Post Game Observations (Pitt)...

[philipm31]

it was said by BK that he WILL practice w/ team when he rejoins them

Yeah, well, that is well and good but how much practice will he be getting since Rees is the starter for whatever sh!tty bowl we play in...although I feel as if we need to decline because 7-5 (which is certainly possible) and 8-4 are NOT acceptable, not with this talent.

 

[aubeirish]

Yeah, well, that is well and good but how much practice will he be getting since Rees is the starter for whatever sh!tty bowl we play in...although I feel as if we need to decline because 7-5 (which is certainly possible) and 8-4 are NOT acceptable, not with this talent.

He'll probably run the scout team...

 

[UmphreakDomer]

We have not had GREAT special teams since about 1990, when Rocket was back there. If we could get someone who could do everything Raghib did, we would have a very improved team. BUT since Ismail was a once-in-a-generation type of talent, ND really REALLY needs to upgrade their special teams, particularly the return game. Last night the returns were pretty good, but then again Pitt is AWFUL. It is often the difference between a win and a loss in games where you might be more evenly matched...and it could put you way ahead of teams that you already have a major advantage against.

ST really needs to be a MAJOR point of emphasis for this team.

Zibby? Golden?

 

[kmoose]

Totally agree. Also, where the **** was Folston? It's like BK purposely didn't play him.

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

 

[philipm31]

Zibby? Golden?

You are kidding right??

ST is NOT just about being able to return one punt a year for a TD. Neither of them were the threat that Rocket was...and he CONSISTENTLY did it in the big games....as did our kickers.

Craig Hentrich (5 FGs against #1 MIA in 1990 and was a major loss in the game against TENN when ND missed the GW FGA;Reggie Ho (kicked GW FG against MICH in 88, among other clutch kicks)

Sorry, but Golden and Zibby are in NO WAY comparable to Ismail...and our kickers have been SH!T since Hentrich left.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

I disagree with Kelly on this one. Folston showed he can run outside just as good at GA III. Hell, GA IIIs TD last game was straight up the middle, he was pedestrian on his outside runs.

 

[irishff1014]

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

This IMO is nothing but an excuse.

 

[philipm31]

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

Sorry, but BK was just giving doublespeak and covering his and Martin's arses.

There is NO way that you could not or should not have run inside AND outside, particularly since GAIII is NOT a consistent downhill runner even when he gets outside. Folston is. Even TJ knows to get North/South ASAP. GAIII sadly is STILL learning this basic rule of being a RB....as an UPPERCLASSMAN.

 

[philipm31]

This IMO is not but an excuse.

THIS

 

[kmoose]

So when can Jack Swarbrick expect to see the lot of your's resumes, since you all are SO much more knowledgeable than Brian Kelly, and obviously WAY more qualified to coach this team? In fact, since you guys know so much better than BK who to play in what situation, I would assume that all of you are busy coaching your HS teams in your local state playoffs?

 

[IrishLax]

You are kidding right??

ST is NOT just about being able to return one punt a year for a TD. Neither of them were the threat that Rocket was...and he CONSISTENTLY did it in the big games....as did our kickers.

Craig Hentrich (5 FGs against #1 MIA in 1990 and was a major loss in the game against TENN when ND missed the GW FGA;Reggie Ho (kicked GW FG against MICH in 88, among other clutch kicks)

Sorry, but Golden and Zibby are in NO WAY comparable to Ismail...and our kickers have been SH!T since Hentrich left.

Didn't Ruffer have a season when he never missed a field goal?

 

[IrishFan4L]

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

God forbid us setting the tone instead of just taking what they want to give us. You don't see Alabama abandoning the run just because a team stacks the box. They keep feeding there best athletes, just because GAIII can run fast doesn't make him the best athlete. Speed would be the only thing that GAIII has on Folston. You can figure that out by watching the game.

 

[philipm31]

Didn't Ruffer have a season when he never missed a field goal?

How was he the NEXT year????

The point still stands. Every once in a while ND has a good K or KR/PR, but it never seems to be in the SAME season.

Why? Because ST is not and has not been a point of pride OR emphasis since Lou left.

 

[philipm31]

So when can Jack Swarbrick expect to see the lot of your's resumes, since you all are SO much more knowledgeable than Brian Kelly, and obviously WAY more qualified to coach this team? In fact, since you guys know so much better than BK who to play in what situation, I would assume that all of you are busy coaching your HS teams in your local state playoffs?

Oh PLEASE!!!!!

This was TERRIBLE game and the coaching HAS to be criticized as well. They called a VERY poor gameplan and honestly when you are the BETTER team, you MAKE the inferior team adjust to YOU....NOT the other way around. We were double-teaming their best DL all night and I am sure we could have eventually run inside more effectively had we actually TRIED to do so.

And as was stated above, GAIII is pretty much JUST a speedster. He can NOT read a defense and he generally does not lower his pads and run downhill, unlike the rest of the ND RBs.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

This is my one problem with the Kelly era. There is WAY to much scheme and even thought in some situations. At some point the better player has to get to play. When a young player, or even just a back-up, gets his shot and out performs the person he is behind, get his *** on the field. Some players are just gamers. They practice like an average player but have the 'IT' factor come game time and its all natural instinct. Luke has looked great on D, yet plays rarely. Our freshman WRs have shown great potential when they get on the field, yet they are lucky to see 1-3 plays a game. DD, I think you could be the best in CFB next year, but you look disinterested at times. Folston kills it one week and watches us lose from the sidelines the next. Kelly even said a few weeks ago they were trying to get GA III and Amir going. Why? Quit trying to get someone going and allow the ones that are to lead us to a W. This isn't ****ing baseball, you don't try to get players hot. The better ones need to be on the field.

 

[philipm31]

This is my one problem with the Kelly era. There is WAY too much scheme and even thought in some situations. At some point the better player has to get to play. When a young player, or even just a back-up, gets his shot and out performs the person he is behind get his *** on the field. Some players are just gamers. They practice like an average player but have the 'IT' factor come game time and its all natural instinct. Luke has looked great on D, yet plays rarely. Our freshman WRs have shown great potential when they get on the field, yet they are lucky to see 1-3 plays a game. DD, I think you could be the best in CFB next year, but you look disinterested at times. Folston kills it one week and watches us lose from the sidelines the next. Kelly even said a few weeks ago they were trying to get GA III and Amir going. Why? Quit trying to get someone going and allow the ones that are to lead us to a W. This isn't ****ing baseball, you don't try to get players hot. The better ones need to be on the field.

AMEN!!

 

[kmoose]

Oh PLEASE!!!!!

This was TERRIBLE game and the coaching HAS to be criticized as well. They called a VERY poor gameplan and honestly when you are the BETTER team, you MAKE the inferior team adjust to YOU....NOT the other way around. We were double-teaming their best DL all night and I am sure we could have eventually run inside more effectively had we actually TRIED to do so.

And as was stated above, GAIII is pretty much JUST a speedster. He can NOT read a defense and he generally does not lower his pads and run downhill, unlike the rest of the ND RBs.

I have no problem with criticizing the coaching staff. I scratched my head at some of the play calling yesterday, too. What I have a problem with is the flat out arrogance of those who think that they know better than the coaching staff, what the game plan should be, and then present those views as if they are indisputable.

 

[domerfreak]

3-0 in the turnover department...that is all

 

[Nothingman]

How was he the NEXT year????
The point still stands. Every once in a while ND has a good K or KR/PR, but it never seems to be in the SAME season.

Why? Because ST is not and has not been a point of pride OR emphasis since Lou left.

Don't want to start an argument, but I had to defend Ruffer.

He was 5-5 in 2009 and 18-19 in 2010 kicking field goals. He holds the ND record by converting 23 straight field goals including going 9-9 from 40 yards or farther. He was an excellent kicker his entire ND career.

 

[Senoj13]

Don't want to start an argument, but I had to defend Ruffer.

He was 5-5 in 2009 and 18-19 in 2010 kicking field goals. He holds the ND record by converting 23 straight field goals including going 9-9 from 40 yards or farther. He was an excellent kicker his entire ND career.

Was he not also a finalist for the Groza Award?

 

[philipm31]

Was he not also a finalist for the Groza Award?

My point is simply this.

Ruffer may have been superlative for ONE year and pretty good the next year, but the rest of the ST those years, not so much.

ND has NOT put a focus on having superlative ST in over 20 years, which is unexcusable with the number of great players that we could have out there, even if it is just on the KO unit or Punt unit.

 

[kmoose]

This is my one problem with the Kelly era. There is WAY to much scheme and even thought in some situations.

I think you are probably right, about the thought. Scheme is a real thing, though. You can't just play backyard football out there.

At some point the better player has to get to play. When a young player, or even just a back-up, gets his shot and out performs the person he is behind, get his *** on the field. Some players are just gamers. They practice like an average player but have the 'IT' factor come game time and its all natural instinct. Luke has looked great on D, yet plays rarely. Our freshman WRs have shown great potential when they get on the field, yet they are lucky to see 1-3 plays a game. DD, I think you could be the best in CFB next year, but you look disinterested at times. Folston kills it one week and watches us lose from the sidelines the next. Kelly even said a few weeks ago they were trying to get GA III and Amir going. Why? Quit trying to get someone going and allow the ones that are to lead us to a W. This isn't ****ing baseball, you don't try to get players hot. The better ones need to be on the field

I don't think lack of PT for the underclassmen who have performed is a real issue. And let's not forget that sometimes freshmen look really good, based on only being asked to do one, or a limited number, of things. But then they fall apart, when tasked with doing everything that their position requires. Jaylon Smith is a great example that, when you are ready to be an every down player, you will play every down.

 

[irisheyes]

You can't defend this team. Every week they play to their opponent. There is absolutely no consistency.

That is absolutely consistent with Notre Dame, I cant remember the last time they didnt play to their opponent. Lou Holtz era maybe?

 

[Irish Insanity]

I don't think lack of PT for the underclassmen who have performed is a real issue. And let's not forget that sometimes freshmen look really good, based on only being asked to do one, or a limited number, of things. But then they fall apart, when tasked with doing everything that their position requires. Jaylon Smith is a great example that, when you are ready to be an every down player, you will play every down.

It doesn't have to be every down. Just more than 1-3 plays a game. And as far as only being able to do a few things, I understand that. It isn't hard to install plays in which your talented players get their shot. I'd rather stumble with our talented players on the field trying to make plays than stumble trying to get players going that are inferior to those on the bench. I don't expect, nor desire, a team of freshman starters. But I think most of us think our team would improve vastly if you allow the players that have shown they can succeed to do so, and stop forcing the ones who can't to try.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I honestly have no idea why some of you guys are getting so invested in this.

Bigger things in life.

Also. Did you not expect this type of season once Everett got thrown out?
Because I sure did.

Just relax, the staff is doing the best they can with a QB they never even recruited. (Kelly has said he just wanted to hold that class together).

Next season, you guys can judge Kelly all you want. Until then, I'll continue to thank tommy for being serviceable. Without him we would have 3 wins, and a collapsing recruiting class.

 

[philipm31]

Think about the 1988 year.

KO returner was a FRESHMAN...and so was the PR.

You might remember them, they were Raghib Ismail and Ricky Watters. They only had 3 returns for TDs that year, at least. And our punter was solid, as well.

And we had Reggie Ho, a WALKON, who was super clutch that year.

Lou put the BEST players on the field, PERIOD. It is pretty simple, when you have definitive weaknesses at key positions like the QB position then you need to find ways to upgrade or solidify other areas, which is often the ST which MANY coaching staffs ignore, to their detriment. It is not just BK, but since I do not care about any other teams, I feel the need to point out how atrocious the OVERALL special teams play has been, in general, for the last 20-plus years.

 

[Senoj13]

Some of you need to start FOLLOWING ND football, instead of just watching games and then bitching about them.

Kelly said, in his post game presser, that the flow of the game dictated trying to attack Pitt's run defense by getting outside, which plays into GAIII's(NOT Folston's) strengths. So it called for GAIII (and TJ Jones) to get those carries.

Folston started the game, then the flow of the game took him out of the gameplan.

Kmoose......I did not see/hear the post game presser. Do any of the reporters have the guts to ask Kelly if he is ready to make a change at safety and bench Farley? He has to see it.....but he keeps saying the other guys are not ready. With a bye week to prepare for BYU, could this be the time to pull the plug?

 

[phgreek]

Personally think I'm just over the excuses and "yeah but's" ... Can we all admit this team is far from where it needs to be and go from there?

I'm ok with this...so long as the criticism is limited to this team. By that I mean, the Program is in pretty good shape...this team needed some leaders.

Putting a "C" on a Jersey doesn't determine performance on the field, which in turn dictates the credibility you need to lead.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I honestly have no idea why some of you guys are getting so invested in this.

Bigger things in life.

I've seen a few posts along this line this year. This is a Notre Dame board. Thats what most of the post will be about.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

That is absolutely consistent with Notre Dame, I cant remember the last time they didnt play to their opponent. Lou Holtz era maybe?

I think most of the people on this board are too young to really remember the Holtz years.
Or at the very least they are remembering with irish slanted glasses.

There were numerous times where we won by the skin of our teeth, usually by bad calls or just outright luck. I'm not just talking about the 88 Miami game either. Try to catch some of those games on the classic channels. ND was playing down to the competition most of those years too especially in the Mirer era. I personally was shocked re-watching some of these games since they weren't at all how I remembered them!

I really do think there is something to the fact that everyone we play is "up" for us, while it's impossible to get emotionally invested in every game.