Jan 1 | Citrus Bowl Notre Dame vs LSU

[Ndaccountant]

That's why I said "arguably". I do think there's a case to be made for 2012, but that flawless record was followed by getting embarrassed by 'Bama in the title game, Teo's scandal, Kelly's dalliance with the NFL, and our recruiting class falling short of where it should have finished.

So if we're defining "success" as (1) a good record; (2) a major bowl victory; and (3) an elite recruiting class, then 2012 doesn't make the cut, and we have to go back to 1993 to find the last season that ended as well as this one.

Point being: if you're unhappy now, after the season we just had, you'll never be happy as an ND fan.

This season was both very enjoyable and incredibly frustrating at the same time. In a way, it was similar to 2015 but for different reasons ( BVG in '15, passing game '17). But the sourness of November isn't easily forgiven and beating LSU doesn't change that for me, as I really don't think much of LSU. I am thrilled that we ended the January drought and we got 10 wins. The defense is turning the corner with Elko and recruiting is strong. I just wished I had the enthusiasm to believe a CFP berth was in the future, but I just don't see it with Kelly.

In the end, I would much rather be 10-3 than 8-5...who wouldn't. The rebound from last year was impressive. But until proven otherwise, the joy that this year brought is somewhat diminished by the feelings that this isn't a stepping stone, but rather a ceiling.

What if this is as good as it gets?

 

[Irish YJ]

That's why I said "arguably". I do think there's a case to be made for 2012, but that flawless record was followed by getting embarrassed by 'Bama in the title game, Teo's scandal, Kelly's dalliance with the NFL, and our recruiting class falling short of where it should have finished.

So if we're defining "success" as (1) a good record; (2) a major bowl victory; and (3) an elite recruiting class, then 2012 doesn't make the cut, and we have to go back to 1993 to find the last season that ended as well as this one.

Point being: if you're unhappy now, after the season we just had, you'll never be happy as an ND fan.

I'm truly happy as hell about this year, but not satisfied. I think a lot of folks fit that description.

I think 10 wins is the expectation next year. We should be favored in all games except @VT and @USC. I think we should expect 10 in 2019 (with that brutal schedule) and 11 or 11+/CFP in 2020 with PJ and some of the other talent coming in and having some time under their belt. Anything less, I might still be happy, but not satisfied.....

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I just wished I had the enthusiasm to believe a CFP berth was in the future, but I just don't see it with Kelly.

Why not? He took us to the title game in 2012, and we looked like a lock for a playoff berth this season until Wimbush broke his hand late against Wake Forest.

In the end, I would much rather be 10-3 than 8-5...who wouldn't. The rebound from last year was impressive. But until proven otherwise, the joy that this year brought is somewhat diminished by the feelings that this isn't a stepping stone, but rather a ceiling.

For the reasons I outlined above, this was arguably the most successful season we've had since 1993. And since this was the first year with Elko, Long and Balis, I don't know why one would conclude this is our ceiling.

I don't think it is, but it might be! It's very possible that ND may never win another national title again. So you've got to ask yourself what you'd consider a successful season. In my mind, 10-3 with a New Year's bowl victory over a ranked LSU team and an elite recruiting class already signed checks all the major boxes for me. This season was really fun, and I'm pleased with the program's current direction.

If you're not pleased with the season we just had, NDFB is likely to be a serious source of disappointment for you over the coming decades. This sport is too capricious to set the bar at "playoffs or bust". Gotta savor each victory for what it is and take things as they come.

I'm truly happy as hell about this year, but not satisfied. I think a lot of folks fit that description.

And that's fine! But there seem to be a lot of fans who can't separate "happiness" from "satisfaction". As if celebrating a 10-3 season is tantamount to giving up on ever achieving more. That's a recipe for being constantly miserable.

I think 10 wins is the expectation next year. We should be favored in all games except @VT and @USC. I think we should expect 10 in 2019 (with that brutal schedule) and 11 or 11+/CFP in 2020 with PJ and some of the other talent coming in and having some time under their belt. Anything less, I might still be happy, but not satisfied.....

And that's fine, too. With the talent advantage we have over most of our opponents, 10+ wins should be the expectation. We not only met, but wildly exceeded expectations based on last season and the recent coaching overhaul. That should be cause for genuine happiness among our fans. It doesn't require dropping our hope for more in the future, but we've been through some rough f*cking seasons over the last two decades. We'd be fools not to savor seasons like this simply because we haven't reattained a Sabanesque-level of national dominance.

 

[greyhammer90]

Whiskey becoming the zen master.

 

[RDU Irish]

The Stanford, Va Tech, Pitt, Navy, Northwestern, Florida State six pack in the middle of the season will be impossible to win all six. Individually the schedule is not horrendous but when looked at in context of the style of play and sequence it borders on suicidal. Which is why we follow that with about 6000 miles of travel in 8 days to finish the season.

 

[RDU Irish]

And the return of purple face Kelly in the Citrus Bowl was enjoyable. Not sure if that has been commented on.

 

[snoopdog]

The Stanford, Va Tech, Pitt, Navy, Northwestern, Florida State six pack in the middle of the season will be impossible to win all six. Individually the schedule is not horrendous but when looked at in context of the style of play and sequence it borders on suicidal. Which is why we follow that with about 6000 miles of travel in 8 days to finish the season.

Well we do get a break after these 6 games. Navy in San Diego is a breeze, the Big apple for a Syracuse crushing and then a cupcake finale in LA against perennial doormat SC.

Whoever scheduled this mess should loss all scheduling privileges forever.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Why not? He took us to the title game in 2012, and we looked like a lock for a playoff berth this season until Wimbush broke his hand late against Wake Forest.



For the reasons I outlined above, this was arguably the most successful season we've had since 1993. And since this was the first year with Elko, Long and Balis, I don't know why one would conclude this is our ceiling.



I don't think it is, but it might be! It's very possible that ND may never win another national title again. So you've got to ask yourself what you'd consider a successful season. In my mind, 10-3 with a New Year's bowl victory over a ranked LSU team and an elite recruiting class already signed checks all the major boxes for me. This season was really fun, and I'm pleased with the program's current direction.

If you're not pleased with the season we just had, NDFB is likely to be a serious source of disappointment for you over the coming decades. This sport is too capricious to set the bar at "playoffs or bust". Gotta savor each victory for what it is and take things as they come.

No doubt this year was one of the 3 or 4 best of the last 20 years and the run up to the Wake game was enjoyable. I am pleased with the season, when put into context of 2016.

But that's the point, 2016 happened, when BK himself said he relaxed a bit. The fire was lit this year, perhaps the most since he has been here, and that got us 10-3....in year 8. This will, most likely, be only the second time ND has finished in the top 10 under BK. How long before BK relaxes again?

Like I said before, I am thrilled with 2017, but not happy enough for it to gloss over the past.

 

[NorthDakota]

And the return of purple face Kelly in the Citrus Bowl was enjoyable. Not sure if that has been commented on.

I love when he gets jacked up. I'd go to war for that guy

 

[Luckylucci]

Whiskey becoming the zen master.

This

 

[snoopdog]

No doubt this year was one of the 3 or 4 best of the last 20 years and the run up to the Wake game was enjoyable. I am pleased with the season, when put into context of 2016.

But that's the point, 2016 happened, when BK himself said he relaxed a bit. The fire was lit this year, perhaps the most since he has been here, and that got us 10-3....in year 8. This will, most likely, be only the second time ND has finished in the top 10 under BK. How long before BK relaxes again?

Like I said before, I am thrilled with 2017, but not happy enough for it to gloss over the past.

Relaxed is a relative term.

With this scheduling, ND has to be 100% fired up for almost every single game. I don't think that's possible. As Clemson found out against Syracuse this year, take your foot off the pedal, even a tiny bit and you lose. Same as tOSU against Iowa, LSU against Troy, OU against Iowa ST.

Playing this schedule every year, should reduce the expectations to a 10 win reg season and a big bowl win. NC should considered a blue moon event.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Whiskey has always been the zen master

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Whiskey has always been the zen master

Calmer than you are.

 

[Irish#1]

And the return of purple face Kelly in the Citrus Bowl was enjoyable. Not sure if that has been commented on.

Never saw it. Was it the purple face from his first season or was he just getting a little elevated? I saw him jawing a little, but nothing that approached purple face.

... and an underrated underappreciated QB who can play with ice coolness if allowed by the staff (who are understandably hoping for a wunderkinder when they have a gamer right under their nose.)

I said it earlier this year that he reminded me of a third/fourth string QB named Joe.

 

[BobbyMac]

If you see "a ceiling" on ND as a program in the near future, you just pay no attention to recruiting and the changes that occurred in the past 380 days.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Tom Loy recently stated that he truly believes this past season will be the worst record wise for Notre Dame and Brian Kelly in the next few years. Take that however you want...

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

If you see "a ceiling" on ND as a program in the near future, you just pay no attention to recruiting and the changes that occurred in the past 380 days.

If Tranquill, Tillery, and Coney return then 2018 is plausibly going to be better than the 2017 version in every position group except the OL (which I'm not exactly panicked about).

The attitude and energy the team brought to the Citrus Bowl has me feeling very optimistic. The staff needs to get better at keeping focus during the long slog of the season, true.

 

[RDU Irish]

Never saw it. Was it the purple face from his first season or was he just getting a little elevated? I saw him jawing a little, but nothing that approached purple face.

I think the sunburn contributed a fair amount to the look. A couple of times he was getting into the officials (rightfully so - holding was atrocious, one of the worst ones with Okwara) and another time when the punt hit whoever for the turnover.

 

[NDRock]

Tom Loy recently stated that he truly believes this past season will be the worst record wise for Notre Dame and Brian Kelly in the next few years. Take that however you want...

I don’t follow Loy at all but isn’t he the same guy who CBs every recruit to Notre Dame? He seems to be the total opposite of how some on here think of Mike Frank. Might just be the impression I get from people’s posts.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

No doubt this year was one of the 3 or 4 best of the last 20 years and the run up to the Wake game was enjoyable. I am pleased with the season, when put into context of 2016.

But that's the point, 2016 happened, when BK himself said he relaxed a bit. The fire was lit this year, perhaps the most since he has been here, and that got us 10-3....in year 8. This will, most likely, be only the second time ND has finished in the top 10 under BK. How long before BK relaxes again?

Like I said before, I am thrilled with 2017, but not happy enough for it to gloss over the past.

Just be happy! You don't have to argue in favor of Kelly getting a lifetime contract, or forswear any hope of ever winning another title. But we've been through too much sh!t over the last 20 years to spoil the joy of this season with a bunch of qualifications.

We beat USC 49-14. That memory alone should put a smile on your face.

 

[dublinirish]

I think the sunburn contributed a fair amount to the look. A couple of times he was getting into the officials (rightfully so - holding was atrocious, one of the worst ones with Okwara) and another time when the punt hit whoever for the turnover.

yeah he totally gave isaiah robertson the tommy rees treatment lol

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Calmer than you are.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Relaxed is a relative term.

With this scheduling, ND has to be 100% fired up for almost every single game. I don't think that's possible. As Clemson found out against Syracuse this year, take your foot off the pedal, even a tiny bit and you lose. Same as tOSU against Iowa, LSU against Troy, OU against Iowa ST.

Playing this schedule every year, should reduce the expectations to a 10 win reg season and a big bowl win. NC should considered a blue moon event.

Well, to be fair, the games you mention are not really analogous with your point. Kelly Bryant had a bum ankle and was concussed near the end of the 1H. Injuries were more of the issue than "letting their foot off the gas". For OSU, JT Barrett made a living of coming up flat in big games away from Columbus (he had some bad games in C-bus too). Against IOWA, UM, Wisc & USC, he had 6 TD's to 6 INT's (29-3 all other games) and threw for less than 180 yards / gm without penalizing for UM.

Those are very much different than take your foot off the pedal. Your points till stands though, as the schedule is difficult. However, nobody is saying Natty or bust. 10 wins per year, assuming wins in some big games, would be what I am looking for. So far, BK hasn't produced that consistency.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Just be happy! You don't have to argue in favor of Kelly getting a lifetime contract, or forswear any hope of ever winning another title. But we've been through too much sh!t over the last 20 years to spoil the joy of this season with a bunch of qualifications.

We beat USC 49-14. That memory alone should put a smile on your face.

Trust me, I remember that much more than the Miami game.

 

[snoopdog]

If you see "a ceiling" on ND as a program in the near future, you just pay no attention to recruiting and the changes that occurred in the past 380 days.

You can schedule yourself a ceiling, or you can schedule yourself an opportunity at a NC.

Right now, ND is scheduling themselves out of the NC discussion.

If next season ND regresses to 8-4, people will put the entire burden on Kelly when in fact it should go this ridiculous schedule.

 

[Henges24]

I'm a little disappointed no one has trolled the SECRant site.

 

[Ndaccountant]

If you see "a ceiling" on ND as a program in the near future, you just pay no attention to recruiting and the changes that occurred in the past 380 days.

Until BK has demonstrated that BK 2.0 has staying power, I am choosing to balance 2010- 2016 with 2017. I am hopeful there are no more losing seasons or even 8 win seasons, but I need more proof before thinking 13 is possible.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Calmer than you are.

Damn straight, I'm downright erratic

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I don’t follow Loy at all but isn’t he the same guy who CBs every recruit to Notre Dame? He seems to be the total opposite of how some on here think of Mike Frank. Might just be the impression I get from people’s posts.

Yes. He is a homer...which is why I said take it however you want...either as a homer comment...face value...etc

 

[Irish YJ]

I don't think it is, but it might be! It's very possible that ND may never win another national title again. So you've got to ask yourself what you'd consider a successful season. In my mind, 10-3 with a New Year's bowl victory over a ranked LSU team and an elite recruiting class already signed checks all the major boxes for me. This season was really fun, and I'm pleased with the program's current direction.

Whiskey that is just rude and insensitive.

And that's fine! But there seem to be a lot of fans who can't separate "happiness" from "satisfaction". As if celebrating a 10-3 season is tantamount to giving up on ever achieving more. That's a recipe for being constantly miserable.

There has always been negative Nancys and always will be. I used to feel sorry for those folks, but most revel in their misery....

And that's fine, too. With the talent advantage we have over most of our opponents, 10+ wins should be the expectation. We not only met, but wildly exceeded expectations based on last season and the recent coaching overhaul. That should be cause for genuine happiness among our fans. It doesn't require dropping our hope for more in the future, but we've been through some rough f*cking seasons over the last two decades. We'd be fools not to savor seasons like this simply because we haven't reattained a Sabanesque-level of national dominance.

I didn't base my expectations on last year, because last year should have never happened. I did base some expectations on the new coaching staff, with that I am crazy happy and optimistic. If Long can take a step forward, and our QB situation improves, the sky is the limit. Our OL will take a little step back, but should still be on par or above just about all of the teams we play next year. 2019 is the year that scares me (schedule wise).

Whiskey has always been the zen master

This. Always and forever. I'm not sure if he's naturally zen, meditates 3 times a day, or has a hydroponic room full of ultra deep and mellow bud.