[October 21, 2006] UCLA (4-2) at #9 Notre Dame (5-1)

[Irish Envy]

vs.

UCLA Bruins (4-2) at #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1)
Notre Dame Stadium - South Bend, IN
October 21, 2006 - 2:30pm EST ​

How they've fared... UCLA

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead vAlign=top><TD width=43>DATE</TD><TD width=170>OPPONENT</TD><TD width=100>RESULT/TIME</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width=43>09/02</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>Utah</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>W 31-10</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width=43>09/09</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>Rice</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>W 26-16</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width=43>09/23</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>at Washington</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>L 29-19</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width=43>09/30</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>Stanford</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>W 31-0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width=43>10/07</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>Arizona</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>W 27-7</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>​

 

[Golden_Domer88]

Ucla

Ucla

Is it just me or does this team scare you? I think they could easily come into SB and beat ND. If weis doesnt step in and take control of that horrible defense, then it will be a long day and no chance at a BSC birth.

 

[nshope]

Is it just me or does this team scare you? I think they could easily come into SB and beat ND. If weis doesnt step in and take control of that horrible defense, then it will be a long day and no chance at a BSC birth.

I think UCLA looks good on paper against the Irish, but we've been playing better ball recently and given 2 weeks of preparation...I don't see a loss at home here. Charlie will have the boys ready and Quinn, the O-Line and DWalker have been on the up-swing recently. Irish by 10.

 

[knute]

I think UCLA looks good on paper against the Irish, but we've been playing better ball recently and given 2 weeks of preparation...I don't see a loss at home here. Charlie will have the boys ready and Quinn, the O-Line and DWalker have been on the up-swing recently. Irish by 10.

Good point. An extra week of preparation secures the win for Charlie Weis.

 

[mirertobrooks]

It would be nice to force a few turnovers, the Bruins have had some sloppy ball handling at times this year.

 

[Golden_Domer88]

I know this is hard to ask, but I would love a blowout. A blowout against a Pac-10 team and good team would get people thinking about how good Notre Dame can be.

But again I dont believe a blowout will happen. ONLY if ND's D is healthy and comes prepared and wanting to smack someone in the mouth.

I really hope Weis puts Prince/JA in the mix with walker, I think that we could run the table if we switch it up.

 

[lattedatte]

Good point. An extra week of preparation secures the win for Charlie Weis.

I don't see UCLA coming in here and beating us... I'm more worried about the trip to Colo. Springs... sort of night game, thin air, different offense... That one worries me...

 

[mirertobrooks]

Kind of an interesting game for the Bruins this Saturday against Oregon if you like to wager. Oregon coming off that pounding at the hands of Cal, UCLA's back-up starting. Pretty interesting, you kind of have to figure the Ducks will have their number. It would be nice if they were ranked when they came to South Bend.

 

[Stealingshrimp]

Is it just me or does this team scare you? I think they could easily come into SB and beat ND. If weis doesnt step in and take control of that horrible defense, then it will be a long day and no chance at a BSC birth.

This is still how i've felt every saturday for the last 8 years. Come army, and only until then, will I be stress free going into a gameday-saturday. The games have been close the last two weeks more because of the offense than the defense. We really need to find a verticle passing game. Through 6 games I can only remember 1 ball all season that was on the money thrown more than 30 yards - and that was dropped by rhema.
This offense works under the assumption that we will be successful EVERY down - and when that happens we establish long 'meliculous' drives. When it doesn't,(penalties/poorly throw balls/poor runs-blocking/dropped balls/good defense[michigan/GT]) we inevitably face 3rd and longs which we have no idea how to convert. I just don't really understand what's going on, is this because weis realizes quinn lacks that accuracy - or weis's play calling. If we never establish a long threat in passing, we are never going to establish a consistant running game - which is already lacking with poor blocking and a slow-careful runner.
I think the stanford game was very indicative of what type of passer Quinn is. 27/37 for ~230 yards. This is how he has performed the last year and a half, but this last saturday the receviers had very little YAC. Even last year when he threw the ball deep how often the runners catch the ball in stride and continue to the inzone? I have visuals in my head of the shark making 1 handed miraclesor laying out, fully extended just to get close to it. Even in the stanford game, the one ball thrown deep to the shark had to be caught with heroics(but was dropped). I envy other teams watching sportcenter at midnight after a day of college football is said and done and seeing 20 or so plays where joe schmo hits whoever 30 yards down the field and he runs another 30 for the inzone. We have the athletes for this, rhema is a blazer - shark is deceptively fast and ellusive as hell.
/rant

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Is it just me or does this team scare you? I think they could easily come into SB and beat ND. If weis doesnt step in and take control of that horrible defense, then it will be a long day and no chance at a BSC birth.

They are not a great team, but they are dangerous... I would definitely not look past this game.

 

[mirertobrooks]

I'm typically never critical but I agree with you Shrimp, I disagree that Brady is not an accurate passer, but honestly ND does not go downfield enough with the passing game. Consider how well we move the ball in the 2 minute drill and no huddle. It's awesome, it reminds you of last year. I love a nice 7 minute balanced drive more then anyone, but I'd like to see more of a sense of urgency to score especially in the first half. And more jump balls would be nice to see too, get some PI's called.

 

[scooper]

People, you can't have it both ways. Complain about the defense, or complain about the offense not scoring quickly enough. It's one of the oldest adages in football-the best defense is a good offense. You've all been bitching and moaning about the defense all year in spite of the fact that the staff can't make more talent appear out of thing air. In the next breath you bitch about the offense not being explosive enough.

Here's a newsflash. The best way to protect a suspect defense is to keep them off the field. This offense is designed to keep the chains moving. They do that fairly well. And Saturday, that offense did a nice job of protecting their defense.

It was a workman like win that was never really in doubt. I keep hearing for calls of a blowout. On the heals of a 21 point win, no less.

21 points is a convincing win, no matter what the crybabies think. I suggest some of you relax and enjoy these wins. If you are going to commisserate over three touchdown wins, you're probably setting yourself up for some life altering stress.

 

[lattedatte]

People, you can't have it both ways. Complain about the defense, or complain about the offense not scoring quickly enough. It's one of the oldest adages in football-the best defense is a good offense. You've all been bitching and moaning about the defense all year in spite of the fact that the staff can't make more talent appear out of thing air. In the next breath you bitch about the offense not being explosive enough.

Here's a newsflash. The best way to protect a suspect defense is to keep them off the field. This offense is designed to keep the chains moving. They do that fairly well. And Saturday, that offense did a nice job of protecting their defense.

It was a workman like win that was never really in doubt. I keep hearing for calls of a blowout. On the heals of a 21 point win, no less.

21 points is a convincing win, no matter what the crybabies think. I suggest some of you relax and enjoy these wins. If you are going to commisserate over three touchdown wins, you're probably setting yourself up for some life altering stress.

well said.....

 

[scooper]

well said.....

Thank you. The constant crying after convincing wins is not becoming of Irish fans.

We all see the warts. We all know what needs to be improved. But it's not happening overnight. And folks will live happier lives if they sit back and enjoy the 21 point victories.

 

[mirertobrooks]

Agreed scooper, we've had like a million first downs the past 2 games. You are totally correct, I just thought we'd see more no huddle this year, not just when ND is losing. Dammit I never complain about my team, I just really miss seeing Shark flying all over the field making awesome catches. I'm guilty of being a big play-junkie, I love the vertical passing game.
I will never be negative about my Irish again.

 

[scooper]

Don't get me wrong. I love their no huddle. But there are times when it's better to dictate a quick pace, and there are times when it's better to slow things down and simply control the line of scrimmage and the clock.

The no huddle is a good equalizer against teams of similar, equal or better talent.

 

[Guest]

I'm just worried about getting into a shootout situation, much like the Stanford game last year. Olsen sprained his knee, but the backup(McCowan) looked pretty good, and UCLA has had a good offense the last couple of years. We need to protect the ball and not make any silly mistakes, because UCLA will beat us if we play a subpar game.

UCLA fans are talking about how improved their defense is(ranks second in the country I believe), but last year that defense was atrocious against both the run, and pass. I'm sure its improved, but I doubt it turned into a great defense overnight. Plus that D hasn't been tested yet, they've played Utah, Rice, Washington, Stanford, & Arizona. Washington managed to beat them and score 29, I'm very confident we can do much better. UCLA's first test on defense will come this upcoming Saturday against Oregon, if they manage to shutdown Oregon's offense then I'd worry a bit.

 

[punishment]

People, you can't have it both ways. Complain about the defense, or complain about the offense not scoring quickly enough. It's one of the oldest adages in football-the best defense is a good offense. You've all been bitching and moaning about the defense all year in spite of the fact that the staff can't make more talent appear out of thing air. In the next breath you bitch about the offense not being explosive enough.

Here's a newsflash. The best way to protect a suspect defense is to keep them off the field. This offense is designed to keep the chains moving. They do that fairly well. And Saturday, that offense did a nice job of protecting their defense.

It was a workman like win that was never really in doubt. I keep hearing for calls of a blowout. On the heals of a 21 point win, no less.

21 points is a convincing win, no matter what the crybabies think. I suggest some of you relax and enjoy these wins. If you are going to commisserate over three touchdown wins, you're probably setting yourself up for some life altering stress.

Well said. Its amazing how quickly many people began to dislike Minter, especially when many on here were stating prior to the season begin that our defense would surprise everyone with how good it was going to be.

I too would have liked to see ND beat Stanford 54-7. But I would rather win every game by 1 point, regardless of who the opposition was.

 

[scooper]

I'm not closing the book on Minter yet, good or bad. But it's too early to tell where this defense will go when it gets the type of athletes that they seem to be recruiting.

 

[Stealingshrimp]

People, you can't have it both ways. Complain about the defense, or complain about the offense not scoring quickly enough. It's one of the oldest adages in football-the best defense is a good offense. You've all been bitching and moaning about the defense all year in spite of the fact that the staff can't make more talent appear out of thing air. In the next breath you bitch about the offense not being explosive enough.

Here's a newsflash. The best way to protect a suspect defense is to keep them off the field. This offense is designed to keep the chains moving. They do that fairly well. And Saturday, that offense did a nice job of protecting their defense.

It was a workman like win that was never really in doubt. I keep hearing for calls of a blowout. On the heals of a 21 point win, no less.

21 points is a convincing win, no matter what the crybabies think. I suggest some of you relax and enjoy these wins. If you are going to commisserate over three touchdown wins, you're probably setting yourself up for some life altering stress.

I've really only complained about the offense. I'm not disappointed about 3 touchdown wins either. I'm disappointed in the team not because of the score, but because of how we have played. For instance had we lost to MSU, you'd be reluctant to be critical of dissent because you'd somewhat have to agree with me - but why? I'd rather we'd fought our asses off for 4 quarters and lost to MSU than won because of some miracle comeback/opposition implosion. Improvement, consistency, team growth, I want a reason to believe that we will without a doubt be better in 3 years when those highly touted recruits are all on the field. I want to believe that our coaching is without a doubt one of the best in the country. These are all the things I hear from all the fans, but have yet to really be able to grasp them myself. Why? Because we look completly lost in games against any notable opponent, we aren't a team you can depend on anything going into a week. When darius gets the ball how often do you worry if his 'methodical' running style will leave the offense with 2 more yards more to gain on the next play for a first down. How often do you think "why are you overthrowing the deepman by 5 footsteps". "Why are we throwing jumpballs, with the supposed hesman quarterback and an all american receiver". "why are we still giving up the deep ball". "why are we falling for the same trick play, week after week".
If this offense was as good as advertised we would have hung 50 on standford even with Weis not wanting to run up the score. We make stupid mistakes consistently, quinn throws into double/triple converage - and more times than gets lucky. The shark and rhema are 2 of the 10 best receivers in cfb, that's evident by what they consistently do. If these people are being double covered constantly, why isn't the legendary dwalk exploding for monsterous gains. Why aren't we utilizing our weapons effectively. Why are we not dominating games against stanford, purdue. I dont want excuses, just improvement. I've yet to really see that against a non purdue/stanford quality opponent since the new coaching staff. Although I'm much more confident with weis, I just feel like we should be doing more.

 

[Vince Young]

Although I'm much more confident with weis, I just feel like we should be doing more.

You're correct; we should be doing more. But let's also not lose sight of what we've accomplished. We were able to grind out a tough road win against a Georgia Tech team that has turned out to be much better than first advertised. We completely humiliated a resurgent Penn State, and were firmly in control of our last two games against Purdue and Stanford. And against MSU, down by 16 in the 4th quarter on the road with pouring rain and howling winds, in a situation where most teams would've folded like lawn chairs, we kept ourselves in the game so that when our opponent started to make mistakes, we were ready and able to take full advantage of them and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

This team is far from perfect, and there are too many question marks on both offense and defense for me to feel entirely confident going up against USC and a BCS bowl opponent. But this team also has a lot to be proud of, and I think a lot of people on here are being way too quick to dismiss what these boys have accomplished so far.

Enjoy it, guys. We're in the softest part of our schedule, and we're in perfect position to run the table up to USC. Just have fun watching our boys win! After all, we're just fans; we have ZERO control over this team, so there's no point in getting worried about our chances against USC until that weekend in late November.

GO IRISH! BEAT UCLA!

 

[jiggafini19]

UCLA's offense isn't as good as it was last season with all of those weapons now in the NFL. What they do have is a good enough defense compared to last year when they had to outscore everyone.

Notre Dame will be healthy and well rested, plus they'll get even more rest during NBC TV timeouts when everyone lines up on the ball and stands there for minutes on end waiting for the man in the orange glove to signal that we're live.

I don't expect a blowout. I don't think that is the way Weis is running it this year. Methodical wins where the offense scores 30+ and ND wins by two or three possessions.

If you want style points, you'll have to watch someone else.

 

[scooper]

If you want style points, you'll have to watch someone else.

Good point. That was an NFL-like win on Saturday. Control the clock. Make sure to outscore your opponant, but don't try to hard for the style points. And it ultimately ended up a three TD win. A three TD win is pretty much a blowout in my book.

Let me ask this-if ND has scored 50, but Stanford in return had scored 20, how would the win look? I'll take holding the opposition to 10.

 

[jiggafini19]

Good point. That was an NFL-like win on Saturday. Control the clock. Make sure to outscore your opponant, but don't try to hard for the style points. And it ultimately ended up a three TD win. A three TD win is pretty much a blowout in my book.

I told my dad the exact same thing later in the fourth quarter. They look more like Wee Patriots this year than they did last year. It was methodical to say the least on offense. The defense was solid.

People still can't get over all the hype in August. You win a game by 21 and people are wondering what the hell is wrong. They got 5 sacks, BQ had 3 TD and 0 INT and Walker ran for over 100 yards. Normally, when these things DON'T happen everyone is bonkers. Now they do and everyone still has beef.

I'm pretty much assuming UCLA will be a good game. Maybe somewhere in the middle of GT and Purdue. But I expect Notre Dame to win. By how much, I don't care.

 

[nshope]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with expecting your team to play well, which they are. I believe some fans are just expecting our team to become very consistent with moving the ball and scoring. This has become more true the last few weeks if you look at the 3rd down completion percentage, which tells you how well the team moves the ball and extends drives.

I have no problem with the way the team is playing and I'm excited about controlling the ball and keeping the other team off the field. However, I think some fans are spoiled from last year's score-at-will offense (myself included at some times). That worked last year, but I also think scorely that quickly can leave your defense on the field longer during the game, which is what we DON'T want.

I'd like to see our offense light up the scoreboard, but this would only open our defense up to failure due to the extra time spent on the field. I've always believed that defenses will always wear out before offenses because the defense is at a disadvantage of reacting instead of knowing the snap count and where the play is going. A lot of energy is wasted when playing defense because of the reaction aspect. They react and recover, which uses more energy than knowing where to go in the first place.

 

[domerfor life]

We do not have a defense that can play and run around all day and hold opponents to under 200 yards. We don't have that! We don't have that! We don't have that! We don't have that! How many games does it take to see that man? At some point, face reality and move on. Anyway, I'm all for keeping the defense off of the field. We don't have the depth, so it's important for the defense to rest. That way, when they do go out there, they have a chance to be effective. Now, don't get me wrong. I would like to see more successful downfield strikes, but I'll take a win anyway I can get it. I am concerned about UCLA, but Olsen got hurt and I think we beat them anyway. It will be a tough game, because I think their defense is kinda of tough. The games that concern me are Air Force (cold, at night, thin air) and Navy (they like to run the ball). I don't think Navy beats us, but I think they will give us some problems. We are soft up the middle. If Stanford can gash us up the middle, why can't Navy? We just don't have linebackers who are capable of stuffing the run. What do I mean? Look at Hoyte and Mayes numbers last year. They couldn't play well in space, but it was hard to run straight at them. If you look at some of the games, sometimes we have three defenders in one spot which leaves the middle of the field wide open. Ray Herring saved a TD Saturday, because Kimble was about to break free. However, I would expect to see more of Brockington against Navy and some other teams. Vernaglia didn't look that bad either. Against those teams, we will need some big LBs who can get off their blocks and make a play. I will say that I do expect Travis Thomas to get better, he just needs more time.

 

[domerfor life]

I will also say that I will take 5-1 anyday. We won by 3 TD's. I think we need to focus on getting better rather than running up the score. We will need those long drives against SC and our BCS opponent.

 

[maison bleu]

Good point. That was an NFL-like win on Saturday. Control the clock. Make sure to outscore your opponant, but don't try to hard for the style points. .

In Michigan, that's not called NFL football (Michigan has no NFL teams). It's called OyDDD Carr football. We're flattered that CW has seen the light.

 

[maison bleu]

UCLA is #2 in the nation in rushing defense and #2 in total defense. It's reasonable to assume they can make ND's offense one dimensional.

ND comes off a Pee U, Stanford, Bye streak. They will be well rested, but they haven't faced first-rate competition since the first half against MSU. UCLA plays at Oregon this weekend. Will they be "down with the tough road game" drill when the get to SB?

I don't attach much importance to the Comparative Scores Game, but I can't help but be intrigued by this sequence:

Navy 37, Stanford 9 (at Stanford)
UCLA 31, Stanford 0 (at UCLA)
Notre Dame 31, Stanford 10 (at ND)

Navy is #1 in the nation in rushing offense, 350 yds a game. ND is 64th in the nation in rushing defense.

I predict a busy bye week for CW and crew.

 

[domerfor life]

UCLA's statistical rankings don't mean anything. Take a closer look at their competition. Navy does concern me though, since we can't stop runs up the middle and our LBs have trouble getting off of blocks and making a tackle. You guys have PSU this weekend. Why do I feel that's a trap game? Clock issues last year....At PSU.....they're not too satisfied with the current season. This is a big game for them and I bet they will play with alot of emotion. Hope Michigan matches that. Everybody's on your jock and heaping mounds of praise on you. PSU can play the spoiler role Saturday.