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

[IrishJayhawk]

I'm not sold one way or the other on Kizer. He looked nervous but then again he hasn't seen the field in real play in a long time. I don't know if he'll ever be the man though and be the full time starter after MZ leaves.

Yeah. I'm not arguing that he is the guy. Just that we don't know from that sample.

 

[JohnnyJasper]

Not to be a debby downer about game 1 but the Folston injury is going to cost us. Dont get me wrong, I liked what I saw from CJ but its not easy to replace an NFL caliber RB especially with a guy who hasnt had many reps at the position. Adams showed that he can play ball, however you look at his frame and you can see hes slightly awkward/ not completly filled into his body yet which can cost him against a USC/Clemson. Love the talent the kids got as well as D Williams. Theres no doubt we have plenty of talent all around the offense, as well as the defense (clearly) Im just a little skeptical about the inexperience at RB. Like I said you go from a NFLer to a guy whos still learning the position as well as two Fresh. Not saying they cant get the job done, just saying that among all the good that came out of this win, this was a blow to the team. Well see how they respond. Id like to see Brent get some reps at RB this coming week. Guys got so much talent and hes just sitting on the sidelines. #GoIrish #BeatVirginia

 

[wizards8507]

Not to be a debby downer about game 1 but the Folston injury is going to cost us. Dont get me wrong, I liked what I saw from CJ but its not easy to replace an NFL caliber RB especially with a guy who hasnt had many reps at the position. Adams showed that he can play ball, however you look at his frame and you can see hes slightly awkward/ not completly filled into his body yet which can cost him against a USC/Clemson. Love the talent the kids got as well as D Williams. Theres no doubt we have plenty of talent all around the offense, as well as the defense (clearly) Im just a little skeptical about the inexperience at RB. Like I said you go from a NFLer to a guy whos still learning the position as well as two Fresh. Not saying they cant get the job done, just saying that among all the good that came out of this win, this was a blow to the team. Well see how they respond. Id like to see Brent get some reps at RB this coming week. Guys got so much talent and hes just sitting on the sidelines. #GoIrish #BeatVirginia

Give me a break. Folston is not nearly as amazing as everyone is acting. Think about it. He split carries with Cam McDaniel. He's not Eddie Lacy.

 

[BGIF]

It's all marketing. And I understand that they'll never stop doing it. But I do think it affects the polls later on to a certain extent. It would just be nice to see what teams do on the field before creating the first ranking.

Yes, it is marketing. And so is putting up half a hundred. IE fans were impressed with the beating GT gave the 201st ranked team, Div 1AA Alcorn St. Ranked teams ran up scores so it looks like an impressive win regardless of competition level.

UCLA was credited with an impressive win over UVA 34-16 holding the wahoos to 1TD and 3 FGs.

ND held Texas to 1 score, a FG. But everybody knows Texas is down. Their struggling now.

When hasn't UVA been struggling?

But unless ND beats UVA by a larger score than UCLA did, UCLA will pass over ND. The Bruins are #13, ND is #11.

The announcers commented on Kelly telling the team this is the year. Well then he needs to learn how to play the game. How to market!

ND has no conference championship game at the end of the season to get the voters attention. Kelly needs to stamp Excellence into The Committee's heads every week.

 

[dublinirish]

Give me a break. Folston is not nearly as amazing as everyone is acting. Think about it. He split carries with Cam McDaniel. He's not Eddie Lacy.

i agree with you on this. When he got I was surely disappointed but excited to see what CJ could do. CJ is like the Theo Riddick senior year of this team. He's going to be a baller

 

[ThePiombino]

Give me a break. Folston is not nearly as amazing as everyone is acting. Think about it. He split carries with Cam McDaniel. He's not Eddie Lacy.

I think that had a lot more to do with BK showing loyalty to a senior than Folston's inability to be the man. Most here would agree that Cam didn't show much, if anything, that TF couldn't manage throughout the majority of the season. MAYBE pass pro, but I think he proved himself when given the chance.

 

[arrowryan]

Wiltfong talked to some people from the Gug and they believe the offense's performance on Saturday was just the tip of the iceberg, TIFWIW

 

[JohnnyJasper]

Give me a break. Folston is not nearly as amazing as everyone is acting. Think about it. He split carries with Cam McDaniel. He's not Eddie Lacy.

Cam only got carries because he was a senior and BK loved him, we all know this. Folston is as smooth/quick a runner since D Walker. Not to mention the kid was a Soph. Last year. I just hope the guys we have next in line can step up. Were lucky to be as deep as we are at each position.

 

[BGIF]

Give me a break. Folston is not nearly as amazing as everyone is acting. Think about it. He split carries with Cam McDaniel. He's not Eddie Lacy.

Cam was the more complete player, Blocker and receiver. Folston was the superior runner. On first and second downs he was the man. He is a huge loss.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Give me a break. Folston is not nearly as amazing as everyone is acting. Think about it. He split carries with Cam McDaniel. He's not Eddie Lacy.

I don't think him splitting carries woth Cam had anything to do with how amazing he was. Cam was bulkier, picked up the rush the best at the time, and could bowl some people over in short yardage. Folston > Cam. However, I don't think this will be a devastating loss like some seem to think. Kelly has already said the freshman RB's will play. Now they'll just play more. CJ was already planned to get plenty of carries, now his load will increase. We'll end up splitting the starters carries 4 ways, it's not like 1 persons load is growing exponentially. And our Oline is nothing short of phenomenal. We will be just fine.

 

[ThePiombino]

Wiltfong talked to some people from the Gug and they believe the offense's performance on Saturday was just the tip of the iceberg, TIFWIW

I actually have this exact feeling - no info. I feel like what we saw was basically a vanilla version of what's to come. There was no reason to reveal anything more.

Cam only got carries because he was a senior and BK loved him, we all know this. Folston is as smooth/quick a runner since D Walker. Not to mention the kid was a Soph. Last year. I just hope the guys we have next in line can step up. Were lucky to be as deep as we are at each position.

Cam was the more complete player, Blocker and receiver. Folston was the superior runner. On first and second downs he was the man. He is a huge loss.

This and this.

 

[JohnnyJasper]

a comparison to Eddie Lacy is also silly. Not saying hes a big huge RB who is a top 10 runner in the NFL.

 

[yankeehater]

In all seriousness, if it wasn't for the fool preseason rankings we'd be top 5 when tomorrow's polls come out.

They may move up that much. Yesterday both ESPN and SB Nation had ND in their final four to make the playoff now.

 

[calvegas04]

But unless ND beats UVA by a larger score than UCLA did, UCLA will pass over ND. The Bruins are #13, ND is #11.

I wouldn't say ND has to beat them by the same amount, ND will be on the road so a 10 or 14 point will will be just as nice. I do think ND wins by 20 tho

 

[Irish Insanity]

I'm definitely on the ND Championship Train with everyone. But we have some tough games ahead. Soon.

 

[aubeirish]

I'm definitely on the ND Championship Train with everyone. But we have some tough games ahead. Soon.

Agreed. One game at a time. This is fun though.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Wiltfong talked to some people from the Gug and they believe the offense's performance on Saturday was just the tip of the iceberg, TIFWIW

Some Texas fans were talking about this during the game. They said they were amazed at how good we looked running basic sets. Nothing fancy, just efficient.

 

[rocket66]

In all seriousness, if it wasn't for the fool preseason rankings we'd be top 5 when tomorrow's polls come out.

Great point. They should be completely reassessed after week one, instead of just letting everything fall into place from initial preseason rankings based on no data. I know the ranking matter very little, but it is annoying.

We should automatically be placed in front of MSU and Oregon based on week 1 performances, but we won't be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gkIrish]

I'm definitely on the ND Championship Train with everyone. But we have some tough games ahead. Soon.

I will believe after we beat Georgia Tech. Holding out until then.

 

[NDALA]

I will believe after we beat Georgia Tech. Holding out until then.

Me too.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Folston had 175 rushes for 889 yards and a 5.1 YPC avg last year.

Cam had 77 rushes for 278 yards and a 3.6 YPC avg. I'd bet anything the bulk of those carries were in the first part of the year. They did not split anything, Folston was the clear #1 by the end of the year.

 

[NDBoiler]

I was at the game and have a lot of the same thoughts that have already been posted here. Here's a couple things that struck me:

One thing that jumped out at me was how many times ND players slipped on the field turf. I wonder if the footing is expected to improve after it gets more wear or if that is expected to continue. If it continues, I can see that as a considerable drawback to the turf. Hope it improves.

The new construction now makes the existing stadium look smaller. I noticed the same thing about the original stadium back in 1997 after that expansion.

Malik looked so much more in tune with the offense than EG ever was, sadly. It is starting to make me wonder why Malik wasn't given an opportunity much sooner last year or why he couldn't beat EG out straight up to start the year. I have a feeling it was about BK wanting to keep EG engaged and maintain depth at the position, and that he probably figured that once it was clear he was being beaten out, he would likely leave. BK definitely has proven to be loyal to his upperclassmen, almost to a fault.

I was very nervous leading up to kickoff and wasn't sure what to expect. Now I'm confident that 11-1 is pretty reasonable, assuming injuries are limited. Felt terrible for Folston. Thought he was going to have a big year.

 

[ickythump1225]

Malik looked so much more in tune with the offense than EG ever was, sadly. It is starting to make me wonder why Malik wasn't given an opportunity much sooner last year or why he couldn't beat EG out straight up to start the year. I have a feeling it was about BK wanting to keep EG engaged and maintain depth at the position, and that he probably figured that once it was clear he was being beaten out, he would likely leave. BK definitely has proven to be loyal to his upperclassmen, almost to a fault.

I was very nervous leading up to kickoff and wasn't sure what to expect. Now I'm confident that 11-1 is pretty reasonable, assuming injuries are limited. Felt terrible for Folston. Thought he was going to have a big year.

I was an EG backer last year because I was a big believer in his potential. I was for staying with EG until around the 10th or 11th game last year. I was never anti-MZ, I was just pro-Golson.

MZ has me believing this year. As much as I loved EG (at times) there are things that MZ does that EG seemingly couldn't. For one MZ flashes greater signs of leadership and energy. He seems to be a natural born leader and with that comes a lot of natural confidence and poise. EG could get rattled and withdrawn at times. Also MZ looks more natural at hanging in the pocket and maneuvering to find alleys to throw. I was worried about an arm talent drop off because EG has a cannon, but so far Zaire more than holds his own in that regard. He can deliver some strikes with precision and authority.

I will believe after we beat Georgia Tech. Holding out until then.

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.

Some Texas fans were talking about this during the game. They said they were amazed at how good we looked running basic sets. Nothing fancy, just efficient.

Which is a big thing. The ability to execute the basics with precision and discipline are extremely important. Last year's team struggled at that which in part is because of injuries.

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

Even though max didn't get much tackling action this game (which was due to a dominant front 7 performance), I love what he brings to the table. He's always around the ball either hyping up our players, or roughing up and talking a little smack to an opposing player around the play. I just feel like you need some of those guys! He's developing into a great leader for this unit. Anyone catching what I'm throwing up?

 

[EuropeanDomer22]

http://draftbreakdown.com/video/ronnie-stanley-vs-texas-2015/

https://www.profootballfocus.com/bl...texas-notre-dame-malik-zaire-steals-the-show/

According to PFF:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
– How was that for a coming out party? Junior quarterback Malik Zaire showed the world on Saturday why the Irish were comfortable moving on from two-year starter Everett Golson. Zaire was 13-14 for 273 yards with three touchdowns on throws targeted at least 10 yards downfield. More impressive than his accuracy was his pocket presence. Zaire only looked to scramble as a last resort and kept his eyes downfield in the face of pressure. On seven pressured dropbacks he went 4-5 for 42 yards along with a scramble for 14 yards and one sack. Of his three incompletions on the day, two hit the receivers hands and the other the receiver stopped his route. An extremely impressive performance from Zaire that showed him finish with a +6.2 overall grade.

– All the hype this offseason has been surrounding Notre Dame’s two top draft prospects: left tackle Ronnie Stanley and linebacker Jaylon Smith. Both put together clean, solid performances in Week 1. Stanley didn’t allow a pressure, but was dinged for a false start on Notre Dame’s very first drive and finished with a +2.0 overall grade. Smith made six stops on defense and finished with a +1.4 grade.

– Two other players receiving some draft hype did their best to justify it on Saturday. Junior wide receiver Will Fuller was uncoverable, running wild through the Texas secondary. He caught all seven of his targets for 142 yards and two touchdowns while earning a +3.0 overall grade. Senior defensive tackle Sheldon Day looks fully healthy after an up-and-down junior year. He collected eight pressures on 21 pass-rushing snaps and finished with a +4.6 overall grade.

Top performers:

QB Malik Zaire (+6.2)

DT Sheldon Day (+4.6)

C Nick Martin (+3.9)

WR Will Fuller (+3.0)

LT Ronnie Stanley (+2.0)

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

The most notable difference to me from the past few years was that we had 2 time outs at the end of the first half to strategically use to impact the FG kicker.

Also it was good to see so many Freshman get reps - especially with so many recruits there. Most of the had a bad play or two, but there were also a lot of good plays made by the Frosh.

 

[wizards8507]

One play that I haven't seen talked about was in the second half when a Texas defender came free around the edge on a stunt and one of our lineman laid out to divert him just enough for Malik to step up in the pocket and deliver a completion. Anyone know who made that play?

 

[IrishLax]

Love it when they grade ND games. So informative, even if you don't agree with their grades.

I remember last year's grading of Nyles Morgan against ASU was... uh... not the best.

 

[IrishLax]

One play that I haven't seen talked about was in the second half when a Texas defender came free around the edge on a stunt and one of our lineman laid out to divert him just enough for Malik to step up in the pocket and deliver a completion. Anyone know who made that play?

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

 

[Sherm Sticky]

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

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

Yep big Mike


Sent via tapatalk