Post Game Observations (Oklahoma)....

[johnnycando]

GAIII may have been our guy yesterday...but he's been awful the rest of the season.

And I'm not a Cam defender by any means, but if he's in late in games or on short yardage, I'm ok with that. But he cannot be leading our team in carries

Strong points. In fact, we are lacking that Riddick and Wood wrinkle out of our backfield. Along with Golson, there's our loss.

Additionally, our TEs aren't on par with Eifert and Rudolph.

We need that type of guy too.

Shoutout to Robinson. He's gonna be great for us. TJ is our rock. Folston looks promising.

 

[GoIrish41]

I actually thought GA3 was our best RB yesterday and it wasn't close. Cam is a hard runner, but is soooo slow. But then again Cam is a 3 star from Texas so he's really a 4 star.

Not sure how many carries he got, but by my count, Foston had 2 carries for 44 yards. Give this guy a dozen carries and see what he can do. GA3 looked good yesterday. The bushel basket of running backs has to stop. Pick two and let them get into a rhythm. And move Amir to slot.

 

[NDWorld247]

Not sure how many carries he got, but by my count, Foston had 2 carries for 44 yards. Give this guy a dozen carries and see what he can do. GA3 looked good yesterday. The bushel basket of running backs has to stop. Pick two and let them get into a rhthm. And move Amir to slot.

I mentioned this last week as part of the reason for our running game troubles. GA3 looked a lot better yesterday and I believe it's because they let him get into a rhythm. He was 13 for 68 yards if you don't count the 80 yard TD while Folston (2), Carlisle (3) and Cam (3) combined for 8 carries.

That was only the 2nd time all season they let a RB get into a rhythm. I believe the other time was Cam's eight or nine carry drive against Purdue.

I really don't care who the two RBs are, but, as you said, pick two and let them play. Also, BK's comments last week about scripting for five RBs really pissed me off. What the **** is this, pop warner football? BK has spent a little too much time stroking egos this season.

 

[domerfreak]

This looks like 2011 all over again…..dammit evert. As disappointed as I am I will say this a couple years ago this team would have rolled over and waived the white flag. There is no doubt this teams wants to win but, not with a qb that has limited psychical abilities. Another thing I would like to point out here is I don’t think play calling is all that bad except for third down. I just don’t think tr has the attributes to run the playbook like evert did. Its not about the play calling it’s the execution of the play calling.

For all of you that believe the sky is falling and think we need to fire bk I will leave you with this question. Rather you like the seasons end results or not the fact is 9-4, 8-5, 12-1, and more than likely another 8 win season are winning seasons. No not a championship seasons but, none the less more consistent wining then nd has had for quite some time. So would you like cw back?
The loss of leadership on BOTH sides of the ball is really hurting us this season and that’s not bk’s fault.

 

[irishfanjho15]

This looks like 2011 all over again…..dammit evert. As disappointed as I am I will say this a couple years ago this team would have rolled over and waived the white flag. There is no doubt this teams wants to win but, not with a qb that has limited psychical abilities. Another thing I would like to point out here is I don’t think play calling is all that bad except for third down. I just don’t think tr has the attributes to run the playbook like evert did. Its not about the play calling it’s the execution of the play calling.

For all of you that believe the sky is falling and think we need to fire bk I will leave you with this question. Rather you like the seasons end results or not the fact is 9-4, 8-5, 12-1, and more than likely another 8 win season are winning seasons. No not a championship seasons but, none the less more consistent wining then nd has had for quite some time. So would you like cw back?
The loss of leadership on BOTH sides of the ball is really hurting us this season and that’s not bk’s fault.

Leadership must present itself. Leaders on a football team are made and it's as much on the individual player to do so as it is on a coaching staff to bring it out. The problem with college football is that the best leaders usually need to be talented enough and have enough production to back it up. Unfortunately ND doesn't seem to have those guys on either side of the ball this year. One bright point being that young leaders are already emerging, which is a positive most teams don't have the luxury of. IMO Jaylon and Corey Robinson are showing their classmates the take the bull by horns mentality that leaders evoke.

 

[FearTheBeard]

I really don't care who the two RBs are, but, as you said, pick two and let them play. Also, BK's comments last week about scripting for five RBs really pissed me off. What the **** is this, pop warner football? BK has spent a little too much time stroking egos this season.

Ive been thinking the same thing, quit kissing *** and just get this team ready to play. He should have bigger things to deal with then making guys feel good.

 

[domerfreak]

Leadership must present itself. Leaders on a football team are made and it's as much on the individual player to do so as it is on a coaching staff to bring it out. The problem with college football is that the best leaders usually need to be talented enough and have enough production to back it up. Unfortunately ND doesn't seem to have those guys on either side of the ball this year. One bright point being that young leaders are already emerging, which is a positive most teams don't have the luxury of. IMO Jaylon and Corey Robinson are showing their classmates the take the bull by horns mentality that leaders evoke.

agreed! was just trying to explain myself and am surprised i havent been crucified as of yet.

 

[NDWorld247]

Ive been thinking the same thing, quit kissing *** and just get this team ready to play. He should have bigger things to deal with then making guys feel good.

I've been suspicious of his demeanor since fall camp started. He's been so positive and quick to praise the players when talking to the media. At first I liked his attitude because I believe positive energy is important and he was saying many of the same positive things I was thinking about our players. I assumed he was being much more critical of them behind the scenes. But, now, I think he's been telling them how great they are and that they've arrived which has cost the team that edge they played with last season.

I've read a lot of comments about a "lack of leadership" amongst the players but I'm not buying that. Leadership starts with the coaching staff and five games into the season, my "blame pie chart" is at least 3/4 on the coaching staff.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

This could get very ugly.
ASU, USC, Pitt, BYU, Stanford are all possible losses with the bolded being probable.


I'm feeling a bit shellshocked with how quickly everything has fallen apart since last year's, now miracle, season.


Honestly, what happened to the defense?
I knew the offense was going to struggle with Tommy, but I thought the defense would actually be better than last.
I was expecting epic slugfests with power running and defensive battles with the occasional shootout mixed in.

This sucks.

 

[koonja]

Everyone seems to think GAIII has 'turned the corner' and I completely disagree.

Oklahoma is not strong against the run and the OL was opening up gaping holes. Don't let the 80 yard run fool you, he wasn't touched. Any of our backs besides Cam score on that play. He ran hard against a small defense, it's not like he got stronger and instantly more agile with better cuts (unless finally Longo got a hold of him).

What you saw yesterday from GAIII was nothing but fools gold.

My RB depth would be:

1) Cam
2) Folston
3) Amir
4) GA III
*Greg Bryant

 

[GoIrish41]

Everyone seems to think GAIII has 'turned the corner' and I completely disagree.

Oklahoma is not strong against the run and the OL was opening up gaping holes. Don't let the 80 yard run fool you, he wasn't touched. Any of our backs besides Cam score on that play. He ran hard against a small defense, it's not like he got tougher and instantly cuts faster (unless finally Longo got a hold of him).

What you saw yesterday from GAIII was nothing but fools gold.

My RB depth would be:

1) Cam
2) Folston
3) Amir
4) GA III
*Greg Bryant

Why would you put the only back on the roster who wouldn't have scored on a play in which there was a gaping hole first on your depth chart. Agree that this was not a good indicator of a solid running attack, but it was at least a step in the right direction.

My depth chart: 1. Folston, 2. GA3 3. Cam 4. Bryant (although I'd like to see him get some carries and maybe change my mind) ... slot Amir

 

[koonja]

Why would you put the only back on the roster who wouldn't have scored on a play in which there was a gaping hole first on your depth chart. Agree that this was not a good indicator of a solid running attack, but it was at least a step in the right direction.

My depth chart: 1. Folston, 2. GA3 3. Cam 4. Bryant (although I'd like to see him get some carries and maybe change my mind) ... slot Amir

Because being super fast isn't what you need for a RB. Otherwise you'd have cornerback type bodies playing RB. I think Cam runs the hardest and even though he's slower, his cuts are way better than GAIII's.

I'll take a RB who runs a 4.6 with great agility and quick cuts (not to mention runs with authority) over a guy with 4.3 speed who runs soft but has a chance to break a 50+ yard run every 200 carries.

 

[GoIrish41]

Because being super fast isn't what you need for a RB. Otherwise you'd have cornerback type bodies playing RB. I think Cam runs the hardest and even though he's slower, his cuts are way better than GAIII's.

I'll take a RB who runs a 4.6 with great agility and quick cuts (not to mention runs with authority) over a guy with 4.3 speed who runs soft but has a chance to break a 50+ yard run every 200 carries.

I'm not comparing him to GA3. I'm more curious as to why you wouldn't start, say, Folston over Cam. He has all those traits you described AND can run away from the defense.

 

[koonja]

I'm not comparing him to GA3. I'm more curious as to why you wouldn't start, say, Folston over Cam. He has all those traits you described AND can run away from the defense.

I see. And I'd have no problem putting Folston or Cam as #1. It's kind of 1A, 1B. Both of those guys are better than GAIII and Amir so far IMO.

 

[IrishFan4L]

If whoever is in charge of the Defense can't build a National title contending Defense with 8 returning starters on that side of the ball there's a problem!!

 

[GoIrish41]

I see. And I'd have no problem putting Folston or Cam as #1. It's kind of 1A, 1B. Both of those guys are better than GAIII and Amir so far IMO.

I'd like to find out what Folston can do. All we have now are games in which he gets a carry or two with mixed results. I'd like to see what he could do with 12 or 15 carries.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I see. And I'd have no problem putting Folston or Cam as #1. It's kind of 1A, 1B. Both of those guys are better than GAIII and Amir so far IMO.

I have a problem with putting Folston 1, or anything higher than probably 3. He's shown flashes when he's had the opportunity, actually he's looked better than I thought he would. But, he doesn't have enough attempts to put him that high. I'm all for running him more and allowing that to decipher where he should be, but putting him that high with his limited attempts isn't cool. GA III showed he should be #1 yesterday. BK even said they told him the top spot is his to take but he needed to be more physical. He did that yesterday. He ran a lot more decisively. I would still like to see Bryant get more carries when he's ready. But GA III should be getting the load, and the rest should be getting a shot to prove they deserve more.

My RB depth chart:
1. GA III
2a. Cam
2b. Amir
2c. Folston
3. Bryant

 

[koonja]

I'd like to find out what Folston can do. All we have now are games in which he gets a carry or two with mixed results. I'd like to see what he could do with 12 or 15 carries.

And while we're at it, can we afford Greg a motha ****ing carry or two? Lol.

 

[GoIrish41]

And while we're at it, can we afford Greg a motha ****ing carry or two? Lol.

Agreed.

 

[Irish Insanity]

And while we're at it, can we afford Greg a motha ****ing carry or two? Lol.

Saw reports on Twitter that his dad was saying he was gonna try and red shirt. Then again, thats Twitter and a rumor. I'm sure that also added to his thread being locked.

 

[koonja]

I have a problem with putting Folston 1, or anything higher than probably 3. He's shown flashes when he's had the opportunity, actually he's looked better than I thought he would. But, he doesn't have enough attempts to put him that high. I'm all for running him more and allowing that to decipher where he should be, but putting him that high with his limited attempts isn't cool. GA III showed he should be #1 yesterday. BK even said they told him the top spot is his to take but he needed to be more physical. He did that yesterday. He ran a lot more decisively. I would still like to see Bryant get more carries when he's ready. But GA III should be getting the load, and the rest should be getting a shot to prove they deserve more.

My RB depth chart:
1. GA III
2a. Cam
2b. Amir
2c. Folston
3. Bryant

Why not? You don't need to see a season's worth of carries to see elite talent. I've seen ~10 carries of Folston and I don't need to see more to see he's the most talented back except for maybe Bryant. And he hasn't fumbled, missed a block, or dropped a pass. So far he's error free unless there's something I'm missing.

I respect your opinion, but like I said, that's 100% fools gold IMO. It's not like GAIII 3 years into his time became tougher and decided to run harder. He was going against a small front 7 who's average to below average against the run.


BTW - I'd still put Cam at #1, with Folston at a close #2.

 

[koonja]

Saw reports on Twitter that his dad was saying he was gonna try and red shirt. Then again, thats Twitter and a rumor. I'm sure that also added to his thread being locked.

He can't redshirt, can he? Unless he's suffering from a mystery injury.

 

[STLDomer]

He can't redshirt, can he? Unless he's suffering from a mystery injury.

“@NDatRivals: Regarding Greg Bryant and a potential red shirt, Bryant didn't play last week because of a knee injury.”

 

[Irish Insanity]

Why not? You don't need to see a season's worth of carries to see elite talent. I've seen ~10 carries of Folston and I don't need to see more to see he's the most talented back except for maybe Bryant. And he hasn't fumbled, missed a block, or dropped a pass. So far he's error free unless there's something I'm missing.

I respect your opinion, but like I said, that's 100% fools gold IMO. It's not like GAIII 3 years into his time became tougher and decided to run harder. He was going against a small front 7 who's average to below average against the run.

I'm saying allow him more carries to show he can, but don't hand it to him on 10 runs. BK said himself that the freshman have only a few plays they have learned and they get in to play when those plays can be used. So the few runs he has are one of the few plays he's comfortable being in on. So I would assume the plays he isn't in on are mostly ones he's not capable at running. If thats the case, the most likely outcome of those plays with him in may be a missed block, or a fumble, or a loss on the play. I'd rather him get in on the plays he knows and learn from the side on the plays he doesn't. As far as talent, I definitely agree he looks to have more than we've seen at that position in a while.

 

[Irish Insanity]

He can't redshirt, can he? Unless he's suffering from a mystery injury.

It read something about his dad claiming he was, but people around ND saying it wasn't true. And also that he'd have to file a waiver for a medical RS as he's played to much. But hey, it worked for Gardner.

 

[GoIrish41]

I'm saying allow him more carries to show he can, but don't hand it to him on 10 runs. BK said himself that the freshman have only a few plays they have learned and they get in to play when those plays can be used. So the few runs he has are one of the few plays he's comfortable being in on. So I would assume the plays he isn't in on are mostly ones he's not capable at running. If thats the case, the most likely outcome of those plays with him in may be a missed block, or a fumble, or a loss on the play. I'd rather him get in on the plays he knows and learn from the side on the plays he doesn't. As far as talent, I definitely agree he looks to have more than we've seen at that position in a while.

If he only knows a few plays, I'd say that the coaches are doing a terrible job at preparing this team. We're 5 games into the season!!!

 

[Irish Insanity]

If he only knows a few plays, I'd say that the coaches are doing a terrible job at preparing this team. We're 5 games into the season!!!

I think it was more of a reference in Rees calling audibles at the line and them being confused. It was in response to a question about Bryant I believe, but he phrased his response about both young running backs.

 

[BeatSC]

Love Cam's heart but he is a dII RB. This is not 2007. The expectations need to be higher. I would set up some jet sweeps for GAIII but would like to see more Folston and we need to know if Bryant is going to redshirt and if he is ok with that. All these guys will be back next year plus Mahone? We are getting too many quality RBS and WRs and not enough high end LBs and corners. Get red field in there so we can see if he can make some plays. shumate has a scrappy attitude as does BJ but they arent't playing all american football. This team is set up to grind it out (like last year) and keep platooning fresh RBS in there. Less passing and moe running is the ticket. Get Hendrix or MZ in there to keep the D's honest. Sticking with Rees is flat out throwing in the towel and Kelly should take Sh&t if that is his master plan.

 

[Irish Insanity]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Kelly said he intends to continue with the complementary quarterback concept, but that senior Tommy Rees remains <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a>'s starter.</p>— Eric Hansen (@hansenNDInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/hansenNDInsider/statuses/384367257289113600">September 29, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[koonja]

How can Folston not know the plays?

WR quick pass. HB dive up the middle. Fade route.

Lol.