Looking to 2019

[GoldenToTheGrave]

2019 is gonna suck isn't it?

Eh I mean if you're expecting 12-0 than probably.

We loose some big pieces on defense but we have a ton of young talent coming in on that side of the ball. Also it isn't a coincidence that we've had so many guys in the last two years emerge as impact players on defense, the coaches are scheming well and putting players in an opportunity to succeed. We also know we have a high level edge rush and stud defensive backs.

Offense looses some pieces but other than Dex I think we can replace the production. If we can have someone step up at RB and QB play is good we should have the firepower to win most of the games we have next year. I'm definitely expecting a youth movement, which may have some growing pains but is a positive in the long run.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Why? We return a bunch of starters and an elite pair of pass rushing DE's.

13 starters, right? That's pretty good. The only position group that looks possibly bad is linebacker.

OTOH, the only position groups that look potentially elite are the DEs and MAYBE TEs.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Why? We return a bunch of starters and an elite pair of pass rushing DE's.

Eh I mean if you're expecting 12-0 than probably.

We loose some big pieces on defense but we have a ton of young talent coming in on that side of the ball. Also it isn't a coincidence that we've had so many guys in the last two years emerge as impact players on defense, the coaches are scheming well and putting players in an opportunity to succeed. We also know we have a high level edge rush and stud defensive backs.

Offense looses some pieces but other than Dex I think we can replace the production. If we can have someone step up at RB and QB play is good we should have the firepower to win most of the games we have next year. I'm definitely expecting a youth movement, which may have some growing pains but is a positive in the long run.

I just meant like in general, sorry guys this will be a snakebit year. 10-3, w/ a loss in the bowl game.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I just meant like in general, sorry guys this will be a snakebit year. 10-3, w/ a loss in the bowl game.

I wouldn't be mad so long as we see a bump in the Crootin that helps me believe in the radiant future.

 

[GoldenToTheGrave]

I just meant like in general, sorry guys this will be a snakebit year. 10-3, w/ a loss in the bowl game.

If 10-3 is a snakebit year then our expectations are improving. High quality problem.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Quick question, I've been following recruiting for years but don't really know the elements or formulas that ultimately decide the Class Rankings. If ND had signed more players in 19 would their ranking have gone up? I'm wondering because the quality of the players they signed is relatively solid, so was it the quantity that hurt the Class Ranking?

 

[koonja]

Next year's team looks incredibly complete besides two positions IMO, Running back and DT.

I get we have to replace 2 great LBs, but I look at LB as I do corner - we have so many quality players competing that are at least in year 2, that Lea will figure it out. I think LB and corner will be solid again in 2019. Jon Jones (personal favorite), Bo Bauer, #2 who's name I cannot pronounce, Jack Lamb (stretch here). That's enough bodies that I'm confident in to trust we'll be fine here.

Our starting DTs will be fine, but IDK where the quality backups come. I don't expect Franklin to be a factor. He was a lowly rated DT and he just tore his muscle off of the bone.

There's Jason Ade, and hopefully he puts some strength on and is a factor. But we still need at least one more. Jacob Lacey? That's a lot to ask.

If Darnell Ewell had panned out, the defense would be looking really good (I expect him to transfer).

Running back talent is just really bad for 2019 We need to hope Jafar stays healthy AND improves. Everyone else has serious weaknesses IMO.

 

[Irishize]

What do they mean when they highlight Bertrand as a "one year scholarship candidate"?

I believe it’s based on the fact that Bertrand qualified for an academic scholarship to cover his needs as they wait for a football scholarship to open up. I could be wrong, but that’s my understanding.

 

[Irishize]

2019 is gonna suck isn't it?

ND will likely be in the pre-season Top 10 which, in past seasons, has not been a positive indicator of where to expect ND to finish. But, BK has done a nice job of reversing a lot of negative trends in ND football lately:

-Won a New Year’s Day bowl vs a favored opponent
-Back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since the early ‘90s
-Avoided the November swoon this past season
-Won in California on the last game of the season for the 1st time since 2012
-Currently holds every rivalry trophy
-Undefeated at home for 1st time since 2012

I’m probably leaving something off but you get the idea. If BK can cobble 10 regular season wins out of next season’s schedule, that is a helluva feat at ND in today’s world of CFB. What would really make it impressive is road wins over Georgia &/or Michigan. 10-2 w/ losses to UGA & UM will be suspect if either of those are blowout losses. Still 10 wins three years in a row is a feat I’d accept on January 7, 2019.

 

[ulukinatme]

ND will likely be in the pre-season Top 10 which, in past seasons, has not been a positive indicator of where to expect ND to finish. But, BK has done a nice job of reversing a lot of negative trends in ND football lately:

-Won a New Year’s Day bowl vs a favored opponent
-Back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since the early ‘90s
-Avoided the November swoon this past season
-Won in California on the last game of the season for the 1st time since 2012
-Currently holds every rivalry trophy
-Undefeated at home for 1st time since 2012

I’m probably leaving something off but you get the idea. If BK can cobble 10 regular season wins out of next season’s schedule, that is a helluva feat at ND in today’s world of CFB. What would really make it impressive is road wins over Georgia &/or Michigan. 10-2 w/ losses to UGA & UM will be suspect if either of those are blowout losses. Still 10 wins three years in a row is a feat I’d accept on January 7, 2019.

We may have avoided dropping a game, but it certainly felt like a repeat of the 2012 season. We had a number of close games in November that year, namely the Pitt fiasco where we were saved by the refs and a sad win against BC. Similarly we played poorly against Northwestern this year, and we were down at halftime against a 5-7 USC team. Yeah, the FSU game was a blowout, but that game was absolutely frigid (Which is usually a disaster for Florida boys), and that team was garbage anyway. Syracuse was a lone bright spot in November as far as strong, competitive wins. The only explanation I can give is the draw of Yankee Stadium and the Shamrock Series where we've tended to play well. In any case, November slump still remains a thing imo, we were just lucky not to drop a game this time. I don't know if it's fatigue, guys getting banged up, tests, or a combination but while most teams seem to get better as the year goes on we seem to wilt.

 

[GowerND11]

I believe it’s based on the fact that Bertrand qualified for an academic scholarship to cover his needs as they wait for a football scholarship to open up. I could be wrong, but that’s my understanding.

ND doesn't award academic scholarships. It's because his family can afford it and whatnot.

 

[NDMIA]

Next year's team looks incredibly complete besides two positions IMO, Running back and DT.

I get we have to replace 2 great LBs, but I look at LB as I do corner - we have so many quality players competing that are at least in year 2, that Lea will figure it out. I think LB and corner will be solid again in 2019. Jon Jones (personal favorite), Bo Bauer, #2 who's name I cannot pronounce, Jack Lamb (stretch here). That's enough bodies that I'm confident in to trust we'll be fine here.

Our starting DTs will be fine, but IDK where the quality backups come. I don't expect Franklin to be a factor. He was a lowly rated DT and he just tore his muscle off of the bone.

There's Jason Ade, and hopefully he puts some strength on and is a factor. But we still need at least one more. Jacob Lacey? That's a lot to ask.

If Darnell Ewell had panned out, the defense would be looking really good (I expect him to transfer).

Running back talent is just really bad for 2019 We need to hope Jafar stays healthy AND improves. Everyone else has serious weaknesses IMO.

If Ewell doesn’t transfer, he should move back to DT.

JR Kurt Hinish
RS SO Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa
SO Jayson Ademilola
RS FR Ja’Mion Franklin
FR Jacob Lacey
FR Hunter Spears

I’d be shocked if Spears is cleared to play at all in 2019. Ja’Mion Franklin just had a gruesome injury that could hamper him in the future and/or take a long time to recover from. That leaves 4 DT’s for next season which isn’t enough to go through a season. I’m not saying Darnell Ewell starts or even comes off the bench but he’s #16 out of 16 scholarship OLineman and they don’t need his help. Defensively maybe he could take a snap or two in a blowout to help preserve the top 4 guys in case of injuries. I know Howard Cross is rumored to possibly be a 3T in the future if he grows into it, but he’s listed at 6’1” 265 and i doubt he gets to the required physical stature of the 3T in the next 8 months until the Louisville game.

 

[Domina Nostra]

ND doesn't award academic scholarships. It's because his family can afford it and whatnot.

Are you talking about to football players or something? Otherwise, ND definitely offers academic scholarships.

 

[Irish#1]

Quick question, I've been following recruiting for years but don't really know the elements or formulas that ultimately decide the Class Rankings. If ND had signed more players in 19 would their ranking have gone up? I'm wondering because the quality of the players they signed is relatively solid, so was it the quantity that hurt the Class Ranking?

Yes, you get credit for signing more which is a major flaw of the rankings system.

 

[phork]

Since I know we aren't winning a Natty, I don't care if we go 1-11. As long as we beat Michigan.

 

[nd_fan]

ND will likely be in the pre-season Top 10 which, in past seasons, has not been a positive indicator of where to expect ND to finish. But, BK has done a nice job of reversing a lot of negative trends in ND football lately:

-Won a New Year’s Day bowl vs a favored opponent
-Back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since the early ‘90s
-Avoided the November swoon this past season
-Won in California on the last game of the season for the 1st time since 2012
-Currently holds every rivalry trophy
-Undefeated at home for 1st time since 2012

I’m probably leaving something off but you get the idea. If BK can cobble 10 regular season wins out of next season’s schedule, that is a helluva feat at ND in today’s world of CFB. What would really make it impressive is road wins over Georgia &/or Michigan. 10-2 w/ losses to UGA & UM will be suspect if either of those are blowout losses. Still 10 wins three years in a row is a feat I’d accept on January 7, 2019.

When did we win a New Years Bowl?

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Since I know we aren't winning a Natty, I don't care if we go 1-11. As long as we beat Michigan.

You realize we play fUSC right? Never lose to a condom.

 

[ThePiombino]

When did we win a New Years Bowl?

They didn't. They won a bowl game played on New Year's Day.

 

[Irish YJ]

Yes, you get credit for signing more which is a major flaw of the rankings system.

Not sure if it's changed or not, but I thought one of the services (247 or Rivals) only counted a team's top 20 recruits in their average and ranking.

Regardless, I've always looked at the average player rating, not the rank, since class sizes vary. Right now we are 15th in pure ranking, and 10th in average.

We currently average .9045.

Foskey is a .9285 and Turner is a .9022.
So if we land both, we should get a little better in the average, and might jump up a few spots if the teams ahead of us don't improve.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Next year's team looks incredibly complete besides two positions IMO, Running back and DT.

I get we have to replace 2 great LBs, but I look at LB as I do corner - we have so many quality players competing that are at least in year 2, that Lea will figure it out. I think LB and corner will be solid again in 2019. Jon Jones (personal favorite), Bo Bauer, #2 who's name I cannot pronounce, Jack Lamb (stretch here). That's enough bodies that I'm confident in to trust we'll be fine here.

Our starting DTs will be fine, but IDK where the quality backups come. I don't expect Franklin to be a factor. He was a lowly rated DT and he just tore his muscle off of the bone.

There's Jason Ade, and hopefully he puts some strength on and is a factor. But we still need at least one more. Jacob Lacey? That's a lot to ask.

If Darnell Ewell had panned out, the defense would be looking really good (I expect him to transfer).

Running back talent is just really bad for 2019 We need to hope Jafar stays healthy AND improves. Everyone else has serious weaknesses IMO.

If Ewell doesn’t transfer, he should move back to DT.

JR Kurt Hinish
RS SO Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa
SO Jayson Ademilola
RS FR Ja’Mion Franklin
FR Jacob Lacey
FR Hunter Spears

I’d be shocked if Spears is cleared to play at all in 2019. Ja’Mion Franklin just had a gruesome injury that could hamper him in the future and/or take a long time to recover from. That leaves 4 DT’s for next season which isn’t enough to go through a season. I’m not saying Darnell Ewell starts or even comes off the bench but he’s #16 out of 16 scholarship OLineman and they don’t need his help. Defensively maybe he could take a snap or two in a blowout to help preserve the top 4 guys in case of injuries. I know Howard Cross is rumored to possibly be a 3T in the future if he grows into it, but he’s listed at 6’1” 265 and i doubt he gets to the required physical stature of the 3T in the next 8 months until the Louisville game.

Yet another reason i think Kareem should move to DT (3T) and Hayes moves to SDE. It get's your three best defensive linemen on the field at the same time. Strengths depth at DT. Starting DT's Kareem and Hinish/MTA rotation, backed up by Jayson A Franklin and Lacey. And allows Ade, Justin A and Nana to get reps at DE.

 

[NDIrish88]

Yet another reason i think Kareem should move to DT (3T) and Hayes moves to SDE. It get's your three best defensive linemen on the field at the same time. Strengths depth at DT. Starting DT's Kareem and Hinish/MTA rotation, backed up by Jayson A Franklin and Lacey. And allows Ade, Justin A and Nana to get reps at DE.

Yeah I agree. I wish ND would have signed Mazi Smith or Jowonn Briggs. I'd feel much better about DL depth

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Yeah I agree. I wish ND would have signed Mazi Smith or Jowonn Briggs. I'd feel much better about DL depth

I hear that. But, Lacey is going to be a stud and he is a really good kid overall.

 

[Irish YJ]

Yet another reason i think Kareem should move to DT (3T) and Hayes moves to SDE. It get's your three best defensive linemen on the field at the same time. Strengths depth at DT. Starting DT's Kareem and Hinish/MTA rotation, backed up by Jayson A Franklin and Lacey. And allows Ade, Justin A and Nana to get reps at DE.

I was thinking the same (Kareem to DT), but also thought, why not Hayes to DT. They are the same size.. Either way, I'd be fine and that would be a crazy quick DT/SDE/WDE threesome. I don't want to count out JayAde though. Hey may lock down the spot all on his own and all things on the outside stay the same.

My biggest concern is NT.

 

[NDIrish88]

I hear that. But, Lacey is going to be a stud and he is a really good kid overall.

Did not say eh wouldn't. I was saying that Smith and Briggs would be in addition to the others. Having Briggs at NT with Lacey, Hinish and maybe Franklin if he is healthy would be best.
Also ND could have easily not offered so many damn LB's. There is going to have to be some attrition there some how. I mean 4 or 5 in one class is a lot.

 

[Luckylucci]

Gosh I really hope they don't move Kareem to full time 3T, that would be a terrible decision and a waste of his talents on the edge. I'm not huge on weight numbers for positions but right now Kareem weighs 265, that's 20+lbs. undersized for a full time 3T. Plus, Kareem wouldn't come back if we wanted him to put on that weight and completely transform his future for the NFL.

Now, he will move inside occasionally, already does. This helps diversify snaps. I also think you'll see Ade at 3T for some snaps. This will allow MTA/Jayson to slide over to NT at times, taking Hinish/Lacey off the field. There are things they already do and will continue to do to keep guys fresh. I don't think DT depth is ideal for 2019 but there is an entire offseason to track progress.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Did not say eh wouldn't. I was saying that Smith and Briggs would be in addition to the others. Having Briggs at NT with Lacey, Hinish and maybe Franklin if he is healthy would be best.

I know. I was not criticizing you. Just trying spin something as a positive.

 

[NDIrish88]

Gosh I really hope they don't move Kareem to full time 3T, that would be a terrible decision and a waste of his talents on the edge. I'm not huge on weight numbers for positions but right now Kareem weighs 265, that's 20+lbs. undersized for a full time 3T. Plus, Kareem wouldn't come back if we wanted him to put on that weight and completely transform his future for the NFL.

Now, he will move inside occasionally, already does. This helps diversify snaps. I also think you'll see Ade at 3T for some snaps. This will allow MTA/Jayson to slide over to NT at times, taking Hinish/Lacey off the field. There are things they already do and will continue to do to keep guys fresh. I don't think DT depth is ideal for 2019 but there is an entire offseason to track progress.

As long as everyone stays healthy, it isn't a problem. If Franklin is healthy then it is ok. If he is not then ND has issues.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Gosh I really hope they don't move Kareem to full time 3T, that would be a terrible decision and a waste of his talents on the edge. I'm not huge on weight numbers for positions but right now Kareem weighs 265, that's 20+lbs. undersized for a full time 3T. Plus, Kareem wouldn't come back if we wanted him to put on that weight and completely transform his future for the NFL.

Now, he will move inside occasionally, already does. This helps diversify snaps. I also think you'll see Ade at 3T for some snaps. This will allow MTA/Jayson to slide over to NT at times, taking Hinish/Lacey off the field. There are things they already do and will continue to do to keep guys fresh. I don't think DT depth is ideal for 2019 but there is an entire offseason to track progress.

Never said Kareem had to add weight. Undersized 3T he will do just fine. and it could show that he is versatile to the NFL. SDE, 3T even 5T in a 3-4. As you mentioned he already plays a handful of snaps a game at DT. My thought is to get the 3 best DL on the field at the same time IMO. But i am not a coach...

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Please get someone besides Finke returning kicks, we need some speed

 

[Luckylucci]

Never said Kareem had to add weight. Undersized 3T he will do just fine. and it could show that he is versatile to the NFL. SDE, 3T even 5T in a 3-4. As you mentioned he already plays a handful of snaps a game at DT. My thought is to get the 3 best DL on the field at the same time IMO. But i am not a coach...

He literally weighs 20 lbs. less than our smallest DT. He'd have to gain significant weight to permanently play inside.