Nov 7 | Miami

[JerseyIrishMan]

Catholics vs Convicts, imo, has turned into one of the dumber things we've ever done. It's free and potent motivation for their fans and, more importantly, their players every time we face off. That built in motivation simply doesnt exist on our side.

It's also extremely dated and silly considering the University of Miami is made up of a lot of WASPy / new money types. Just a dumb trope at this point. Fun branding for the time, though.

 

[SportsingHard]

That said, the sobering realization I came to, is that no way in hell would I trust an Ash defense to string together 4 in a row against top level competition. He has failed to prove it, time and time again. Do I think we'll get the doors blown off of us? Certainly not. Any loss will be close and down to the wire. I just can't trust him, his scheme, his play calling to win one or games, much less one. He's so predictable. I heard that BYU's OC knew that the ND defense would audible to zone coverage every time BYU lined up in 12 personnel. It led to easy, off coverage passes to the flats and across the middle. Inexcusable. I thought we were done with this shit after last year's Purdue game...

You absolutely shouldn't. ND's top level coaching staff is what gives them roughly a 1 in 2 chance of beating a top level team. That would give ND a 1 in 16 chance of winning four such games in a row. That's 6%. If you just ignored the 94% likelihood that it wasn't going to happen and "trusted" any member of the staff or roster to automatically grant you four consecutive wins, we'd have to have you committed to an institution.

 

[allenm5333]

Guys, we are going to beat Miami and then lose to SMU. This is how it works

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Guys, we are going to beat Miami and then lose to SMU. This is how it works

Syracuse

 

[laughingirish92]

so who does Miami need back from that mash unit on defense to keep our offense from torching them for 30 plus like a bad FSU team did

 

[SportsingHard]

Syracuse

 

[Bane]

I have this feeling as well. No chance we come out flat footed again. Worst case scenario is our injuries on defense really impact that game. Suppose McKinney, Golden, Brauntae, and KVA are all scratches while Onye, Moore, and Shuler are still hampered by their lingering injuries. We’d basically be at a 6 man rotation for 5 DB positions with two guys playing hurt. That is unless we roll out Zackery/Long/Pouncey, none of whom played against MSU, UNC, or BYU.

Sadly, I think there is a good chance we could come out flat footed. I’m hoping we don’t and want to believe Freeman will have them fired up but I no longer take that for granted.

 

[Bane]

Whatever happens in the game, Miami not being "up" for the Irish is the last thing I'd expect.

The program and fanbase do not like Notre Dame. I know we had some blowouts in the early aughts, but Miami will be up for this one.

Catholics vs Convicts, imo, has turned into one of the dumber things we've ever done. It's free and potent motivation for their fans and, more importantly, their players every time we face off. That built in motivation simply doesnt exist on our side.

Yeah, Miami hates us in a way I don’t think a lot of ND fans can truly comprehend. Cristobal is an alum who fucking hates us. They will always have the edge over us in that regard.

 

[jerseyborn1971]

I went to college in Florida and have lots of friends from Miami that are UM fans. They hate ND more than we hate them. They hate ND in a very personal, deep way. Losing to ND will absolutely break them. They'll still be excited about the playoff, but it will do genuine damage to them.

 

[Blazers46]

At some point ND has to break tendencies. They cant just continue to let Carr check to the same 8 plays, right? Right?

I think BYU forced checks and knew how to force checks from ND. At some point ND just needs to be who they are are force them to check. This is why ND lost Miami game. ND takes what the D gives them to an extreme level.

 

[Irishokie]

so who does Miami need back from that mash unit on defense to keep our offense from torching them for 30 plus like a bad FSU team did

I’d say no one. Denbrock will not stretch the field and will continue to run straight into loaded boxes. Really looking forward to a stressful, liquor filled, November 7th

 

[NDWarrior]

Miami desperate to get out of the ACC. Maybe independent is an option

https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/college-football-realignment-protect-college-sports-act-bill-drama-miami-president-acc-sec-big-ten-122659182.html

Maybe ND can set up an annual series of independents with Miami, if they end up going this way, like the old days with Schnellenberger.

 

[Irishcop]

If I had a gun to my head and I just these two options:

1) beat both BYU and Miami but both games are close, ugly wins
2) close loss on the road to BYU but then beat the living shit out of Miami

I may actually chose 2.

I love this and hope you are right

 

[TracyGraham]

It's also extremely dated and silly considering the University of Miami is made up of a lot of WASPy / new money types. Just a dumb trope at this point. Fun branding for the time, though.

Pretty sure they were the convicts bc of their players, not their students/alumni or am I completely misremembering?

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Pretty sure they were the convicts bc of their players, not their students/alumni or am I completely misremembering?

Yes, they embraced it until a couple of ND students turned it into a battle cry.

 

[nainamartin]

Not how Miami football works. They get bored halfway through the season every year and a drop a game or two they shouldn't like clockwork. Internally that locker room definitely feels like they've beat their rival and a playoff spot is almost assured.

Miami’s biggest challenge seems to be maintaining focus and consistency throughout the entire season, especially when a rivalry win makes the team feel comfortable about its playoff chances. Strong teams need to treat every game seriously, regardless of their record or upcoming matchups, because one unexpected loss can change the playoff picture. Preparation and attention to detail matter in football just as they do in practical projects, where accurate planning and measurements using a Square Footage Calculator can prevent costly mistakes. Ultimately, Miami needs to stay disciplined and avoid losing momentum if it wants to turn its potential into consistent results.

 

[JerseyIrishMan]

Pretty sure they were the convicts bc of their players, not their students/alumni or am I completely misremembering?

It still makes their students and alumni extra salty towards us and motivates their players

 

[allenm5333]

Syracuse

i will be there in person. so yea, this would make sense too!

 

[tko]

I'd love for Mensah to have a below average game instead of pinpoint accuracy and Heisman heroics.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

I'd love for Mensah to have a below average game instead of pinpoint accuracy and Heisman heroics.

At this point the latter is more likely. Our secondary went from best in the country to wtf real fast.

 

[bkess8]

I'd love for Mensah to have a below average game instead of pinpoint accuracy and Heisman heroics.

Hopefully he forgets how to hit Toney wide open over the middle of the field in stride.

 

[Black Irish]

I went to college in Florida and have lots of friends from Miami that are UM fans. They hate ND more than we hate them. They hate ND in a very personal, deep way. Losing to ND will absolutely break them. They'll still be excited about the playoff, but it will do genuine damage to them.

I hate Miami with a blinding, irrational passion. Only Michigan is on par with the level of contempt I have for the Convicts. Miami fans may harbor huge ND hatred, but the Notre Dame fans I know all do our best to keep the level of sustained hatred at a high, complimentary level.

 

[IAIrish]

I can see the comparison. But Miami is going to also bring a good defense and a way more physical identity than a LR USC team.

I'll be interested to see if they remain physical if this game is played in 30/40 degree weather.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Hopefully he forgets how to hit Toney wide open over the middle of the field in stride.

That’ll only happen b/c ND is so focused on neutralizing Toney, that Mensah will play pitch/catch w/ their stud TE for >100 yds

 

[slick7410]

I would rather be aggressive even if it means a big catch or two on the outside and a 55 yard touchdown where Toney torches the slot. Offset with some 3 and outs, an extra turnover, and +sacks.

Vs. vanilla bend and probably break like BYU, with free access and time for zones to clear open.

 

[Canes4theWin]

Not happening. I think Florida St. woke Miami up and they roll the rest of the regular season.

Cristobal has required multiple wake up calls traditionally wouldn’t be surprised if we come out flat footed again or get surprised but Mario has always had the team come out ready for big games so I don’t think we’ll be beaten for lack of effort on 11/7

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Cristobal has required multiple wake up calls traditionally wouldn’t be surprised if we come out flat footed again or get surprised but Mario has always had the team come out ready for big games so I don’t think we’ll be beaten for lack of effort on 11/7

Looks like he has coordinators to overcome any of his shortcoming. NDs coordinators are their shortcomings

 

[Canes4theWin]

Looks like he has coordinators to overcome any of his shortcoming. NDs coordinators are their shortcomings

He definitely has done a better job relying on his coordinators and I think he has some more help on the sidelines with time out and HC decisions that he used to goof up

 

[Dale]

Toney 1H: 11 catches, 147 yards - 116 YAC

 

[IRISHDODGER]

He definitely has done a better job relying on his coordinators and I think he has some more help on the sidelines with time out and HC decisions that he used to goof up

ND fans assumed he’d goof up in last year’s opener & that Beck would force some throws that got picked. Neither happened. I thought Miami would take a step back this year. I was wrong. Mensah & Toney should both be in NYC