Post Game Observations....

[kmoose]

First off........congratulations to the team on an incredibly hard fought victory. There were at least a half dozen points tonight, that they could have quit. But they didn't. So here is what I am taking away from the game.....

1. Jimmy Clausen has these guys believing. Brady Quinn's former teammates have continually said that, when Brady was in the game, they always believed that they were going to go down the field and score. I think this comeback win is another step up the mountain, for Clausen and company.

2. The defense..... oh, the defense. Going into the fourth quarter, I was debating giving a game ball to the defense. They tackled horribly, overall, tonight. However, they also got Purdue's offense off of the field, in more than a couple of key drives. Then, the 4th quarter rolled around........... and the defense reverted to their former identity. Really bad.

3. Weis, despite some local controversy about the 4th down decisions, put together a very good game plan for Purdue. The offense really caught them off guard, in the first half.

4. I hate to say this, because I would disagree with the decision, but I am feeling more and more like Weis is going to be somewhere else, next season. I don't support the move, but we have to face the fact that the buck stops at his desk. USC is likely going to roll this team, and I can't imagine that they have what it takes to beat both BC and Pitt. Maybe one of the two, but both? I just can't see it happening. We no longer have the high octane offense to outscore opponents with. And the defense, while it plays well in spots, is still a long way off from being a good unit.

5. Sam Young is collecting penalties like a crazy old lady collects cats.

I think this program is headed in the right direction. They have improved, across the board, from last year. But I just don't think we are anywhere near being "back".

 

[tankjeep]

First off........congratulations to the team on an incredibly hard fought victory. There were at least a half dozen points tonight, that they could have quit. But they didn't. So here is what I am taking away from the game.....

1. Jimmy Clausen has these guys believing. Brady Quinn's former teammates have continually said that, when Brady was in the game, they always believed that they were going to go down the field and score. I think this comeback win is another step up the mountain, for Clausen and company.

2. The defense..... oh, the defense. Going into the fourth quarter, I was debating giving a game ball to the defense. They tackled horribly, overall, tonight. However, they also got Purdue's offense off of the field, in more than a couple of key drives. Then, the 4th quarter rolled around........... and the defense reverted to their former identity. Really bad.

3. Weis, despite some local controversy about the 4th down decisions, put together a very good game plan for Purdue. The offense really caught them off guard, in the first half.

4. I hate to say this, because I would disagree with the decision, but I am feeling more and more like Weis is going to be somewhere else, next season. I don't support the move, but we have to face the fact that the buck stops at his desk. USC is likely going to roll this team, and I can't imagine that they have what it takes to beat both BC and Pitt. Maybe one of the two, but both? I just can't see it happening. We no longer have the high octane offense to outscore opponents with. And the defense, while it plays well in spots, is still a long way off from being a good unit.

5. Sam Young is collecting penalties like a crazy old lady collects cats.

I think this program is headed in the right direction. They have improved, across the board, from last year. But I just don't think we are anywhere near being "back".

well done kmoose. spot on.

 

[Riddickulous]

First off........congratulations to the team on an incredibly hard fought victory. There were at least a half dozen points tonight, that they could have quit. But they didn't. So here is what I am taking away from the game.....

1. Jimmy Clausen has these guys believing. Brady Quinn's former teammates have continually said that, when Brady was in the game, they always believed that they were going to go down the field and score. I think this comeback win is another step up the mountain, for Clausen and company.

2. The defense..... oh, the defense. Going into the fourth quarter, I was debating giving a game ball to the defense. They tackled horribly, overall, tonight. However, they also got Purdue's offense off of the field, in more than a couple of key drives. Then, the 4th quarter rolled around........... and the defense reverted to their former identity. Really bad.

3. Weis, despite some local controversy about the 4th down decisions, put together a very good game plan for Purdue. The offense really caught them off guard, in the first half.

4. I hate to say this, because I would disagree with the decision, but I am feeling more and more like Weis is going to be somewhere else, next season. I don't support the move, but we have to face the fact that the buck stops at his desk. USC is likely going to roll this team, and I can't imagine that they have what it takes to beat both BC and Pitt. Maybe one of the two, but both? I just can't see it happening. We no longer have the high octane offense to outscore opponents with. And the defense, while it plays well in spots, is still a long way off from being a good unit.

5. Sam Young is collecting penalties like a crazy old lady collects cats.

I think this program is headed in the right direction. They have improved, across the board, from last year. But I just don't think we are anywhere near being "back".

1. Agree.

2. Agree.

3. Disagree.

4. Agree.

5. Agree.

Other observations:

- Not one receiver stepped up today to make up for the absence of Michael Floyd.

- Kyle Rudolph is the best tight end in the country. Hands down.

- Duval Kamara. No redemption for you.

- Horrible pass protection for Clausen and Crist.

- We have one of the worst defenses in the nation.

 

[notredomer23]

I would honestly rather Romine over Young.

"Weis will not get fired because of me"

He will not get fired because of Jimmy and I really believe that

 

[jason_h537]

Jimmy Clasuen is the best QB in the country

This team is all heart

The defense still tackled sloppily but played much better.

Charlie Weis called a great game and won without Allen, Floyd, and Jimmy for 3 quarters

This team is learning to win and i see them only getting better (and healthier) each week.

USC ain't shit this year. Bring them on!!!!

 

[Riddickulous]

Jimmy Clasuen is the best QB in the country

This team is all heart

The defense still tackled sloppily but played much better.

Charlie Weis called a great game and won without Allen, Floyd, and Jimmy for 3 quarters

This team is learning to win and i see them only getting better (and healthier) each week.

USC ain't shit this year. Bring them on!!!!

USC's laying the wood to Washington State.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Great post kmoose. Bottom line.......WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank the Lord....I would've gone into a deep funk had we lost...especially being in USC country (I finally had a chance to give it to those fans for once last week...no way could I face them after a loss to Purdon't!!!).

Too amped to talk about the game in detail. Off the top of my head:

*** Kamara just isn't good, period. How he gets on the field so much in other than obvious run situations is completely beyond me. More drops for him. Ugggghhh. I've said it since last year, he's lost all confidence and he hasn't gained it back.

*** T. Smith, you are Mo Crum Jr. Big, slow, great human being, too slow to play middle LB, by about a mile. They just constantly picked on him. Get me some Te'o!!!!!!!!!! Even if he's out of position half the time...he can't be any worse than Smith.

*** Fleming (before he got hurt) and Kapron were great tonight.

*** We have a ton of issues, but at least we won, so I'll be happy for a night. And considering our 3 best players combines to play a half, I'll take it...

 

[jason_h537]

USC's laying the wood to Washington State.

and so will we

 

[BillyIrish]

First off........congratulations to the team on an incredibly hard fought victory. There were at least a half dozen points tonight, that they could have quit. But they didn't. So here is what I am taking away from the game.....

1. Jimmy Clausen has these guys believing. Brady Quinn's former teammates have continually said that, when Brady was in the game, they always believed that they were going to go down the field and score. I think this comeback win is another step up the mountain, for Clausen and company.

2. The defense..... oh, the defense. Going into the fourth quarter, I was debating giving a game ball to the defense. They tackled horribly, overall, tonight. However, they also got Purdue's offense off of the field, in more than a couple of key drives. Then, the 4th quarter rolled around........... and the defense reverted to their former identity. Really bad.

3. Weis, despite some local controversy about the 4th down decisions, put together a very good game plan for Purdue. The offense really caught them off guard, in the first half.

4. I hate to say this, because I would disagree with the decision, but I am feeling more and more like Weis is going to be somewhere else, next season. I don't support the move, but we have to face the fact that the buck stops at his desk. USC is likely going to roll this team, and I can't imagine that they have what it takes to beat both BC and Pitt. Maybe one of the two, but both? I just can't see it happening. We no longer have the high octane offense to outscore opponents with. And the defense, while it plays well in spots, is still a long way off from being a good unit.

5. Sam Young is collecting penalties like a crazy old lady collects cats.

I think this program is headed in the right direction. They have improved, across the board, from last year. But I just don't think we are anywhere near being "back".

moose i agree with a lot of what you say, but i dont think i can judge the season on what we have seen to this point. Without Floyd there is no question this offense has changed. We will see how they adapt. Clausen played half the game, Allen didn't play at all, Aldridge is still out. Weis had a good gameplan tonight. I like how ND lined up and pounded it. I think the best way to make up for the loss of Floyd isnt with a WR, but with a strong running game. Let's hope that continues.

Harrison Smith also is collecting quite the rap sheet! good grief!


Anyways, WHAT A WIN!!! GOOO IRISH!!!

 

[OCIrish]

Darius Flemming needs to see the field more than he does, John Ryan, please take a seat. Ethan Johnson is a DE, not a DT, not matter how much they need him to play there. Manti with his first half sack or whatever they're called. Sergio can't cover anybody in single coverage. The O scored when they needed to, but I can't believe that Weis wouln't let Crist play the position, hell they had 15 guys in the box and we're still trying to run a fucking draw with Hughes, oh, wait, was that another fucking screen pass. We'd better find other plays in the book when we need to win a game besides those, I think by now that most teams have figured out that those are the only things we run at a given time.

 

[Catsudon]

We need BETTER adjustment after the first half. seems like always start out great and then... well, we all saw the games.

 

[phork]

I agree with pretty much everything. But I say its more than just the players if USC rolls ND again. Weis is getting smoked by every coach ND faces.
The gameplan was forced, really. Throw to Tate and run the ball? Doesn't take a genius to figure that out! OH OH, heres comes that dreaded Bermuda Triangle called the 3rd Quarter. Does everyone seriously forget their brains in the locker room at half time?

Duval Kamara has run his course, he is done. Mr. Walls, please buy that Purdue QB a steak dinner for throwing your pick 2 feet too short, otherwise you get smoked (again) and probably for a TD.

Game balls, all of them should go to Clausen, but lets hand some out elsewhere. Rudolph, if Clausen is money then sir you are Gold. Tate, nice to get your hands back. The Defense, yes they bent, but they only gave up 21 points, please read the "How To Tackle" chapter in your football players handbook. Section 1.
Jimmy Heisman Clausen. Bro is hurt, out for a good portion of the game. Comes back in, drives the team, kills the clock and throws the winning TD on 4th down. This is what Irish legends are made of.

No one can now say that Charlie doesn't have some major lapses in play calling and game management. Not after this game. A lot of games ND has played in the last 1.5 seasons its come to this. 3rd Quarter Black Hole. Double Digit leads dissolving and Charlie scratching his head.
Charlie needs to buy Clausen a Bentley when he leaves ND, because without Clausen Charlie would be 0-4 right now.

PS: I love Clausen.

 

[jason_h537]

*** Kamara just isn't good, period. How he gets on the field so much in other than obvious run situations is completely beyond me. More drops for him. Ugggghhh. I've said it since last year, he's lost all confidence and he hasn't gained it back.

*** T. Smith, you are Mo Crum Jr. Big, slow, great human being, too slow to play middle LB, by about a mile. They just constantly picked on him. Get me some Te'o!!!!!!!!!! Even if he's out of position half the time...he can't be any worse than Smith.

*** Fleming (before he got hurt) and Kapron were great tonight.

Kamara was killing me. Someone needs to step up (Shaq, Goodman, Walker, lets go)

Toryan is not Mo Crum. He played well the first game but he misses way too many tackles.

Fleming, KLM, and Ian Williams stpped up today hope this is a sign that things are starting to click

 

[Riddickulous]

Deion Walker didn't play a down. Give him a shot.

 

[JefMaj]

In that last running play... I was afraid Hughes was gonna keep moving his feet for the last 30+ seconds and run the clock. Didn't think he was ever going down.

 

[Riddickulous]

I think it's about time Roby Toma got to play a down.

 

[JefMaj]

Thought it was interesting that in the last series (last 20 seconds) where Purdue had the ball, they let Te'o go - and he got. Wasn't about worrying whether he's mature enough to stay in his position - and when he got, he also TACKLED. The scheme in place more often than not - they just missed tackles.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Well, I just got back this afternoon after a very relaxing trip to Napa Valley and some great wine tasting. Got back home about an hour before kick off feeling all relaxed and lovey dubbey with the wife after some romance and great wine. AND THEN FUCK ME!!! I almost had an ulcer by the end of the game. I am not going to harp on the negatives. Because we won, but HOLY HELL! That was nerve racking!

Hats off to Robert Hughes filling in very well and of course to JC. Dude is THE MAN!!! Get AA back and we will be even better.

Thank God we won!!! Great job boys! But, can we have one game where I don't have vomit at the top of my throat for the entire second half? Really ruined my feeling of Zen from the weekend.

 

[timm3117]

We need BETTER adjustment after the first half. seems like always start out great and then... well, we all saw the games.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Te'O did have a missed tackle on 3rd and about 6, had him for a one yard loss and he ended up getting the first. I forgot when it was though. Kid will be good though, exciting to see him get that sack.

 

[Riddickulous]

Well, I just got back this afternoon after a very relaxing trip to Napa Valley and some great wine tasting. Got back home about an hour before kick off feeling all relaxed and lovey dubbey with the wife after some romance and great wine. AND THEN FUCK ME!!! I almost had an ulcer by the end of the game. I am not going to harp on the negatives. Because we won, but HOLY HELL! That was nerve racking!

Hats off to Robert Hughes filling in very well and of course to JC. Dude is THE MAN!!! Get AA back and we will be even better.

Thank God we won!!! Great job boys! But, can we have one game where I don't have vomit at the top of my throat for the entire second half? Really ruined my feeling of Zen from the weekend.

Nice to hear you had a good weekend.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

We go into a game with 10-15 scripted plays and then run them over and over again.
When all starts to fail, chuck it up to Golden.
It's no wonder we stink in the 3rd quarter every week.

 

[Junkhead]

We go into a game with 10-15 scripted plays and then run them over and over again.
When all starts to fail, chuck it up to Golden.
It's no wonder we stink in the 3rd quarter every week.

Decided schematic advantage?

 

[Dizzyphil]

All that has been posted about play calling and why someone is in or out when they are hot or not.... J/C pulled 'em together and got the win. If we say anything about this team, they win together. The defense did show some improvement. The D stopped them for a few 3 and outs. The Irish sucked it up and won the game period. There is still a lot of room for improvement, don't get me wrong, but all-in-all, this team put it together for 'W'.

Diz

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

The D did stop them quite a few times, but a few of those were bad drops.

Never thought I'd miss last season's defense, but I do.
With this offense and firepower, maybe Corwin's defense is the better choice.

 

[THegraNDscheme]

*** Kamara just isn't good, period. How he gets on the field so much in other than obvious run situations is completely beyond me. More drops for him. Ugggghhh. I've said it since last year, he's lost all confidence and he hasn't gained it back.

Dear Mr. Kamara,

Two illegal procedure calls?? Are you serious? You're a junior right? I mean I've gotten used to you not contributing to the offense but pls don't hinder it further.

PS - Tell Charlie that well-coached teams don't rack up bone head penalties like this (maybe pass that sentiment onto Mr. Hayseed too).

The gameplan was forced, really. Throw to Tate and run the ball? Doesn't take a genius to figure that out! OH OH, heres comes that dreaded Bermuda Triangle called the 3rd Quarter. Does everyone seriously forget their brains in the locker room at half time?

The Defense, yes they bent, but they only gave up 21 points, please read the "How To Tackle" chapter in your football players handbook. Section 1.

Jimmy Heisman Clausen. Bro is hurt, out for a good portion of the game. Comes back in, drives the team, kills the clock and throws the winning TD on 4th down. This is what Irish legends are made of.

-Yes

-Yes

-and that's for damn sure!

I think it's about time Roby Toma got to play a down.

I'm with you...kid's got some fire...and I'm pretty sure he could at least line up correctly.

 

[notredomer23]

Well considering Roby Toma wasnt at the game it would be tough for him to play a down.

 

[wahoo]

The Irish beat a very average team today. It's very frustrating to watch this defense play although they did do a better job stopping the run today. I'm just glad Purdue scored quickly and gave it back to the offense with enough time for Jimmy to get them down the field. he is really starting to lead this team now....wish someone would do that on the defensive side of the ball

 

[mick2]

1.) We won.
2.) JC only played like 4 series, and we won
3.) armando and floyd werent playin and we won

you cant really take anything from this game and predict the future, every game is a different monster. we'll hopefully be fully rested and ready to go for usc, i still think the usc game will be very close and we have just as good a shot to beat them than anyone else.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Guys there are many WRs that need a look, probably before Toma so he can get a redshirt or something. Look at Goodman, kid has speed and moves. Saw him return a punt 20+ yards with agility.