ND-USC Post Game Thoughts

[andre784]

Win out ND. Win out!!!

 

[woolybug25]

Anybody who was at the game want to chime in? Curious how loud the stadium was and also curious how much of a party the second half was.

It was absolutely electric. I’ve been to some super hype games in the past and this one was right up there at the top. People were stunned for a while because it was just astonishing. Then by the second half people were just having fun in the stands. Perfect weather and great night for football.

I also met Tim Brown tonight before the game and just happened to be wearing his jersey. Just an amazing night that I’ll remember for a very long time.

 

[greyhammer90]

It was absolutely electric. I’ve been to some super hype games in the past and this one was right up there at the top. People were stunned for a while because it was just astonishing. Then by the second half people were just having fun in the stands. Perfect weather and great night for football.

I also met Tim Brown tonight before the game and just happened to be wearing his jersey. Just an amazing night that I’ll remember for a very long time.

Wooly was in the same building as Wiz. I wonder if Wooly was looking for LL Bean apparel all night.

 

[IrishLion]

I haven’t seen an ND team impose their will like that ever. I was born in 1990, so I missed out on Lou’s teams. The ‘12 team had some swagger and punished some teams, but tonight was different.

EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY. ND players were playing through the whistle, hitting, driving USC players down field or into the sidelines. Defenders swarmed ballcarriers and receivers. Even if USC got yardage, the first defender would hold them up, and help was on the way (and it was on the way with bad intentions).

ND broke BC. Broke MSU. Broke UNC. But they RIPPED OUT TROJAN HEARTS AND PUNISHED THEIR SOULS. They drained all competitive will and heart from USC, and the physical mismatch went from being “pretty big” to being “the size of the fucking ocean.”

Tevon Coney set the tone. The team followed. The defense plays every play with the mentality of “that’s my ball, and I will break you if I can’t get it.” The offense smelled blood in the water and repeatedly stepped on USC throats and ripped out USC spines.

It was borderline erotic.

Also, I’m just putting this out there in the open so we can skip the debate in the “Banned Users” thread.

NDgradstudent bitched all week about USC’s recent success over ND.

He’s gonna show up at some point, try to pour cold water on the win, discredit ND in general, and I am going to permaban him. Just a heads up.

 

[Henges24]

Lol

 

[SonofOahu]

How will we feel about this win if USC shits the bed and goes 8-4 or 7-5? They could still lose to both ASU and UCLA.

I don't recall ever being bored, during the 4th quarter, during a USC game that we ended up winning.

 

[SonofOahu]

I haven’t seen an ND team impose their will like that ever. I was born in 1990, so I missed out on Lou’s teams. The ‘12 team had some swagger and punished some teams, but tonight was different.

EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY. ND players were playing through the whistle, hitting, driving USC players down field or into the sidelines. Defenders swarmed ballcarriers and receivers. Even if USC got yardage, the first defender would hold them up, and help was on the way (and it was on the way with bad intentions).

Yup. I also really like how our WRs and TEs (hell, even Wimbush) try to block the hell out of any defender they come across.

 

[greyhammer90]

Brian Kelly Post Game Press Conference Highlights:

- Rivalry: Mentioned that they had spent time this week highlighting the rivalry and emphasizing the importance of this game.

- Shoutout: Talked about Stepherson and Kareem embracing challenges from coaches and impacting the game.

- On generating points off turnovers: Part of the plan when we hired Elko, needed the offense to cash in on those opportunities. Doing that leads to the success we're seeing.

- Team Message: Said the game would be won by who was more physical, challenged the team with that.

- On Wimbush: When you have someone who can do what he does, you get to put your second team offense in in the fourth.

- Defensive key: That we were able to force long 3rd downs, along with the quick offensive start. Darnold and WRs would have needed to play flawlessly to have pulled out a victory. (Spoiler: They didn't.)

- On how it feels to beat a top 15 USC: Good win, but we want to be "unique". Heavily implied by Kelly that being "unique" means being National Champions.

- Best thing from Kelly's perspective: The mental performance of the team was the best he's seen since being here. Kids didn't want to leave the field and were excited to execute against (kick the sh*t out of) USC.

- On national attention: Asking the team to be aware of the situation that they find themselves in and to be aware that the reason they are here is that they have worked hard and prepared correctly.

- Biggest defensive improvement: Fundamentals and QB pressure. "We're getting pressure on a 4 man rush"

- Kelly the soothsayer: As a reminder, Kelly wrote on a card in his locker before the game that if the team didn't win "big", it should be considered a disappointment.

 

[STLDomer]

USC DL Rasheem Green: “A lot of guys didn’t come ready to play.”

USC DUMPSTER FIRE COMING

 

[tussin]

Loved the game. ND was dominant and, since I was a small kid, I could have never imagined beating USC by that many TDs. Just delicious

My only concern long term with this season is a team that can truly shut down the run. How effective will ND be when Wimbush has to win a game with his arm? I hope we are good enough to never find out, but I'm not sure...

 

[STLDomer]

Does anyone know what Flutie and Darnold’s relationship status is? Dating? Married? Flutie the jealous guy in the friend zone?

Sheesh that was hard to listen to. If Darnold picked us a part than sure but he has been mediocre all year, including tonight.

 

[IrishLax]

Does anyone know what Flutie and Darnold’s relationship status is? Dating? Married? Flutie the jealous guy in the friend zone?

Sheesh that was hard to listen to. If Darnold picked us a part than sure but he has been mediocre all year, including tonight.

Their relationship is Darnold's dick in his mouth. It's also why Flutie struggles to talk well on the broadcast, hard to multi-task.

 

[greyhammer90]

Their relationship is Darnold's dick in his mouth. It's also why Flutie struggles to talk well on the broadcast, hard to multi-task.

I'm glad it wasn't just me. If I was Flutie's secret santa I think a pair of knee pads would be under the tree.

 

[STLDomer]

The best was when he was justifying Darnolds NFL prospects. He was complimenting his elongated motion and that he doesn’t pay attention to footwork.

Ummmm Doug, that ain’t good.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

Couple thoughts:

-CJ needs to kneel when the kick reaches the end zone. That opening return could've lead to disaster.

-I feel like i'm watching a right handed version of Tim Tebow in Winbush and i'm okay with that. Man, if this kid ever gets comfortable enough to sit in the pocket for more than one read we might not ever punt again!

-Elko. nuff said!

-Coach Kelly. I'm proud of the way you've turned it around. I LOVE a power running game. There seems to be fewer and fewer lateral runs as the season goes on.

-Refs. I have to say, SC got the hose a few times tonight. I didn't see a fumble on their opening play and the defensive holding call that wasn't a first down??? What the heck was that? Why was it third down? Oh well, FUSC!

I believe it was because it was a running play, never threw the ball. That is what someone said on an SC board. And SC was holding our linemen all night and not a single call. Literally all night.

 

[bkess8]

First game I have been able to watch all season and I was very impressed!

- The team played free and looked like they were having fun playing the game of football! Hell even Kelly looked like he was having fun!

- Coney was the defensive player of the game IMO, he was all over the field and that tackle on kickoff coverage!!! He provided a spark for others to play off of.

- Josh Adams is just a special player, his patience has improved from last year and his vision is one of his best assets. It was nice to see him run away from USC on that long TD run.

- When Winbush becomes more consistent through the air he is going to be a great QB. His misses are big misses where hes not giving his receivers a chance to make the catch. The opening miss down the sideline was evidence of that for me. He will learn touch but it will take time.

Overall a great game and man are these young men fun to watch! GO IRISH!

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

Their relationship is Darnold's dick in his mouth. It's also why Flutie struggles to talk well on the broadcast, hard to multi-task.

Hilarious!! Literally spit my drink out of my mouth! Reps given!

 

[Graybeard52]

I don't remember the last time I enjoyed a game this much, partly just because it was fUSC. Maybe one of several games from 2012, which had me drinking the Kool-Aid before the title game and, well, you know.

I haven't clapped that much during any football game since I don't know when and there were times I was giggling like a schoolgirl. Just a very satisfying game and outcome and no nailbiting moments.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I'm glad it wasn't just me. If I was Flutie's secret santa I think a pair of knee pads would be under the tree.

LOL. Reps sir!!!!

 

[Crazy Balki]

I'm fucking drunk but I still loooooooooovvvvvvvvveeeeeeee this game.... to add awesomeness on awesome, my 1 yr old son CHEERED with me for the 1st half until he finally passed out... you'll be celebrating him in 17 years lol

Man, you're fucking drunk? This is impressive. If I was fucking drunk, my posts would look like.

I fhapijdfjjlad hate fUsC and theri sithbag nfas. they can sukc a bgi one on their way back to AL.

 

[Classic Irish]

I'll be there next week as well. SO PUMPED. Does everyone think college gameday may be there??

Let’s hope not.

 

[Irish Wildcat]

Does anyone know what Flutie and Darnold’s relationship status is? Dating? Married? Flutie the jealous guy in the friend zone?

Sheesh that was hard to listen to. If Darnold picked us a part than sure but he has been mediocre all year, including tonight.

It seems to be a meme to be harsh towards Flutie. However, I really don't mind him calling Notre Dame games. During this game, specifically, I was more angry that the booth kept discussing how USC has had problems with turnovers, which really makes narrative one sided. In reality, Notre Dame has forced turnovers all year. That was barely discussed. The Heisman discussion was also rage inducing, because Adams not being seriously discussed is a travesty. Mayfield, Darnold, Rudolph and Jackson should be out of the running at this point. The fact that it took Tirico and Flutie 3.5 quarters of ball to just come out and say Adams belongs be in the running was a travesty. And, if memory serves me correctly, it was Flutie who stopped beating around the bush and said that Adams deserves to be in the Heisman conversation...

Speaking of running backs, I'm sold on Autry Denson as our RB coach. I'm biased as his jersey was the first ND football jersey I owned as a fan, but, our stable of backs are incredible and, as both a player and a coach, I have nothing but compliments to give Denson. It's early, but I'm sold on Elko as well. Defense is much improved and our secondary, although burned a couple times, is still not a detriment and, honestly, I'd say is pretty good at tackling in the open field.

In my previous posts, I've been harsh on Kelly, and, I'm still not sold on him as the coach Notre Dame needs to bring in a championship, but I am sold on Denson and Elko playing a huge role in restoring Notre Dame football. Regardless of the results of this season, or previous seasons, or some terrible decisions he's made in game, I'm still pretty salty about the Eagles interview. As far as I'm concerned, if you're a head coach at ND, you don't flirt with other teams. Plus, the schedule doesn't get much easier. Kelly still has more to prove.

 

[jakerbluegold]

We get through NCSU and Miami pour me a glass of that playoff kool-aid. Until then just gimmie another beer! Woooo! Go Irish!!!!!

If we get through NCSU and Miami, I’ll be really glad we’ve already played BC.

 

[ulukinatme]

Postgame thoughts:

Fuck USC!

 

[phgreek]

1. I don't think I've ever had that much fun watching a ND game.
2. As someone who was in HS during peak USC dominance, I never could've imagined ND ever beating a USC team by 5 TDs. Kelly is now 5-3 against USC... which is insane given how our previous coaches went winless against them.
3. Chip Long's rushing attack is awesome. If we ever get the passing game fully clicking, we are going to be borderline unstoppable.
4. We were stronger and tougher than USC.
5. Elko's defense is a goddamn revelation relative to what we saw the past two years.

I saw Jones Jr. stick some blocks...a couple times he looked like a bowling ball wiping out pins. receivers out physicaled their dbacks...o line was easily more physical...Dline was easily more physical...linebackers played down hill pretty hard. Even Wimbush showed them no respect as he crashed into them on his way to multiple first down.

ND was just as fast...and played angrier...MY GOD this is as close to Lou Holtz coached team as I've seen. These guys just bitch slapped Sparty and the Condoms in the same season...and there was no doubt. They may not make the playoffs, but they look like the ND I''ve been wanting to see.

Again game situations dictated playing off, so I really can't tell if the Dbacks are coming along in their coverage skills, but everything else looked pretty damned solid on D. Kick coverage still needs to get better but contained them, and had a lot of chances (hehehehe). I like KJ returning kicks...Wimbush looked pretty good pushing the ball down the field...the throws to EQ and KJ should make DCs across the land rethink how they are going to attack him.

JUST.SO.MUCH.GOOD.

Should learn some more next week, but if they take that physicality forward...teams are going to have their hands full, even when execution isn't great.

an aside...so glad they jumped on USC right away because, as I expected, the Refs were basically drunken traffic cops.

 

[NDRock]

1. I don't think I've ever had that much fun watching a ND game.
2. As someone who was in HS during peak USC dominance, I never could've imagined ND ever beating a USC team by 5 TDs. Kelly is now 5-3 against USC... which is insane given how our previous coaches went winless against them.
3. Chip Long's rushing attack is awesome. If we ever get the passing game fully clicking, we are going to be borderline unstoppable.
4. We were stronger and tougher than USC.
5. Elko's defense is a goddamn revelation relative to what we saw the past two years.

That always needs to be ND's identity. That's how we've won in the past and will in the future. Dominate the LOS. Great fucking win.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Does anyone have a video of Kelly's locker room speech?! Also what impressed me the most is how we just ran right over them with stiff arms and whatever else they couldn't stop us. There was a play late in the game maybe 3rd quarter I remember us on defense on one of Kareem's sacks someone came up the field on a blitze a USC player came to block and he got tossed back 5 yards lol

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

ndgradstudent, what say you?

Pretty pumped right? Because you're an ND fan, right?

Or was there something not to your liking? ie - the team, fans, stadium, football, Irish, ND, run game, Kelly, assistants, Swarbrick, electric atmosphere, biggest USC win since 66, everyone else's enjoyment

 

[Senoj13]

Just browsed the USC boards and didn't read one excuse. Every post basically talks about how dominant the Irish were and how embarrassing it was to get their a$$ handed to them. Many posts discussing how physical the Irish OL and DL were and how they got pushed around all night.

 

[Jackalope1977]

That was the best ND game I've seen in maybe my whole life. And I was there for the Holtz years. So of course my DVR takes a shit yesterday. Does anyone know how to watch a replay? I don't want that game to end, haha.