Jan 1 | Fiesta Bowl vs Ohio State

[Bogtrotter07]

Gun to your head, does anyone on here besides maybe CrazyBalski or Bogs pick us to win? And no offense to either of you, I like you both.

Both teams are 2-dimensional on offense and can move the ball. They're a better running team, we're a better passing team, but each can move the ball regardless. I trust their defense way more than I trust ours.

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Haha yeah I decided to watch the game in Chicago so I didn't end up in jail due to the bars here. Social media has been extra unbearable, certain friends have been on radio silence with me, etc.

The thing is I'll be more upset with Ohio State winning than Notre Dame losing. This comes down to Buckeye hate not Irish love for me.

I can feel you brother!

I have noticed the same thing, the radio silence.

Most of the places I go, people I know that are partial to the Bucks, have a lot of respect for CCHS and DeShone Kizer.

His parents are really good people, and both have visibility due to careers, etc.

And the kid has lots of friends and associates that think the world of him. I don't think I have ever heard less than an outstanding, about him, personally.

Further on that track, most of the Buckeye fans I know are becoming a little jaded with the Urbie-meister. I think everybody knows the Gainesville story because of a certain sociopathic tight end, and now with Washington, there is a certain frequency of concern. In my opinion, folks at bigtime programs know that the edges have been bent to build the winning tradition, so at some places with pride (extreme hubris?) like Columbus, people really want to avoid any kind of association with the criminal element that Miami, and Florida, both for example embraced with their greatest successes.

Agreed.

I enjoyed the natty and the Holtz era.

But this game can set us back a year or two.

We win, we're ahead.

The chief has spoken!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Does anyone have a feel for onowala? He's the biggest anomaly I've ever seen start for 2 years in the sense I have no idea if he's good/bad because he never stands out as messing up/being out physicalled or making plays.

Sometimes I wonder if metaphorically speaking, your attempt at synecdoche isn't too infused them with irony, to the point that your whole metonymic intent is confused, thereby obscuring any value in these dialectics.

If you look at James Onwualu prior to his injury, his linebacker rating wasn't that bad. Based upon what he was showing this year, he has been garnering some attention in NFL circles. A killer year next year could move him up in the draft considerably.

The kid can cover. Which is a big part of his job. And there was very little similarity between his play this year and last year. Don't make any mistake. This kid is one of the strongest athletes on the team! His functional strength and stamina are borderline elite, if not elite. This year he understands his position, which he never played before better, and is making better and quicker decisions. But this kid has the strength of a linebacker, and the speed of a wide receiver. Watch him in coverage, and watch him improve game by game against the run.

The problem with comparison of linebacker corps of these two teams is how much different is expected of each. Apples and oranges.

Does anyone have a feel for onowala? He's the biggest anomaly I've ever seen start for 2 years in the sense I have no idea if he's good/bad because he never stands out as messing up/being out physicalled or making plays.

We have had this conversation before. There are things you have to do, to be able to 'afford' to make statement. Some stronger statements have more stringent or greater requirements than others.

Talking about a multiple year starter, that demands correctly spelling the players name, for the love of all that is holy!

Onwualu. Two "u's" one on either side of the "l," and an "a," so the "a" gets to be right before the "l." So it is Onw -u-a-l-u!

Thing is, enter it right once, then add it to your spelling checker. Make yourself look smart the easy way!

 

[Ironman8]

Film Study: Scouting the Notre Dame Run Defense | Eleven Warriors

 

[BGIF]

But it would be unfair to talk about the issues of the Irish defense this year without mentioning the near countless injuries that have stung the team as a whole. Three expected starters went down throughout the season with three more members of the two-deep joining them on the injured list.

With so many inexperienced players pressed into duty, the Irish have struggled to contain big plays on the ground. Often times, the failures are simply due to execution, such as failing to keep contain on a run, rather than scheme.

Eleven Warriors obviously hasn't been reading the BVG thread.

 

[Free Manera]

Film Study: Scouting the Notre Dame Run Defense | Eleven Warriors

I noticed an interesting observation in there regarding ND being independent and scheduling opponents from every conference. His thought was basically that due to ND's opponents running essentially every type of offensive scheme, it is necessary to have an NFL style defensive scheme. In other words, ND needs a complex scheme that can change depending on the offensive style. This is in contrast to teams that play 9 teams with the same or similar styles each year.

For instance, Big 12 teams are built to slow down the air raid. The SEC wants big run-stuffing d-lines and physical safeties that can attack the run. The Pac 12 needs speed to play against the spread attacks most schools use on the west coast.

In one year, ND needs to play against the triple option, spread, air raid, pro style, etc. therefore they cannot build a defense with one particular goal in mind.

According to the author this explains the hire and retention of Van Gorder as Kelly thinks he needs a guy with NFL background.

 

[BabyIrish]

I noticed an interesting observation in there regarding ND being independent and scheduling opponents from every conference. His thought was basically that due to ND's opponents running essentially every type of offensive scheme, it is necessary to have an NFL style defensive scheme. In other words, ND needs a complex scheme that can change depending on the offensive style. This is in contrast to teams that play 9 teams with the same or similar styles each year.

For instance, Big 12 teams are built to slow down the air raid. The SEC wants big run-stuffing d-lines and physical safeties that can attack the run. The Pac 12 needs speed to play against the spread attacks most schools use on the west coast.

In one year, ND needs to play against the triple option, spread, air raid, pro style, etc. therefore they cannot build a defense with one particular goal in mind.

According to the author this explains the hire and retention of Van Gorder as Kelly thinks he needs a guy with NFL background.

Interesting to say the least

 

[condoms SUCk]

I noticed an interesting observation in there regarding ND being independent and scheduling opponents from every conference. His thought was basically that due to ND's opponents running essentially every type of offensive scheme, it is necessary to have an NFL style defensive scheme. In other words, ND needs a complex scheme that can change depending on the offensive style. This is in contrast to teams that play 9 teams with the same or similar styles each year.

For instance, Big 12 teams are built to slow down the air raid. The SEC wants big run-stuffing d-lines and physical safeties that can attack the run. The Pac 12 needs speed to play against the spread attacks most schools use on the west coast.

In one year, ND needs to play against the triple option, spread, air raid, pro style, etc. therefore they cannot build a defense with one particular goal in mind.

According to the author this explains the hire and retention of Van Gorder as Kelly thinks he needs a guy with NFL background.

They are??? Could have fooled me.

 

[Irish#1]

For instance, Big 12 teams are built to slow down the air raid.

They are??? Could have fooled me.

They don't even bother to recruit defensive players in the Big 12. If you can't make offense they just move you to defense.

 

[Irish YJ]

They don't even bother to recruit defensive players in the Big 12. If you can't make offense they just move you to defense.

Oklahoma would disagree, but they are about the only team in the B12 that would...

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I noticed an interesting observation in there regarding ND being independent and scheduling opponents from every conference. His thought was basically that due to ND's opponents running essentially every type of offensive scheme, it is necessary to have an NFL style defensive scheme. In other words, ND needs a complex scheme that can change depending on the offensive style. This is in contrast to teams that play 9 teams with the same or similar styles each year.

For instance, Big 12 teams are built to slow down the air raid. The SEC wants big run-stuffing d-lines and physical safeties that can attack the run. The Pac 12 needs speed to play against the spread attacks most schools use on the west coast.

In one year, ND needs to play against the triple option, spread, air raid, pro style, etc. therefore they cannot build a defense with one particular goal in mind.

According to the author this explains the hire and retention of Van Gorder as Kelly thinks he needs a guy with NFL background.

I'll say that article gives me a little incentive to pull back on the BVG bashing. He is changing over personnel to his defense, it's only fair we give him another year, at minimum, to see what he can do. We all know our player recruiting profiles have changed dramatically since he arrived.

We wouldn't have taken Crawford as a DB and I'm guessing a number of our DL players wouldn't have been recruited. So BVG has been stuck in a transition of recruiting players that fit his system (which is highly variable to defend against the different styles we see each year) and teaching that system to his players.

This isn't an apologetic for him, I'm simply willing to step back and give him another year without starting any "Should BVG be fired" threads. This past year has left a lot to be desired but perhaps we demand results too quickly. I still think we had some game-planning failures but onward and upward.

Let's hope he's hard at work for Jan 1st.

 

[Irishcop]

I wasn't able to watch the MSU vs Ohio State game, but what did MSU do to shutdown Ohio State? And does anyone think ND has the ability to do the same? I definitely think ND has played teams just as good if not better than Ohio State this year, I'm just not sure of what ND has to do on the defensive side of the ball other than stop the run.

 

[dublinirish]

I wasn't able to watch the MSU vs Ohio State game, but what did MSU do to shutdown Ohio State? And does anyone think ND has the ability to do the same? I definitely think ND has played teams just as good if not better than Ohio State this year, I'm just not sure of what ND has to do on the defensive side of the ball other than stop the run.

Homework:
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They didnt really do anything, OSU kept running QB Power for little or negative gains. Weather was terrible and MSU controlled the clock. It was a bizarre game.

 

[JSBusch]

I wasn't able to watch the MSU vs Ohio State game, but what did MSU do to shutdown Ohio State? And does anyone think ND has the ability to do the same? I definitely think ND has played teams just as good if not better than Ohio State this year, I'm just not sure of what ND has to do on the defensive side of the ball other than stop the run.

I'd argue that Ohio State shut themselves down. Poor weather conditions and they insisted on trying to throw the ball. IIRC, Elliott only had 12 touches with only 2 in the second half. I live with a huge MSU fan so I've seen all their games this year.. their defense does struggle against the pass. They also had their back-up QB playing this game. I fear they do not do well in the playoffs regardless of who they played. I'd venture to say they'd struggle against anyone in a new years 6 bowl.

 

[Irishcop]

Homework:
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They didnt really do anything, OSU kept running QB Power for little or negative gains. Weather was terrible and MSU controlled the clock. It was a bizarre game.

Thanks.

 

[Irishcop]

I'd argue that Ohio State shut themselves down. Poor weather conditions and they insisted on trying to throw the ball. IIRC, Elliott only had 12 touches with only 2 in the second half. I live with a huge MSU fan so I've seen all their games this year.. their defense does struggle against the pass. They also had their back-up QB playing this game. I fear they do not do well in the playoffs regardless of who they played. I'd venture to say they'd struggle against anyone in a new years 6 bowl.

I work with a couple of Ohio State fans and they were all up in arms over how little Elliott got the ball.

 

[phork]

That was shocking to me to. Feed Elliott and good things happen.

 

[wahoo]

If the Buckeyes play like they did against MSU then that will most definitely
help the Irish. The strength of the Buckeye offense is running Elliot which they got away from against MSU. MSU controlled the line of scrimmage and had just enough offense to pull out a win.
On offense, the Irish have to be careful of the Buckeye secondary especially Bell. He can be a gamechanger. The O-line will need to keep Bosa and company from getting to Kiser. Turnovers will be the key...the Irish need to score in the red zone.
Being an Ohio native, I would really like to see the Irish come out on top. I always wear my Irish gear and it would be even sweeter if the Irish can win. I cheer for three teams in the following order:
1. ND (will always be 1st...its the Irish Catholic in me)
2. OSU (like the Buckeyes..like the Irish better
3. WHOEVER is playing the damm skunkbears ..(detest the maize & blow)

 

[FDNYIrish1]

I've been of the same opinion regarding BVG and his defense. If you watch, most of the time someone is in the spot to make a play. Missed tackles and some poor coverage has had a lot to do with the big plays given up on defense. I think it's incredibly tough to make one on one tackles on an island. Not everyone has Jaylons freakish athleticism. That being said, I'm really looking forward to this game. I think the front seven is going to play well against the run. I know it's going to be a tough go, but this is exactly what we should be hoping for as fans. You come to ND to play and beat the best. This team has proven they belong amongst the top ten teams in the country. Have some faith in these kids, I think we've come a long way since 2012 and Bama. There's a lot of offensive brainpower in our coaching. Hopefully BVG can find something as well. Merry Christmas lads!

 

[Free Manera]

They are??? Could have fooled me.

Note that I said "slow down" the air raid, not stop it. In that league you basically need the opponent's offense to shoot itself in the foot once or twice per game so you can win 63-56.

 

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

So hows practices going, is jarron holding up? Kizer still on point, any statements about getting guys who are replacing ppl next year more time in bowl? Aka morgan. Is CJ playing?

 

[BleedBlueGold]

So hows practices going, is jarron holding up? Kizer still on point, any statements about getting guys who are replacing ppl next year more time in bowl? Aka morgan. Is CJ playing?

Jarron and Smythe look good. I wouldn't expect a big shakeup in the lineup on either side of the ball.

 

[condoms SUCk]

Note that I said "slow down" the air raid, not stop it. In that league you basically need the opponent's offense to shoot itself in the foot once or twice per game so you can win 63-56.

yeah, I figured as much. I just found "defense" and the "B12" in the same sentence rather amusing.

 

[irish4ever]

If the Buckeyes play like they did against MSU then that will most definitely
help the Irish. The strength of the Buckeye offense is running Elliot which they got away from against MSU. MSU controlled the line of scrimmage and had just enough offense to pull out a win.
On offense, the Irish have to be careful of the Buckeye secondary especially Bell. He can be a gamechanger. The O-line will need to keep Bosa and company from getting to Kiser. Turnovers will be the key...the Irish need to score in the red zone.
Being an Ohio native, I would really like to see the Irish come out on top. I always wear my Irish gear and it would be even sweeter if the Irish can win. I cheer for three teams in the following order:
1. ND (will always be 1st...its the Irish Catholic in me)
2. OSU (like the Buckeyes..like the Irish better
3. WHOEVER is playing the damm skunkbears ..(detest the maize & blow)

Only need two ...
1. ND
2. Whoever is playing the skunkbear pricks ... muck fichigan 1,000 fold!

 

[tko]

Not even remotely optimistic against one of the greatest coaches of all-time with a staff full of former ND coaches wanting to slap Kelly.

 

[GoldenDome]

I would just like to add, screw Urban Liar. Poaching players and coaches, screw him.

 

[connor_in]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Notre Dame practiced outside on December 23rd. Did live SpTeams.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679701337400066048">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[connor_in]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Kizer needs to be more decisive in red zone and worked on that today.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679701540286894080">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: CJ Prosise practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday. No contact right now, but hopeful he will be ready when he gets to bowl site.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679701693672591361">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[connor_in]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK says he can tell Oline is in “much better” shape health wise.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679701971100676097">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK says he can tell Oline is in “much better” shape health wise.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679701971100676097">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Once Yoon got used to college routine, he adapted and has fit in. Compliments his ability to self correct on his own.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679702591069122561">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[connor_in]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: States recruiting strategy when at Cincinnati was to recruit 2-star/3-star kids that weren’t being recruited by Ohio State.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679703104862982145">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Malik Zaire hasn’t separated at any point in time from the team since his injury, a rarity. Hasn’t missed one QB meeting.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679703311948353536">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Zaire is about 60%, but throwing the ball around. “Pretty amazing young man”.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679703483604463616">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[connor_in]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: “Beating Ohio State would definitely be the greatest victory of this year.”</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679703907875090432">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Calls Adams/Prosise combo a “lethal punch”.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/679704179439464448">December 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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