Post Game Observations...

[GoingGreen]

with your wideouts and Rudolph, yes it should of been. But again, this is your QB's second start, ever, and your entire teams second time out in BK's system. Also, and I'm not trying to poke a sore spot, but it's not like he was Payton Manning...see final throw for more information

He was better than the backups though.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Originally Posted by Irish93
Michigan scored 21 points simply because ND couldn't even get a first down after Crist went down.


No, we scored 21 because you couldn't stop us. You made some adjustments at half and were able to keep us out of the endzone, our kicker kept us off the scoreboard. You knew what our game plan was going to be and you still couldn't stop us when it counted, we are that good.

Denard was able to throw for 200+ and run for 200+, in order for that to happen he had to have a line open holes and pass protect, and he had to have receivers catch and hold on to the ball. Our D was able to keep your running game and your receivers in check, except Rudolph. So our team did what it needed to do.
__________________
YouTube - 2010 Michigan football: Sometimes When You're On

I have a good friend that is a Michigan fan, so good that it doesn't matter. But he said to me: “I don't know who won the line of scrimmage, but I don't think we really did. It wasn't a convincing win, but I'll take it!”

I actually thought that summed things up.

As far as the twenty-one points: the first was an instant turn and strike once Rees turned over the ball; which is what any team should do. I rarely believe in momentum, but that was a classic example.

The third was an individual play against a series of poor adjustments and during a time the defense had been on the field far too long. Seven-seven first half, without Dayne. Who won the second half? I just don't see where UM outperformed anyone, Saturday.

Several observations: I have said since I saw Rees high school films he was not quick or strong enough for the game at this level (Nice kid and competitor). Brian Smith did not stay on his feet, (well enough) the rest of the team did well against the chop block. It doesn't matter who is the Qb if you don't get the ball to Floyd, Jones, and Riddick as well as Kyle; and Ian Williams and Chris Stewart were absolute BEASTS!!

Finally, to the Michigan fan. You guys are so great. You talk as if you have a program that has accomplished anything in the last two years. Hasn’t your overall record compared to ours. Hell, two years ago the University of Toledo came to your Big House and BEAT YOU. And their coach got fired that year. It was one of like two wins for them. It kind of sounds like you are lecturing from a position of exhausted success.

This year going through the Big Ten schedule, week after week Denard will get drilled. Chances of him surviving to Ohio State are minimal. This has been why RichRod is a good game coach and his overall record is just above .500. He has to cannibalize his defense to feed his offense. And that is because his best offensive starters get hurt. This year Michigan is a one trick pony. Watch.

 

[Irish Rogue]

The glaring issue no one has focused on was that our Punting was terrible, which put michigan in good field position. Obviously Robinson is talented but to give them good field position creates danger for ND's defense. The punter needs to iron his game out.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

The glaring issue no one has focused on was that our Punting was terrible, which put michigan in good field position. Obviously Robinson is talented but to give them good field position creates danger for ND's defense. The punter needs to iron his game out.

We could get better but I thought Michigans punting was MUCH worse than ours. It really helped us a few times get better field position than we should have gotten. He kept kicking them low and straight, the ball got to our return guys really quick allowing for more time to return the ball before their guys could get down field.

 

[Butchie]

In light of how this game unfolded . . . . Coach Kelly lost the game. Kick the field goal at the end of the half & we win in the closing seconds with another filed goal. That was arrogant and stupid. I can't understand that one call and it cost us the entire game. If we would have managed the game like Dayne was out and took what ever we could get point wise until he returns, we win. michigan's QB did not win that game. ND's Coaching lost that game.

 

[Rocket89]

kind of interesting BK said today that Crist had swelling on the right side of his face. as much football as i played in the past, never had that happen.

except when i played a couple times of sandlot football


also, anyone who wanted to see Massa or Hendrix, it's not going to happen this year, BK said he is having them sit this whole year so they will just need to work on Rees and Montana more

Did BK say that about Hendrix and Massa recently? I've never heard him come out and say they were not playing this year. Last I heard they were both on scout team and could work their way up during the year.

I agreed with keeping Hendrix out this year, but after watching the game yesterday, I think we have to give him some more reps and see what he can do. If Crist isn't in put Hendrix in there and throw the ball deep, we'll never move the ball with Montana and Rees dinking the ball down field.

 

[military_irish]

Did BK say that about Hendrix and Massa recently? I've never heard him come out and say they were not playing this year. Last I heard they were both on scout team and could work their way up during the year.

I agreed with keeping Hendrix out this year, but after watching the game yesterday, I think we have to give him some more reps and see what he can do. If Crist isn't in put Hendrix in there and throw the ball deep, we'll never move the ball with Montana and Rees dinking the ball down field.

it is here Notre Dame Official Athletics All Access

under the video name Audio Only Coach Kelly, it was in a press conference he had today which is normally done over the phone with the press guys.

and i'm not sure of his exact quote but he said for certain they won't play

 

[Rocket89]

it is here Notre Dame Official Athletics All Access

under the video name Audio Only Coach Kelly, it was in a press conference he had today which is normally done over the phone with the press guys.

and i'm not sure of his exact quote but he said for certain they won't play

Ahhh, thanks for the clarification.

Not really sure I agree with that decision, but that's why Kelly gets paid the big bucks.

 

[NDFan4Life]

In light of how this game unfolded . . . . Coach Kelly lost the game. Kick the field goal at the end of the half & we win in the closing seconds with another filed goal. That was arrogant and stupid. I can't understand that one call and it cost us the entire game. If we would have managed the game like Dayne was out and took what ever we could get point wise until he returns, we win. michigan's QB did not win that game. ND's Coaching lost that game.

Actually, at the time of the play. nobody knew if Dayne would be back.

Hindsight is a great thing, isn't it? But calling BK's play-calling "arrogant and stupid" is beyond ignorant.

 

[kmoose]

Actually, at the time of the play. nobody knew if Dayne would be back.

Hindsight is a great thing, isn't it? But calling BK's play-calling "arrogant and stupid" is beyond ignorant.

I completely agree with the sentiment that calling Kelly out on that ONE play is ridiculous. But, the fact that we didn't know if Crist would be back or not was even MORE of a reason to take points when we could. It was a bad choice on Kelly's part. That doesn't make him a bad coach, it just means that he made a bad choice. We can say that the guy made a bad choice, without indicting the whole body of his work.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

In light of how this game unfolded . . . . Coach Kelly lost the game. Kick the field goal at the end of the half & we win in the closing seconds with another filed goal. That was arrogant and stupid. I can't understand that one call and it cost us the entire game. If we would have managed the game like Dayne was out and took what ever we could get point wise until he returns, we win. michigan's QB did not win that game. ND's Coaching lost that game.

Exactly!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Again, as long as you are talking about that choice, not the coach or whole staff. How well would you have done? I would have probably gone for the touchdown too, which is why I am making the really big bucks posting here!

 

[kmoose]

Again, as long as you are talking about that choice, not the coach or whole staff. How well would you have done? I would have probably gone for the touchdown too, which is why I am making the really big bucks posting here!

I can only speak for myself, but....

If my starting QB is injured, return unknown, and my backup(s) can't seem to do anything right? I'm taking each and every point that I can get, when I can get them. I'm not leaving ANY points on the field.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

The glaring issue no one has focused on was that our Punting was terrible, which put michigan in good field position. Obviously Robinson is talented but to give them good field position creates danger for ND's defense. The punter needs to iron his game out.

That's a good point. When he's right, there aren't many people better in the country. He's got to get right.

 

[]\/[GoBlue]

As far as the twenty-one points: the first was an instant turn and strike once Rees turned over the ball; which is what any team should do. I rarely believe in momentum, but that was a classic example.

The third was an individual play against a series of poor adjustments and during a time the defense had been on the field far too long. Seven-seven first half, without Dayne. Who won the second half? I just don't see where UM outperformed anyone, Saturday.

How do you not see where you were out performed? You knew what was coming from us and you couldn't stop us. In fact he set a Big10 record and a record at your stadium. Our Line obviously did enough to open holes for Denard and protect him long enough to pass, so I'd call that a win for us. But if you need more proof about our line play lets listen to some ND fans:

Run blocking has been absolutely awful today, even with Crist in the game. We need to just throw it.

We are getting caved in at the tackles.

They are getting pressure... with a THREE MAN RUSH.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Finally, to the Michigan fan. You guys are so great. You talk as if you have a program that has accomplished anything in the last two years. Hasn’t your overall record compared to ours. Hell, two years ago the University of Toledo came to your Big House and BEAT YOU. And their coach got fired that year. It was one of like two wins for them. It kind of sounds like you are lecturing from a position of exhausted success.

I've had to use this twice now

This year going through the Big Ten schedule, week after week Denard will get drilled. Chances of him surviving to Ohio State are minimal. This has been why RichRod is a good game coach and his overall record is just above .500. He has to cannibalize his defense to feed his offense. And that is because his best offensive starters get hurt. This year Michigan is a one trick pony. Watch.

A) we've converted wideouts to help out in the secondary, look things up before you speak
B) I'm pretty sure his % is close to .600, and taking over Salem, Glennville State, and West Virgina and turning them around will do that to a record. And you know, West Virgina had such a crappy record and all...
C) And as for us being a one trick pony, well it's obviously a pretty good trick.

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[Bubba]

Cute poster, Blue. At least Syracuse is D-1 football. You have rendered your argument as invalid as well by losing to App State!!!

 

[]\/[GoBlue]

Yes a D1 team that only won one game that year, while appy was an embarrassment they at least won their division that year, and the year before. Oh, we also beat you 38 - 0 that year.

 

[Bubba]

You usually have good input...just sayin' don't get so cute. I'll give it to ya, we have pretty much sucked for the last 15 or so years, but our time is coming back around. This was the first loss in many, many years that I didn't come away from with an awful feeling. Kelly will teach these guys how to win. Like he said right after the game, we don't have a breaking point. I agree.

You guys will have a good year, but Denard is the only weapon you have. He will wear down if he continues at this pace. And, eventually, he's gonna get hurt if you don't find someone on the team to compliment him.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Cracks me up! Boy did I hit a nerve.

In the past RichRod has stolen from the defense to feed his offense. Look at those WVa teams. Nobody gave up more than them; you can't do that in the Big Ten. This year, what's a boy going to do? Where did you think his DB shortage came from? The proof is in the pudding, stick with this board, we will chat more as the season progresses. My point is there is going to be nobody left. And if (or when) Denard goes down . . .

As far as most of the other stuff, like the loss to ‘Cuse, try to follow here, that coach is no longer with the program. Charlie in KC, RichRod in AA. Besides, I have been embarrassed far worse than that! Still, that Rockets game, I had tickets that day and went with a friend that was a former DB for U of T, and I could swear that was RichRod on the sideline. I could be wrong.

Because I saw a game with plenty of "domination" occurring when Crist was at QB. He ran that offense seven points ahead of Denard (actually ten), with one eye for all but the first series!

 

[]\/[GoBlue]

You usually have good input...just sayin' don't get so cute. I'll give it to ya, we have pretty much sucked for the last 15 or so years, but our time is coming back around. This was the first loss in many, many years that I didn't come away from with an awful feeling. Kelly will teach these guys how to win. Like he said right after the game, we don't have a breaking point. I agree.

You guys will have a good year, but Denard is the only weapon you have. He will wear down if he continues at this pace. And, eventually, he's gonna get hurt if you don't find someone on the team to compliment him.

There is nothing in your post that I disagree with. But I'll get 'cute' with whomever wishes to talk smack with me, that should be expected.

 

[IrishLax]

Thanks, the reason I post here is because most of the posters here are insightful and fairly even keel (except gameday, but who is?). Honestly had I found this place earlier I might not hate the Irish as much

To add on to that sentiment... at the game on Saturday I sat behind two Michigan fans and instantly assumed they would be total douchebags because they were being so "GO BLUE!!!" pre-game. By halftime we were cracking jokes about the epic fail that was Michigan special teams and by the end of the game I liked them enough to congratulate them on their victory and they were reasonable enough to admit if Crist didn't miss the first half ND probably would have won.

While I still hate most of my engineering colleagues from Michigan because they are arrogant enough to call UM the "Harvard of the Midwest" with a straight face... I must say I find their fans a lot more tolerable than USC fans, Ohio State fans and Virginia Tech fans among others.

PS. It is really comical to listen to people yell "GO BLUE!" when the team is wearing white.

 

[]\/[GoBlue]

Cracks me up! Boy did I hit a nerve.

In the past RichRod has stolen from the defense to feed his offense. Look at those WVa teams. Nobody gave up more than them; you can't do that in the Big Ten. This year, what's a boy going to do? Where did you think his DB shortage came from? The proof is in the pudding, stick with this board, we will chat more as the season progresses. My point is there is going to be nobody left. And if (or when) Denard goes down . . .

As far as most of the other stuff, like the loss to ‘Cuse, try to follow here, that coach is no longer with the program. Charlie in KC, RichRod in AA. Besides, I have been embarrassed far worse than that! Still, that Rockets game, I had tickets that day and went with a friend that was a former DB for U of T, and I could swear that was RichRod on the sideline. I could be wrong.

Because I saw a game with plenty of "domination" occurring when Crist was at QB. He ran that offense seven points ahead of Denard (actually ten), with one eye for all but the first series!

Show me this proof you speak of.

and yes, 2008 was a bad year, it's well documented. But that's 2008. Now, try and follow me here, we beat you yesterday. So I guess to finish my discussion, I will close with the best argument that can be brought. Are you ready for it?

Scoreboard

 

[IrishLax]

Yes a D1 team that only won one game that year, while appy was an embarrassment they at least won their division that year, and the year before. Oh, we also beat you 38 - 0 that year.

So... if a basketball team lost to a last place team in their conference that would be less embarrassing than losing to the 16 seed who won their conference? And you did not beat us 38-0 the same year we lost to Syracuse... we beat you 35-17.

 

[mgriff]

How do you not see where you were out performed? You knew what was coming from us and you couldn't stop us. In fact he set a Big10 record and a record at your stadium. Our Line obviously did enough to open holes for Denard and protect him long enough to pass, so I'd call that a win for us. But if you need more proof about our line play lets listen to some ND fans:






I've had to use this twice now

A) we've converted wideouts to help out in the secondary, look things up before you speak
B) I'm pretty sure his % is close to .600, and taking over Salem, Glennville State, and West Virgina and turning them around will do that to a record. And you know, West Virgina had such a crappy record and all...
C) And as for us being a one trick pony, well it's obviously a pretty good trick.

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Robinson beat us, therefore, Michigan beat us. If Crist was in the whole game it may have turned out differently, but he wasn't, and it didn't. We lost to Michigan again, when we should have beaten them. The last two years we should have won, but the bottom line is, we didn't. Michigan beat us two years in a row no matter what anyone wants to say or argue.

Robinson is sick, and he should be at the top of the Heisman voting right now. I highly doubt he will make it through the season like this though. Once Michigan hits the Big Ten schedule Robinson is going to get beat up having to carry the load that much. Enjoy the victory, you earned it. While you should certainly celebrate the victory, I wouldn't be overconfident. There is no way Robinson will last all season having to be the whole team. The defense is very weak, and there will definitely be losses for you in the future. The Syracuse comment, really? You lost to App. State when you were ranked in the top 5 in the country. ND was going through one of its worst years ever, and lost to 'Cuse. While it is still embarrassing, we still never ever played a IAA team, nevermind losing to one at home and being highly ranked. Can't wait to see you next year, enjoy it, because it may be the highlight of the year, again, once you hit the conference schedule.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogtrotter07
Cracks me up! Boy did I hit a nerve.

In the past RichRod has stolen from the defense to feed his offense. Look at those WVa teams. Nobody gave up more than them; you can't do that in the Big Ten. This year, what's a boy going to do? Where did you think his DB shortage came from? The proof is in the pudding, stick with this board, we will chat more as the season progresses. My point is there is going to be nobody left. And if (or when) Denard goes down . . .

As far as most of the other stuff, like the loss to ‘Cuse, try to follow here, that coach is no longer with the program. Charlie in KC, RichRod in AA. Besides, I have been embarrassed far worse than that! Still, that Rockets game, I had tickets that day and went with a friend that was a former DB for U of T, and I could swear that was RichRod on the sideline. I could be wrong.

Because I saw a game with plenty of "domination" occurring when Crist was at QB. He ran that offense seven points ahead of Denard (actually ten), with one eye for all but the first series!
Show me this proof you speak of.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ]\/[GoBlue
Yes a D1 team that only won one game that year, while appy was an embarrassment they at least won their division that year, and the year before. Oh, we also beat you 38 - 0 that year.
So... if a basketball team lost to a last place team in their conference that would be less embarrassing than losing to the 16 seed who won their conference? And you did not beat us 38-0 the same year we lost to Syracuse... we beat you 35-17.

We will keep our eye on the scoreboard oh yes, oh yes we will, oh yes!!!

The first thing that anyone that has ever played the game knows, is that the last place you turn to improve your game, is to the scoreboard.

Anybody else find it funny that a 4 point victory down to the last 6 seconds against a team forced to play three QB's, with the starter out for almost a half, is domination, by mass superiority? Oh yeah, and it takes all of the power and authority out of a declaration when ending that sentence with a preposition. What were you thinking of?

 

[ACamp1900]

I would really think ANY UM fan would take a deep breath and say "Thank God" after this game and leave it at that... when Crist was in the game we outscored you 24-7... even a fan DYING to talk shit to ND fans would have to know that and just let it be... yet here people are on this board and everywhere else talking shit like they proved anything other than they had the ball last... had we had the ball with enough time we all know it would have been different, but we didn't, congrats...

I grew up in LA during the decade of dominace, during this time I sought out and talked shit to exactly ZERO usc fans... over TEN YEARS... period


it's called class.

 

[military_irish]

what i thought was kind of funny was at the end of the game some one was interviewing Robinson and ask what he said to the offense before their last drive and he said " we've let them hang in too long let's just finish"

the way i take that is he thought it was crazy ND should even be ahead at the time, i just had to laugh because Michigan thinks too highly of themselves sometimes

 

[phork]

what i thought was kind of funny was at the end of the game some one was interviewing Robinson and ask what he said to the offense before their last drive and he said " we've let them hang in too long let's just finish"

the way i take that is he thought it was crazy ND should even be ahead at the time, i just had to laugh because Michigan thinks too highly of themselves sometimes

Sadly he was right. Starting QB for the opposition out? Offense floundering? You are unstoppable on the ground? That score for all shits and giggles should have been 35-7.

Saying that, Michigan is a one trick pony. Even deserving the win, both teams fought hard, when that pony pulls up lame its time for the glue factory.

 

[]\/[GoBlue]

I would really think ANY UM fan would take a deep breath and say "Thank God" after this game and leave it at that... when Crist was in the game we outscored you 24-7... even a fan DYING to talk shit to ND fans would have to know that and just let it be... yet here people are on this board and everywhere else talking shit like they proved anything other than they had the ball last... had we had the ball with enough time we all know it would have been different, but we didn't, congrats...

I grew up in LA during the decade of dominace, during this time I sought out and talked shit to exactly ZERO usc fans... over TEN YEARS... period


it's called class.

I've shown class, but I'm tired of defending a win. Why should I have to? We won and all we had was apparently one trick. I find it ironic that the week leading up to our game many on this board said that *insert Irish defense man here* would hurt/break Denard and he'd be out for the game, and who ends up getting hurt? Now it's all; 'if we had Crist it would of been different'.

I think BK will turn this program around, you've got loads of talent and he's a great coach. I also think he made the right call at the time with the half time field goal, he knew he had a great shot for a TD and didn't know how Crist would be.

 

[IrishLax]

I've shown class, but I'm tired of defending a win. Why should I have to? We won and all we had was apparently one trick. I find it ironic that the week leading up to our game many on this board said that *insert Irish defense man here* would hurt/break Denard and he'd be out for the game, and who ends up getting hurt? Now it's all; 'if we had Crist it would of been different'.

I think BK will turn this program around, you've got loads of talent and he's a great coach. I also think he made the right call at the time with the half time field goal, he knew he had a great shot for a TD and didn't know how Crist would be.

That really is quite ironic lol