Depth Chart Changes for BC

[NDFan4Life]

GO IRISH: There are two meanings to the term "Drinking the Kool-Aid. One is unquestioningly following orders or adopting positions that are harmful, as with Jim Jones. The other is a reference to Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters and events they staged in the early to mid 60's called "Acid Tests." LSD-laced Kool-Aid was provided. (LSD was legal in the U.S. until 1966). "Drinking the Kool-Aid" in that context meant taking LSD. [See Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. The implication is that those who drank the Kool-Aid experienced hallucination and delusions.

I lean toward the earlier of the two references due to my age and experience. It strikes me as a more appropriate take on the phrase as most often used. That and Jim Jones didn't use Kool-Aid to deliver his despicable poison.

Just a picky-*** historical point.

The Grateful Dead provided the music for the Acid Tests in San Francisco.

I did a book report on "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" in grade school. Needless to say, the nuns were not very impressed with my choice. I ended up spending a whole summer in Remedial English classes.

Ahhh... the good old days.

 

[irish4ever]

MEF,
What the hell games have you been watching all year. AA has been the most consistent performer on Offense all season. He is getting big yards after contact. Bashing of Allen will not be tolerated. He is all our running game.

Ban him!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I've never seen anyone rip Allen in favor of Wood. I thought Wood would turn into a very explosive No. 2 runner, but AA will be the man.

Wood is going through a rough patch right now, but let's also remind ourselves that he's only carried the ball 9 times over the past 3 games.

Maybe Hughes comes in and plays well, but I have little faith in him.

This. You sir, demonstrate a high football IQ.

Armando Allen can carry 100% of the load running the ball, he is tough as **** and determined as ever. The problem is pass blocking from the youngsters.

Football is still a team sport. I didn’t see the whole Stanford game, but every time I saw a play, Wood entirely whiffed at his pass blocking assignment, just like he has most of the season. Stanford’s linebackers are too big and fast to allow such a clear shot at the quarterback; forget conversations about running Crist or holding him back, this is the way to get him seriously hurt, seriously. Gray wasn’t and hasn’t been any better. Last year Hughes was the best, hopefully we will see this year.

The problem with running, has more to do with the offensive line than the running backs, from what I have seen. Saturday, I also saw the middle three interior linemen lollygagging around, looking for someone to block, while the linebackers from Stanford, just sat back and waited for someone to nail. With eight back, why weren’t our offensive linemen hitting ‘em five yards down the field and knocking ‘em on their asses? Are they that slow? Or just not instructed well? (You can block down field on a running play.) I am a big Chris Stewart fan and I think Trevor Robinson is an absolute monster – what a disappointment.

Speaking of depth chart updates, what is it with Darin Walls and his shoulder?

 

[DirtySecret]

I just love how the "kool-aid" reference is so overused and is often used completely out of context. You see, Jim Jones' followers were part of a cult and mindlessly followed his words based on his ability to manipulate and "brainwash". Some would argue they were weak minded and not responsible for their actions because they were coaxed in to moving to some God-foresaken jungle and then drinking poisoned fruit drink in order to achieve enlightenment or whatever it was that Jim Jones was preaching about.

Like so many others on here, I am not mindless or brainwashed. Additionally, I am a pretty big and strong dude so no one forces me or manipulates me to do anything I do not want to do.

Now, as it relates to the topic of the thread, I was not blind or myopic in my assessment of Woods. I did not base my opinions solely on what I read on recruiting sites or other internet blogs. Like some of my other Southern California breathren, I saw him with my own eyes live and in person. I based my somewhat educated assessment of him based on those viewings. Has it panned out yet the way I thought it would? No. But that doesn't make me a so called "Kool-Aid" drinker? No. It doesn't even really apply.

I'm not bashing on you. It's just that the Kool-Aid reference is completely played out and is often used completely out of context. It gets a little old. Furthermore, people also tend to forget that the reference was spawned from the deaths of 909 people - many of whom were children that weren't given a choice of whether or not to drink. Seems kind of crude when you think about it that way.

Well excuse me!! Okay if your sick of the reference how about this one The Bus riding Wood fans.. Is that better? Fact is, a lot of people on here were all about Wood while ripping Allen for his lack of brust speed, his longest run, ect.. and yet Wood playmaking ability hasn't translated to the field.

 

[mick2]

is goodman the next samardzija?

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Well excuse me!! Okay if your sick of the reference how about this one The Bus riding Wood fans.. Is that better? Fact is, a lot of people on here were all about Wood while ripping Allen for his lack of brust speed, his longest run, ect.. and yet Wood playmaking ability hasn't translated to the field.

See? I like that! That is the kind of creativity and forward thinking I have come to expect from posters on this board. Honestly, that is good. Haven't heard that one.

Now, I was definitely all about Wood, but I did not rip Allen. I don't think ripping current players is good and I do my best not to sound negative towards the players. Allen has been a tremendous representative of this team and has showed up to play game in and game out. So, I agree with you on that aspect. I was very hopeful for Wood this year. I am hoping it is just growing pains and not indicative of his future career. He is an amazing athlete, but what really fueld my hopes is that he is a fine young man. I know he will do very well off the field, but I want him to have great success on the field too.

 

[Rocket89]

I don't think the team as a whole was ready for the blitzing packages Stanford brought.

I still think it should be Allen and then Wood. I'll admit that Wood has not looked great in the last few games, but he's young and he's the future. Plus, he was only in the game on Saturday for what....a handful of plays? He didn't block a blitzing defender and they sacked Crist, but Allen also tried a lame block and allowed a defender to put pressure on Crist on the pick 6.

And of course, the offensive line has to do better. My thing is, if you want to bring in Hughes to block, fine...but don't expect much from him running the ball.

He has proven over the course of his career that unless the line is opening massive holes or we are playing awful defenses, he's not an effective runner.

STATS AGAINST TOP 65 DEFENSES (2008-2009)

Allen: 146 carries, 707 yards, 4.84 average

Hughes: 85 carries, 269 yards, 3.16 average

Allen missed the Navy game in 2009, where I'm sure he would have had a quality day. Hughes gained 20 yards on 7 carries.

Hughes did not play in the 2009 Pitt game. Allen ran for 77 yards on 14 carries that day.

Besides the Hawaii and Navy games from 2008, Hughes has been completely shut down by every quality defense Notre Dame has played.

As far as I see it, there is a HUGE drop off in talent from Allen to Hughes. I'd like to see Wood and Gray developed as much as possible because they are the future. And if you say well, Hughes gives us the best chance to win now, I'll say get ready for a bunch of 6 carry, 19 yard days against BC, USC, Utah, etc....but then a nice big performance against Army.

Put Hughes in there to block if you want to, but give the rock to Wood and Gray (whenever he's healthy). We need explosiveness!!!

 

[mgriff]

is goodman the next samardzija?

He doesn't have the open field moves in my opinion. Goody appears to be more of a possession receiver, and while as fast, not as athletic as the Shark. This isn't a knock on Goody, but the Shark was just a freak, and if the laws of nature allowed it, I would bear that man's children.

 

[edgesofsanity]

ND Depth Chart Changes

ND Depth Chart Changes

Per an impartial website; looks like Robert Hughes is moving into the two deep after his work against Stanford - good to add a bruiser before taking on the Golden Eagles. Also looks like Bennett Jackson is 2nd option for kickoff returns - with Theo taking a much bigger role in the offense, I'd imagine we'll see him running it back at BC.

 

[BeatSC]

Per an impartial website; looks like Robert Hughes is moving into the two deep after his work against Stanford - good to add a bruiser before taking on the Golden Eagles. Also looks like Bennett Jackson is 2nd option for kickoff returns - with Theo taking a much bigger role in the offense, I'd imagine we'll see him running it back at BC.

Thought Wood did an adequate job of kick returns but would like to se someone who won't settle for running into a stack of tacklers. Would like to see more of the wildcat and possibly with Goodman running it for a change of pace.

 

[mgriff]

Duplicate, merge it Terry!

 

[TerryTate]

Presto

 

[mgriff]

Presto

You Sir, are impressive. <2 mins.

 

[ACamp1900]

Cierre has obviously shown two things...

1.) He has the ability to be a legit number one guy
2.) He's not quite there yet.


He needs to remember both of these and keep working...

 

[lookingdeadred]

Wood as KR

Wood as KR

He has not done anything close to an adequate job, he has been awful. He is timid, and unless he changes, he is next to useless on kickoff returns.

Thought Wood did an adequate job of kick returns but would like to se someone who won't settle for running into a stack of tacklers. Would like to see more of the wildcat and possibly with Goodman running it for a change of pace.

 

[Irish Man3]

MEF,
What the hell games have you been watching all year. AA has been the most consistent performer on Offense all season. He is getting big yards after contact. Bashing of Allen will not be tolerated. He is all our running game.

Just another guy that is not an ND fan that goes to different sites ripping Notre Dame players. MEF does the same thing at two other post sites. Armando Allen has run like a man possessed. Very impressed with the way he stood up to the criticism from BK in the off-season. He has shown he is a real leader. Love the way he has run this year and I'm excited to see what spark Hughes can bring. He's earned some time over the years.

 

[IrishLax]

Just a thought....

Could someone like Darrin Walls run at safety? He has always broke well on the ball. If we used Blanton + Gray at corner with Walls playing FS and a Zeke/Smith playing SS would that work? Obviously, you could freely rotate between Slaughter, Walls, Motta and Smith as the down/situation dictated.

Thoughts? Might be a terrible suggestion.

 

[Nothingman]

Walls at safety is kind of an intriguing suggestion and one that I had never considered. However I don't believe he has ever played the position before and am unsure if the transition would be smooth. Also, the safety position at ND seems to require players that are a little more rugged to help in run support (ie Zibby, Bruton, McCarthy, Hayseed) With Walls having a bum shoulder and some of the missed tackles he has had this year I think corner is the spot he can help us most. Of course I've been wrong plenty of times before.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Walls at safety is kind of an intriguing suggestion and one that I had never considered. However I don't believe he has ever played the position before and am unsure if the transition would be smooth. Also, the safety position at ND seems to require players that are a little more rugged to help in run support (ie Zibby, Bruton, McCarthy, Hayseed) With Walls having a bum shoulder and some of the missed tackles he has had this year I think corner is the spot he can help us most. Of course I've been wrong plenty of times before.

What is the deal with Walls shoulder?

 

[Irish Man3]

partially seperated it against Michigan State I believe.

 

[Nothingman]

partially seperated it against Michigan State I believe.

Bingo. The shoulder was the reason he didn't start against Stanford and Blanton saw so much playing time.

 

[Irish To The Core]

I am a Cierre Wood supporter. He has tremendous talent but has yet to harness that talent consistently. It will come and the bandwagon will fill up again. However I have never said anything negative about Armando Allen. He is the man no doubt...I was a bit stunned when prior to the Purdue game BK was talking about the possibility of him being passed by Cierre before the end of the season. My take on that was that would be great because it would mean Cierre was now more effective than Armando and Armando is damn good! In my mind Cierre's #1 weakness is in pass protection, he has missed quite a few blocks on blitzing lbs which have left Dayne unprotected. He will come around, I have no doubt.

In the meantime, it is nice to be able to tap Robert Hughes on the shoulder when the time is right. I have always liked Hughes, he plays with passion and is a great team guy.

 

[irish1958]

Walls dropped the interception against Stanford . I have had a separated shoulder, and I couldn't even raise my arm above 90 degrees for a month.
And he almost made that interception in the endzone, with a big reach above his head.
Give these kids some slack; they are really trying and playing with passion.
GO IRISH

 

[kmoose]

I'm really disappointed in Wood

Don't be disappointed in him. He is what he is. He's a smallish guy who is a speedster. Give him a big hole, and he will gain you plenty of yards. Give him a seam that closes quickly and is crowded with defenders, and you have what the Irish have had, since the Purdue game. That's why there has been so much debate about Wood: His supporters are right, in that he has that "take it to the house" kind of speed. And his detractors are also correct, in that he is not a particularly good back who can see the seam, slip through it, and then get behind the defense. If he was running behind Ohio State or Alabama's offensive line, he would likely be a national star. But he's not.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Don't be disappointed in him. He is what he is. He's a smallish guy who is a speedster. Give him a big hole, and he will gain you plenty of yards. Give him a seam that closes quickly and is crowded with defenders, and you have what the Irish have had, since the Purdue game. That's why there has been so much debate about Wood: His supporters are right, in that he has that "take it to the house" kind of speed. And his detractors are also correct, in that he is not a particularly good back who can see the seam, slip through it, and then get behind the defense. If he was running behind Ohio State or Alabama's offensive line, he would likely be a national star. But he's not.

He definitely will benefit from more time in the weight room and at the training table. If he puts on 10 pounds or so of muscle and keeps his speed, he could be the real deal. Until then, he's a shifty home-run threat but not much of an all-around tailback.

 

[kmoose]

He's only had 1 or 2 punts returned all year. How has he been horrible? He had a bad punt or two but he has been pretty solid.

He's only had them not returned because they were so short that they were unreturnable.

 

[dshans]

... how about this one The Bus riding Wood fans.. Is that better?

Wowzers, two inadvertent references to Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters in one thread!

A little more Hippie History: The Merry Pranksters had a school bus that they modified and used to drive around the country. They named it "Furthur" – the misspelling was theirs, not mine.

On their tour with the Kool-Aid Acid Tests, the saying "You're either on the bus or off the bus" was used as an invitation and/or challenge. Oh, and the band called themselves The Warlocks in the earliest "test." They became The Grateful Dead in 1965.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

I think everybody forgets Wood is a RS Freshman

..It was Cowboy Neal at the Wheel the Bus to Never Ever Land

 

[kmoose]

is goodman the next samardzija?

No. Samardzija was another one of those guys that Charlie Weis failed to develop.

 

[IrishinSyria]

No. Samardzija was another one of those guys that Charlie Weis failed to develop.

Yea, Brady Quinn, Samardzija, Jimmy and Golden are CLEAR examples of guys who regressed under Weis' "coaching."