Post Game Observations (Oklahoma)....

[Irish4Life09]

1. Oklahoma was clearly the better team, today. They took it to us, offensively and defensively. ND's offense had some life in the middle of the game, but not much outside of that.

2. The turnovers really hurt, but they were not the reason that ND lost. The defense was abused like a red headed step child.

3. Tommy had a bad game. But if you think that he was responsible for all 3 of those INTs, then you are just bitching for the sake of bitching. The first one was absolutely NOT his fault; there was a guy coming unblocked. Rees actually felt the pressure and tried to get the ball out before the clock in his head expired, but he was just a hair too slow, and he got hit as he threw the ball. It also just happened to fall right into the hands of a defender who just happened to be running away from the offense. The guy didn't have to reverse direction or anything. It was a bit of a fluke.

The second pass was not a good pass. He led TJ a little long on the slant. TJ tries to make a play on the ball, and it bounces up, causing a tip drill. That's a pass that goes incomplete, 95 out of 100 times. This was one of the 5. This INT gave Oklahoma the ball on the ND 32, putting the defense in a bad spot.

The third INT was on Rees. He tried to throw the ball to the deep receiver, and he lost track of the short receiver and his defender. However, comma, this left Oklahoma the ball on their own 12 yard line. They proceded to drive the ball 88 yards in 8 plays, for the Touchdown. The Defense let the rest of the team down, on that turnover.

4. Third down tackling was pretty bad. I saw at least a half dozen or more missed tackles that would have gotten the defense off of the field, on 3rd down. You just can't miss those tackles.

5. I was really worried when Kelly started platooning so many guys, including the QBs. But the offense really did catch a spark of life when he did it, so I guess whatever works. The playcalling is questionable, but not as bad as a lot of armchair coaches would like us to believe.

6. I'm starting to scratch my head at some of the play calls, like many of you, but I have faith that the coaching staff know what they are doing. Maybe you should, too.

2. The turnovers really hurt, but they were not the reason that ND lost. The defense was abused like a red headed step child.
-You've gotta be kidding, right? Those 3 turnovers directly resulted in 21 points. As for the first one, if the defender hadn't caught it it still would've been a fumble,still on Tommy. Keep making up excuses.We are simply not a good football team. Plain and simple. We have taken a HUGE step backwards this year and it all comes down to the coaching.
We have been outcoached in almost every single game, and just managed to squeak out a few wins against terribly inferior opponents on paper.
I am by no means quitting on this team. I bleed gold and blue and will always support this team, but Kelly has some explaining to do.

 

[Patulski]

1. If you trade Tommy Rees for the Belldozer we win. We are going to be limited by Rees all year. It is painful to watch.

2. Jaylon Smith is going to be really, really good. He is an elite athlete. Unfortunately, we have a real weakness in speed with Councell and Grace who are average talents. If we're going to be elite, we cannot have weaknesses in position groups and right now we have big ones at linebacker. I don't know the quality of the younger guys that we've recruited at linebacker, but in a 3-4 they have to be fast and strong.

3. We were too sloppy. Oklahoma was more disciplined than we were.

4. It was nice to see our ground game get untracked. We have some playmakers at running back who have home run speed. They are all coming back, so next year when we have the threat of the run option and a QB that can run, we're going to very dangerous

5. It's hard to tell how good our receiver corps could be because Rees is so limited. We can't throw deep out patterns or stretch the field. So, corners can sit on routes and safeties don't fear that they are going to get beaten in seams. It is a shame that guys like Daniels, Jones, Robinson, Fuller et.al cannot be utilized to their fullest potential.

5, The defense was on the field way too long. Some of it was our offense not rising to the challenge and some of it was Oklahoma's ability to exploit our slow linebackers and keep the chains rolling. This is going to be a continuing theme all year. Unfortunately, I don't see our offense putting up enough points to win enough of the games where we'll be exploited. We're looking at 4-5 losses.

 

[Bluto]

Can Guiton transfer from Ohio State mid season? I'll kick his gam gam in the shin if that's what it takes.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

My humble OPINION:

There is a clear lack of leadership. There isn't a single player that seems interested in taking the reins and making this "his" team on either side of the ball.

Trust issues abound. Looks like there is some serious finger pointing going on, and nobody is being accountable for their mistakes.

Bottom line: This team is drowning in the high expectations they and everyone else set for them, despite losing their QB and best defensive player. Last year was easier to play loose because nobody expected much.

This program is still cutting its teeth figuratively speaking after laying dormant for an extended period of time. They continue to improve, and will eventually find an identity on both sides of the ball. Playing in and ACTUALLY WINNING big games is a relatively new concept to this program after the last decade. That ability to not gag on a big stage will eventually be more consistent.

Word I think you nailed it. There is no leadership on the team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Just got to hope the team improves each week.

That being said Hendrix needs to start next week. Tommy just has to many limitation.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[stlnd01]

Aside from two bad possessions - the one at the end of the first half and the one at the start of the fourth quarter - I thought our defense actually played reasonably well. Lots of good stops on third and short, pretty good run defense. They've improved.

The problem is our offense. Tommy played probably the worst game of his career, but even when he's on, against better defenses it's just too limited. Especially if we fall behind and stop running. The real problem is I have no idea what you do about that.

 

[Bluto]

Aside from two bad possessions - the one at the end of the first half and the one at the start of the fourth quarter - I thought our defense actually played reasonably well. Lots of good stops on third and short, pretty good run defense. They've improved.

The problem is our offense. Tommy played probably the worst game of his career, but even when he's on, against better defenses it's just too limited. Especially if we fall behind and stop running. The real problem is I have no idea what you do about that.

Roll with Hendrix?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Roll with Hendrix?

I don't see what they have to lose starting Hendrix next week.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[FLDomer]

I don't know what's more upsetting to me....Rees as our QB or BK seeming seeing Rees as our best option at QB (and probably being right at that evaluation).

GAWD DAMNNNIIITTT GOLSON!!!!

 

[Bluto]

Aside from two bad possessions - the one at the end of the first half and the one at the start of the fourth quarter - I thought our defense actually played reasonably well. Lots of good stops on third and short, pretty good run defense. They've improved.

The problem is our offense. Tommy played probably the worst game of his career, but even when he's on, against better defenses it's just too limited. Especially if we fall behind and stop running. The real problem is I have no idea what you do about that.

I don't see what they have to lose starting Hendrix next week.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

Why not right? USC Arizona game will be interesting to watch.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Turnovers killed us.

Rees is what he is. Hendrix not attempting a pass should be a hint as to why he isn't starting.

Leaders are usually your best players. We don't have anyone playing at a high enough level to start telling others to step up.

 

[Bluto]

Anyhow, college football is a crazy game. Arkansas' hanging with AtM, Okie State lost to WVU and Wisconsin giving OSU all they can handle. Gotta love it.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Turnovers killed us.

Rees is what he is. Hendrix not attempting a pass should be a hint as to why he isn't starting.

Leaders are usually your best players. We don't have anyone playing at a high enough level to start telling others to step up.

Still think you have nothing to lose giving the majority of reps to Hendrix this week and starting him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[Bluto]

Turnovers killed us.

Rees is what he is. Hendrix not attempting a pass should be a hint as to why he isn't starting.

Leaders are usually your best players. We don't have anyone playing at a high enough level to start telling others to step up.

Maybe have Rees sit on Hendrix's shoulders and dress them up like one of those giants you see in parades so they can both get on the field at the same time?

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Still think you have nothing to lose giving the majority of reps to He Eric this week and starting him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

The game lol

I used to think the same thing but if Hendrix can't beat out Rees as it is now then I have little hope of it ever happening.

IMO Hendrix is Crist 2.0

 

[Irishbounty28]

A little bit on the linebacker play. If you look across the country many teams cannot match the speed and athleticism that offenses produce out of the slot.

Our defense is not playing as well as last year, which everyone can see on game day. What I will contest is that many defenses are having the same problem around the country, as points are being put up. Our offense is the problem, and has been since the beginning of the season.

Coach Kelly understands the game and how it is evolving, and this is why he seems more concerned about the offense as well.

Look at the LSU vs Georgia game where 85 points were scored combined. Alabama/Texas A&M 91, Georgia/South Carolina 71 points, and Georgia/Clemson 73 points. Seems to me winning takes scoring points, and we won't be putting up big numbers with our offense.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

A little bit on the linebacker play. If you look across the country many teams cannot match the speed and athleticism that offenses produce out of the slot.

Our defense is not playing as well as last year, which everyone can see on game day. What I will contest is that many defenses are having the same problem around the country, as points are being put up. Our offense is the problem, and has been since the beginning of the season.

Coach Kelly understands the game and how it is evolving, and this is why he seems more concerned about the offense as well.

Look at the LSU vs Georgia game where 85 points were scored combined. Alabama/Texas A&M 91, Georgia/South Carolina 71 points, and Georgia/Clemson 73 points. Seems to me winning takes scoring points, and we won't be putting up big numbers with our offense.

I actually agree with this. Kudos to you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[DillonHall]

Sorry kmoose, but you need to stop making up excuses for Rees' poor play.

 

[kmoose]

Seems to me winning takes scoring points, and we won't be putting up big numbers with our offense.

We did win 12 games last year, without averaging a ton of points.....

 

[koonja]

Why did Folston not see the field in the 2nd half after playing really well in the 1st?

 

[Irishbounty28]

We did win 12 games last year, without averaging a ton of points.....

You are correct, we sure did. I didn't mean that it isn't possible to win that way, but more so that it isn't as easy as you may think.

Getting the athletes on defense that can consistently stop these spread attack, "basketball on turf" style offenses, isn't going to happen every year.

Take that however you want but there have only been a few teams that have consistently shown that they can win with defense, and a little offense. Alabama being one of those, LSU another. I guess they should be ashamed of their garbage defense as well, giving up as many points as they did.

The point is they won those games with potent offenses, because they could consistently score. Their defenses got enough stops to win the ballgame. It doesn't matter how good our defense is, we will not consistently hold teams to what we did last year every game, and sometimes we will need to score quite a few points to win. Our offense isn't doing this anytime soon.

 

[Kanye West]

How good was Manti?

 

[koonja]

How good was Manti?

After thinking this year's defense would be more talented than last year's, I feel like I know nothing about football.

 

[AvesEvo]

How good was Manti?

He is finally playing tomorrow!!!

 

[IrishSteelhead]

After thinking this year's defense would be more talented than last year's, I feel like I know nothing about football.

I thought there would be a four way race between Tuitt, Nix, Day, and Shembo to the quarterback every passing play. Hell, I thought Tuitt was almost a lock to break the season sack record. Excuse me while I go to bed with a plugged in iron on my face.

 

[Irishman77]

After thinking this year's defense would be more talented than last year's, I feel like I know nothing about football.

We are missing a ton of talent due to injuries. Springman, Spond and Baratti would be solid starters. Our safety situation is bleak. Little run support and lost on where to be. Farley is getting abused!

Tuitt playing hurt is diminishing shembo.

I don't understand how we don't get ishaq on the field more.

We got no leader due to no standout player on D. Nobody is held accountable to a high on the field example.

I could go on, but that is good enough for now. This sucks!

 

[AvesEvo]

I thought there would be a four way race between Tuitt, Nix, Day, and Shembo to the quarterback every passing play. Hell, I thought Tuitt was almost a lock to break the season sack record. Excuse me while I go to bed with a plugged in iron on my face.

I don't think you're the only one that thought that....

 

[kmoose]

Sorry kmoose, but you need to stop making up excuses for Rees' poor play.

I am not "making up" anything. If you read the OP, I specifically stated that Rees played "a bad game". But Rees is not the only, or even the major problem with this team. And I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing the ignorant and intellectually lazy claim that it is that easy; that it's all Rees' fault.

 

[AvesEvo]

I am not "making up" anything. If you read the OP, I specifically stated that Rees played "a bad game". But Rees is not the only, or even the major problem with this team. And I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing the ignorant and intellectually lazy claim that it is that easy; that it's all Rees' fault.

I don't think that it is all Rees' fault. The coaches suck, and as a result, so does this team.

Watching Ohio St. vs Wisconsin, A&M vs Arkansas, and LSU vs Georgia, ND is flat out boring to watch. No one at ND is inspired. You can see that in the lack of emotion in most of the players and the unimaginative play calling.

 

[phgreek]

1. Oklahoma was clearly the better team, today. They took it to us, offensively and defensively. ND's offense had some life in the middle of the game, but not much outside of that.

...from the perspective of execution...YEA.

2. The turnovers really hurt, but they were not the reason that ND lost. The defense was abused like a red headed step child.

not saying the defense was good...but the MO lives in the turnovers...The sooners were GIVEN a lot of MO today they did not EARN.

3. Tommy had a bad game. But if you think that he was responsible for all 3 of those INTs, then you are just bitching for the sake of bitching. The first one was absolutely NOT his fault; there was a guy coming unblocked. Rees actually felt the pressure and tried to get the ball out before the clock in his head expired, but he was just a hair too slow, and he got hit as he threw the ball. It also just happened to fall right into the hands of a defender who just happened to be running away from the offense. The guy didn't have to reverse direction or anything. It was a bit of a fluke.

The second pass was not a good pass. He led TJ a little long on the slant. TJ tries to make a play on the ball, and it bounces up, causing a tip drill. That's a pass that goes incomplete, 95 out of 100 times. This was one of the 5. This INT gave Oklahoma the ball on the ND 32, putting the defense in a bad spot.

The third INT was on Rees. He tried to throw the ball to the deep receiver, and he lost track of the short receiver and his defender. However, comma, this left Oklahoma the ball on their own 12 yard line. They proceded to drive the ball 88 yards in 8 plays, for the Touchdown. The Defense let the rest of the team down, on that turnover.

Unfortunately Tommy handed MO back to the Sooners a number of times...and not just on Ints. He missed early, often, and badly. The tough part is he missed easy throws at key moments. He is not a leader. I'm not saying he chokes, because look at his track record in crazy pressure spots...I'm saying he seems removed from sensing gravity in any moment...so no he doesn't choke...nor does he seem to elevate his play in moments we need him to. Two Ints. are his...can't throw a slant high, not ever, ever, ever, ever.....ever. The third one was not a good read or throw...

4. Third down tackling was pretty bad. I saw at least a half dozen or more missed tackles that would have gotten the defense off of the field, on 3rd down. You just can't miss those tackles.

Going to say the same thing about Jackson as I do Rees as relates to leadership...he's not one.
...he makes some nice plays...but seriously, the faceguard PI thing, and the way he misses tackles, and at key moments...REALLY? As for everyone not on the d-line...just not good enough....not even close to good enough.

5. I was really worried when Kelly started platooning so many guys, including the QBs. But the offense really did catch a spark of life when he did it, so I guess whatever works. The playcalling is questionable, but not as bad as a lot of armchair coaches would like us to believe.

I still won't question play calling until ND EXECUTES in the first 2 quarters...and fails to put up points. Veteran lineman on the backside failing to pick up a threat who announced himself on the LOS...Senior QB failing to execute a throw to a slant...14 nuthin. fvck...playcalling is the least of my worries...consistent execution of basic sh!t is my concern.

6. I'm starting to scratch my head at some of the play calls, like many of you, but I have faith that the coaching staff know what they are doing. Maybe you should, too.

Again...I'm scratching my head, wandering how some of these players get up and get dressed in the morning w/o several redos....Start Fast My A$$!

 

[4irishnation]