How ND '12 Opponents Fared - Week 1

[Bluto]

I was heartened to see how much OU struggled against UTEP.

I wonder what the Oaklahoma fan boards look like today?

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

The Michigan boards are fun to read..

 

[Bluto]

I was more so looking at the competition. That analysis was far too early to say with any confidence, but quite a few of our opponents weren't very impressive this week and we were. We didn't play UTEP, San Jose State, Youngstown State, or Eastern Kentucky. I think that's an indictment of the level of talent on our opponents teams. There will be no easy games by any means, but aside from USC, I dont see any giants on the schedule. I may be being naive and drinking a heavy amount of green kool-aid but we're better shape than I thought.

I agree. Not so much saying "we are awesome" rather the other guys looked horrible.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

From ITI
Opposition round-up | Inside the Irish

 

[tommyIRISH23]

The Michigan boards are fun to read..

Are they calling for Hokes head? Claiming theyll play for the big 10?

Granted, theyll have a field day against AF's defense, but I don't know that they'll beable to stop AF's offense. Also add in the fact that the UM players are most definetly very depressed, a fast start by AF could mean disaster for UM

 

[tommyIRISH23]

You need to remember this game:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i7r5VTmh21g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Touchdowns on five of the first six possessions, and a defense that looked remarkable and yet was admittedly untested. Sounds familiar.

I think I'm one of the biggest Brian Kelly supports on this site, but you'd be kidding yourself if you took anything away from that game other than Notre Dame is big and powerful. The offense was totally vanilla and the defense saw absolutely nothing that they will see all season.

Opposing OC's will find ways to pick on Russell and Motta. This team has glaring weaknesses and we should remain cognizant of that because we embarrass ourselves again.

The difference is our defensive and offensive lines. We were good last year, and poised to get even better this year. Also, look at the quality of athlete ND has brought in + playing within the same system for the 3rd year + a proven strength/nutrition/conditioning program. On the surface the 09 opener was similar, but when you look at the details of the program, they are drastically different.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

From ESPN


Denard Robinson managed to escape Michigan's encounter with Alabama's defense relatively unscathed, but it was a rough night for the Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium.
No. 8 Michigan Wolverines
The bad: Michigan's coaches were worried about their defense's ability to slow down Alabama's offense for months. Their fears were realized in an ugly 41-14 loss in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night, as the Tide's vaunted offensive line pushed around the Wolverines, running for 232 yards. The Wolverines were too one-dimensional on offense without suspended tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint, and quarterback Denard Robinson threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

The good: Robinson got out of Texas alive, and the Wolverines won't face another defense as menacing as Alabama's this season, except for maybe Michigan State's.

Panic level: Red

Verdict: The Wolverines undoubtedly started the season ranked too high and will struggle to match last season's success. They lost too much talent on the offensive and defensive lines and don't have enough depth in coach Brady Hoke's second season. They still might contend for a Big Ten Legends Division title, though.

 

[stlnd01]

The difference is our defensive and offensive lines. We were good last year, and poised to get even better this year. Also, look at the quality of athlete ND has brought in + playing within the same system for the 3rd year + a proven strength/nutrition/conditioning program. On the surface the 09 opener was similar, but when you look at the details of the program, they are drastically different.

Also we were actually pretty decent in 2009 until the collapse over the last four games. Until then we were 6-2 with the losses coming in the first of the Ridiculous Michigan Finishes, and in a USC game that ended with us knocking on the goal line to tie it.
And we had a completely different team then, with a veteran QB and flock of stud receivers but a weak defensive front seven and little depth. Actually kind of the opposite of this year, aside from the season-opening blowout. Doesn't seem like a particularly relevant comparison. Unless you're a chronic pessimist.

That said, you're right, it's way too early to tell much about anything. Let's talk on Sept. 23.