Duke Post Game

[BeatSC]

- Book balled out
- Finke looked draftable
- Claypool is a monster
- loved how Book distributed the ball. Kudos to Takas
- Books numbers would have been more impressive if Finkes long run isn’t called back over BS holding penalty. That whole sequence set up the lone TD with the Vaughn weekly WTF moment.
- CBo and JAhmir looked better than TJ and Jafar. Jafar has been a huge underachiever for us this year.
- disappointing outing for McKinnley but at least he was targeted.
- What happened to Lenzy?
- Still missing a big time pass rush. Was better last year. Like the Dline depth.
- Bramlett punting stunk especially compared to Dukes punter.
- Love does the passion and bitt chewing Kelly showed last night.
- Navy makes me nervous. Not sure why we shouldn’t be taking them to the woodshed again this year but do need to find some running again. Jet seeeps with Lenzy and no sweeps with Jones and Jafar.
-Oline is serviceable but not impressive.
- Hamilton will be fun to watch full time next year. Alohi needs to return for senior season. Bilal was consistent and I could see JOK taking his spot. Would like to see Bo get more snaps and move into a starting role next year.
- Books best game this year. Similar game to the usc game but he decided not to slide all night. Good for him.


Really surprised many here are finding so much negative about this impressive win. I honestly couldn’t watch the game live. Last week stressed me out so DVR’d it this week went to the movies (JOjo rabbit great movie) found out ND won and watched knowing the score and enjoyed every minute of the game. Not sure what I’m going to do this week.

Embarrassed that Duke didn’t fill the stands and probably half ND folks there. Can’t remember a more poorly attended ND game. Duke doesn’t deserve to get another home game against ND.

 

[irishtrooper]

Don't want to hear about Michigan State? In 2013 Kelly outcoached Dantonio with Tommy Rees at QB. That's impressive by itself, but Michigan State went on to win all their other games that season in addition to the Rose Bowl. That was their only defeat all season, which is pretty amazing.

Penn State is going to get destroyed by Ohio State later this month. They also squeaked by Iowa and Pitt. They're a good team, but they weren't the #4 team in the country. It's still a great win for Minnesota, but this isn't like Minnesota knocked off Alabama.

Nobody liked losing to Clemson or Alabama, but lets be honest...were we favored in either game? Yeah, BK got outcoached, by the only two currently active coaches that are without a doubt better than he. Realistically I would say we're not as close to either team athletically as the recruiting sites would lead us to believe. Someone said ND's 2018 class was something like #10 while Clemson's was #8 or #6. Honestly though, would you rather have Trevor Lawrence as your QB, or PJ if you had the choice? Did we look like we matched up well with either team athletically when we played? Sure, we hung with Clemson for 3 out of the 4 quarters, but when we lost two guys to injury it was pretty plain that we had some real depth issues. Clemson loses a few guys to suspension and they looked just fine through the whole playoffs (I still think the entire team should have been tested when 3 players come back for banned substances in a random testing). If you bring Fleck in, with all of ND's challenges, I seriously doubt he's going to just knock off Clemson or Alabama. Lets see how Minny handlea Ohio State, because that's a closer barometer to Alabama or Clemson even if it's not the same with Meyer not there.

Great job on this post. It sums up my thoughts pretty succinctly

 

[irishff1014]

Much better game then we had seen lately.

-Duke didn't respect Book's leg and he killed them.
-Book did have 4 passing TD's but he still needs to be a little better on timing and touch.
-Finke finally had a good game.
-Smith should have been the main RB last night.
-Lea has built his game plans so that a running Qb won't hurt them. I think Duke's QB had under 110 total yards.
-Special teams was just that special.
The o-line struggle at time last night bad.
-Lugg however looked pretty good.
-I LOVED the fire from Kelly last night. However i don't think Polian did.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Don't want to hear about Michigan State? In 2013 Kelly outcoached Dantonio with Tommy Rees at QB. That's impressive by itself, but Michigan State went on to win all their other games that season in addition to the Rose Bowl. That was their only defeat all season, which is pretty amazing.

Penn State is going to get destroyed by Ohio State later this month. They also squeaked by Iowa and Pitt. They're a good team, but they weren't the #4 team in the country. It's still a great win for Minnesota, but this isn't like Minnesota knocked off Alabama.

Nobody liked losing to Clemson or Alabama, but lets be honest...were we favored in either game? Yeah, BK got outcoached, by the only two currently active coaches that are without a doubt better than he. Realistically I would say we're not as close to either team athletically as the recruiting sites would lead us to believe. Someone said ND's 2018 class was something like #10 while Clemson's was #8 or #6. Honestly though, would you rather have Trevor Lawrence as your QB, or PJ if you had the choice? Did we look like we matched up well with either team athletically when we played? Sure, we hung with Clemson for 3 out of the 4 quarters, but when we lost two guys to injury it was pretty plain that we had some real depth issues. Clemson loses a few guys to suspension and they looked just fine through the whole playoffs (I still think the entire team should have been tested when 3 players come back for banned substances in a random testing). If you bring Fleck in, with all of ND's challenges, I seriously doubt he's going to just knock off Clemson or Alabama. Lets see how Minny handlea Ohio State, because that's a closer barometer to Alabama or Clemson even if it's not the same with Meyer not there.

Are we really hanging our hat on wins from nearly 7 years ago? That should be telling in itself, lord. Were we favored in the games? Of course not, and we didn't even compete. It was an absolute embarrassment on every level, we got dismantled, and you can't tell me it's because there was that massive a talent discrepancy, we got thoroughly outcoached. So yes, I'm ready to take a bit of risk on a guy that seems like he has more energy and motivation in his sleep than Kelly does after a cup of coffee.

 

[IrishLax]

I just think it’s funny that we’ve come full circle to the 2017 offense... minus the elite OL and good RBs... when ostensibly Long went away from Wimbush to run something different.

I also wonder if there are any holdouts on this board about the OL. They were atrocious last year, and better this year when healthy. But there are two glaring issues:
1. They are asked to do too much pulling and complex blocking, and that’s on Long not Quinn. It’s Long’s offense and assignments.
2. With the exception of Hainsey, none of the players project as anything more than a borderline NFL prospect right now. And Hainsey projects best at guard.

Being ranked high doesn’t mean anything for OL recruiting where the miss rate is very high. You need depth and development in order to produce consistent lines. ND lacked depth, and now they’re down 3 of their top 8 linemen. The issues with scheme, talent, and depth will all be on display next week against a VERY GOOD Navy team.

Next year should be an open competition on the OL with a scheme that emphasizes zone blocking, power, and toughness. I doubt that happens but it’s my dream. Realistically we aren’t going to see significant improvement on the OL until ‘21 and that’s only if some of the new recruits pan out.

 

[pumpdog20]

Good:
-Return of the Book and Finke
They don't have to be benched now
-Defense was awesome outside the Vaughn TD
-Purple face Kelly

Bad:
-Oline is not good... at all. I blame coaching. I hope the Bears Oline continue to suck and HH "has" to come back
-Autry Denson should donate half his current salary to ND for what is in the RB corp right now
-Polian is really struggling. Is he willing to just be a recruiting coordinator?
-Some of you miserable fucks need a hug. Go to your local ARL and play with some puppies or go visit a local children's hospital. Get some freaking perspective.

 

[AllTimeIrish]

Claypool should be a high draft pick. He makes acrobatic catches, has size and speed, and has become very reliable.

JOK's versatility and athleticism were on display last night in a big way.

Graphic during game had McShay ranking Okwara as 26th best draft prospect. That seems high to me given inconsistent pass rush and run defense this year, but good for him if he goes in the first.

Worried about the RB's as they all have serious flaws. Depth there and at CB is going to be a major problem next year.

Defense once again impressive with only a hiccup by Vaughn on the TD pass.

Oline needs some work - should be better with the talent, but also understandable that working in a whole new right side would take time.

I watched the game at Chilis - know the bartenders and they reserved a TV for me at the bar since I don't have ACC network. Ate ribs, sausage, and broccoli and managed to stay away from alcohol. Proud of myself for being healthy. Can't go wrong with bbq on gameday!

 

[ND88]

I mean, if you guys are happy with the Camping World Bowl in Year 10 of Kelly's tenure, then okay. I'm most definitely not, so pardon me if I'm tired of winning meaningless bowl games and getting smashed when it matters. It's time for a change, whether you recognize it or not.

C'mon, man. I know you are passionate about ND football, but these generalizations don't help.

 

[BabyIrish]

I mean, if you guys are happy with the Camping World Bowl in Year 10 of Kelly's tenure, then okay. I'm most definitely not, so pardon me if I'm tired of winning meaningless bowl games and getting smashed when it matters. It's time for a change, whether you recognize it or not.

So we should shit on teenagers because we don’t like who the coach is? GTFO with that punk asss garbage. We should rightly praise the way the players played last night. They were focused and executed pretty well. I hope it continues because they work harder at this then most of can imagine and they deserve our praise when they get it right.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

So we should shit on teenagers because we don’t like who the coach is? GTFO with that punk asss garbage. We should rightly praise the way the players played last night. They were focused and executed pretty well. I hope it continues because they work harder at this then most of can imagine and they deserve our praise when they get it right.

Maybe if you knew how to read you would see it's Brian Kelly, not the kids.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

C'mon, man. I know you are passionate about ND football, but these generalizations don't help.

Let's have a conversation about it, I appreciate you not resorting to ignorant slights. Are you satisfied with the progress in year 10? I am to a point, we're much further along than we were, no doubt. At the same time, I feel like we've stalled, reached the peak but can't get over it. I can't pinpoint exactly where the issues lay, I don't think anyone can, but I know that the common denominator is always BK.

 

[BabyIrish]

Maybe if you knew how to read you would see it's Brian Kelly, not the kids.

Then take it to any of the 10 coaching threads out there on the board. But as a fan I’m embarrassed at the lack of respect our players are getting. They deserve better and this thread should be about them, the players.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Then take it to any of the 10 coaching threads out there on the board. But as a fan I’m embarrassed at the lack of respect our players are getting. They deserve better and this thread should be about them, the players.

These are my post-Duke thoughts. Pardon me, I'll take it to the BK thread. Carry on.

 

[Irish2155]

These are my post-Duke thoughts. Pardon me, I'll take it to the BK thread. Carry on.

Thank you. I think we all understand your feelings re: BK. You’ve beaten the shit out of that dead horse. No need to throw it around all over this thread as well.

 

[stpeteirish]

Can’t believe how much our fans cry and complain when we dominated last night on the road at night

after predicting we would struggle and possibly lose because ..on the road at night ...blah blah.

Post Mich hangover gone we're back to where we we in first 6 games. good, not great.

 

[nd_fan]

If your first instinct after a good, easy win is to come and shit on the coach, QB and team generally, I’m not sure why you’re watching. We get 12 college football games, guys. Might as well enjoy them.

Dude we literally went from playing in the playoffs last year to getting blown out my Michigan this year. We are playing for moral wins so that our recruiting class still stays in tact. Lot of fans are disappointed. Our team won against Duke. Let’s be realistic, it’s a good win but it’s nothing exciting. People’s frustration are showing because we literally have to wait another year to hope for the playoffs. At this point, next year maybe a toss up as wells since we don’t know which Kelly’s team we are gonna get. This is why you see people venting their frustration.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Dude we literally went from playing in the playoffs last year to getting blown out my Michigan this year. We are playing for moral wins so that our recruiting class still stays in tact. Lot of fans are disappointed. Our team won against Duke. Let’s be realistic, it’s a good win but it’s nothing exciting. People’s frustration are showing because we literally have to wait another year to hope for the playoffs. At this point, next year maybe a toss up as wells since we don’t know which Kelly’s team we are gonna get. This is why you see people venting their frustration.

Be careful man, it's drink the koolaid or bust around here. Heaven forbid you have any opinion that's halfway realistic and not all roses for BK and ND.

 

[irishnd31]

Be careful man, it's drink the koolaid or bust around here. Heaven forbid you have any opinion that's halfway realistic and not all roses for BK and ND.

Awwww. Dry your tears kitten.

 

[RDU Irish]

Fun night for the whole fam. My son and his friend were on TV behind the halftime commentators. Bunch of pushups for the 7 year old. Stress free evening we could leave in the 4th before our asses froze off.

Book is still not leading receivers worth a squat. Seem to always need to reach back for the ball or some circus catch - just rarely makes it easy on the WR. RB is a serious problem. Defense was just dominant all day - fun to watch.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Awwww. Dry your tears kitten.

Fuck off dude. Go ride a dick

 

[irishnd31]

Fuck off dude. Go ride a dick

Aww. And you’re classy too. Total package.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Be careful man, it's drink the koolaid or bust around here. Heaven forbid you have any opinion that's halfway realistic and not all roses for BK and ND.

What makes you believe that your opinion is halfway realistic? You’re unhappy about your favorite college football team and it’s coach. We get it. Clearly you believed this limited team was capable of going undefeated and competing for a playoff spot. Maybe you are the one that needs the reality check. ND is not going to be able to compete for a playoff spot every year with the restrictions. Some years you may have to accept that we don’t have the roster talent. I’m rooting for that10 win season and going to a bowl.

 

[BobbyMac]

What makes you believe that your opinion is halfway realistic? You’re unhappy about your favorite college football team and it’s coach. We get it. Clearly you believed this limited team was capable of going undefeated and competing for a playoff spot. Maybe you are the one that needs the reality check. ND is not going to be able to compete for a playoff spot every year with the restrictions. Some years you may have to accept that we don’t have the roster talent. I’m rooting for that10 win season and going to a bowl.

I don't get that from the River City Rocker (or is it The Crescent City Siren, The Pocket City Poet or the Stoplight City Sage?). What I get from him is Kelly has run his course, he will never win a championship and it's time for a change. I think the odds of him winning a NC is VERY low, even with Tyree, Johnson, Buchner and 5-6 other elite prospects coming down the pipeline.

I'm not sure anyone can win at ND outside of Saban, Dabo or Meyer and none of them will ever coach at ND. If some of this hype is coming from RTDB having the GoGo-furs undefeated and in the top 10... It sounds from connected types, that Fleck may be a Michigan Man someday but he'll never be a NDMan.

I've been on record saying that Kelly deserved to be fired more than once over the seasons. I've wasted my time thinking about who would be the right replacement when the answer is... he ain't going anywhere.

I'm the kind of person that looks 2-3 cycles away. If it was all about winning National Championships like BK says... he'd have switched to Phil when the Michigan game got out of hand. He didn't and it's because even with two losses, ND is playing for the $$$ of an Orange or Cotton Bowl instead of building for runs in the future. This is what ND is striving for, 2 loss seasons and making as much $$$ as possible.

I've accepted it and moved on. It would be SO easy for ND to go all in and be untouchable. They just don't have a chest for the optics.

 

[ND88]

Let's have a conversation about it, I appreciate you not resorting to ignorant slights. Are you satisfied with the progress in year 10? I am to a point, we're much further along than we were, no doubt. At the same time, I feel like we've stalled, reached the peak but can't get over it. I can't pinpoint exactly where the issues lay, I don't think anyone can, but I know that the common denominator is always BK.

I look at it this way. I see a coach who is imperfect, who struggles with facets of coaching that have been persistent throughout his tenure. There's never justification for failure, but there is the option to look at the positives along with them. I was convinced after 2016 that it would be his last year. He was stubborn about change and I waited like most for the hammer to drop.

However, I give him great credit. He made adjustments. He got back to work when he could have looked for an exit. He recommitted himself to the grind and made some strong hires. He stayed on the recruiting trail and picked talented players that fit Notre Dame.

As a fanbase, we have been burnt by multiple coaches, in part because of the desperate belief that each one would restore us to national prominence. We didn't see the level of work and commitment that we have from Kelly from any of those coaches after Lou. There were exciting moments, but most were charlatans.

Last year was the greatest indicator of the direction of this program under Kelly. We need better recruits, and they are coming. I'm not ready to stress over a flashy coach when we still have substance right now. We lost a lot of great and seasoned players from last year, but it comes in waves. Sure, Michigan was disgusting for all of us, but it wasn't disgusting when we steam rolled over them previously. I was at that game when Manti went off like a maniac. It was fun as hell.

My point is not that Kelly is the end all be all, but he is still our coach. My memories of the highs under his leadership far outweigh what Fleck has brought to the table at this moment in time. If a change is made, I trust it will occur when it occurs. If he steps down, then so be it. In the meantime, it doesn't make me a homer to support the team we have, especially since I have been doing that all my life. Lou Holtz was an incredible coach, but unfortunately, the heartbreak of Boston College lingers and reminds me that every great has his loss and his victory.

 

[domer13]

Fun night for the whole fam. My son and his friend were on TV behind the halftime commentators. Bunch of pushups for the 7 year old. Stress free evening we could leave in the 4th before our asses froze off.

Book is still not leading receivers worth a squat. Seem to always need to reach back for the ball or some circus catch - just rarely makes it easy on the WR. RB is a serious problem. Defense was just dominant all day - fun to watch.

Did they have the "Wendy's 4 for $4" and "Hi Mom" signs (they looked like they were towels with markers written on them)? If so, pretty cool experience for them.

 

[stlnd01]

I look at it this way. I see a coach who is imperfect, who struggles with facets of coaching that have been persistent throughout his tenure. There's never justification for failure, but there is the option to look at the positives along with them. I was convinced after 2016 that it would be his last year. He was stubborn about change and I waited like most for the hammer to drop.

However, I give him great credit. He made adjustments. He got back to work when he could have looked for an exit. He recommitted himself to the grind and made some strong hires. He stayed on the recruiting trail and picked talented players that fit Notre Dame.

As a fanbase, we have been burnt by multiple coaches, in part because of the desperate belief that each one would restore us to national prominence. We didn't see the level of work and commitment that we have from Kelly from any of those coaches after Lou. There were exciting moments, but most were charlatans.

Last year was the greatest indicator of the direction of this program under Kelly. We need better recruits, and they are coming. I'm not ready to stress over a flashy coach when we still have substance right now. We lost a lot of great and seasoned players from last year, but it comes in waves. Sure, Michigan was disgusting for all of us, but it wasn't disgusting when we steam rolled over them previously. I was at that game when Manti went off like a maniac. It was fun as hell.

My point is not that Kelly is the end all be all, but he is still our coach. My memories of the highs under his leadership far outweigh what Fleck has brought to the table at this moment in time. If a change is made, I trust it will occur when it occurs. If he steps down, then so be it. In the meantime, it doesn't make me a homer to support the team we have, especially since I have been doing that all my life. Lou Holtz was an incredible coach, but unfortunately, the heartbreak of Boston College lingers and reminds me that every great has his loss and his victory.

This post > The tantrums people have been throwing since the Michigan game.

 

[NDdomer2]

40% of oline is backups, road game, already two loses so out of playoffs.

And the teams winning 38-7.

 

[ginman]

Book is just awesome here in North Carolina. - Finke played well tonight and my youngest daughter saw her first ND game- Fun night!

 

[ulukinatme]

Fuck off dude. Go ride a dick

Leave the pretty girl alone

 

[irishnd31]

Leave the pretty girl alone

Lmfao