How can ND beat Bama?

[Circa]

We go into Arlington, TX, we line up 11v11 and we smack them in the mouth with hardcore, smash mouth football!
We win by 12.

Go Irish!
Pussies need not apply...

 

[DCDomer]

We go into Arlington, TX, we line up 11v11 and we smack them in the mouth with hardcore, smash mouth football!
We win by 12.

Go Irish!
Pussies need not apply...

 

[T Town Tommy]

Find your TE early and often. I think you can have some success there.

 

[IrishTusker]

Monk Malloy started the tailspin and what we now know of as the "new" normal.

Let's be real 90 percent or more of the football players aren't getting in on academic merit alone.

Malloy is responsible for that.

Malloy sunk recruiting and that new paradigm still hurts the program today IMO

Very few athletes get in on academic merit alone. That is true for every team at ND, and at schools like Alabama, and at schools like Yale.

 

[IrishTusker]

I assume you mean 2018? What happened was ND got skull fucked by the big boys at the end of the year, as usual since Monks Notre Dame.

I'm talking about the recruiting classes signed in those years.

 

[IrishTusker]

Yeah, but would ND have wanted him before and during MSU? Hindsight is always 2020, but I don't think anybody would have pegged him to be one of the best of all time when he was at MSU.

True, but of course LSU hired him. There is luck involved though (Rich Rod turning down Bama, when they offered him the job before Saban).

 

[Irishize]

Yeah, but would ND have wanted him before and during MSU? Hindsight is always 2020, but I don't think anybody would have pegged him to be one of the best of all time when he was at MSU.

He beat Davie’s ass on a regular basis during his time in East Lansing. You also had Wadsworth as AD who had to be the worst in modern times. IIRC, he was Canadian...that explains everything...LOL.

 

[Irishize]

True, but of course LSU hired him. There is luck involved though (Rich Rod turning down Bama, when they offered him the job before Saban).

ND had the worst luck around that time.

Meyer chooses UF over one of his “dream programs” in Notre Dame. This after UF fires Zook before ND fires Ty (they both started in 2002 at their respective schools) yet ND gets called racist b/c coaches got more than three years. Nary a word about Zook getting fired though.

RichRod to Bama was a done deal until it wasn’t

Before that George O’Leary lies on his resume which would garner nothing more than an eye roll or shrug nowadays.

 

[NDRock]

ND had the worst luck around that time.

Meyer chooses UF over one of his “dream programs” in Notre Dame. This after UF fires Zook before ND fires Ty (they both started in 2002 at their respective schools) yet ND gets called racist b/c coaches got more than three years. Nary a word about Zook getting fired though.

RichRod to Bama was a done deal until it wasn’t

Before that George O’Leary lies on his resume which would garner nothing more than an eye roll or shrug nowadays.

I’d say Notre Dame made some of their own bad luck. The common theme is ND didn’t ever want to look like they’re trying to hard so they dip their toe into anything new and wait to see how things shake out. Never on the forefront of things. The O’Leary thing is the same. Need to keep up appearances. Nobody really would have cared back then as well after some initial hit from the media.

 

[Bluto]

Make the team watch The Best of Times?

Side note, it is the best/most accurate movie ever made about Kern County Football.

 

[NDRock]

Make the team watch The Best of Times?

Side note, it is the best/most accurate movie ever made about Kern County Football.

I will die on the hill that The Best of Times is one of the greatest sports movie of all time. Reno fucking Hightower. Greatest quarterback in the history of south Kern county.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Make the team watch The Best of Times?

Side note, it is the best/most accurate movie ever made about Kern County Football.

"You better watch it, Dr. Death! I'm pretty damn fast for a Cau-casian."


One of Robin Williams' best lines - ever....

 

[317Irish]

Find your TE early and often. I think you can have some success there.

But we already do that!! Come on T Town if we’re going to beat Bama we’re going to need better from you! Lol jk, but thanks for joining in the “how do we move the needle from 0% chance to something like 8% chance?” conversation.

 

[T Town Tommy]

But we already do that!! Come on T Town if we’re going to beat Bama we’re going to need better from you! Lol jk, but thanks for joining in the “how do we move the needle from 0% chance to something like 8% chance?” conversation.

Ha. I hear ya. In all seriousness, it typically takes great QB play, a couple of turnovers, and some crazy stuff to happen. If Book can buy time with his legs, throw accurately in tight windows, and avoid interceptions then I think the Irish can score some points. Red zone TD’s need to be above 75% as FG’s isn’t going to get it done. The Irish DL needs to get pressure on Mac without having to depend on blitzes. They are well above average so that’s a matchup worth watching. The defensive backfield has to play above their heads and keep everything in front of them. Probably the worst matchup for the Irish. Figure that out enough to slow Bama down and play up the underdog role and the Irish have a chance. If, and it’s a big if, Book takes what he is given, protects the ball, and realizes a three yard gain is ok at times, the Irish can make it a game. Get behind two scores early and solely rely on the passing game is not what you want. 2020 has been crazy... and as my friend YJ said **** happens.

 

[Bishop2b5]

I'm not above selling out my team. I can make sure most of the players come down with the flu and at least 4 or 5 have a really bad case of the clap by gameday. I'll do it for money. Make your contributions to my GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/bishopneedsa911turbo

And remember, your contribution is for a worthy cause and is tax deductible.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Ha. I hear ya. In all seriousness, it typically takes great QB play, a couple of turnovers, and some crazy stuff to happen. If Book can buy time with his legs, throw accurately in tight windows, and avoid interceptions then I think the Irish can score some points. Red zone TD’s need to be above 75% as FG’s isn’t going to get it done. The Irish DL needs to get pressure on Mac without having to depend on blitzes. They are well above average so that’s a matchup worth watching. The defensive backfield has to play above their heads and keep everything in front of them. Probably the worst matchup for the Irish. Figure that out enough to slow Bama down and play up the underdog role and the Irish have a chance. If, and it’s a big if, Book takes what he is given, protects the ball, and realizes a three yard gain is ok at times, the Irish can make it a game. Get behind two scores early and solely rely on the passing game is not what you want. 2020 has been crazy... and as my friend YJ said **** happens.

I agree that the secondary and backers has to keep everything in front of them, then run up and hit them hard. Hope for a drop, a holding penalty(if a bama o-lineman tends to hold throughout the season, Kelly needs to put a word in the umpires ear before the game. If bama receivers like to push off, let's the umpire know) , a pick, a batted ball, fumble from getting jarred from behind and punched.

I don't think we can do the Patriot mug and hold because the bama receivers are frankly to fast and physical to do that for our secondary players. They will simply shed and torch us in man coverage. Bama has NFL receivers, Kelly doesn't have an NFL secondary like Belichick had.

Tighten the windows as the field gets shorter. Slant, stunt and twist to try to create pressure, blocking confusion and to wash some running lanes. But never on the same downs. Invite them to run on some downs with dime perrsonel and even a 3 or 2 man line.

Break tendencies. I mean really break tendencies.
Get them in perrsonell that they aren't quite as comfortable in. Quick hitting runs and jet sweeps on offense.
One cut and go. Gaining two yards is ok. Bunch formations to rub and negate physical superiority on one side then mltiple tight ends that aren't afraid to mix it up physically on the other side. Move the pocket. Practice moving the pocket.

Kelly can't run what he ran on either side of the ball during the season. Saban, like Belichick, will know you better than you know yourself. Like gambler with tells. Do what Doug Peterson did. Practice an entire new offense and defense while showing video to friendly media of you practicing what you've ran all year.

I'm using a lot of professional football strategies in this game plan but make no mistake about it....we are playing a professional team with a professional staff.

 

[DONALDIII]

Ha. I hear ya. In all seriousness, it typically takes great QB play, a couple of turnovers, and some crazy stuff to happen. If Book can buy time with his legs, throw accurately in tight windows, and avoid interceptions then I think the Irish can score some points. Red zone TD’s need to be above 75% as FG’s isn’t going to get it done. The Irish DL needs to get pressure on Mac without having to depend on blitzes. They are well above average so that’s a matchup worth watching. The defensive backfield has to play above their heads and keep everything in front of them. Probably the worst matchup for the Irish. Figure that out enough to slow Bama down and play up the underdog role and the Irish have a chance. If, and it’s a big if, Book takes what he is given, protects the ball, and realizes a three yard gain is ok at times, the Irish can make it a game. Get behind two scores early and solely rely on the passing game is not what you want. 2020 has been crazy... and as my friend YJ said **** happens.

throw accurately in tight windows - You have to try before you can be successful. We will lose 2 yards running out of bounds before he throws it in a tight window.

 

[Irish#1]

A) Score one more point than the Crimson Tide
B) Score one more point than the Crimson Tide
c) Score one more point than the Crimson Tide
D) All of the above.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

ND on both lines of scrimmage need to come out not be scared and just punch Alabama in the face.


Only way ND has a chance is to stand toe to toe with the bully and punch them in the face. Ball control. I know we want big pass plays down field. But ball control ball control ball control. On defense Clark Lea please blitz but play zone behind it. No zero coverage please ever.


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[RDU Irish]

Saban is sending them home 3 days for Christmas. Don't have to pay Bishop - they may do it to themselves. Not that they don't know how to game "testing" and give ND Covid on top of a complete jailsexing.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Saban is sending them home 3 days for Christmas. Don't have to pay Bishop - they may do it to themselves. Not that they don't know how to game "testing" and give ND Covid on top of a complete jailsexing.

Why don't you mind your own business and stay out of this!!! I'm trying to finagle myself a Porsche from this, man!

 

[Irishize]

Ha. I hear ya. In all seriousness, it typically takes great QB play, a couple of turnovers, and some crazy stuff to happen. If Book can buy time with his legs, throw accurately in tight windows, and avoid interceptions then I think the Irish can score some points. Red zone TD’s need to be above 75% as FG’s isn’t going to get it done. The Irish DL needs to get pressure on Mac without having to depend on blitzes. They are well above average so that’s a matchup worth watching. The defensive backfield has to play above their heads and keep everything in front of them. Probably the worst matchup for the Irish. Figure that out enough to slow Bama down and play up the underdog role and the Irish have a chance. If, and it’s a big if, Book takes what he is given, protects the ball, and realizes a three yard gain is ok at times, the Irish can make it a game. Get behind two scores early and solely rely on the passing game is not what you want. 2020 has been crazy... and as my friend YJ said **** happens.

It’s not whether Book can throw into tight windows (See 1st Clemson game, UNC, SU & first four drives in ACC CG), it’s will he do it. When he loses confidence and plays not to lose (like most of the first part of the season & 3/4 of the ACC CG) he pats the ball multiple times, scrambles in hopes of a receiver getting open (ala backyard football) but settles for running out of bounds for a loss. That’s when you know it’s over on offense. Venables solved this easily by simply flushing him w/o giving him running lanes. At that point, Book’s only hope is backyard football in that he needs a receiver to get open in his line of sight before he runs out of bounds. That’s not a good gameplan to beat elite teams. He needs to get rid of the ball before the receiver gets out of his break. In other words, trust his arm & trust his receiver = trust the process.

As far as Jones...sure he’s not mobile but he’s not going to panic either. The kid has been sacked TEN times the entire year. Book was sacked six times in the ACC CG (Five were on 3rd down!!!). That also says something about the Bama OL which should win the Joe Moore Award going away (regardless of losing their stud center last week). I already feel bad for Shaun Crawford. Kid has left his blood, sweat & tears on the gridiron for his team. All those ripped tendons & ligaments have undoubtedly affected his speed & quickness. Sadly, the underclass men behind him have been unable to unseat him so he’s the best we have. If you think the Clemson WR are a handful, multiply that by a factor of 5 and get ready for a track meet.

UF was in danger of getting boat raced multiple times vs Bama. Their offense is what made it a game. The ability to get a quick strike & this is from an offense w/ little to no rushing game. All they needed was their D to get a few stops and they did. ND’s defense did that in the Clemson game on Saturday but the offense wasn’t there to reciprocate w/ scores. That along w/ a weak secondary is what fuels a blowout. If Bama goes up 14-0 and all ND has to show for it are two three & outs, then human nature kicks in and the doubt turns to doom...game over.

Rees & Lea can’t reinvent the wheel b/c it’s not enough time & they have the personnel they’re gonna have. But they can add wrinkles & stunts on both sides of the ball. Don’t leave Polian out. If ND is lucky enough to score, he needs to be ready for a perfectly timed onsides kick.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

And please can we have Davis try a pass on the jet sweep. If there ever was a spot this is it.


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[PANDFAN]

Find your TE early and often. I think you can have some success there.

we do, it's called 3 down and 6 to go....mayer for the 1st down.....he is targeted on almost all 3rd down plays...it's so crazy to know it is coming and still comes down with it...he has been such beast for us and to know he is just a freshman... he is going to be something special to see in another year or so

 

[PANDFAN]

And please can we have Davis try a pass on the jet sweep. If there ever was a spot this is it.


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i've been saying this to my kids for the past 2 years....luckily BK and tommy read IE so hopefully they see we endorse this call

 

[Irish#1]

i've been saying this to my kids for the past 2 years....luckily BK and tommy read IE so hopefully they see we endorse this call

Your kids actually listen to you?

 

[NDFAN420]

Notre Dame punches above its weight in the top 5 no doubt. As an amateur program competing against semi-pro/hybrid teams, its success is remarkable actually. In this kind of marketplace, intentionally keeping yourself at such a big disadvantage will always keep us a step behind. Others have said it, when ND was less tradition focused and more interested in winning, it was consistently the most innovative program along with the winningest. Rockne, Leahy, Holtz/Cerrato... Maybe ND has to wait until the NCAA gets the paid athlete thing figured out. But even then, Ohio State has multiple assistants making over $1m/yr I just read. ND won't do that either. New thinking at the top is required and only the fancy pants top donors can fix that.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Notre Dame punches above its weight in the top 5 no doubt. As an amateur program competing against semi-pro/hybrid teams, its success is remarkable actually. In this kind of marketplace, intentionally keeping yourself at such a big disadvantage will always keep us a step behind. Others have said it, when ND was less tradition focused and more interested in winning, it was consistently the most innovative program along with the winningest. Rockne, Leahy, Holtz/Cerrato... Maybe ND has to wait until the NCAA gets the paid athlete thing figured out. But even then, Ohio State has multiple assistants making over $1m/yr I just read. ND won't do that either. New thinking at the top is required and only the fancy pants top donors can fix that.

Great football teams ARE the tradition of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is a Catholic Depauw or Belmont without the football program.

 

[T Town Tommy]

we do, it's called 3 down and 6 to go....mayer for the 1st down.....he is targeted on almost all 3rd down plays...it's so crazy to know it is coming and still comes down with it...he has been such beast for us and to know he is just a freshman... he is going to be something special to see in another year or so

He’s going to be tremendous IMO. I love watching how he plays.

 

[philipm31]

Before and during MSU he had told family and friends that he would 'crawl on broken glass' to coach Notre Dame.
He certainly wasn't wanting to crawl on broken glass to coach at Alabama. He told them no at least two times before finally relenting when the wouldn't take no for an answer.

All Meyer and Stoops wanted was three measley exceptions to be put on a probationary period each year. That's all. And ND wouldn't even budge on that. Fucking ridiculous

And certainly not after the success he had in Miami, or lack thereof.

Michigan State was almost 8 years before he went to LSU?

Cmon man, Meyer was an assistant at ND in 1997 and Stoops was an assistant somewhere else, whose first OU LOST to Bob Davie in its first try. This revisionism is just silly.