Jan 2 | Georgia

[FOTY977]

Us lefties didn’t need one. 😉. That graveyard was a short porch.

Wut

 

[forkbeard3777]

we have continually rose to the occasion for big games. We have the athletes to compete. This is the first ND team I can remember where I truly think he had the same speed as the top Tier teams. I am confident in a close game but due to my ND experience I am still worried. Those early years of my fandom are burned into my brain.

I agree, but matchups do matter. This is an unfortunate one. Under BK’s ND teams, it was largely apparent that ND, collectively, lacked the speed and athleticism of the SEC and other premier teams. ND would regularly have size and great line play, but they were a step slow.

This team, however, is arguably more athletic and quicker (albeit a few glaring exceptions) than Georgia. This team, collectively, is very fast, quick and agile. Alternatively, it lacks the size and power portion — particularly on the lines — that prior ND teams held.

In my opinion, Georgia just might be the worst “matchup” for Notre Dame. Again, that’s not to say that they can’t be beaten, but looking at all of the Playoff teams, Georgia’s strengths really should shine against ND’s weaknesses — especially given the depleted roster.

I still believe and hope ND wins.

 

[MacIrish75]

Wut

This is more 260 talk. Stay tuned for more discussion on Salvatori’s—Fort Wayne’s favorite pizza!

 

[FWIrish4]

Oh, come on; they’re beatable. Notre Dame just can’t play slow and play with them in a phone booth. Notre Dame needs to get creative and get guys in space. Denbrock can draw those plays up. It’ll be up to Leonard and the offense execute.

Leonard is going to have to make plays with his arm. It is what it is. Notre Dame cannot afford to be one dimensional against them. He’s got to step up and make some throws (likely absorbing some big hits too) and the receivers and tight ends have to make the clutch catches.

I’d love to see Love motion out of the backfield and make some catches in space.

Rushing wise, for some odd reason, I just think Love struggles this game running the ball. Their front 7 is big and their linebackers are fast. I think Price and Williams will have more productivity or consistency running the ball. Crazy prediction — I’m perfectly aware.

Go Irish ☘️

Still waiting for an RB angle route and/or wheel route from the backfield. Along with variations of tight end delay leaks that they ran to Evans on the fake punt at USC.

We haven’t been super creative all year so not getting my hopes up, but at the same time we haven’t had to be. So here’s to Denbrock hopefully having a deep bag ready to be tapped!

 

[IRISHDODGER]

I agree, but matchups do matter. This is an unfortunate one. Under BK’s ND teams, it was largely apparent that ND, collectively, lacked the speed and athleticism of the SEC and other premier teams. ND would regularly have size and great line play, but they were a step slow.

This team, however, is arguably more athletic and quicker (albeit a few glaring exceptions) than Georgia. This team, collectively, is very fast, quick and agile. Alternatively, it lacks the size and power portion — particularly on the lines — that prior ND teams held.

In my opinion, Georgia just might be the worst “matchup” for Notre Dame. Again, that’s not to say that they can’t be beaten, but looking at all of the Playoff teams, Georgia’s strengths really should shine against ND’s weaknesses — especially given the depleted roster.

I still believe and hope ND wins.

that’s my main concern. ND has the athleticism & speed. They sorely lack the size in the trenches. This goes back to poor DT recruiting which was pre-Freeman. This is also the 1st time in as long as I can remember that their OL lacks the usual behemoths. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve done a great job overcoming all the injuries & lack of experience. They’re just not gonna bully someone on 4th & 1.

Before Mills was announced as out for the season, I felt good about ND beating UGA. Now that he’s out, it very well may be the straw that broke the camel’s back. I love the motor on Hinish but he gets bulldozed on run plays & now ND will face the biggest OL they’ve seen all season. Now…that doesn’t mean ND can’t win. I trust Golden will put together the personnel to give ND the best shot possible.

 

[NDShark]

Booking a trip last minute because why not? If they can beat GA, they can beat anyone, and I think they can win. Can’t be worse than 2012 in Miami.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

This from the guy who said the Indiana game was a toss up.

When was the last time you had something good to say about ND?

Nobody cares about your fake beard, lol.

Amen man. Tier 6 chicken little dogshit poster.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

that’s my main concern. ND has the athleticism & speed. They sorely lack the size in the trenches. This goes back to poor DT recruiting which was pre-Freeman. This is also the 1st time in as long as I can remember that their OL lacks the usual behemoths. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve done a great job overcoming all the injuries & lack of experience. They’re just not gonna bully someone on 4th & 1.

Before Mills was announced as out for the season, I felt good about ND beating UGA. Now that he’s out, it very well may be the straw that broke the camel’s back. I love the motor on Hinish but he gets bulldozed on run plays & now ND will face the biggest OL they’ve seen all season. Now…that doesn’t mean ND can’t win. I trust Golden will put together the personnel to give ND the best shot possible.

A&M’s line is absolutely massive, probably bigger than UGAs. I dont see them just lining up and running it down our throats enough to win on that alone. They have hardly been able to do that againdt anybody all year, so not sure why that changes against our defense. Our DBs can win 1 on 1 matchups with their Wrs which will allow us to get creative in the box. Disguise looks, run blitz, etc. get them in 2nd and long/3rd and medium situations and force stockton to make the right reads and throws. Its not unlike anything we have done all year.

It is very hard at this point in the year against elite defenses to consistently have to drive the field in 10-12 plays to put points on the board. ND doesnt have to do anything crazy to win this game, just execute what they have done all year on D at a high level. On offense, avoid negative plays, turnovers and penalties, stay ahead of the chains so you can keep feeding the ball to your best players until they find a crease. Using the quick passing game on 1st down to keep us in 2nd and 4-6 instead of 2nd and 8 or 9 will be important. Avoid being one dimensional. Trust your guys to make the plays.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Can’t be worse than 2012 in Miami.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stlnd01]

It is very hard at this point in the year against elite defenses to consistently have to drive the field in 10-12 plays to put points on the board. ND doesnt have to do anything crazy to win this game, just execute what they have done all year on D at a high level. On offense, avoid negative plays, turnovers and penalties, stay ahead of the chains so you can keep feeding the ball to your best players until they find a crease. Using the quick passing game on 1st down to keep us in 2nd and 4-6 instead of 2nd and 8 or 9 will be important. Avoid being one dimensional. Trust your guys to make the plays.

Yep. I think it's going to be a low-scoring dogfight, and our best chance of points could well be big plays. Feed Love, Price, Leonard, Faison. We need to keep giving them chances to break one, and eventually one of them will.
Meantime on defense, trust our back seven to keep Georgia from breaking big plays of their own. Force them, and their brand-new QB, to execute for 10-12 plays in a row. Eventually they won't.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Yep. I think it's going to be a low-scoring dogfight, and our best chance of points could well be big plays. Feed Love, Price, Leonard, Faison. We need to keep giving them chances to break one, and eventually one of them will.
Meantime on defense, trust our back seven to keep Georgia from breaking big plays of their own. Force them, and their brand-new QB, to execute for 10-12 plays in a row. Eventually they won't.

Agree, explosive plays will be very important. The offense also needs to have at least one sustained, long drive per half to give defense some breaks.

 

[NorthDakota]

Yep. I think it's going to be a low-scoring dogfight, and our best chance of points could well be big plays. Feed Love, Price, Leonard, Faison. We need to keep giving them chances to break one, and eventually one of them will.
Meantime on defense, trust our back seven to keep Georgia from breaking big plays of their own. Force them, and their brand-new QB, to execute for 10-12 plays in a row. Eventually they won't.

First one to 20 wins i think

 

[So_Co]

The guys I bolded. Brinson, Chambliss, Truss, and Wilson. Probably Lovett too

Fair enough.

I'd council both Brinson and Wilson to return for one more year in college to help bolster their stock.

For Truss, his size at 6'7" and 320 lbs will get him at least a late day 3 look from a team wanting to move him back to OG.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

A&M’s line is absolutely massive, probably bigger than UGAs. I dont see them just lining up and running it down our throats enough to win on that alone. They have hardly been able to do that againdt anybody all year, so not sure why that changes against our defense. Our DBs can win 1 on 1 matchups with their Wrs which will allow us to get creative in the box. Disguise looks, run blitz, etc. get them in 2nd and long/3rd and medium situations and force stockton to make the right reads and throws. Its not unlike anything we have done all year.

It is very hard at this point in the year against elite defenses to consistently have to drive the field in 10-12 plays to put points on the board. ND doesnt have to do anything crazy to win this game, just execute what they have done all year on D at a high level. On offense, avoid negative plays, turnovers and penalties, stay ahead of the chains so you can keep feeding the ball to your best players until they find a crease. Using the quick passing game on 1st down to keep us in 2nd and 4-6 instead of 2nd and 8 or 9 will be important. Avoid being one dimensional. Trust your guys to make the plays.

Yes but ND also had Mills, Traore & Bothello. Granted that affected the pass rush more but Mills wouldn’t get moved off the ball on run plays the way Hinish does. I’d say they need a solid performance from Cross & Rubio with Mukam & Hinish providing breathers.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

Yes but ND also had Mills, Traore & Bothello. Granted that affected the pass rush more but Mills wouldn’t get moved off the ball on run plays the way Hinish does. I’d say they need a solid performance from Cross & Rubio with Mukam & Hinish providing breathers.

Georgia is no doubt good, but I think there is a ton of recency biad going on based on the past few years? Some interesting tidbits from an NBC sports article below (keep in mind their schedule included games against UMASS and Tennessee Tech and their offense failed to eclipse 300 yds of total offense in 3 of their 5-6 big games this year.

“Georgia’s once-storied rushing attack pales in comparison to what we’ve come to expect from HC Kirby Smart-led teams, ranking a subdued 118th in yards per successful rush (8.5 yards) to go with 2.44 YAC (90th). One of the more pass-heavy Power Four programs, the Bulldogs rank 123rd in standard downs run rate (48.7%) and 117th in passing down run percentage (25.2%). Defensively UGA ranks 11th in SP+ but has been beatable in the trenches (80th in power success rate/91st stuff rate) and is lacking playmaking from their back line (129th in DB havoc rate)”

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Georgia is no doubt good, but I think there is a ton of recency biad going on based on the past few years? Some interesting tidbits from an NBC sports article below (keep in mind their schedule included games against UMASS and Tennessee Tech and their offense failed to eclipse 300 yds of total offense in 3 of their 5-6 big games this year.

“Georgia’s once-storied rushing attack pales in comparison to what we’ve come to expect from HC Kirby Smart-led teams, ranking a subdued 118th in yards per successful rush (8.5 yards) to go with 2.44 YAC (90th). One of the more pass-heavy Power Four programs, the Bulldogs rank 123rd in standard downs run rate (48.7%) and 117th in passing down run percentage (25.2%). Defensively UGA ranks 11th in SP+ but has been beatable in the trenches (80th in power success rate/91st stuff rate) and is lacking playmaking from their back line (129th in DB havoc rate)”

Exactly. Georgia will likely have more success on the ground with a dual threat QB, but to act like they are some elite rushing team is false.

 

[Irish#1]

We be fine fellas.

 

[jpachuta33]

As time edges closer to game day, are you guys getting more confident or more worried about this matchup?

 

[rikkitikki08]

As time edges closer to game day, are you guys getting more confident or more worried about this matchup?

Confident, ND is going to win. Mark it down

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Notre Dame isn’t going to lose a game in 2025.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Notre Dame isn’t going to lose a game in 2025.

*Checks schedule to see MAC opponents in 2026*

 

[NorthDakota]

As time edges closer to game day, are you guys getting more confident or more worried about this matchup?

I'm not worried. Notre Dame is no longer capable of hurting me.

 

[IrishWayDomer]

As time edges closer to game day, are you guys getting more confident or more worried about this matchup?

I'm getting Bama 2012 and 2021 scared out of my mind. There's no reason to feel this way about this Georgia team but my fanhood suffers from SEC trauma.

My saving Grace is I think Riley Leonard and Denbrock can put something together we haven't yet seen. I have a bad feeling about our defense this game and fear Gunner is going to surprise. Must start faster than ever and Riley needs to shine as a passing QB.

 

[thekid33]

As time edges closer to game day, are you guys getting more confident or more worried about this matchup?

Neither.

I've always thought it was a 50/50 game. It's going to be a slobber knocker.

The only thing that would be surprising to me is if it's not close.

 

[PolishDomer]

We will beat Georgia by 14

 

[forkbeard3777]

As time edges closer to game day, are you guys getting more confident or more worried about this matchup?

Georgia fans talk about Stockton’s running ability and the need for him to run. Obviously, it’s a single-elimination Playoff, but if Georgia is also planning ahead, they can’t afford to lose him. So, if I’m Golden, fuck it, I’m telling the linebackers and safety’s to fuck.his.world.up. Obviously, no cheap shots or dirty plays, but bring it … leave it all out there and tear his ass up.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Georgia fans talk about Stockton’s running ability and the need for him to run. Obviously, it’s a single-elimination Playoff, but if Georgia is also planning ahead, they can’t afford to lose him. So, if I’m Golden, fuck it, I’m telling the linebackers and safety’s to fuck.his.world.up. Obviously, no cheap shots or dirty plays, but bring it … leave it all out there and tear his ass up.

I assume that's what they plan to do. Bring everyone within 10 yards of the LOS and force him to throw under pressure or scramble

 

[forkbeard3777]

I assume that's what they plan to do. Bring everyone within 10 yards of the LOS and force him to throw under pressure or scramble

Blitzes from all different directions…confusing lineups and pre-snap movements…just constant chaos, destruction and aggression that would have Brady or Manning uncomfortable.

 

[IAIrish]

Blitzes from all different directions…confusing lineups and pre-snap movements…just constant chaos, destruction and aggression that would have Brady or Manning uncomfortable.

I think that was going to happen regardless, unless Golden was planning to throw more changeups at Beck.

I guarantee we'll see a bunch of line games, stunts and presnap movement by the dtackles in an attempt to create confusion in the run blocking assignments for the dawgs. With Cross and Hinnish in particular, they will play to their strengths where they win with quickness and get off.

 

[NDWarrior]

I'm definitely traumatized by the history of Clemson/SEC beatdowns, but MMFF's recent letdowns have been with the Marshalls and NIUs and not the CFB power teams, so I'm hopeful for this game. GA's D will be the challenge... ND's D should feel good about being able to contain a running QB like we did with Army and Navy.