM were pretty down this year. Regardless, this is a different team. It's so much more well rounded. If our OL was better, and we had speed at the WR, we'd be a monster. I don't think Clemson is nearly as good as the stats say, but they are damn good. Our OC and DC need to earn their money this weekend.

 

[dad4aa]

I have a paranoid feeling something is up with Jalen Elliot. I've noticed Studstill featured 3 times in the bowl prep ISD "highlights", and havent seen Elliot at all. And I cant remember Studstill being featured once all season.

Perhaps could have to do with the line.

Reading into something not true. Jalen is 100% good to go.

 

[Irish YJ]

Reading into something not true. Jalen is 100% good to go.

That was just Koon kooning

 

[Circa]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> Baker Mayfield on staredown: “I’m not trying to make friends outside of this locker room” <a href="https://t.co/xTlaEM1htn">pic.twitter.com/xTlaEM1htn</a></p>— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryKayCabot/status/1077996731688726528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Always been a semi-fan of the Browns. This Mayfield guy might get me watching the NFL again.....

Edit: wrong thread.

 

[ND88]

Reading into something not true. Jalen is 100% good to go.

^ This.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aNT6Vmoz3cg?start=65" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Irishize]

Even those that are being “realistic “ are letting some emotions play into this. Forget about stats, best d line, and common opponents. ND is undefeated and belongs in this game. We will run better than most think and our D will keep this game manageable. ND can and will win in a tight game.

Nobody said ND didn’t deserve to be in this game.

 

[Circa]

More hope

https://www.outkickthecoverage.com/heres-why-irish-tide-will-meet-in-cfp-title-game/

I don't believe one second of 3/4's of the writing on anybody trying to say the Irish should win. It's false advertising for the money makers in this scam. We are the underdogs. I could write for days about how Oklahoma and Clemson will play In the final as well. It changes nothing about public perception.
95% of the folks reading this won't understand my point....<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o85xwxr06YNoFdSbm" width="480" height="480" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/bill-murray-pointing-youre-welcome-3o85xwxr06YNoFdSbm">via GIPHY</a></p>

 

[BobbyMac]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Column: According to recruiting rankings, Notre Dame shouldn't be in this College Football Playoff (and maybe FSU or USC should be). How the Fighting Irish are winning the evaluation and development game: <a href="https://t.co/xAPJrPmmO1">https://t.co/xAPJrPmmO1</a></p>— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooForde/status/1078054563549245441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Crazy Balki]

I knew it was going to be a pro-ND crowd, but this would be absolutely insane.

If the crowd is projected to total 82,000 (the same amount as the prior playoff matchup in 2015), then ND would have just under 64,000 fans to Clemson's 18,000. Almost an 80/20 split.

It would essentially be a glorified home game for us.

 

[stlnd01]

I knew it was going to be a pro-ND crowd, but this would be absolutely insane.

If the crowd is projected to total 82,000 (the same amount as the prior playoff matchup in 2015), then ND would have just under 64,000 fans to Clemson's 18,000. Almost an 80/20 split.

It would essentially be a glorified home game for us.

It certainly felt that way when I was looking for tickets on Vivid Seats. Higher prices and far less available on the ND side of the field. Cheapest available were in the corner where Clemson's allotment was.
Interestingly, Notre Dame either didn't initially sell out its allotment or got more tickets from the Cotton Bowl, because they came back and offered people who didn't win the lottery a chance to buy tickets last week.

 

[Irishize]

I knew it was going to be a pro-ND crowd, but this would be absolutely insane.

If the crowd is projected to total 82,000 (the same amount as the prior playoff matchup in 2015), then ND would have just under 64,000 fans to Clemson's 18,000. Almost an 80/20 split.

It would essentially be a glorified home game for us.

Wow, that’s impressive considering Clemson’s fanbase. The cynic will say that Clemson is saving up for the NC game in San Francisco.

 

[gkIrish]

Wow, that’s impressive considering Clemson’s fanbase. The cynic will say that Clemson is saving up for the NC game in San Francisco.

That's exactly what they are doing. Hope it bites them in the ass.