Oct 28 | North Carolina State

[BGIF]

Yep, and the offense continued it's magical run of vapid incompetence. They ran the ball for just over 2 yards per carry, 50% passing efficiency and 3 picks from our old friend Pat Dillingham (man, hate to rag on the guy, but did we really not have ANYBODY who could throw the ball better than him?)

If Ty had an offense that was just almost average, they'd probably be Fiesta Bowl that year against the U.

No. Short story injuries and lack of depth at QB.

Long story in '99 Davie got a silent verbal from C.J. Leak (Chris's older brother) on the basis that ND recruited no other QB. Late in the cycle - SURPRISE - C.J committed to Wake Forest who just happened to offer his younger brother who I think was a 9th grader at the time. Davie scrambled but was left with a huge hole coupled by ineffective QB recruiting in prior years. Arnaz Battle was on the team as a WR by then but as a freshman was QB who was a much better WR but was promised a shot at QB. There were a couple of others who came in as HS QBs but transferred into other positions like TE.

ND had starting QB Matt LoVecchio returning but he bailed when Willingham chose Carlyle Holiday over him. LoVecchio had been effective as a true freshman the year before. Again if I recall correctly LoVecchio's father was disruptive. Carlyle Holiday a very athletic and very good triple option QB but Willingham changed the Offense to a West Coast System. Carlyle could make the quick decisions in a triple option attack but reading defenses and running progressions were a blur. He threw a 65 yard bomb to Arnaz Battle on the first play of the game against FSU in Doak Campbell Stadium in a ND's 8th win of the year, with the Smoke and Mirrors Offense. The next was the BC disaster.

As I recall Dillingham was originally a walk-on. He was thrown into service because of injuries in the Boston College game. He would not have been in the game if Davie hadn't screwed up recruiting so badly between the upperclassmen that were recruited as QBs and then moved to other positions and the Leak disaster. If I recall correctly Dillingham came to ND the year before Willingham but had gone to HS with Willingham's daughter. There was a freshman QB Chris Olsen who I believe did not play in '02. (The next year he brother a 5 Star TE came to ND but bailed to Miami before attending an ND class. Chris followed the next day worsening the QB situation. Again a vocal day was involved.)


Davie's QB hole, that Willingham worsed, was similar to the OL hole that Willingham left for Weis to struggle through in '07, '08, and '09 years. Within the prospects of JUCO's or any transfer (before grad transfer rule) ND had to fill upperclassmen holes with 17 and 18 year olds.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

I remember that Gator Bowl against Philip Rivers. ND never had a chance that day.

I'm worried about this game. I know ND is better, but NC State is a good team and the Irish haven't won a close game yet. Then again, I'm worried about every game. I'll be at work for this one. Trying to decide if I should avoid the score until I get home at 1am.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

This is going to be another big game for us. If we play like we have been playing as of late, I honestly see this as another big win. We just need to take care of business and so far this team has been locked in and very hungry for success! Can't wait until Saturday!!!

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I remember that Gator Bowl against Philip Rivers. ND never had a chance that day.

I'm worried about this game. I know ND is better, but NC State is a good team and the Irish haven't won a close game yet. Then again, I'm worried about every game. I'll be at work for this one. Trying to decide if I should avoid the score until I get home at 1am.

I think reasonable fans worry about every game from here on out. This team has to execute in every remaining game or they will have another loss. Each team is potent and NC State deserves respect.

 

[Old Man Mike]

NCState is a VERY good football team. If we roll them, then the whole country will finally take REAL notice. USC was the publicity moment. This is the Moment of Truth. C'mon guys, warrior this one out.

 

[NDohio]

This has already been a long week and I've only been at work for an hour and a half. The anticipation for this game is next level.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

One think that I have high hopes is our guys are out for blood and I don't see an attitude of them having a huge let down. The thing that scares me most against NC State is they don't turn the ball over but then again they haven't played any great defensive teams besides maybe Florida State?

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Also it's not like their defense is lights out they are giving up 23 points a game and that's with games against South Carolina who is bad, and two joke of schools in marshall and furmann

 

[zelezo vlk]

I think the O line wants revenge from last year's game.

 

[tadman95]

I graduated from NC State. My son and his Fiancee' just graduated from State. My daughter in law just got her Doctorate from State.

So my son comes in Saturday and said he didn't realize we (Notre Dame) were playing State this Saturday, didn't know who to pull for.....

I reminded him who's roof he is living under.

He turned and went to his room.

Go Irish!

 

[RDU Irish]

NCState is a VERY good football team. If we roll them, then the whole country will finally take REAL notice. USC was the publicity moment. This is the Moment of Truth. C'mon guys, warrior this one out.

Agree 100%. USC is more PR than production, we are built to stomp pretty boy, style over substance punks. NC State is a lunch pail hauling crew with a chip on their shoulder. They will come to play. Losing last year may be the best thing that happened all of 2016 b/c we are sure to take this game seriously. Also helps that we rolled USC so our boys should be fresh. I worry that NC State may have the chops to take away the run and we will need an actual passing game to win. Should be a good game.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

This has already been a long week and I've only been at work for an hour and a half. The anticipation for this game is next level.

Agreed. Watched the USC highlights at least 4-5 times already so I'm running out of hype material. We also need to remember that everything went right against USC and that isn't likely against remaining opponents.

 

[BobbyMac]

Also it's not like their defense is lights out they are giving up 23 points a game and that's with games against South Carolina who is bad, and two joke of schools in marshall and furmann

I'd take Marshall over Temple, the BC ND played and UNC. They beat Miami U.

As for their D, college football needs to ask, is NC State's front 7 better than UGA's? Because the team they will line up across from on Saturday that lost to UGA by one in the same venue... has shifted into another gear, on both sides of the ball since week 2.

Agree 100%. USC is more PR than production, we are built to stomp pretty boy, style over substance punks. NC State is a lunch pail hauling crew with a chip on their shoulder. They will come to play. Losing last year may be the best thing that happened all of 2016 b/c we are sure to take this game seriously. Also helps that we rolled USC so our boys should be fresh. I worry that NC State may have the chops to take away the run and we will need an actual passing game to win. Should be a good game.

This game will provide no affirmation that SC didn't short of ND rolling out some 55-0 notice to Bama. ND's expected to win by more than a possession which is probably light. ND has set the bar high with a big win in E Lansing and the emaSCulation of Southern Cal. A 9 point win pays me my money but it would be a setback in what the Irish are trying to convey to the decision makers. ND wants/needs to be a juggernaut, not an 11-1 team that survived a tough schedule like the '12 squad.

Agreed. Watched the USC highlights at least 4-5 times already so I'm running out of hype material. We also need to remember that everything went right against USC and that isn't likely against remaining opponents.

Exactly.

Save the bad pass to Claypool to open the game which was a guaranteed 6, ND got all the breaks. But one thing that needs said that I haven't seen talked about here is the kind of TO's ND is benefiting from. There are TO's like Jack Jones' muff that are gifts and there are forced TO's like Coney's strip. ND is forcing TO's, making the breaks often times. As a lifelong Bears fan (and an old one obviously) I feel there is nothing more exciting and more important than a D that makes TO's, not just receives gifts. If I didn't know better, I'd think Peanut Tillman was a part of this staff.

 

[koonja]

I'd take Marshall over Temple, the BC ND played and UNC. They beat Miami U.

As for their D, college football needs to ask, is NC State's front 7 better than UGA's? Because the team they will line up across from on Saturday that lost to UGA by one in the same venue... has shifted into another gear, on both sides of the ball since week 2.



This game will provide no affirmation that SC didn't short of ND rolling out some 55-0 notice to Bama. ND's expected to win by more than a possession which is probably light. ND has set the bar high with a big win in E Lansing and the emaSCulation of Southern Cal. A 9 point win pays me my money but it would be a setback in what the Irish are trying to convey to the decision makers. ND wants/needs to be a juggernaut, not an 11-1 team that survived a tough schedule like the '12 squad.



Exactly.

Save the bad pass to Claypool to open the game which was a guaranteed 6, ND got all the breaks. But one thing that needs said that I haven't seen talked about here is the kind of TO's ND is benefiting from. There are TO's like Jack Jones' muff that are gifts and there are forced TO's like Coney's strip. ND is forcing TO's, making the breaks often times. As a lifelong Bears fan (and an old one obviously) I feel there is nothing more exciting and more important than a D that makes TO's, not just receives gifts. If I didn't know better, I'd think Peanut Tillman was a part of this staff.

I disagree. Even if we beat NC State, Miami, and Stanford by ~7, I'll take it and we're just fine. Obviously blowouts are preferred, but not required at this point.

We've already shown we can dominate good teams in MSU and USC. We don't need to do it every time we play a great team. We have style points to point to - just win baby!

 

[NDRock]

I disagree. Even if we beat NC State, Miami, and Stanford by ~7, I'll take it and we're just fine. Obviously blowouts are preferred, but not required at this point.

We've already shown we can dominate good teams in MSU and USC. We don't need to do it every time we play a great team. We have style points to point to - just win baby!

Agree. If we blow out Wake and Navy and win close against the other 4, we'll be fine. What we can't do is what we did near the end of 2015. Squeak by the weaker teams.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Exactly.

Save the bad pass to Claypool to open the game which was a guaranteed 6, ND got all the breaks. But one thing that needs said that I haven't seen talked about here is the kind of TO's ND is benefiting from. There are TO's like Jack Jones' muff that are gifts and there are forced TO's like Coney's strip. ND is forcing TO's, making the breaks often times. As a lifelong Bears fan (and an old one obviously) I feel there is nothing more exciting and more important than a D that makes TO's, not just receives gifts. If I didn't know better, I'd think Peanut Tillman was a part of this staff.

My thoughts precisely. I was thinking mostly of Jack Jones' botched kickoff but also of the terribly underthrown ball to their receiver who dusted our secondary. It could've definitely been a game if they were able to execute better. We forced many things and I want to give credit to our defense but good QBs will hit their WRs streaking down the field.

But I really like where our team is right now. I hope they stay locked in because everyone looks like they are on a mission.

 

[RDU Irish]

I disagree. Even if we beat NC State, Miami, and Stanford by ~7, I'll take it and we're just fine. Obviously blowouts are preferred, but not required at this point.

We've already shown we can dominate good teams in MSU and USC. We don't need to do it every time we play a great team. We have style points to point to - just win baby!

Part of beating those teams collectively is romping most of them so the boys aren't worn out. Week in and week out squeakers place a toll over the course of the season.

Also like the emotional pressure placed on the opposition when they fear getting blown out. When you jail sex ranked teams, the next ones in have to take notice - even if just subconsciously.

 

[BobbyMac]

Go overtime against NC State and win a couple of 1 point games vs. 2-3-4 loss Miami and Stanford and watch how the talk is about ND losing it's stride down the stretch.

Also the only conference that ND has eliminated right now is the PAC. The other 4 have multiple team scenarios where the committee could choose them over an ND that is a second half survivor and they are lobbying hard for the SEC to have two.

I do agree it's most likely if the Irish go 11-1 and look good doing it, enough of the conferences will eliminate themselves and ND will be in. But a team that falls off the pace and coasts in still could be at the mercy of 4 particular schools, 5 if the committee likes how a 12-1 defending national champ finished up

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

I think the most ideal scenario would be for ND to beat both Miami and NC State and for Clemson to either lose to NC State or Miami in the ACC title game basically eliminating any chance a ACC school gets in

 

[koonja]

Can someone explain how NC State got really good at football?

 

[zelezo vlk]

Can someone explain how NC State got really good at football?

That D line is ferocious. Their division isn't as strong as previous years either.

 

[koonja]

That D line is ferocious. Their division isn't as strong as previous years either.

But like how? Great coaching? Some magical S/C? It's not recruiting. Are they taking in elite JUCOs? Is it just good luck with a few marginal classes?

 

[dublinirish]

Until this season, with Doeren as head coach, N.C. State is 0-9 versus ranked opponents.

This is a banner year for them, any other year they are Northwestern, South Carolina, Arizona State, Texas Tech level program

 

[dshans]

...I reminded him who's roof he is living under.

He turned and went to his room.

Go Irish!

A true Andy/Opie Moment!

 

[GowerND11]

When you look at their schedule it's easy to see. FSU is WAYYYY down (see ND 2016), Pitt is horrific, they played Furman, and have a good, but not great, victory over Louisville. They have a strong DL which held Lamar Jackson to just 3.8 YPC.

This NCST team is good, very good. However, they lost to USC in the first game of the season, and have some flaws.

 

[NDVirginia19]

I don't think their Rush Defense grade is as menacing as advertised. They've played the #121, #85, #110, #49, #23, and #69 Rushing offenses, as well as Furman in the FCS.

 

[NDVirginia19]

We haven't played world beater run defenses either, but at least we have 2 opponents in the top 10 who we have faced

 

[JohnnyJasper]

Chubb has 14 TFLS and 6.5 sacks. The team has 47 TFL overall. O line is going to have to have a huge game to get the ball moving. I would imagine Chubb is getting doubled a lot with Smythe/Nelson helping McGlinchey.

Also their QB has had a strong season - 0 INTs and 11 TDs with 70% comp. and nearly 2000 yds.

M


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zelezo vlk]

But like how? Great coaching? Some magical S/C? It's not recruiting. Are they taking in elite JUCOs? Is it just good luck with a few marginal classes?

Chubb is a great athlete, and I think they've instilled a culture of physicality the past few years, which has helped their front 7. The O line is pretty dang good too.

Chubb has 14 TFLS and 6.5 sacks. The team has 47 TFL overall. O line is going to have to have a huge game to get the ball moving. I would imagine Chubb is getting doubled a lot with Smythe/Nelson helping McGlinchey.

Also their QB has had a strong season - 0 INTs and 11 TDs with 70% comp. and nearly 2000 yds.

M


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just read on reddit that NC State's O Line has not given up a sack in ACC play and somebody claimed they've given up less than 5 for the year. This could be a close one, but I expect a W, just because of last year's loss

 

[koonja]

Chubb is a great athlete, and I think they've instilled a culture of physicality the past few years, which has helped their front 7. The O line is pretty dang good too.



I just read on reddit that NC State's O Line has not given up a sack in ACC play and somebody claimed they've given up less than 5 for the year. This could be a close one, but I expect a W, just because of last year's loss

If ND is up for this game they win, barring silly turnovers. If they bring the effort they did against USC, ND wins, so it's on them and the coaches.

We're more complete than they are. And we're close to being a very complete college football team, and you can count the number of complete teams in a few fingers in CFB.