Post Game Observations Rice '14

[NDinL.A.]

Well, maybe it was someone else, but I swear you were the one ripping him after the spring game and praising Zaire to no end, even saying that a throw by Zaire in the friggin spring game (with no pressure and no fear of being touched) was better than any throw Golson ever made (better than his bomb to Brown in the 4th quarter of a tie game on the road as a huge dog, or better than his p-rod to Eifert in the end zone against Stanford against another top 10 team. LOL).

If it wasn't you, then I apologize profusely. I just remember it as you.

I did say that Zaire's spring game was better than Golson's spring game, but I wouldn't compare Zaire's spring game to Golson's live action. Similarly, I put zero stock in Zaire's garbage time yards yesterday, other than that his size is impressive.

No, it was you. Here is what you wrote:

and MZ performed better, including a couple of rocket throws that were more impressive than anything I've seen EG throw.

When you say things like that, considering some of the throws Golson did in 2012 under real pressure, both from defensive players who want to tear his head off and pressure from fans and coaches and teammates, it shows the obvious bias you have against Golson. I mean, to say that Golson's throw vs. Oklahoma or the one vs. Stanford to Eifert or even the throws to Goodman for TD's, were inferior to some spring game throws is pretty ridiculous, sorry.

Golson was lights out yesterday. There is no need for qualifiers. Doesn't mean he'll be that good the rest of the season, doesn't mean he'll be the Heisman. Just means that he was incredible yesterday, and he continues to have me excited for the rest of the year.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Ducks. Did you see any ducks yesterday?

I didn't see ducks! Not one!

(Viaduct? Because he needs to get under the expressway!)

 

[Seanthornton]

What's not to like about Saturday's VICTORY ??? Nothing worth mentioning in my eyes. Michigan will be a better test next week. The team will only get better from here on out.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

It amazes me that even when ND blows out an opponent, one that is not great but isn't horrible, either, people still find something to bitch about. Was it a perfect game? Of course not. I have rarely seen a perfect game in my lifetime and certainly never the
1st game of the season. I only saw 1 mental mistake from a guy who has not played a down of live football in 600 days and our defense is working with a brand new scheme with a lot of young guys out there. I will take 2 TD passes and 3 rushing TD's from our QB every single week. ND is not the type of team to try to win 60-0. They have more class. But 48-17 (7 defensive points with our backups on the field) is a definite ass kicking. The way some (not everyone) are acting this must have been South Florida all over again! Michigan will be tough, no doubt, and we may not win but I didn't see anything on Saturday that led me to believe we don't have a very good chance. Go Irish, Fvck Michigan!

 

[texbender]

Overall, pleased with the result of the first game.
1. Appears return game will be vastly improved.
2. Defense has some issues, and will probably get burned a bunch throughout the season.
3. Hope TE play is better than what I witnessed.
4. Run game was good, just not sure if that was atrue test vs Rice.
5. QB position obviously vastly improved from last year.

 

[GoIrish41]

In his presser today, BK said the DB problem was lack of Safety communication, not poor play. He specifically said it was not on Farley. He seemed to say that this can be corrected during the week and that Isaiah and Max will be working better together next week. He made it clear he has no plans to move either Cody Riggs Matthias to safety. Shumate is the best guy for the job; his problem was lack of reps since he only had @ 24 hours to prepare to start.

I was glad to hear all this and I also took some comfort in Kelly's explanation of the poor DL pressure.

Nevertheless, UM is a whole different kettle of s**t (seems better to describe them that way rather than use "fish") and I think we'll have a real nail-biter next week. I'd feel otherwise if KL, DD and IW were in the lineup but I don't see that at likely at this point.

They should start by getting each other's names right. lol

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Just a couple things. Mostly aimed at the guy in the diner comments.

First as someone pointed out, adjectives are relative to the giver. Here is how it goes :

On the bottom you have fans. Some don't know their asses from a hole in the ground; others have that distinction made. It is wonderful when a fan knows what category he is in.

Next, you have those that have actually achieved something in football. Either a really high level of play, or have coached substantially.

Then you have current coaches from across the country, and other players.

Then you have peer players, teammates;

And finally coaches.​

Of course an average fan like me saying Golson had a "perfect" day, or someone "sucks" is different than anyone up stream saying the same thing.

It is interesting, too, that some of each group have issues that either leave them openminded and full of possibilities, or negative, dried up, spiteful hangers on, ready and willing to drag the whole thing down, for their own hidden reasons.

Examples from the past, Bob Davies, Mark May, and Brady Hoke. Other fan bases, and I would even say some more recent players and coaches since Bob Davies.

I might include some who thought the world would end with turf, and the team came out and played their best home opener in 20 years, (or so.)

Also, those of subjective intent who just haul off and criticize of players. People have talked about a clash between behind the scene forces in this academic investigation. I have seen this unwarranted criticism of Everett Golson, (since he has been at ND,) and Mathias Farley by some who consider themselves strong Irish fans.

I believe that if either succeed, Kelly is in the driver seat. We will see the Kelly machine. And like it or not everyone will have to accept his 21st century approach to football!

Finally, what a coach says, (head coach) about his own players is the standard to judge things by. I know there is a group that thinks everything that comes out of Brian Kelly's mouth is a lie. I am beginning to believe that perspective is most usually achieved by those that really know nothing. Don't care to learn. And are willing to open their mouths before they complete the required process with their brain (first.)

I am sure many coaches are liars. Most. Probably. How different is it in any population? But Kelly has some real character. Though he does like to keep things close to his chest.

But this weekend when you have two different groups of talking heads, who were not privy to the situation, and what was going on, make assumptions on the breakdowns, and the head coach says neither was correct, you can take that to the bank. Instead of spending time trying to put down one of the players, why don't you ask yourself why that player failing is so important to you?

A few comments on comments since I re-watched the game :

I watched Schmidt, and other than a few times he threw himself into the breach and may not have had the best tackles, he took on double teams reasonably, and he had some veracious hits, especially when he came from the right side. He was off on a few pass protections, the biggest being when Rice was called for illegal formation.

Stanley and Elmer got beat badly once each, and for a good portion of the day, Folston and Bryant didn't pick up their blocks in pass protection well.

Corey and Will got knocked out of their routes some, but that defensive back they were dealing with was a cut above most of the players on that team.

And, I didn't see a weak ND player out there.​

 

[Old Man Mike]

From one of "The Choir", I say Blessings to you Bogs, and I say Yea-ah.

Almost surely those not in The Choir will view this post as a momentary irritation at best, or will dislike you for it. "A Prophet is the Unwanted Guest who came to Dinner."

 

[Bogtrotter07]

From one of "The Choir", I say Blessings to you Bogs, and I say Yea-ah.

Almost surely those not in The Choir will view this post as a momentary irritation at best, or will dislike you for it. "A Prophet is the Unwanted Guest who came to Dinner."

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k1g8WCA7mJk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[BGIF]

Not sure I will ever be able to guarantee anything the rest of my life, but I feel pretty certain we would have lost that game yesterday, with Rees at quarterback.

So much hate for a young man that played beyond his gifts throughout his career.


Rees holds the ND All-Time Career Completion Percentage and is 6th or 7th on ND's All-Time QB Wins.


Tommy Rees Bio - UND.COM - University of Notre Dame Official Athletic Site

REES' PLACE IN THE IRISH RECORD BOOKS

• Single-Game Consecutive Completions (Nov. 12, 2011 vs. Maryland, 14, t-1st)

• Single-Game Pass Completions (Oct. 30, 2010 vs. Tulsa, 33, 2nd)

• Single-Game Pass Attempts (Oct. 30, 2010 vs. Tulsa, 54, 6th)

• Single-Game Touchdown Passes (Oct. 30, 2010 vs. Tulsa, 4, t-6th)

• Single-Game Touchdown Passes (Oct. 8, 2011 vs. Air Force, 4, t-6th)

• Single-Game Pass Completions (Nov. 12, 2011 vs. Maryland, 30, t-9th)

• Single-Game Consecutive Passes Without Interception (Oct. 1, 2011 at Purdue, 40, t-10th)

• Single-Season Completion Percentage (2011, 65.5, 2nd)

• Single-Season Completions/Game (2011, 20.7, 4th)

• Single-Season Pass Completions (2011, 269, 4th)

• Single-Season Consecutive Passes Without Interception (2011, 135, 5th)

• Single-Season Pass Attempts (2011, 411, 5th)

• Single-Season Touchdown Passes (2011, 20, 5th)

• Single-Season Passing Yards (2011, 2,871, 5th)

• Single-Season Total Offense Plays (2011, 442, 6th)

• Single-Season Pass Attempts/Game (2011, 31.6, 6th)

• Single-Season Total Offense Yards (2011, 2,815, 6th)

• Single-Season Completion Percentage (2010, 61.0, 7th)

• Single-Season 300-Yard Passing Games (2011, 1, t-7th)

• Single-Season 300-Yard Passing Games (2010, 1, t-7th)

• Single-Season Passing Yards/Game (2011, 220.8, 8th)

• Single-Season Total Yards/Game (2011, 216.5, 10th)

• Single-Season Points Responsibility (2011, 120, t-10th)

• Career Completion Percentage (2010-, 63.8, 1st)

• Career 300-Yard Passing Games (2010-, 2, t-3rd)

• Career Completions/Game (2010-, 12.9, 4th)

• Career Pass Completions (2010-, 403, 5th)

• Career Touchdown Passes (2010-, 34, t-5th)

• Career Pass Attempts/Game (2010-, 20.3, 6th)

• Career Pass Attempts (2010-, 634, 6th)

• Career Passing Yards (2010-, 4,413, 7th)

• Career Total Yards/Attempt (2010-, 6.40, 8th)

• Career Efficiency Rating (2010-, 132.7, 9th)

• Lowest Career Interception Percentage (2010-, 3.82, 10th)

 

[Irish Insanity]

Still waiting for you to show me where you made your point about FSU being very beatable. I'll take it your silence on the matters means that you're admitting you were full of it.



Bravo. Not only do you have everyone on ISD hating you (your post bragging about how rich you are and that your basement is the "envy of the entire city" was a funny topic at the tailgate yesterday), you are now well on your way here as well. Bravo bro, bravo.

So much hate for a young man that played beyond his gifts throughout his career.

I stopped feeding the troll after the initial argument on FSU. Comes in a thread about post game observations against Rice, precedes to brag about FSU and dis our team and Tommy all in the matter of a handful of posts. We looked better than expected by many, FSU looked worse, and Rees graduated. Not sure what the point of any of it was.

 

[Bluto]

Not related to team play or anything, but to anyone who was at the game, what did you think about the new kickoff song? I like that we no longer play BC's song, but I don't know if it's quite as good of a pump up song.

To everyone who wasn't there, it is now this:

American Land - Bruce Springsteen

Not to dog on the Boss but that sounds like a Shane MacGowan and the Popes outtake, slurred speech and all. The drum intro is pretty cool but yeah could be better.

 

[EuropeanDomer]

I think we would won with Rees easily. Regardless of Rees (a proven winner) or Golson, just because ND is a much better team than Rice.

I'm very happy with Golson but i want to see him being forced to throw into tight windows (something like the Freshman QB from Clemson on his first TD pass) and not only with receivers who were alone all game long. He displayed the best arm in the nation but other teams will force him to do more things. I am excited with him.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I think we would won with Rees easily. Regardless of Rees (a proven winner) or Golson, just because ND is a much better team than Rice.

I'm very happy with Golson but i want to see him being forced to throw into tight windows (something like the Freshman QB from Clemson on his first TD pass) and not only with receivers who were alone all game long. He displayed the best arm in the nation but other teams will force him to do more things. I am excited with him.

I agree other teams will make it tougher for Golson. However he did have some good throws that showed his ability to drop the ball perfectly between defenders. One of his passes to Carlisle had 2-3 defenders around him and Golson placed the ball perfectly in his hands. I think he proved in 2012 that he can make the throws. Golson isn't an unproven freshman QB anymore. Rees did the best he could and performed above his ability at times but Golson is a far better QB and the offense will be so much better this year.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

Not related to team play or anything, but to anyone who was at the game, what did you think about the new kickoff song? I like that we no longer play BC's song, but I don't know if it's quite as good of a pump up song.

To everyone who wasn't there, it is now this:

American Land - Bruce Springsteen

I was really disappointed by the new song. It is more of a shut up and clap tune versus prior years shout and jump around tune. I felt it lacked energy.

Overall the sound was not good - I'd give it a C- for the day. They missed a lot of 3rd and longs with no music playing. Random starts and stops; overall poor timing. I wish they'd play music during some of the back to back, unbearable, NBC timeouts. 8 minutes of nothing is too long; and the band is not loud enough to be heard everywhere in the stadium.

Hopefully they improve for next week.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I don't understand why Arcade Fire's song Wake Up isn't used for something like third down or kickoff. Its chorus is perfect for it.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Dude that AF song depresses the shit out of me. Great song, but it doesn't pump me up for some reason.

 

[Irish#1]

What's not to like about Saturday's VICTORY ??? Nothing worth mentioning in my eyes. Michigan will be a better test next week. The team will only get better from here on out.

Agree........I think if BK could have scripted the opener, this was pretty close. Two glaring breakdowns, but both are fixable.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Dude that AF song depresses the shit out of me. Great song, but it doesn't pump me up for some reason.

haha I dunno man. Tens of thousands in a stadium yelling like this crowd could be nuts:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TZD7CNRSq28" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[gkIrish]

I don't understand why Arcade Fire's song Wake Up isn't used for something like third down or kickoff. Its chorus is perfect for it.

Love it. Although instead of kickoff or third down I think it would be awesome to do it between the 3rd and 4th quarters similar to how Wisconsin does Jump Around. I think it would pump the players up for the final run.

 

[kmoose]

Love it. Although instead of kickoff or third down I think it would be awesome to do it between the 3rd and 4th quarters similar to how Wisconsin does Jump Around. I think it would pump the players up for the final run.

The band has a tradition of playing the 1812 at the start of the 4th quarter. I don't think you'd want to step on that. But it could maybe fit in somewhere else.

 

[Koreyirishkelly]

Made you wonder how good we would have been last year with Golson at QB.

 

[gkIrish]

The band has a tradition of playing the 1812 at the start of the 4th quarter. I don't think you'd want to step on that. But it could maybe fit in somewhere else.

Yeah I know. Was thinking right after that. There's usually a couple minutes after 1812 if I remember correctly.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

Yeah I know. Was thinking right after that. There's usually a couple minutes after 1812 if I remember correctly.

But then we'd miss classic quotes like, "if your driving is fishy, you'll be the catch of the day".

Or NBC could do an extra long break to fit a dozen commercials in and we'd get all these done and still have time to spare.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I watched the game again today, and I was totally wrong about the Will Fuller drop on the sideline route. It was a totally catchable ball, Mayock was right about him not pushing his route away from the sideline to clear more space. The angle was not what I had thought. It was a very catchable ball. But, Mayock didn't say anything about gator arms and Fuller didn't have them. There was a lot of zip on that ball. But Fuller just missed it.

And I didn't see anyone beat up on Joe Schmidt. There were however, a few times he didn't shine in open field situations.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I watched the game again today, and I was totally wrong about the Will Fuller drop on the sideline route. It was a totally catchable ball, Mayock was right about him not pushing his route away from the sideline to clear more space. The angle was not what I had thought. It was a very catchable ball. But, Mayock didn't say anything about gator arms and Fuller didn't have them. There was a lot of zip on that ball. But Fuller just missed it.



And I didn't see anyone beat up on Joe Schmidt. There were however, a few times he didn't shine in open field situations.

Schmidt missed a few tackles from what a saw. He slowed the runner up and the troops cleaned up, but he did not put the ball carrier on the ground.


Sent via tapatalk

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Schmidt missed a few tackles from what a saw. He slowed the runner up and the troops cleaned up, but he did not put the ball carrier on the ground.


Sent via tapatalk

But he also had a couple of times where he almost cut the ball carrier in half.

 

[DogDaysIrish]

But he also had a couple of times where he almost cut the ball carrier in half.

Pretty much. He's not the finisher that Manti was, but man, he's got great instincts.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Pretty much. He's not the finisher that Manti was, but man, he's got great instincts.

He is also 20 lbs., minimum, lighter. And playing a different defense.

 

[Booslum31]

He is also 20 lbs., minimum, lighter. And playing a different defense.

The 4-3 helps him. On Saturday he wasn't required to get off too many blocks. Against better teams the o-line will reach him. This is when we can see what we got with him. He had some nice hits against Rice and seemed to always be around the ball and in the right spots. Interested in seeing what he does against more potent running attacks but I give him high grades against Rice.