Post Game Observations(NW)

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

Something is going on with the defensive line. I'm not sure what it is, or(obviously) how to fix it. But there was a lineman blocking either Jaylon Smith or Nyles Morgan on almost every play. They also seemed to have a lineman available to pick up a blitzer, on seemingly every play. That tells me that they were handling our Defensive line, one on one. It didn't seem like we were getting much pressure, until late in the game. I'm not sure if this is the result of a simple scheme that people have figured out, or if the players are not giving it their all, or what. But it's as if there were two different defenses out there, today; the one that got penetration and blew up running plays, as well as pressuring the opposing QB, causing him to make a couple of key mistakes. And then there was the one that was getting blown off of the line, giving Northwestern all the time in the world to make plays. I think Trumbetti is going to be very good, especially if ND can add another outstanding lineman to force other teams to play honestly.

We really miss Nix. Too many successful runs up the gut..which then causes the linemen to cheat inside...then they outflank us. We just don't have the beef. The biggest reason for our D's struggles is the failure to stop the run. Unlike our coach, opposing coaches are not unwilling to run the ball.

 

[Bluto]

Greg Mattison will be available next year

Frankly, I think that would be a good hire.

 

[Old Man Mike]

One post and I'm outta here on this game:

1). Our defense no longer has anything like a middle. Jones can't seem to remember how to bend over and get into athletic position, and sometimes Rochell isn't either. Morgan tries hard but has no clue 75% of the time. The safeties haven't figured much out all year. Riggs is obviously hurt on one side. Cole Luke, playing like an All-American, and Jaylon running around chasing other guys' messes, and typically Farley, can't do it by themselves. Now that Sheldon is hurt, the combination of him and Trumbetti/Utupo no longer can be counted on to cover DLine deficiencies given the new straight-up Jones. This isn't BVGs fault. It's no Schmidt, no healthy Collingsworth, no KVR, no vocal veterans --- essentially no defensive brains from a school which prides itself on brains. We are a defense with a wide-open middle --- best caricatured by the walk-in touchdown by Siemion with our rookie MLB sprinting after a phantom ball-carrier off the screen to the left.

2). Our offense plays like a streetball team --- spectacular but no one knows when the next bonehead will come from the guy with the ball. Thank God for Will Fuller and his receiving mates. One sits there all game hoping that we score more than we hand-out.

3). Feel really bad for Cam. Asses will land on him for making a mistake... once. Anyone here who thinks that they can survive in a "one-strike-and-you're-out" world is, well, an ass. Good teams don't leave games to come down to one play.

4). Coach had a real brain fart. There is NO acceptable line of reasoning for the extra point decision. ... probably the most surprising thing that I've seen in college football this season. ... because he IS undeniably a VERY smart guy.

5). Brindza ... well, I've been silent about this for years now, but I never saw in him anything like the machine-like robot kicker [the type whose body position is always "poured-in-a-mold" identical] that I see in great consistent kickers. I've stayed whistling in the dark hoping ... and semi-terrorized every time we've had kicks that we really need. Great kickers are lithe jocks in their way. Brindza is a tight weightlifter.


.... End. Lord, what a screwed up game. And Sheldon likely gone. A real test of character coming up next... and next.

 

[Spitfire]

My thoughts:

- Looked like they were not ready to compete or into this game from the get go. I can understand being hung over to an extent after the Arizona State loss, but it's Northwestern at home.....handle business!!!!!

- Brian Kelly was horrible today and while a lot of crap happened during the game, his inexplicable decision to go for two cost the team the win today. I'm tired of the excuses and him never accepting accountability. He's not the offensive mastermind and "QB whisperer" most fancy him as. It's year 5 and these are "his guys," no way you lose a game like this at home.

- Play calling was terrible. Despite having a superior offensive line and RB's, Kelly just never seems real intent on establishing any kind of running game and instead likes to "sprinkle it in" with his pass happy play calling. When your QB is struggling turning the ball over and has a banged up shoulder....run the F'ing football!!!!!! And can we please stop all these maddening jet sweep runs out of the pistol!! Holly hell.

- The youth on defense has finally caught up and the loss of Schmidt is bigger then most think. This defense is going to struggle to finish out the year.

- No pass rush whatsoever today. I think this is going to be a key area to look at upgrading this offseason whether that is Ishaq, Hill, or someone else.

- I think at this point we would be extremely lucky to split these final two games to end the year. It's far more likely based on what we have seen the last few weeks we lose out and end up in some minor bowl against someone like South Florida. Who gives a s**t at that point.

 

[Bluto]

Something is going on with the defensive line. I'm not sure what it is, or(obviously) how to fix it. But there was a lineman blocking either Jaylon Smith or Nyles Morgan on almost every play. They also seemed to have a lineman available to pick up a blitzer, on seemingly every play. That tells me that they were handling our Defensive line, one on one. It didn't seem like we were getting much pressure, until late in the game. I'm not sure if this is the result of a simple scheme that people have figured out, or if the players are not giving it their all, or what. But it's as if there were two different defenses out there, today; the one that got penetration and blew up running plays, as well as pressuring the opposing QB, causing him to make a couple of key mistakes. And then there was the one that was getting blown off of the line, giving Northwestern all the time in the world to make plays. I think Trumbetti is going to be very good, especially if ND can add another outstanding lineman to force other teams to play honestly.

This is a good post. Maybe part of it is the majority of the starters (many of whom are doing so for the first time) not being fully prepared and or aware of the season long grind? You'd see the same type of thing with "greenhorns" when I worked in some supper shitty seasonal jobs. People that hadn't been through it before simply folded down the stretch and quit both mentally and physically. Also, when the guys with the C's on their chests are not performing and or coughing up the ball at the end of the game that certainly doesn't help things. That was painful to watch and the first time all season I knew ND was going to lose.

 

[Rudy89]

Ever again? Maybe a slight over-reaction.

I have logic to back it up. Our coach hasn't had a good gameplan for the last couple weeks. Our D- Coordinator has a defense that looks like crap. Our "savior" QB has me wishing Tommy could've had another year of eligibility based on his turnovers. On top of all that if we go to the extreme and fire Kelly (not saying we do that) who would want to coach here and deal with the bullshit. I cannot logically think of any reason why we aren't a perpetual 6-8 win team. With what you have seen since UNC what makes you think we can rise above?

 

[scUM Hater]

There is one bright spotting this loss......tix for next week are cheap.

 

[kmoose]

With what you have seen since UNC what makes you think we can rise above?

Rudy, you can't just cherry pick the worst stretch of the season, and then try to project that out over infinity. If you are going to do that, then you could also just pick out the Florida State game, and say we are going to be incredible, for a long time to come. And that is just going to build upon itself, each season, and we are going to be a dynasty like no other.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

I have logic to back it up. Our coach hasn't had a good gameplan for the last couple weeks. Our D- Coordinator has a defense that looks like crap. Our "savior" QB has me wishing Tommy could've had another year of eligibility based on his turnovers. On top of all that if we go to the extreme and fire Kelly (not saying we do that) who would want to coach here and deal with the bullshit. I cannot logically think of any reason why we aren't a perpetual 6-8 win team. With what you have seen since UNC what makes you think we can rise above?

That doesn't sound like logic to me. That sounds like doomsday prophecy

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

It doesn't feel like any freshman has improved as the year went on.

 

[Grahambo]

It doesn't feel like any freshman has improved as the year went on.

Is it that or is BVG defense really just too much to handle?

 

[kmoose]

It doesn't feel like any freshman has improved as the year went on.

Really?

You don't feel like any of them have improved, or like any of them have improved to the point of being a stud? Because there aren't all that many freshman studs in College Football. There are a few each year, but as a percentage of all of the studs in Collge Football, the freshmen are a serious minority.

 

[scUM Hater]

Is it that or is BVG defense really just too much to handle?

Too much to handle. When you lose one player and the whole defense implodes................

 

[Rudy89]

That doesn't sound like logic to me. That sounds like doomsday prophecy

Barring us winning out by some miracle I don't know how we can do it. But hey maybe we can get a miracle

 

[GoldenDomer]

Fucking sickening to lose to a team like this. Inexcusable. Is this the Charlie Weis Era!? For Gods sake.

 

[irishandy]

My thoughts:
- There is NO leadership on this team.
- Kelly got out coached big time.
- When the gas tank empties the Irish can't find answers to refill.
- I hope this team drops out of the top 25, they are not a top 25 team.
- Notre Dame is the laughing stock of college football, they got beat at home by a 3-6 team, and were a 17.5 point favorite.
- 0 yards on our OT possession...F'ing ridiculous.
- This loss reminded me of the Charlie Weis era, there was no fight in the fighting Irish.
- Offense is supposed to win us games, while defense is suppose to win us national championships? Before a NC, we need to win games, and our offense cannot cover a spread...time for a change at QB, especially with the talent we have on offense.

 

[Bubba]

Didn't look like they wanted it today. Maybe they feel like they have nothing to play for.

Changing the holder was a bad move in my opinion. The timing was obviously off. It made a difference in the outcome of today's game. If the holder is on the bench for his mistakes, why is Golson still on the field?

Game management was awful today. Bad decisions and bad game plan. Kelly lost this as much as the players did, I hope he can admit that publicly. It would be good for his players to hear.

I don't think we will win another game this season. Both teams remaining are better than us. I hope that doesn't scare off recruits when we finish 7-5 on a 4 game losing streak.

 

[IrishLion]

The only observation I've got is disappointment in BK.

The in-game decisions were bad, him not owning the XP decision and placing it on "the card" and kicking game struggles was worse.

I hope his face turns purple when he looks in the mirror tonight. Getting old watching him get on everyone, only to not shoulder this sh*tfest like a man.

 

[phgreek]

This game was not as close as the score...Nwestern made a ton of mistakes...otherwise this was over in the first half. Nwestern deserved to win by two touchdowns.

OFFENSIVE LINE...again, they just do not hold up. You can blame EG...but AGAIN he got blasted from the backside that caused an INT...the fumble was caused by him trying to prevent a 4 yd. loss because the oline allowed penetration. I'm fine with Everett today.

TFs rushing yards are generally his doing, and many times penetration is SOOO awful the running game cannot be down hill. So it can't be counted on.

Northwestern kicked a depleted d-line's ass around the goal line. Multiple times they just bulled into the end zone. The defense is dinged up...but good grief...come on..

Dbacks should wear fire extinguishers so someone can put out the flames...they were burned play after play after play after play after play...just awful. Tackling and angles were not great. If Nwestern wasn't so bad, they'd have hung 50+ on ND.

Yea I'm not sure why the 2 pt. conversion attempt...but so much happened between that decision and the L...it turned out it mattered...but so did all the unforced kicking errors...COME ON!

Kickers and holders should generally be forced to run stadium stairs until they fall over...because clearly their heads are somewhere else...so fear of collapse and sudden death might turn on the focus...I can see one bobbled hold a year...dear lord ND probably leads the nation in that category...

Yea I'm frustrated because this team is very talented, but lacks any kind of focus...its like watching an ADD Savant if there is such a thing. When they are locked in, they are really good...but lately they just can't stay locked in but one series a half on offense, and maybe 4 or 5 on D. This is a maturity/focus/mental toughness thing...so yea I think this team is mentally soft...

 

[Bluto]

The only observation I've got is disappointment in BK.

The in-game decisions were bad, him not owning the XP decision and placing it on "the card" and kicking game struggles was worse.

I hope his face turns purple when he looks in the mirror tonight. Getting old watching him get on everyone, only to not shoulder this sh*tfest like a man.

I disagree. This loss is for the most part squarely on the players. They failed to exacute and handed the game to Northwestern on a platter vis a vis blown assignments and turnovers. You can lead a horse to water...

 

[Redbar]

Team is very thin and young, not sure what they have left in the tank physically and emotionally.
Coaches are asking them to do things based upon the coaches personalities and not necessarily the players' strengths.
Seems to be a different set of rules with regard to accountability for different players and coaches.
We just need to find a way to win this next one, when guys are young like this there confidence will swell and dissipate from week to week. Hopefully we can build the momentum necessary in these final weeks to get these young guys believing everything is possible next year.

 

[pkt77242]

Positives
Fuller is a very good WR (though he still drops too many passes)
Luke played a pretty good game.
Folston ran the ball well

Negatives
Just about everything else
Bad tackling, blown coverages, getting beat 1 on 1 in every phase of the game, turnovers, special teams, play calling, and blocking.

Very few positives to take away from this game.

 

[IrishLion]

I disagree. This loss is for the most part squarely on the players. They failed to exacute and handed the game to Northwestern on a platter vis a vis blown assignments and turnovers. You can lead a horse to water...

No doubt the players need to execute (talk about a dead horse), but I think that goes without saying at this point.

This is the first time that Kelly has struggled so badly though, so that why it's my focus right now. The goal line jet sweeps were bad, too cute by far. Why run Breezy when Folston has been money all day? The XP decision was BAD. And his playcalling on the last two drives was egregious. Bummed he didn't shoulder more of that in his postgame presser, considering he's got no problem pointing out the other errors.

 

[phgreek]

I disagree. This loss is for the most part squarely on the players. They failed to exacute and handed the game to Northwestern on a platter vis a vis blown assignments and turnovers. You can lead a horse to water...

I agree... Notre Dame Stadium needs Lysol tonight...because THEY STUNK IT UP.

 

[Bluto]

No doubt the players need to execute (talk about a dead horse), but I think that goes without saying at this point.

This is the first time that Kelly has struggled so badly though, so that why it's my focus right now. The goal line jet sweeps were bad, too cute by far. Why run Breezy when Folston has been money all day? The XP decision was BAD. And his playcalling on the last two drives was egregious. Bummed he didn't shoulder more of that in his postgame presser, considering he's got no problem pointing out the other errors.

ND scored 40 points. If you can't win doing that it's not the offensive play calling that is the problem.

 

[IrishLion]

ND scored 40 points. If you can't win doing that it's not the offensive play calling that is the problem.

That's a good point. However, I still think there is something to be said for Kelly failing in key spots.

 

[Sureal]

Way too many damn turnovers. This is ridiculous. I don't care how talented you are...you can't keep putting the f*****g ball on the ground. Damn....

 

[Bluto]

Chin up boys looks like damn near everyone is going to lose this week. College football gotta love it. Lol.

 

[Irish2155]

I wouldn't put too much in this loss...
'Cuse in 2004ish...but it stings.

Our guys won't lose in '15...if our defense figures something out.

 

[irishff1014]

I wouldn't put too much in this loss...
'Cuse in 2004ish...but it stings.

Our guys won't lose in '15...if our defense figures something out.

I love your positive thinking we need some thing to drastically change. We don't have elite d-line. Our special teams are garbage.And figure out out to hold onto the damn ball.