Nov 23 | BYU

[IrishLax]

While snow IS probably more forgiving than rain when it comes to passing the ball, I wouldn't say it's still an ideal situation. The ball comes out like a rock sometimes when it's cold out, and I've heard receivers compare the ball to a brick when they try to catch it. Still, wind is usually considered a bigger factor than rain or snow for most QBs. It's difficult to accurately pass deep in the wind, unless you can throw on a rope.

Good thing we have Tommy "Arm Cannon" Rees leading the charge...

This weekend is sneaky important with Barnett and Williams coming on campus. Got to hope the weather and opponent cooperate as much as possible. I really think the game is winnable with the right conditions.

 

[NDdomer2]

While snow IS probably more forgiving than rain when it comes to passing the ball, I wouldn't say it's still an ideal situation. The ball comes out like a rock sometimes when it's cold out, and I've heard receivers compare the ball to a brick when they try to catch it. Still, wind is usually considered a bigger factor than rain or snow for most QBs. It's difficult to accurately pass deep in the wind, unless you can throw on a rope.

we'll i can tell you from experience that if its cold out the ball is hard regardless of snow or not. But when it gets soaked and its freezing is when it sucks the most.

all in all its the same conditions for everyone and i think with us getting some defensive guys back we will handle business. Tommy goes out on fire!

 

[tko]

Good thing we have Tommy "Arm Cannon" Rees leading the charge...

This weekend is sneaky important with Barnett and Williams coming on campus. Got to hope the weather and opponent cooperate as much as possible. I really think the game is winnable with the right conditions.

who is this?

 

[irishpat183]

I guess that's possible... I'm talking a name program that’s not a mess at the time... Miami would qualify for one of those for sure.

I disagree on the Miami game...Miami was NOT that good of team. They only played one ranked team before us, #21 Kstate, and lost 52-13.

Miami SUCKED last year. Didn't beat a ranked opponent..what was their sig win? Vtech? USF???

 

[philipm31]

Really?

Yes, seriously. Tommy had what, nearly 600 yards in 2 gamesto begin the year, but the Irish were only 1-1. You honestly think that Golson would pass for nearly that much to begin the year, with a brand new backfield, and equally HORRIFIC defense against MICH, ON THE ROAD??


I am also factoring in the HUGE impact that defensive lapses and injuries have had on the team.

Say ALL you want about Tommy taking better care of the ball in big games, the fact of the matter is that he NEVER has.

And to expect Golson to make the leap from a borderline 1K passer to 3K passer in one offseason is what I think it would have realistically taken for ND to be sitting with one loss or fewer.

Anyone who HONESTLY thinks that Golson was READY to be as prolific as he would have needed to be, needs to take a good LOOOONG look at the way THIS team has regressed on the defensive side of the ball, as expected, while NOT getting a corresponding uptick on offense. Saying ND would have been better on offense, solely because we might have had Golson back does NOT mean he would have been. Especially with such an anemic running game.

 

[philipm31]

If it turns into Snow Bowl II, with the corresponding Irish W, I will take that.

 

[CanadalovesND]

who is this?

2015 QB Blake Barnett

 

[tko]

2015 QB Blake Barnett

sorry, brain freeze.

 

[returnofthemack]

Yes, seriously. Tommy had what, nearly 600 yards in 2 gamesto begin the year, but the Irish were only 1-1. You honestly think that Golson would pass for nearly that much to begin the year, with a brand new backfield, and equally HORRIFIC defense against MICH, ON THE ROAD??


I am also factoring in the HUGE impact that defensive lapses and injuries have had on the team.

Say ALL you want about Tommy taking better care of the ball in big games, the fact of the matter is that he NEVER has.

And to expect Golson to make the leap from a borderline 1K passer to 3K passer in one offseason is what I think it would have realistically taken for ND to be sitting with one loss or fewer.

Anyone who HONESTLY thinks that Golson was READY to be as prolific as he would have needed to be, needs to take a good LOOOONG look at the way THIS team has regressed on the defensive side of the ball, as expected, while NOT getting a corresponding uptick on offense. Saying ND would have been better on offense, solely because we might have had Golson back does NOT mean he would have been. Especially with such an anemic running game.

Against Temple and michigan? I absolutely think Golson would have thrown for that many. He would have lit up Temple at least. A major factor in the running game being so anemic is that there is absolutely no threat of the QB running the ball. Teams couldn't load up the box against Everett as easily as they can against Rees. And if they dropped 8, Everett would make them pay with his feet. The defense has been atrocious this year, but we would have won at least two more games with Everett.

 

[phgreek]

When was the last time it snowed during a game?
Which team would 24mph winds, and snow hurt the most?

Since there isn't a ton of difference in the weather these guys experience, I don't think either has a built in advantage.

When you boil it down to the "game" each plays...I'd say lack of mobility and a run game identity hurts ND in inclement weather.

 

[ACamp1900]

I disagree on the Miami game...Miami was NOT that good of team. They only played one ranked team before us, #21 Kstate, and lost 52-13.

Miami SUCKED last year. Didn't beat a ranked opponent..what was their sig win? Vtech? USF???

hence me saying 'one of those' they were a 'name program' that was pretty much a mess.

 

[texbender]

Just want Irish to play a clean game so the outcome is not clouded by what ifs. Maybe Tommy goes out with a bang!?!

 

[Cali_domer]

Just want Irish to play a clean game so the outcome is not clouded by what ifs. Maybe Tommy goes out with a bang!?!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

FEI predicts an Irish loss:

53.4% PWE :: BYU 22, NOTRE DAME 21

But a 53.4% PWE for 1-point margin of victory is about as uncertain as these projections come. Flip a coin.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Because I don't see a ND V Santa Clara hoops thread, I'll post here. Just got my tix to the game Fri night in advance of the big game on Sat. Can't freaking wait. My question to those of you in the know is where will they hold the pep rally? Best to just get on campus late afternoon,, see the pep rally and stay on campus or nearby watering hole? We'll have 2 minors in the group so we'll need a restaurant not just a bar to hit.

 

[irishpat183]

FEI predicts an Irish loss:



But a 53.4% PWE for 1-point margin of victory is about as uncertain as these projections come. Flip a coin.

Did anyone watch last years game?? They're better this year and you can argue that we are much worse.

 

[stlnd01]

Did anyone watch last years game?? They're better this year and you can argue that we are much worse.

You can also argue that they've been inconsistent and so have we. Which means it's probably a coin flip.

 

[ulukinatme]

If it turns into Snow Bowl II, with the corresponding Irish W, I will take that.

Coincidence that Penn State Snow Bowl I and possible Snow Bowl II with BYU...they both wear the same colors? If we get a game like that, I'm down.

 

[Bluto]

I'm guessing it has to do with their TV situation. I don't think ND has any desire to have a game on BYU's channel.

Incidentally, I live in Southern Indiana and I somehow have this channel in my cable lineup. I wonder how that came about?

Ancient Aliens.

 

[PerthDomer]

They lost their best D lineman and we have Nix this year

 

[irishtrinity]

They lost their best D lineman and we have Nix this year

I know. Our defense has 2 top 10 NFL picks. How can they not get pressure.
Just wish the weather would clear up.

 

[PerthDomer]

No, I mean Nix had the flu last year and Ziggy Ansa is in the NFL. Plus their entire secondary and WR core is injured. Nix should eliminate any draw plays they wanna run.

 

[irishpat183]

I know. Our defense has 2 top 10 NFL picks. How can they not get pressure.Just wish the weather would clear up.

No, I mean Nix had the flu last year and Ziggy Ansa is in the NFL. Plus their entire secondary and WR core is injured. Nix should eliminate any draw plays they wanna run.

You guys HAVE been watching our D this year, right??

YOu mention "pressure"?? LOL...

And if Nix is still gimped by the knee, he might not be the force that we need him to be. Tuitt may be a "top 10 pick"...but he hasn't played like one. Whatever the reason.


This game is gonna be close. Too close. I'm very nervous. I had this one circled at the beginning of the year.

 

[irishfan]

Massive game for recruiting/program morale. Can't lose 2 in a row going into Stanford and a dumpster dive bowl game.

 

[irishpat183]

Massive game for recruiting/program morale. Can't lose 2 in a row going into Stanford and a dumpster dive bowl game.

Exactly. Let's get out there and stomp them into the ground. Leave no doubt!

 

[jerboski]

Exactly. Let's get out there and stomp them into the ground. Leave no doubt!

Just one time this year, can we please come out and dominate the field. One time lets execute on all sides of the ball and play big time football in all areas, just once guys!

 

[dublinirish]

im hoping for a Utah game of 2011 repeat, just a focused and battle ready ND team coming out and taking care of business

 

[irishpat183]

Just one time this year, can we please come out and dominate the field. One time lets execute on all sides of the ball and play big time football in all areas, just once guys!

im hoping for a Utah game of 2011 repeat, just a focused and battle ready ND team coming out and taking care of business

Please. One Saturday, besides a bye week, in which I can focus more on the Fajitas on my grill than a close game with a sub par team that we SHOULD beat.

This 31 yr old ticker can't take it!!

 

[irishtrinity]

You guys HAVE been watching our D this year, right??

YOu mention "pressure"?? LOL...

And if Nix is still gimped by the knee, he might not be the force that we need him to be. Tuitt may be a "top 10 pick"...but he hasn't played like one. Whatever the reason.


This game is gonna be close. Too close. I'm very nervous. I had this one circled at the beginning of the year.

Yes pressure on a freshman line with Mel K's board Nix, and Tuiit are 1st round picks. Now if they want to go first round they need to finish strong. Plus Sheldon, Ishaq, Kona all going to play. our Dline should get pressure.

Still is going to be a close game. Would love to run for 2 td lead then eat the clock up, and keep running the ball.

 

[irishtrinity]

Meanwhile, BYU has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks.

It appears senior linebacker Spencer Hadley (knee) and tight end Devin Mahina (abductor) won’t play Saturday.

“Spencer is probably a ways off,” Mendenhall said.

BYU trainer Jeff Hurst confirmed that Hadley is out for this weekend, adding that Hadley is “progressing and his range of motion is improving. … This week is probably not in the cards for him.”

While wide receiver/kickoff return man JD Falslev (fractured hand) was scheduled to be out three to four weeks, he has been working hard to return for the Notre Dame game.

“JD practiced (Monday) and caught some punts,” Hurst said. “He caught the ball a little bit. He’s in a protective brace. It’ll probably be a game-time decision. … He’s improving and things are moving along well.”

Tight end Kaneakua Friel (hamstring) is possible for this weekend, while tight end Brett Thompson (quad strain) is also improving. Mahina and wide receiver Eric Thornton (soft tissue injury) are likely out for the year.