Post Game Observations - Texas ('15)...

[koonja]

Can Fuller be flagged for that long/high jump he does into the endzone? I doubt it but I know they cracked down on celebrations again recently.

 

[wizards8507]

Can Fuller be flagged for that long/high jump he does into the endzone? I doubt it but I know they cracked down on celebrations again recently.

I'd be more worried about Jaylon bowling after a TFL. He gets deep into the offense's side of the field.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Can Fuller be flagged for that long/high jump he does into the endzone? I doubt it but I know they cracked down on celebrations again recently.

I'd be more worried about Jaylon bowling after a TFL. He gets deep into the offense's side of the field.

I thought the crack down was on celebrating as you head towards, and in to, the end zone. Celebrating during the play. Taunting the opponent.
I don't remember to many penalties on offensive, or defensive, players reasonably celebrating a play after.

 

[koonja]

I thought the crack down was on celebrating as you head towards, and in to, the end zone. Celebrating during the play. Taunting the opponent.
I don't remember to many penalties on offensive, or defensive, players reasonably celebrating a play after.

That's what I thought. What he's doing isn't taunting, but I thought you couldn't celebrate on your way into the endzone anymore. IDK how they look at it, but his jump starts before the endzone obviously. I hope it doesn't cost us in some big game.

 

[Irish Insanity]

That's what I thought. What he's doing isn't taunting, but I thought you couldn't celebrate on your way into the endzone anymore. IDK how they look at it, but his jump starts before the endzone obviously. I hope it doesn't cost us in some big game.

Ya, his jump seemed pretty innocent. I think its the looking back at the defender some of them do, or the flip in to the end zone.

 

[wizards8507]

I thought the crack down was on celebrating as you head towards, and in to, the end zone. Celebrating during the play. Taunting the opponent.
I don't remember to many penalties on offensive, or defensive, players reasonably celebrating a play after.

Independent of the crackdown. Wasn't someone flagged late in a game last year for something similar? It was a crucial play I recall.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Independent of the crackdown. Wasn't someone flagged late in a game last year for something similar? It was a crucial play I recall.

I saw a flag thrown last year, in a critical moment in a huge game, on a BS offensive PI call that caused one team the game. And was a huge turning point in that teams season. After that flag was throw, no flag will surprise me.

 

[tko]

I used to enjoy Samardzija waving his hand to "come get me."

 

[connor_in]

Can Fuller be flagged for that long/high jump he does into the endzone? I doubt it but I know they cracked down on celebrations again recently.

I thought it looked like what a lot of runners do when someone tries to dive/swipe at their legs

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I thought it looked like what a lot of runners do when someone tries to dive/swipe at their legs

Exactly what I thought after it was over. When I saw it live, I thought he was celebrating early but I think he was just trying to keep people from swiping his ankles.

 

[pumpdog20]

One play that I was impressed with was when Tranquil got blocked, did a somersault/flip, and still assisted on the tackle. Pretty athletic move.

 

[Huntr]

McGlinchey. Was freaking clutch, I know the exact play you're talking about I thought Zaire was dead to rights.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XYLzVUF4wR8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FF to 1:44

 

[NorthDakota]

Haven't read the thread so this will probably be a ton of stuff thats already been said.

Few Observations:

1. Zaire. Looked great. Plays with so much more confidence than Golson. Hopefully he can keep it up.

2. Offensive Line. Boss hogs. A couple plays got blown up here and there but that'll happen playing P5 schools...they have good players too.

3. Defense owned Texas. I expected them to keep them under 20. 3 points though? Nice. Good confidence boost.

4. Jaylon gets his own talking point. He terrifies me. I've never been within 500 miles of him yet I'm scared of holding a football because he might just show up and drop a hit stick on me. I doubt he has ever been to North Dakota but if he can check it off his list of "States visited" and get a TFL he just might consider it.

5. First football season with this girlfriend. She says she'll be a lifelong Notre Dame fan. "These guys are Catholic? Good. Also cute colors. Buy me some of their clothes."

6. My heart aches the two injured guys. They can take a medical though methinks? I try not to assume anything because when it comes to the NCAA...logic sometimes goes out the window.

 

[#1rish]

One play that I was impressed with was when Tranquil got blocked, did a somersault/flip, and still assisted on the tackle. Pretty athletic move.

I remember that play, I believe that was Shumate.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Rewatched the game and concentrated on Joe Schmidt and Quentin Nelson.

As to Joe: he missed a couple of tackles, but mainly he was solid there. We played a LOT of linebacker-heavy to the wide side, with Jaylon RIGHT in the middle, and Joe in space to what you might call the defensive "slot", and James further wide of him. This allowed Jaylon to clean up the entire middle of the field to the short side, while Joe was left with a lot of pass coverage --- this he did REALLY well, getting beat only once, and cloaking his man most of the time [it was Joe for instance that went right into the screen-to-be the time that Swoopes had to throw a rocket at the ground just to survive.] Many times it was Joe walking forward and telling a DLineman exactly where to be. People who think that we can get along without Joe out there are probably just wrong.

As to Big Q: Good Lord we have a coming All-American here. There were almost ZERO instances where the fresh monster did not get SERIOUS movement backwards from his push. The guys in front of him had to think it was one of the worst experiences of their game-lives --- several other Texas players had to feel similarly due to the rest of our line, but my goodness --- a redshirt freshman! The only time that I saw Q beaten clearly was the play in the second quarter when Malik just sidestepped the guy and was off to about a 15 yard gain to his left. Big Q is a mighty mauler, and he's in good company. Texas might not be very good yet, but those players they have are not physical pipsqueeks. Our guys mano-a-mano'd their brains out, and Q did at least as much of that as his older brothers.

I believe we have a mighty five-fingered fist-of-doom. ... and it's not at it's peak yet.

 

[Booslum31]

I called my doctor in a panic...he said not to worry about an erection lasting more than four hours when ND dominates like they did. He also said to skip the blue pill and challenge my wife to a game of twister. Good advise. Go IRISH!

 

[koonja]

I want to see more of USC, but they gave up 5 sacks and I believe about 200 yards rushing to a crap team. They're the only team besides GTech that scares me - I think we beat Clemson comfortably.

Depending on the injuries, from what I saw on Saturday, this is a 1 loss team if we stay healthy. We cannot lose another key player though for a long duration.

 

[wizards8507]

Rewatched the game and concentrated on Joe Schmidt and Quentin Nelson.

As to Joe: he missed a couple of tackles, but mainly he was solid there. We played a LOT of linebacker-heavy to the wide side, with Jaylon RIGHT in the middle, and Joe in space to what you might call the defensive "slot", and James further wide of him. This allowed Jaylon to clean up the entire middle of the field to the short side, while Joe was left with a lot of pass coverage --- this he did REALLY well, getting beat only once, and cloaking his man most of the time [it was Joe for instance that went right into the screen-to-be the time that Swoopes had to throw a rocket at the ground just to survive.] Many times it was Joe walking forward and telling a DLineman exactly where to be. People who think that we can get along without Joe out there are probably just wrong.

As to Big Q: Good Lord we have a coming All-American here. There were almost ZERO instances where the fresh monster did not get SERIOUS movement backwards from his push. The guys in front of him had to think it was one of the worst experiences of their game-lives --- several other Texas players had to feel similarly due to the rest of our line, but my goodness --- a redshirt freshman! The only time that I saw Q beaten clearly was the play in the second quarter when Malik just sidestepped the guy and was off to about a 15 yard gain to his left. Big Q is a mighty mauler, and he's in good company. Texas might not be very good yet, but those players they have are not physical pipsqueeks. Our guys mano-a-mano'd their brains out, and Q did at least as much of that as his older brothers.

I believe we have a mighty five-fingered fist-of-doom. ... and it's not at it's peak yet.

Always love your offensive line analysis. Keep it coming.

 

[AgentJ]

I'm a believer in our potential but I won't be a true believer until we beat GT and beat Clemson. We haven't won a big time, true road game since Oklahoma. If we can go into Death Valley and put the hurt on Clemson I will believe fully. This team has the talent and depth to go a long ways but potential doesn't always get realized.

We won that FSU game last year

 

[Irish Insanity]

We won that FSU game last year

Sure did

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Rewatched the game and concentrated on Joe Schmidt and Quentin Nelson.

As to Joe: he missed a couple of tackles, but mainly he was solid there. We played a LOT of linebacker-heavy to the wide side, with Jaylon RIGHT in the middle, and Joe in space to what you might call the defensive "slot", and James further wide of him. This allowed Jaylon to clean up the entire middle of the field to the short side, while Joe was left with a lot of pass coverage --- this he did REALLY well, getting beat only once, and cloaking his man most of the time [it was Joe for instance that went right into the screen-to-be the time that Swoopes had to throw a rocket at the ground just to survive.] Many times it was Joe walking forward and telling a DLineman exactly where to be. People who think that we can get along without Joe out there are probably just wrong.

As to Big Q: Good Lord we have a coming All-American here. There were almost ZERO instances where the fresh monster did not get SERIOUS movement backwards from his push. The guys in front of him had to think it was one of the worst experiences of their game-lives --- several other Texas players had to feel similarly due to the rest of our line, but my goodness --- a redshirt freshman! The only time that I saw Q beaten clearly was the play in the second quarter when Malik just sidestepped the guy and was off to about a 15 yard gain to his left. Big Q is a mighty mauler, and he's in good company. Texas might not be very good yet, but those players they have are not physical pipsqueeks. Our guys mano-a-mano'd their brains out, and Q did at least as much of that as his older brothers.

I believe we have a mighty five-fingered fist-of-doom. ... and it's not at it's peak yet.

I noticed Quentin make his way to the 2nd level on a couple of runs and he just locked on the guy (LB or S?) and just drove them to the ground. It was a thing of beauty.

How'd McGlinchey do? Do you think we can rely on him against elite pass rushers? I saw Elmer make a few mistakes, but not many. Curious what your assessments were on the rest of the line?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I believe we have a mighty five-fingered fist-of-doom. ... and it's not at it's peak yet.

"Old Man Mike and the Mighty Five-Fingered Fist-of-Doom"

If that were a metal band, I'd be its biggest fan.

 

[jspags10pg]

Videos post Texas from KvR, Jaylon and Prosise. Loving the attitudes and team mentality of these guys.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RMt1MBJeWzo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5DKfCr1LjH0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SVbBXCS622E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[NDohio]

Not to hype another site, but this thread is pretty awesome at breaking down what we did to Texas Saturday night.

Notre Dame Film Review ... I guess


EDIT: If you watch TF on the film of post #7, he had a clear path to the end zone if MZ sees him.

 

[wizards8507]

Kelly just said in the presser that Malik has to work on some cadence things. Sounds like there's a chance the false start penalties were on him.

 

[woolybug25]

Kelly just said in the presser that Malik has to work on some cadence things. Sounds like there's a chance the false start penalties were on him.

Would make sense. I know the first one was on Martin, which could indicate a miscommunication between him and Malik.

 

[Old Man Mike]

On McGlinchey and Elmer: they moved their opponents all game long as well, but I concentrated on Nelson because I "already knew" that those two were a lot better than IE tended to give them credit for being [especially WAY OFF underestimating of Big Steve.] There was almost NO penetration by the Texas DLine anytime during the game. It was typical that one of our inner three were anxiously looking around wondering if they should block anyone since their other four brothers were stoning their guys --- the subsequent behavior of our "unoccupied" big was always to just double somebody even if we didn't need it.

Ronnie, of course, did his ZMart dance and punch action all night, and I think that his opponents just ended up quitting and maybe jumping. McGlinchey and Elmer tend to look a little different --- they're not dancers --- but what Coach said is correct: if they get their hands on you, you're done. Texas seemed to figure out that there was nothing that was going to happen which could be called good by going at Stanley or the middle of the line [I'm talking pass-rush here], so tried to stack up some confusion from the McGlinchey {Zaire Blind} side --- that's where that Malik Jefferson occasionally got in. There wasn't [in my opinion] much happening there either as Big Steve and Mount McGlinchey held up their end, but when the rush came I believe that those rare successes by Texas were not on the OLine at all, but either a mis-read by a TE or RB or HBack [whoever was the "extra" player over there] or simply a good defensive call which Malik didn't see coming --- sometimes the other guys DO make good plays. I exonerate our right side since I see both of them actively blocking someone on those plays. I saw no plays where one of our bigs was floundering clumsily as people ran by them.

On running plays, both Mike and Steve often kept not only mauling the opponent but rumbled downfield trying to find someone else to knock down. Ronnie tends not to do that so much, but the other four seem to enjoy double-blasting people 10-yards deep. And Steve seems particularly to like that as I believe that behind those scholarly spectacles he wears off-field lies the brain of a raptor dinosaur with unpleasant intentions. Big Q will enjoy playing up to those violent standards. Captain Nick also approves of those attitudes.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

. . . So while the on-paper team we saw coming together this offseason is already off course, the Irish coaching staff was likely expecting the unexpected. That’s why Kelly and his assistant coaches are spending today preaching a new lesson to the bottom-half of a very talented roster.

“We have some young guys that we think are still capable of playing for us that are down on the depth chart a little bit. They kind of have that look like, well, I may never get out of this position that I’m in,” Kelly said after the game on Saturday.

“I told our coaches, it’s important that you go to these guys on Monday and let them know, they are probably going to get an opportunity to play this year. And to continue to work with them and continue to build their confidence that when we call on you, be ready, because we think we have some depth that may have to play for us and they are quality players.”

From Keith's articles on Inside the Irish on NBC. This is exactly what I have been talking about.

To me this is the biggest change (prime, organic) I have seen in the past year with the whole program.

Frankly, whenever I have spoken to individuals that have dealt with Kelly at one of his stops or another, arrogant, inflexible, and aloof are adjectives I have heard the most.

This past year he clearly became more engaged with the team, on an interpersonal level, establishing much better relationships with each player and the coaching staff.

This winter the staff was revamped, and I don't believe for a minute it was all precipitated by a mass exodus by "competent, satisfied, irreplaceable coaches."

Instead I would bet money a conversation was started with Brian Kelly that went like, "You have been doing this for 25 years and have done very well! But you haven't won the big one; how much longer do you plan on doing this?"

From there I think some renovations and coach building began. It was clear that the structure, timbre, and pitch of the staff was going to change, as was micromanagement by the head coach.

The first thing to be renovated was the approach to quarterbacks. Yes the Irish and Kelly have certainly had some bad luck, but from Molnar to LaFleur, with Kelly taking over day to day for a season or two in-between, things just weren't getting gotten!

LaFleur was the first to go. Really he wasn't a college coach, and he certainly wasn't a recruiter. Nothing against the guy, but he didn't belong in the college game.

Interestingly enough I believe the coming and going of LaFleur, sealed the departure of Everett Golson. We can talk about that some other time.

Next : Who to bring in and how? There must have been a unanimous and unified effort, because every coach brought in had ties to ND or BK, or both, (save Gilmore who may have had ties actually to BVG and Paul Longo.)

The purse strings came off clearly. Everyone bolted immediately for South Bend in the middle of the winter. Of course most coaches would give their left nut for a job reference like that, and these are incredibly self-actualized individuals, but don't kid yourself. When the right candidate was identified, the deal was closed immediately. That means there was money, too.

As far as the coaches that "left the program for greener pastures," they had a lot in common with their predecessors; they all were a bit disgruntled or looking for a change anyway. Some felt they were passed over, others had their own reasons. At least this last group didn't have any that openly stated they could do better with the program than Kelly!

So in addition to hiring what I believe are all home runs, from Hiestand, except LaFleur, threw the last coach hired, which I believe was Quinn, the organization was enhanced at every level and in many dimensions.

I go through this exercise because the message I quoted at the top is a perfect example of how to combat the entitlement and complacency that set into the Irish program. A little exercise would be to compare these words to the famous "schematic advantage" communication(s) of Charlie Weis.

The point being, ND was a more polished product than any school in the opening weekend, including Ohio State.

• Everyone was so worried about a pass rush and defensive line play; after this weekend we can thank Coach Gilmore, (and some of the detractors couldn't do enough to make it right, even if they kissed his ass!)
  
• The offensive line if it keeps up this level of performance is probably the best I have ever seen.* *(Harry is just plain a god!)
• • They have multiple 'enforcers.'
  • No weak link.
  • Huge to the man.
  • Great team mates.
  • And most importantly, all have guys behind them that can fill in without a huge drop off in production!
• Moving Elston to Linebackers was a great move. The linebackers have profited greatly from having him, and if the recent recruiting push tied to our dominant opening victory is any sign, Mike Elston may go down as a top recruiting coordinator, as well.
  
• I am clear (no disrespect intended) that the running backs are going to have a better season with the adversity they are facing than of the old coach were still here.
  
• Todd Lyght is taking the back end up two levels. Period.
  
• Notice how much better Booker is as a coach with the staff upgrades?

 

[Wild Bill]

Focused on Nelson as well. He's got some serious potential. He did everything well - gets off the ball quick, good feet, good pulling technique, gets consistent movement, moves well to the second level, latches on to defenders easily in the second level, appears to thoroughly enjoy embarrassing smaller/inferior defenders, plays through the whistle and finishes blocks.

What I really liked was his demeanor. I'll lump McGlinchey in this one as well (followed him too just not as closely). They both play with a mean streak and I love it. McGlinchey even shows a bit of emotion which is really good for the line in small doses. The type of attitude and toughness they play with is contagious and will elevate the nastiness in the rest of them.

McGlinchey may struggle with short, speedy outside pass rushers, a guy like Deon Hollins for example. If I was playing against him, I would focus on three things: Get off the ball quick, stay low and keep his hands off of me. Easier said than done. From the little I've seen, I think that's the way to beat him. Get up the field in a hurry and use a dip and rip move. That's the best way to use his height against him and it'll be tough for him to get depth in his drop to combat the quick upfield rush while simultaneously getting low enough to get his hands on a player committed to keeping his pad level low to the ground.

 

[RallySon]

ND looked phenomenal and I've eaten a lot of crow since Sat.

I'll start with play calling. For the most part it was fantastic. I still get sick to my stomach watching them run a zone/stretch to the short side of the field though. Texas handled the zone read pretty well but I think that was done by forcing MZ to make the incorrect read. That pistol TE power stack is an animal, and has so many uses. I'd love to see ND run a couple counters out of that similar to when Malik ran away from the stack and picked up a couple. Sucks about Folston, but it would appear as if we now have 2 backs with that "homerun gear" that we haven't witnessed from an RB at ND in quite some time.

Fuller and CBreezy were running free all day. MZ's intermediate throws are a little funky but that throw to the sidelines and the deep ball were impressive. His progressions looked sharp and without panic.

I have nothing to add about the line play. It's been well covered already.

I'm still uneasy on the defensive side of the ball. BVG's aggression looks great against average to below average offenses, and Texas was just down right terrible. I will say everyone looked less confused about their presnap alignments though. I'm glad Jaylon Smith is finally playing "FIND BALL, KILL BALL" instead of that assignment bullshit they had him doing last year. Also glad to see Sheldon Day not dropping into flat coverage. Tillery will play on Sundays, they wanted no part of him. Trumbetti was overshadowed but if you rewatch the game and focus on him, he's another spectacular DL.

On the back end, Shumate had a great game. Seemed like his number was around the pile on every play. I didn't like seeing Russell get cooked but it looked like the safety got sucked in. Not to mention the WR is one of the faster players in the country I believe. Great recovery I suppose.

I'm a lot less concerned about that season now. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and remind themselves to stay grounded. This team can be very, very good but that Texas team looked to me, like a team that might not win 4 games this year.

Wish I had more time for analysis but I'll leave you with this.

PISTOL POWER STACK JET SWEEP... lol love this formation.