Post Game Observations

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I'm glad we won this game comfortably. I missed the entire first half of the game because I was on the road, but caught the entire 3rd quarter and some of the fourth. We looked pretty good from what I saw, with the exception of the TJ call, where I was left shaking my head and wondering what on earth that was all about, and then the interception that Crist threw, but I liked how we were able to move the ball and of course Michael Floyd looked really good.

 

[irish1958]

WMU's "204 pound defensive end" is super quick. Even if you weigh 500 pounds if you can't catch him, you can't block him.
That kid is good and will play in the NFL after he grows up.
(Bill Polian please take note.)

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

WMU's "204 pound defensive end" is super quick. Even if you weigh 500 pounds if you can't catch him, you can't block him.
That kid is good and will play in the NFL after he grows up.
(Bill Polian please take note.)

I'm sure Bill Polian is taking notice...., LOL. You know he loves those ends with some serious speed...., It is always fun watching Mathis and Freeney. The kid needs to get biggger though.,

 

[DomeisourHome]

I'm glad we won this game comfortably. I missed the entire first half of the game because I was on the road, but caught the entire 3rd quarter and some of the fourth. We looked pretty good from what I saw, with the exception of the TJ call, where I was left shaking my head and wondering what on earth that was all about, and then the interception that Crist threw, but I liked how we were able to move the ball and of course Michael Floyd looked really good.

Did we ever get an explanation on that TJ penalty? There was no one within 10 yards of him.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

Did we ever get an explanation on that TJ penalty? There was no one within 10 yards of him.

That call just flat out puzzles me to no end. I certainly didn't see anyone close to him, let alone an offensive pass interference call. Unless he shoved a mysterious ghost out there, I have no idea what those refs were thinking and I have not heard of any explanation for that call.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Assuming it wasn't a conspiracy, it had to be on another player on a different part of the field didn't it?? Experts can tell us what the rule of "interference" is for someone not directly involved with the play as it finally occurs. But maybe...it IS a conspiracy.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Assuming it wasn't a conspiracy, it had to be on another player on a different part of the field didn't it?? Experts can tell us what the rule of "interference" is for someone not directly involved with the play as it finally occurs. But maybe...it IS a conspiracy.

As I type this, I have the game frozen on the play. No one was near TJ. TV angle does not show when flag was thrown. No ND receivers touched anyone. It is what I have been saying - anytime in the last few years that ND gets momentum going or gets a huge play, the refs jump in to nullify it. This is a classic example. I really wish ND would call out these refs and ask for proof and accountability. That call was a complete sham.

Is it a matter of refs trying to keep the game close to keep viewership up? There has got to be something going on here.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

As I type this, I have the game frozen on the play. No one was near TJ. TV angle does not show when flag was thrown. No ND receivers touched anyone. It is what I have been saying - anytime in the last few years that ND gets momentum going or gets a huge play, the refs jump in to nullify it. This is a classic example. I really wish ND would call out these refs and ask for proof and accountability. That call was a complete sham.

Is it a matter of refs trying to keep the game close to keep viewership up? There has got to be something going on here.

That was one of the worst calls I have seen in a long time. There wasn't ANYONE close to TJ and I have seen the play a few times and still am pissed about it. I also feel there are always these kinds of questionable calls that kill our momentum at times. It gets frustrating.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

As I type this, I have the game frozen on the play. No one was near TJ. TV angle does not show when flag was thrown. No ND receivers touched anyone. It is what I have been saying - anytime in the last few years that ND gets momentum going or gets a huge play, the refs jump in to nullify it. This is a classic example. I really wish ND would call out these refs and ask for proof and accountability. That call was a complete sham.

Is it a matter of refs trying to keep the game close to keep viewership up? There has got to be something going on here.

Refs called the wrong number..Check out Goodman on the play

 

[eNDzone]

One thing that stuck out to me the most in this game was coaching. In previous years our team would have come out at half time more lackluster than the first half . We probably would have won, but it would have been close. Kelly just "informed" the team they were not playing like they should and the defence comes out and totally shuts WM down. The first string offence dominated while they were in there and we could have easily ran the score up into the 50's. But Kelly decided to work on his next man in philosophy which makes sence considering our injury status.
I also enjoyed watching Kelly rip the official after the bad calls on the Jones interference and the Floyd tackle in the endzone. When he called the time out I thought he was going to rip the team for almost causing a delay of game . While they were away for commercials he hammered the ref the whole time. Now that's a coach letting the refs and the players know what he expects out of them.

I had a great day at the game. Scored cheap tickets for me and some of my kids that have never seen a game. Great participation in the wave. I also got to shake Teo's hand after the game. Am I supposed to wash my hand again or not?

 

[GoIrish41]

my observation is that most of the discussion this week is focused on game jerseys, bad refs and debate about the new NBC announcers. That is a real positive because we are not talking about getting beat or 60 mins of bad football. Gotta love a blowout.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Refs called the wrong number..Check out Goodman on the play

Goodman was 20 yards away at the goal line when he went to make a block almost simultaneous to the catch. That was IN NO WAYpass interference. Clear case of refs having their hands on the flag looking anything before the play ended.

Diz, add some insight please.

 

[Guest]

Are you ready for this, I was watching the play through my binocks and the field judge motioned the penalty on #7 of the defense. How it got turned around to TJ, I have no idea. I haven't reviewed the video, but it was obvious as I saw it through the glasses.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Are you ready for this, I was watching the play through my binocks and the field judge motioned the penalty on #7 of the defense. How it got turned around to TJ, I have no idea. I haven't reviewed the video, but it was obvious as I saw it through the glasses.

Yeah, 7 on defense was covering Goodman at the goal line and they made contact right as soon as the catch was made, then 7 assisted with the tackle and almost appeared to lead with the head, although it was his left shoulder.

Anyway, another point I was making on some other thread who knows where by this point, was that I disagreed with Kelly not giving either himself or his staff credit for making adjustments at the half, and putting all the blame on his athletes. I have once or twice questioned why an offense with so many receivers have no quick option for a blitz. Well, two plays after the bad TJ call, ND threw a tiny quick lob screen pass for a large gain. That was a COACHING adjustment to answer the blitz. It only took 7 games for Kelly to figure that one out. COACHING and play calling can help an athlete look either great or stupid.

Crist has taken lots of heat, but he sure looked great in the second half, after COACHES came up with a better answer.

That's my opinion right now. Check for later updates. lol.

(And before I sign out, let me remind everyone that I think this staff from top to bottom is the best I have seen since the Holtz years. Some future head coaches going to come out of this staff. Hopefully later rather than sooner...)

 

[phgreek]

Refs called the wrong number..Check out Goodman on the play

leme guess...in the rule book it could also be considered a pick play....hehehe I'm kidding.

Proud of the boys though...too many things that allowed WMU to stay in this, but enough of a beat down where it rendered the Zebra conspiracy a mute point...just the way I like it...its extra rewarding when the refs leave the field feeling they lost too.

On the call itself...yea I know 81 and 7 look alike on a jersey...and being that they were so close together...I see how that happens...if you wear coke bottles for glasses that is!

I'll end with this...find me one call like it across the entirety of the NCAA football landscape where one guy 20 yards from the play is called for "interference"...even if it really was interference (which Goodman's play didn't appear to be)...so long as the defender doesn't get tackled...its a no call

Being the optimist/opportunist...I'm beginning to video log some of these calls...ya know kinda like a bird collector, because they will likely never be seen outside an ND game...and my friends are amazed...and a collection such as this will be worth money someday.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Dr. phgreek, I think you meant moot. lol.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Man Mike
Assuming it wasn't a conspiracy, it had to be on another player on a different part of the field didn't it?? Experts can tell us what the rule of "interference" is for someone not directly involved with the play as it finally occurs. But maybe...it IS a conspiracy.
As I type this, I have the game frozen on the play. No one was near TJ. TV angle does not show when flag was thrown. No ND receivers touched anyone. It is what I have been saying - anytime in the last few years that ND gets momentum going or gets a huge play, the refs jump in to nullify it. This is a classic example. I really wish ND would call out these refs and ask for proof and accountability. That call was a complete sham.

Is it a matter of refs trying to keep the game close to keep viewership up? There has got to be something going on here.

Go on, pray tell!

Quote:
Originally Posted by NeuteredDoomer
As I type this, I have the game frozen on the play. No one was near TJ. TV angle does not show when flag was thrown. No ND receivers touched anyone. It is what I have been saying - anytime in the last few years that ND gets momentum going or gets a huge play, the refs jump in to nullify it. This is a classic example. I really wish ND would call out these refs and ask for proof and accountability. That call was a complete sham.

Is it a matter of refs trying to keep the game close to keep viewership up? There has got to be something going on here.

Refs called the wrong number..Check out Goodman on the play

Hey I have to tell you now, I didn’t see anything wrong with Goody either. But the more pressing point, and maybe a math major could step in here, how does a ref confuse number 7 with number 81. I can see how that’s so close single versus double digit . . . Wait a minute, this begs the question, “and you are going to trust the call of an official that makes a mistake like that????

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Polish Irishman
Refs called the wrong number..Check out Goodman on the play
Goodman was 20 yards away at the goal line when he went to make a block almost simultaneous to the catch. That was IN NO WAYpass interference, and any ND fan who will justify that call in the interest of being the "neutral ND gentleman realistic fan" is flat out WRONG. Clear case of refs having their hands on the flag looking anything before the play ended.

Diz, add some insight please.

Yeah! (Bo be carful your anger may cause some testicular sprouts!)

Are you ready for this, I was watching the play through my binocks and the field judge motioned the penalty on #7 of the defense. How it got turned around to TJ, I have no idea. I haven't reviewed the video, but it was obvious as I saw it through the glasses.

BOya redux!

I am back to OldManMike’s sage wisdom. It is a conspiracy! They are trying as hard as they can to keep Notre Dame mediocre! Every time we get out, they draw us right back in!

 

[amgarvey]

leme guess...in the rule book it could also be considered a pick play....hehehe I'm kidding.

Proud of the boys though...too many things that allowed WMU to stay in this, but enough of a beat down where it rendered the Zebra conspiracy a mute point...just the way I like it...its extra rewarding when the refs leave the field feeling they lost too.

On the call itself...yea I know 81 and 7 look alike on a jersey...and being that they were so close together...I see how that happens...if you wear coke bottles for glasses that is!

I'll end with this...find me one call like it across the entirety of the NCAA football landscape where one guy 20 yards from the play is called for "interference"...even if it really was interference (which Goodman's play didn't appear to be)...so long as the defender doesn't get tackled...its a no call

Being the optimist/opportunist...I'm beginning to video log some of these calls...ya know kinda like a bird collector, because they will likely never be seen outside an ND game...and my friends are amazed...and a collection such as this will be worth money someday.

I would be interested in seeing some of the specimens in your collection. I hate to gripe about bad officiating non-stop, but I really believe in Notre Dame's case there are consistenty bad calls/no calls going against us routinely. I have a variety of teams that I root for and don't notice anything of the sort with any of these teams and I am nearly as passionate about those teams. In fact in the Colts case I would say that we probably benefit from some of these calls.

 

[IrishInFl]

Assuming it wasn't a conspiracy, it had to be on another player on a different part of the field didn't it?? Experts can tell us what the rule of "interference" is for someone not directly involved with the play as it finally occurs. But maybe...it IS a conspiracy.

 

[phgreek]

Dr. phgreek, I think you meant moot. lol.

amen...thanks for the correction...can't claim fat fingers...just a fat head on that one

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Man Mike
Assuming it wasn't a conspiracy, it had to be on another player on a different part of the field didn't it?? Experts can tell us what the rule of "interference" is for someone not directly involved with the play as it finally occurs. But maybe...it IS a conspiracy.


__________________

We have lift off! Way to go IrishInFL!

And it was a mute point. I didn't hear a word he said.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Sounds like Cattle Mutilations ["Mutes"] --OH OH!! THAT"S a Conspiracy!!

 

[phgreek]

We have lift off! Way to go IrishInFL!

And it was a mute point. I didn't hear a word he said.

...yea, makes for a funny outcome if you take its literal meaning...not sure why moot became mute today...but they'll be more of those to come I'm sure...

 

[Old Man Mike]

After all this funny stuff, I have a thought that I'd like to take seriously for a microsecond, realizing that it seems so stupid that a microsecond is all it deserves. Could it possibly be that a back judge [or whomever it was] is watching Raheam Buxton bumping with John Goodman, and decides to flag Buxton [#7]. Meanwhile, TJ [#7] makes a fabulous catch, wide open, no body contact with anyone at any time. The referee rushes to the spot and so does the back judge. He informs the ref that he has interference on #7. Maybe he says "defense" maybe he doesn't; maybe the referee doesn't hear it correctly but thinks he does. The back judge walks away. The ref flips on his mike and announces that TJ [#7], the "#7" he's been looking at, has interfered. The back judge doesn't pick up on this right away. By the time he focusses in, he decides to coward his way out, swallows his tongue,and doesn't embarrass the head ref further. Sounds like a short story, but pretty lame. Wonder if such things would ever go on?

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

After all this funny stuff, I have a thought that I'd like to take seriously for a microsecond, realizing that it seems so stupid that a microsecond is all it deserves. Could it possibly be that a back judge [or whomever it was] is watching Raheam Buxton bumping with John Goodman, and decides to flag Buxton [#7]. Meanwhile, TJ [#7] makes a fabulous catch, wide open, no body contact with anyone at any time. The referee rushes to the spot and so does the back judge. He informs the ref that he has interference on #7. Maybe he says "defense" maybe he doesn't; maybe the referee doesn't hear it correctly but thinks he does. The back judge walks away. The ref flips on his mike and announces that TJ [#7], the "#7" he's been looking at, has interfered. The back judge doesn't pick up on this right away. By the time he focusses in, he decides to coward his way out, swallows his tongue,and doesn't embarrass the head ref further. Sounds like a short story, but pretty lame. Wonder if such things would ever go on?

You know.., I can actually see it happening like this..., I mean there just really isn't anything that can explain it, unless like I posted earlier, that there was a ghost or something that TJ shoved down to the ground. I have seen some strange calls but this one takes the cake.

 

[phgreek]

After all this funny stuff, I have a thought that I'd like to take seriously for a microsecond, realizing that it seems so stupid that a microsecond is all it deserves. Could it possibly be that a back judge [or whomever it was] is watching Raheam Buxton bumping with John Goodman, and decides to flag Buxton [#7]. Meanwhile, TJ [#7] makes a fabulous catch, wide open, no body contact with anyone at any time. The referee rushes to the spot and so does the back judge. He informs the ref that he has interference on #7. Maybe he says "defense" maybe he doesn't; maybe the referee doesn't hear it correctly but thinks he does. The back judge walks away. The ref flips on his mike and announces that TJ [#7], the "#7" he's been looking at, has interfered. The back judge doesn't pick up on this right away. By the time he focusses in, he decides to coward his way out, swallows his tongue,and doesn't embarrass the head ref further. Sounds like a short story, but pretty lame. Wonder if such things would ever go on?

...based on what I read earlier in this thread, it would seem the most likely explanation...so where is the Big E to explain that one? Uh...our crew, through no fault of theirs, or the Big chEast became confused due to the student section, and delivered a technically accurate call, but assesed the penalty incorrectly on Notre dame...BUT we didn't chEast or anything...

 

[phgreek]

General Observations:

- Horrible first half, beautiful second half.
- The offense is still shaky and inconsistent, but they're getting better.
- Blitzing kills our defense. We still aren't good enough to hold our own if the blitz fails.
- The officiating was AWFUL. Horrific call with the Jones pass interference call.

Individual Observations:

Dayne Crist - C+ - He still needs a lot of work, but he played well enough to get us the win. He throws with the same velocity on every throw, but it 30 yards downfield or 5 yards in front of him.

Cierre Wood - B+ - Great job today. Showed good burst and looked very shifty. And finally, a long touchdown run.

Michael Floyd - A+ - He's hitting his groove. If two big plays aren't called back last week, Floyd could easily have 300 yards in the last two games. Finally, the old Michael Floyd has returned (I hope).

Theo Riddick - Injured - He had that really nice play, and went out injured. Hopefully he's okay and can be ready by Utah, at the latest. I think our receivers are good enough to get us through the Navy and Tulsa games without him.

TJ Jones - Nice catch overruled by a ridiculous call.

Tyler Eifert - A- - Great first start. Turned out a good performance, even by Kyle Rudolph standards. Looked to have some pretty good speed for a tight end on his touchdown.

OL - D+ - Zach Martin kept getting owned by a 204 pound defensive end. Very, very mediocre performance from the line.

DL - C+ - Got pressure. Didn't always get the sack.

Darius Fleming - B - Had a pick. Got a sack or two. I think today was his best game of the season.

Kerry Neal - C+ - He made some plays. Still not very good, but he did make some plays.

Manti Te'o - C+ - He absolutely destroyed somebody on the first drive, but was terrible in coverage.

Carlo Calabrese - D+ - Whiffed on tackles and was poor in coverage.

Gary Gray - A- - Yeah, he was great.

Robert Blanton - B - Pretty solid, I thought.

Darrin Walls - C- - Eh.

Harrison Smith - B - I thought he did fine.

Zeke Motta - B - He made some really nice plays.

David Ruffer - Solid.

Ben Turk - Could be better.

I thought I'd acknowledge the larger post now that I've tap danced on the refs. I agree for the most part...not our ILBs best day...but they hit with ferocity, and were aggressive...

QB...yea, he blisters the ball on short routes...some of that is due to recognition...if he sees things sooner, then he'll get better with touch (I hope). The Int., while avoidable is still on him because he wound up, and lasered it, and threw behind the receiver...now, the TE could have caught it...but, its not an int if the QB misses in front.

RB...starter played like he was nicked up...backup ran well.

Oline...ok I guess. Yea, I'm not tickled having guys at DE south of 240 beating our line. Guy was quick, but at 204, we should have pancaked his A S S so hard he never wanted to play again...and we did block him a few times, so we had the ability to "catch" him, and flatten him out...we just didn't.

Dbacks...pretty solid. I still worry about our safety play in certain personnel combinations and in certain situations. Corners and ILBs are all day tough. Front looks better than they have in a few years. OLBs are tough at times, but seem to be inconsistant.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Sounds like Cattle Mutilations ["Mutes"] --OH OH!! THAT"S a Conspiracy!!

Oh-oh! Here we go. Trying to have a serious afternoon.

YouTube - Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in.

OldManMike: your hypothesis is brilliant, absolutely-fuc*in-brilliant. But it circumvents the need for a conspiracy theory. Occam's razor would find stupidity a much more logical cause. We are talking officials here:

Me I only have a couple things to say (don't care if anyone else said them):

The reffing absolutely sucked today. How much do those Kansas City whoremasters get paid? Whatever it was, it was too much! Seriously, I think we should boycott the Big East. Start a grassroots effort. SOMEONE NEED TO TELL THEM THE REFS NEED TO AT LEAST ACT LIKE THEY ARE WATCHING THE SAME GAME! Can you imagine those calls if this had been a close game? YUP, a fourth loss.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogtrotter07
We have lift off! Way to go IrishInFL!

And it was a mute point. I didn't hear a word he said.

...yea, makes for a funny outcome if you take its literal meaning...not sure why moot became mute today...but they'll be more of those to come I'm sure...

To PHGreek: IT IS A CONSPIRACY!!! (In a forcefull whisper, not quite mute, but quiet so the sound drops like a rock four feet from your computer.)

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

But if it's a very small rock, it might float.

Like a duck.