Nov 3 | Northwestern

[dang227]

I've never liked this guy. If Kelly sounded like this in a press conference there would be an article about it on ESPN.com within the hour. Such a douche.https://youtu.be/ClFh-n95ZuM

He is up there with penis head Shaw for me. I can’t stand him.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Circa]

They're trying to slow us down.

Are ya serious?

 

[calvegas04]

Are ya serious?

heard they are growing it out for ND

 

[IrishLax]

What do people want to see in this game? For me it's three things:

1. An offense that can get to 30+ against a good defense. Show that the improved offense with Book isn't a mirage built on playing bad defenses. Show that the OL can play a complete game.

2. If the defense is without Tranquill (I don't think he's going play, personally) I want to see them continue to be assignment sound. Tranquill and Coney just flat out don't really make mistakes. What happens when you plug in a guy with little experience in Tranquill's spot? I don't think we need game changing plays against Northwestern, I think we need the CBs to play tight coverage and then let the DL do work.

3. No special teams blunders that cost us points. I don't care if special teams are great or make plus plays, I just don't want a Pitt/Michigan fiasco where negative plays keep a team in the game that has no business being there.

 

[EvilleIrish]

What do people want to see in this game? For me it's three things:

1. An offense that can get to 30+ against a good defense. Show that the improved offense with Book isn't a mirage built on playing bad defenses. Show that the OL can play a complete game.

2. If the defense is without Tranquill (I don't think he's going play, personally) I want to see them continue to be assignment sound. Tranquill and Coney just flat out don't really make mistakes. What happens when you plug in a guy with little experience in Tranquill's spot? I don't think we need game changing plays against Northwestern, I think we need the CBs to play tight coverage and then let the DL do work.

3. No special teams blunders that cost us points. I don't care if special teams are great or make plus plays, I just don't want a Pitt/Michigan fiasco where negative plays keep a team in the game that has no business being there.

Didn't Tranquill practice yesterday? Has to be a good sign right?

 

[Rack Em]

What do people want to see in this game? For me it's three things:

1. An offense that can get to 30+ against a good defense. Show that the improved offense with Book isn't a mirage built on playing bad defenses. Show that the OL can play a complete game.

2. If the defense is without Tranquill (I don't think he's going play, personally) I want to see them continue to be assignment sound. Tranquill and Coney just flat out don't really make mistakes. What happens when you plug in a guy with little experience in Tranquill's spot? I don't think we need game changing plays against Northwestern, I think we need the CBs to play tight coverage and then let the DL do work.

3. No special teams blunders that cost us points. I don't care if special teams are great or make plus plays, I just don't want a Pitt/Michigan fiasco where negative plays keep a team in the game that has no business being there.

1. The OL open lanes in the running game. The guards have been slow on their pulls and it's time to fix that after a bye week to get healthy. This team can go as far as the OL takes it. And for someone to step up on the left side of the line. I don't care if that's Eichenberg, Ruhland, Banks, or the ghost of Bruce Heggie...someone play with a god damn nasty streak.

2. Book connect on a couple of deep shots down the field. Teams are stacking the box and selling out for the short and horizontal passes. Right now, we're using the screen game to open up the short-intermediate passing routes. That's only going to last so long so it's time for Book to open up the field.

3. The DL to turn those QB hurries into more sacks. Okwara only has 2.5 sacks on the year, but it feels like the guy lives in the backfield. And Tillery hasn't had a sack since his 4 against Stanford.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Didn't Tranquill practice yesterday? Has to be a good sign right?

When asked about his status, Kelly said he won't play unless he can help the team and went on about how much confidence they have in their rotation behind him. I take that as a sign Tranquill will play sparingly at most.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Northwesterns kicker is out not sure how that affects the game

 

[calvegas04]

Northwesterns kicker is out not sure how that affects the game

It keeps them from kicking the ball

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

1) Success running the football on running downs.
2) Get Claypool more involved downfield.
3) Book stop eating the football every time there's nobody obviously open. Sometimes when pressure comes you need to put the ball where the defender can't get it and hope your WR can make a play for you.
4) Stop the run without moving up the safeties.
5) Assignment sound kick and punt coverage.

 

[NDBoiler]

heard they are growing it out for ND

I know you’re being sarcastic, but I always chuckled when this was thrown out by a team as a clever strategy back in the day. Everybody’s playing on the same field, so whatever condition is going to affect both teams. If it slows down their offense, it will also slow down your defense, and vise versa on the opposite sides of the ball. Never understood why this was allegedly done by teams.

 

[EvilleIrish]

I know you’re being sarcastic, but I always chuckled when this was thrown out by a team as a clever strategy back in the day. Everybody’s playing on the same field, so whatever condition is going to affect both teams. If it slows down their offense, it will also slow down your defense, and vise versa on the opposite sides of the ball. Never understood why this was allegedly done by teams.

Couldn't agree more. I always thought this was similar to talking heads saying to run misdirection against fast defenses as they'll overplay it. Won't they be just as fast in recovery on a play???

 

[BobbyMac]

NW Wish List:

10. Not notice the OL's play except...
9. ... for O'Rourke getting pancaked by Banks (if NW burns his RS)
8. Elliot and Gilman to continue their level of play
7. Cole Kmet to have 2 or 3, 15-25 yd seem completions
6. Okwara to get 3.5 sacks to go along with his typical 6-7 hurries
5. Kareem to reascend/reemerge and add 2.5 sacks.
4. Juice & Jafar to both top 100 yards
3. watch Kevin Austin put the NCAA on notice w/ a 5 rec / 125+ yd / 2 TD game
2. Troy Pride to play like Troy Pride, not the kid who showed up in the #5 jersey vs. Navy
1. BK go for the throat = 4 Qtrs of 200 mph domination. Get them style points that "don't matter" to the CFP committee.

 

[GowerND11]

I know you’re being sarcastic, but I always chuckled when this was thrown out by a team as a clever strategy back in the day. Everybody’s playing on the same field, so whatever condition is going to affect both teams. If it slows down their offense, it will also slow down your defense, and vise versa on the opposite sides of the ball. Never understood why this was allegedly done by teams.

I believe the thought is it would slow them down MORE than the already slower team. Whether that actually happens would be up for debate.

Couldn't agree more. I always thought this was similar to talking heads saying to run misdirection against fast defenses as they'll overplay it. Won't they be just as fast in recovery on a play???

Well there would be more truth to what they say than you think. Overpursuit is a real problem for defenses. So yes, they can recover fast. However, if they've already over pursued by 5 yards, it's fair to say they have a lot of ground to cover.

 

[Irish YJ]

1) the OL to keep gelling/improving
2) Book to keep improving on the longer throws
3) STs to not suck
4) DL to get home
5) DBs to not make mistakes, Pride not to whiff
6) Young WRs to get PT and experience
7) RB rotation to be solid all around. Dex to get no more than 20 touches
8) WRs/TEs/RBs to keep improving on blocking
9) LBs to stuff the run
10) no injuries (this should actually be number 1)

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

What do people want to see in this game? For me it's three things:

1. An offense that can get to 30+ against a good defense. Show that the improved offense with Book isn't a mirage built on playing bad defenses. Show that the OL can play a complete game.

2. If the defense is without Tranquill (I don't think he's going play, personally) I want to see them continue to be assignment sound. Tranquill and Coney just flat out don't really make mistakes. What happens when you plug in a guy with little experience in Tranquill's spot? I don't think we need game changing plays against Northwestern, I think we need the CBs to play tight coverage and then let the DL do work.

3. No special teams blunders that cost us points. I don't care if special teams are great or make plus plays, I just don't want a Pitt/Michigan fiasco where negative plays keep a team in the game that has no business being there.

Personally, I want to see Troy Pride Jr. get back to true form prior to his injury. He looked like hot garbage at times last week against Navy.

We are going to need him to get back to 100% and play at his potential down the stretch here.

 

[irish4ever]

1) the OL to keep gelling/improving
2) Book to keep improving on the longer throws
3) STs to not suck
4) DL to get home
5) DBs to not make mistakes, Pride not to whiff
6) Young WRs to get PT and experience
7) RB rotation to be solid all around. Dex to get no more than 20 touches
8) WRs/TEs/RBs to keep improving on blocking
9) LBs to stuff the run
10) no injuries (this should actually be number 1)

These are the (2) most glaring issues. Concerning the OL, losing (2) 1st rounders was definitely going to be felt, but talent that ND has recruited over the past few yrs. has me perplexed as to why it's taking so long for them to gel as a cohesive unit. Spec. Teams, ugh, we have to be one of the worst kickoff teams in the country. 2 kicks for TD return, can't kick into the end zone on a consistent basis, whiffed tackles. Damn, something has to change on this very quickly!

 

[Luckylucci]

Yea, mine are very similar to most.

1. Run game consistency.

2. I'd really like to see our DL go HAM on this team. I'd like to see a performance similar to that of what we did to Wake Forest QB or second half versus Stanford.

3. More big plays in the pass game.

4. Players emerge. I'd like to see Kmet step up in the absence of Mack. Whoever plays Buck. Kevin Austin make some plays. Continued ascension from Jafar.

 

[T Town Tommy]

What do people want to see in this game? For me it's three things:

1. An offense that can get to 30+ against a good defense. Show that the improved offense with Book isn't a mirage built on playing bad defenses. Show that the OL can play a complete game.

2. If the defense is without Tranquill (I don't think he's going play, personally) I want to see them continue to be assignment sound. Tranquill and Coney just flat out don't really make mistakes. What happens when you plug in a guy with little experience in Tranquill's spot? I don't think we need game changing plays against Northwestern, I think we need the CBs to play tight coverage and then let the DL do work.

3. No special teams blunders that cost us points. I don't care if special teams are great or make plus plays, I just don't want a Pitt/Michigan fiasco where negative plays keep a team in the game that has no business being there.

1. Long, sustained drives on offense with the OL dominating at the point of attack. The Irish are going to need this against future opponents.

2. The DL getting pressure on Thorson early and often.

3. The DBs making sound, fundamental tackles more consistently.

4. Book gaining more pocket awareness and going through his progressions before bailing.

5. Play every down as if you are two scores behind.

6. Don't go easy if you have a comfortable lead. Extend the playbook some and go for the kill. Make NW not want to play you again.

7. Don't fall prey to the noise and pressure coming from outside expectaions.

8. Last but not least... HAVE FUN playing the game.

 

[Irish YJ]

These are the (2) most glaring issues. Concerning the OL, losing (2) 1st rounders was definitely going to be felt, but talent that ND has recruited over the past few yrs. has me perplexed as to why it's taking so long for them to gel as a cohesive unit. Spec. Teams, ugh, we have to be one of the worst kickoff teams in the country. 2 kicks for TD return, can't kick into the end zone on a consistent basis, whiffed tackles. Damn, something has to change on this very quickly!

1-3 i think are the most important things for us to succeed in a playoff scenario. Our OL the way it played vs a few teams will not hold up to a Clemson or Bama. Book has to be able to stretch the field,,,,, he needs to get better throwing it long and the OL has to give him time to do it. Book has made it easy on the OL with his quick passing. He can make it easier on them still by trusting more and stepping up (it's a chicken before the egg kinda thing). And STs.... they don't need to great. They just can't suck when it comes to playing in the post season.

If we can do those things, we have a puncher's chance vs anyone.

 

[Irish#1]

I know you’re being sarcastic, but I always chuckled when this was thrown out by a team as a clever strategy back in the day. Everybody’s playing on the same field, so whatever condition is going to affect both teams. If it slows down their offense, it will also slow down your defense, and vise versa on the opposite sides of the ball. Never understood why this was allegedly done by teams.

You are correct. I've shared this before. 1976 #9 Pitt comes into #11 ND stadium to open the season. Under Coach Johnny Majors and touting Heisman candidate Tony Dorsett, the Panthers are primed.

The first thing I noticed when I got in the stadium was how long the grass was and commented to my wife about slowing down Dorsett. First play from scrimmage the Irish stuff Dorsett for no gain. Second play from scrimmage Dorsett goes about 60 yards for a TD and Pitt cruised to a 31-10 win.

Keys to victory.
It's really quite simple:
1. Win on offense.
2. Win on defense.
3. Win Special Teams.

 

[pumpdog20]

Not picky, just win.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

NW Wish List:

10. Not notice the OL's play except...
9. ... for O'Rourke getting pancaked by Banks (if NW burns his RS)
8. Elliot and Gilman to continue their level of play
7. Cole Kmet to have 2 or 3, 15-25 yd seem completions
6. Okwara to get 3.5 sacks to go along with his typical 6-7 hurries
5. Kareem to reascend/reemerge and add 2.5 sacks.
4. Juice & Jafar to both top 100 yards And 3 TDs between them
3. watch Kevin Austin put the NCAA on notice w/ a 5 rec / 125+ yd / 2 TD game
2. Troy Pride to play like Troy Pride, not the kid who showed up in the #5 jersey vs. Navy
1. BK go for the throat = 4 Qtrs of 200 mph domination. Get them style points that "don't matter" to the CFP committee.

All of this.

 

[OhioIrish31]

Keys to success:

1) No soft cushions...Press and take the 3-step short passes away. The D-line will feed on their QB. They have difficulty running the ball but take the short passes away and we will crush them.

2) Offensive line needs to be nasty...create running lanes for Juice and give Book time to connect on a long ball or two.

3) Long sustained drives...sap the energy out of these fruit cakes.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

This shouldn't even be that close of a game, i'd be more worried playing Stanford again. Their QB is a joke

 

[ab2cmiller]

You are correct. I've shared this before. 1976 #9 Pitt comes into #11 ND stadium to open the season. Under Coach Johnny Majors and touting Heisman candidate Tony Dorsett, the Panthers are primed.

The first thing I noticed when I got in the stadium was how long the grass was and commented to my wife about slowing down Dorsett. First play from scrimmage the Irish stuff Dorsett for no gain. Second play from scrimmage Dorsett goes about 60 yards for a TD and Pitt cruised to a 31-10 win.

Keys to victory.
It's really quite simple:
1. Win on offense.
2. Win on defense.
3. Win Special Teams.

Reminds me of a Bobby Knight Interview.

Radio Host: The long holiday break has given you plenty of practice time. What kind of things have you been working on?

Bobby Knight: Getting better

Radio Host: But what specifically have you been working on? What have you been working on offensively?

Bobby Knight: Scoring baskets

Radio Host: And defensively?

Bobby Knight: Stopping baskets.

 

[PANDFAN]

ND curb stomping them so I can check on bama vs lsu....

 

[TDHeysus]

NW Wish List:

5. Kareem to reascend/reemerge and add 2.5 sacks.
4. Juice & Jafar to both top 100 yards
1. BK go for the throat = 4 Qtrs of 200 mph domination. Get them style points that "don't matter" to the CFP committee.

I like these

 

[Irishize]

To me, the OL is the linchpin. If Northwestern can stop the run, we could be looking at a long night. Their secondary is all about not getting beat over the top & keeping everyting in front of them. That’s led to them forcing a fair amount of INTs agains some solid passing offenses. Book hasn’t been immune to not seeing the safety and throwing an easy pick lately.

I’ve heard both the II & BGI guys opine on how Mustipher has regressed and doesn’t fire off the ball. This game will tell us the most about where the run game is going forward IMO. They can’t afford a repeat of the Pitt game.

 

[Crazy Balki]

To me, the OL is the linchpin. If Northwestern can stop the run, we could be looking at a long night. Their secondary is all about not getting beat over the top & keeping everyting in front of them. That’s led to them forcing a fair amount of INTs agains some solid passing offenses. Book hasn’t been immune to not seeing the safety and throwing an easy pick lately.

I’ve heard both the II & BGI guys opine on how Mustipher has regressed and doesn’t fire off the ball. This game will tell us the most about where the run game is going forward IMO. They can’t afford a repeat of the Pitt game.

That's a fair assessment to how NW plays the ball, but I do have to point out one thing.

NW has played zero passing games that I would consider "solid". The closest thing to a solid passing game that NW has seen this year is Michigan, who is 89th in passing yards per game. And I know someone will bring up Purdue. They don't count. Purdue's numbers went up tremendously after they inserted David Blough at QB. NW didn't face Blough, they faced Sindelar.

Needless to say, Book and ND's passing attack is a considerable step up from anything they've seen this year.