My thoughts on the game

[Nardo!]

So after all week getting hyped up for this game and driving back to campus in time to see the game with some of my roommates, I wanted to weep like a little girl. And I couldn't drink myself into believing we were winning, so that having been said...

I can't help but believe that we've shot ourselves in the foot in both our big games this. This time, it was missed opportunities.

Our defensive line produced the pass rush and run defense (finally!) I had hoped for all year. The linebacking corp had a pretty lousy night, and the secondary was...bleh. Brady did everything he could to take the team on his back and will them to victory. 21/44 for 275ish yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs and 80ish rushing yards isn't a bad effort especially when his teammates kept dropping the ball (pun intended). We did a good job of protecting the ball (for the most part) and our one turnover didn't come back to haunt us. But we blew our opportunities, and didn't capitalize off of the meltdown JDB had at the end of the first half like we needed too. We were exposed as too slow, but I feel as though our defensive schemes were on the money. Our offense just was stuck in neutral. Every time we got something going, we shot ourselves in the foot, and not with penalties this time. Special teams weren't great, not bad either though.

That's really about it. As for a bowl game, I think a SEC team or the Big East speedsters (WVU or UL) would be bad news for us. Best case scenario, IMO, would be the Orange Bowl v. the ACC champion. Don't shy away from the BCS, being in a big bowl game isn't what we hoped for this year, but it's going to have to do. Don't hope for the Gator Bowl, it's a slap in the face to this senior class.

 

[NDOM]

So after all week getting hyped up for this game and driving back to campus in time to see the game with some of my roommates, I wanted to weep like a little girl. And I couldn't drink myself into believing we were winning, so that having been said...

I can't help but believe that we've shot ourselves in the foot in both our big games this. This time, it was missed opportunities.

Our defensive line produced the pass rush and run defense (finally!) I had hoped for all year. The linebacking corp had a pretty lousy night, and the secondary was...bleh. Brady did everything he could to take the team on his back and will them to victory. 21/44 for 275ish yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs and 80ish rushing yards isn't a bad effort especially when his teammates kept dropping the ball (pun intended). We did a good job of protecting the ball (for the most part) and our one turnover didn't come back to haunt us. But we blew our opportunities, and didn't capitalize off of the meltdown JDB had at the end of the first half like we needed too. We were exposed as too slow, but I feel as though our defensive schemes were on the money. Our offense just was stuck in neutral. Every time we got something going, we shot ourselves in the foot, and not with penalties this time. Special teams weren't great, not bad either though.

That's really about it. As for a bowl game, I think a SEC team or the Big East speedsters (WVU or UL) would be bad news for us. Best case scenario, IMO, would be the Orange Bowl v. the ACC champion. Don't shy away from the BCS, being in a big bowl game isn't what we hoped for this year, but it's going to have to do. Don't hope for the Gator Bowl, it's a slap in the face to this senior class.

I agree with you on most of what you said but the fact of the matter is that the teams in the BCS games have way too much team speed compared to ours. I would rather be in a non BCS game like the Gator Bowl or Cotton Bowl vs a non BCS team.

 

[irishfox]

i personally thought, us not having carlson was a huge blow and was a huge reason we lost. Think about all the red zone chances.

 

[marv81s]

I think last nights game showed how much talent we truely lack on the defensive side of the ball and how badly we need players with speed at the skilled positions and lastly, how we truely need LBs with size and speed, not too mention some DTs with size and speed to get a good push up the middle.

We have a little ways to go to catch the likes of osu and usc to start getting some respect, but CW and his staff are working their ass's off to get ND there, two more good recruiting classes and we'll be in great shape.

 

[jiggafini19]

John Carlson would not have been covering Jarrett, though.

It was a horrible game and for the third time in 13 games they were completely outmatched on the field in terms of talent, particularly when the ND defense is on the field. Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn, Mario Manningham and Dwayne Jarrett have all had their way with Notre Dame secondaries. Elite receivers on elite teams. (Calvin Johnson is a one man show.)

Everyone knows Charlie Weis is a smart man. And we all know about the offensive talent coming into the program. Now they have to lock down the kids like Donald, Martin, Tez Wilson, Harrison Smith, Blackwell and Peters. A strong, stout defense is needed to contend for a national championship.

 

[njuneardave]

So after all week getting hyped up for this game and driving back to campus in time to see the game with some of my roommates, I wanted to weep like a little girl. And I couldn't drink myself into believing we were winning, so that having been said...

I can't help but believe that we've shot ourselves in the foot in both our big games this. This time, it was missed opportunities.

Our defensive line produced the pass rush and run defense (finally!) I had hoped for all year. The linebacking corp had a pretty lousy night, and the secondary was...bleh. Brady did everything he could to take the team on his back and will them to victory. 21/44 for 275ish yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs and 80ish rushing yards isn't a bad effort especially when his teammates kept dropping the ball (pun intended). We did a good job of protecting the ball (for the most part) and our one turnover didn't come back to haunt us. But we blew our opportunities, and didn't capitalize off of the meltdown JDB had at the end of the first half like we needed too. We were exposed as too slow, but I feel as though our defensive schemes were on the money. Our offense just was stuck in neutral. Every time we got something going, we shot ourselves in the foot, and not with penalties this time. Special teams weren't great, not bad either though.

That's really about it. As for a bowl game, I think a SEC team or the Big East speedsters (WVU or UL) would be bad news for us. Best case scenario, IMO, would be the Orange Bowl v. the ACC champion. Don't shy away from the BCS, being in a big bowl game isn't what we hoped for this year, but it's going to have to do. Don't hope for the Gator Bowl, it's a slap in the face to this senior class.

well, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. the theme of the night was missed opportunities. too many dropped passes. we would've lost even with carlson in the game. freeman did a great job as a backup....he made some really nice plays... but he did drop the one TD pass. So.... thats a 13 point loss compared to a 20 point loss.

Brady played a heck of a game. He was a leader when noone else would step up. the D-Line played great, and the OFFENSIVE LINE STEPPED UP. The O-Line played a good game... Brady wasn't tortured all game as he has been in the past against elite teams. Props to them. For those who dont want a BCS bowl: we could beat the either of the SEC contenders.... arkansas is one-dimensional and florida shoots themselves in the foot on every offensive drive. have faith in this team.... they WILL get up for their last game

 

[bigdon]

John Carlson would not have been covering Jarrett, though.

It was a horrible game and for the third time in 13 games they were completely outmatched on the field in terms of talent, particularly when the ND defense is on the field. Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn, Mario Manningham and Dwayne Jarrett have all had their way with Notre Dame secondaries. Elite receivers on elite teams. (Calvin Johnson is a one man show.)

Everyone knows Charlie Weis is a smart man. And we all know about the offensive talent coming into the program. Now they have to lock down the kids like Donald, Martin, Tez Wilson, Harrison Smith, Blackwell and Peters. A strong, stout defense is needed to contend for a national championship.

I can think of nothing this team could have done to overcome the difference in talent between OSU, USC, and several other ranked teams in the SEC. This was ( and is) a four man team. Quinn, Sam, Rheema, and Carlson. Walkeris a nice back but lacks the speed necessary.

While Weis is as good at coaching an offense as anybody else, If he doesn't get some serious defensive talent into the program a NC will be an unrealistic dream. As much as we hate Carroll he is a top recruiter and after losing two Heisman players in one year and a host of other talent he is once again playing for the NC. Our staff has yet to prove they are in that class.

SC will come to ND next year with another solid team. We will be in a rebuilding year with a lot of untried players. If Weis can get some DL talent this year ( and at this writing that is a big IF) I think a NC will be a realistic goal in 3 years. If not we can only look forward to the same kind of team that we had this year. We will not be able to play with the top teams.

 

[jiggafini19]

2006 isn't much different of a team than 2005, but better than Willingham's last two years and most of Davie's.

The next step is getting some difference makers in here that have speed and can make plays. They are in good position to do just that in the next two months, but the staff has to seal the deal on some of these big named guys. They need big play guys on offense and a defense that can handle elite WR and offenses in big games.

The Sugar Bowl will be good exposure and money, but on the field Arkansas or Florida could end up being another embarrassment. ND has to make just about every play and have a mistake free game to even come within 10 points of these top tier teams.

 

[NDAlumSon]

The next step is getting some difference makers in here that have speed and can make plays. They are in good position to do just that in the next two months, but the staff has to seal the deal on some of these big named guys. They need big play guys on offense and a defense that can handle elite WR and offenses in big games.

The Sugar Bowl will be good exposure and money, but on the field Arkansas or Florida could end up being another embarrassment. ND has to make just about every play and have a mistake free game to even come within 10 points of these top tier teams.

I couldn't agree more.
The rest of the criticisms (Fire this guy, fire that guy, play calling, etc.) seems like a lot of bluster.
It's skills man, skills.
Skills are on the way. The more the better. Recruiting becomes even more crucial now.

 

[jerseyborn1971]

I really hope we get UF so we can finally put to rest the notion that those guys are sooooo much better than ND. Did anyone see the huge win they had by 1 touchdown over a 5-6 FSU? Or any of their other lackluster wins this year. I FIRMLY believe ND beats UF or Arkansas. Could ND lose. Sure. But I can't say UF is in the same league as USC or tOSU.

Outside of the first onslaught of the SC game, ND went toe to toe for the rest of the game. 20 points isn't a good loss, but it wasn't an embarrassment.

 

[njuneardave]

the irish can beat both arkansas (one-dimensional) and florida (offensively inept in crucial situations)

 

[jiggafini19]

20 points isn't a good loss, but it wasn't an embarrassment.

Did you ever feel like SC was NOT in control of that game? There was some momentum in the two picks and the blocked punt, but other than that they got run.

Florida's defense is very good and their offense lives on the big play. Sound familiar? Personally, I think Arkansas beats them and ND gets the Hogs in the Sugar Bowl. Arkansas' defense is good, they have two excellent RBs but their QB situation is suspect. Then again, so was UNC's.

Notre Dame will have to play a perfect mistake free game against either one. Ohio State, Michigan and USC have been able to exploit Notre Dame all by doing the same things. Maybe in the Sugar Bowl ND will finally figure things out.

 

[jerseyborn1971]

Did you ever feel like SC was NOT in control of that game? There was some momentum in the two picks and the blocked punt, but other than that they got run.

Florida's defense is very good and their offense lives on the big play. Sound familiar? Personally, I think Arkansas beats them and ND gets the Hogs in the Sugar Bowl. Arkansas' defense is good, they have two excellent RBs but their QB situation is suspect. Then again, so was UNC's.

Notre Dame will have to play a perfect mistake free game against either one. Ohio State, Michigan and USC have been able to exploit Notre Dame all by doing the same things. Maybe in the Sugar Bowl ND will finally figure things out.

The momentum swung a few times and up until that last kickoff return, I thought ND had a chance to get the down to 7 points and make it a lot more respectable. Actually, in the 2nd quarter I thought ND was feeling it, but they couldn't convert on turnovers.

UF has a good defense, but that same defense gave up 21 points to a horrendous FSU offense. If Jeff Bowden can put up 21 on UF, I STRONGLY believe CW and company could light em up.

 

[jiggafini19]

It was 21-14.

Charlie Strong will box in Samardzija like everyone else has and bring the house at Quinn. Maybe Minter does the same to Dallas Baker, or does another good receiver bend them over again? Florida relies on the big play. They're pretty flat otherwise. And if Harvin is out, you never know. I still think Arkansas beats them.

I hope Rick Minter knows Tebow runs to the left EVERY SINGLE TIME. Mickey Andrews finally cracked the code.

Is Carlson healthy for this game?

 

[jerseyborn1971]

It was 21-14.

Charlie Strong will box in Samardzija like everyone else has and bring the house at Quinn. Maybe Minter does the same to Dallas Baker, or does another good receiver bend them over again? Florida relies on the big play. They're pretty flat otherwise. And if Harvin is out, you never know. I still think Arkansas beats them.

I hope Rick Minter knows Tebow runs to the left EVERY SINGLE TIME. Mickey Andrews finally cracked the code.

Is Carlson healthy for this game?

God, I hope he is. Nothing against Freeman, but Carlson is a much bigger threat. I really want someone to knock the snot out of Tebow. The kid celebrates every first down like he just won the friggin Super Bowl. I think you are right, Arkansas wins. But I want UF to win if it means ND gets them. I know that sounds nuts, but I really believe the Irish beat them. And a win over UF looks a lot better to most people than a win over Arkansas for some reason.

 

[jiggafini19]

Yeah, it is in the name. FLORIDA is bigger on paper when you read it.

Freeman did a nice job, but Carlson is an elite tight end.

I've seen what Florida and Arkansas can do on defense. I think it could get very ugly. Notre Dame has to be as deliberate and mistake free as they can possibly be against these top ranked teams.

Think 2005 Michigan and USC games.

 

[jerseyborn1971]

I was wrong. FSU only put 14 on them. Still, if Jeff Bowden can score 14 points, a blind monkey could get them 21.

 

[jiggafini19]

Perhaps the same blind monkey could manage to scheme coverages that could help Notre Dame's defense?

Was the total yardage in this game really 404 for SC and 404 for ND?

Rather remarkable achievement there.

 

[scooper]

Freeman has proven to do a nice job making tight end catches and running tight end routes. He does a great job of keeping the sticks moving. I really wish he had another year. Carlson brings wide receiver athleticism. He creates mismatches downfield, as well as in the intermediate and short routes.

 

[jerseyborn1971]

Perhaps the same blind monkey could manage to scheme coverages that could help Notre Dame's defense?

Was the total yardage in this game really 404 for SC and 404 for ND?

Rather remarkable achievement there.

No, ND will be using a cross-eyed Turtle with a learning disability to scheme coverages better.

 

[jiggafini19]

This turtle, can it teach how to jam wide receivers within the five yard cushion?

 

[jerseyborn1971]

This turtle, can it teach how to jam wide receivers within the five yard cushion?

That would be our new DB coach, a brain-damaged duck with a glass eye and a drinking problem.

 

[jiggafini19]

Former Bears QB Jim McMahon?

 

[jerseyborn1971]

Former Bears QB Jim McMahon?

That is FUNNY. I'll stop here because I can't top that.