My post game observations, for those who are interested, are as such:
1. It took me quite awhile to digest whether I liked the gold helmets or not. But, after much consideration, I don't. They just look...weird. It's like they're trying to be "pure glimmering gold" and since we know they are not made of gold (albeit containing gold dust, but the helmets always did regardless of base color) I think in the end they just ended up looking "cheap". What the hell was wrong with the ones we had? Why must we incessantly screw with the uniform as a whole or in pieces? Can't we find a simple and powerful look, keep it, and move on?
2. I'm pretty proud of the way this team played itself back into the game. I was thinking after the Crist fumble exchange from center that it was "over". But, the team did a nice job battling back until Rees's unfortunate case of "just being average" came back and he turned the ball over with a chance to tie the game.
3. The defense, usually stellar in stretches this season, just got slapped in the mouth. Really...say what you will, but USC has absolutely no fear of Notre Dame anymore. It's not even a rivalry. They know they own us and outside of a fluke like last season, they can come in and do whatever they hell they please. That must be incredibly empowering to their sense of confidence.
4. Along those lines, the point of attack, line surge and tackling were especially atrocious tonight. Just really, really **** poor effort from the D as a unit.
5. The offense was it's usual, unspectacular self. I mean, especially here lately, we get yards. Hell, we even get points...but when we really need either we just fold like a tent. Plus, this crazy turnover situation this season is so far beyond out of hand it's like bad comedy.
6. Micheal Floyd, while it is incumbent on the offense to get him the ball, was essentially shut down by a much smaller corner one on one. Sure, the offense as a whole did a **** poor job of getting him the ball often...when they did go to him he allowed the much smaller corner to just outplay him.
7. Our run game dried up into a dusty gulch.
8. Whatever the hell kind of atmosphere we were trying to create with the towels and the music in between plays was odd and didn't work. This isn't Wisconsin or Penn State...leave the Jumbotron music and slapdash momentum boosts for the NFL please. Notre Dame is much more classy than to cheapen the experience into making it a rock concert. I love music...especially rock music...but c'mon. That was just so out of place.
9. We have some pretty good talent...on par with a lot of other top programs out there (which is saying something given our difficult academic standards and the fact we don't pay kids to play). But, our collection of "just average" QB's is our own worst enemy. Every guy we have is just not Prime Time enough to really get it done. We have no Matt Barkley, Andrew Luck, Case Keenum, Landry Jones, etc. Other schools do...but we have four QB's that if we put them all together into one QB might be good enough.
10. We got severely outcoached by Lame Kiffin and his staff, and that's sad. Not only because Lame is a pretty average coach (now his Dad is a badass), but we even had an EXTRA WEEK to get ready. Atrocious coaching.
11. What is it with this team and coming out flat? How amped up to you really need to get to not only be playing division one football, but for historic Notre Dame?! Really?! It amazes me how these guys come out and just hem and haw around like "Oh, damn...I didn't realize we were playing today!" It's like they cannot play until someone slaps them in the mouth, insults their Mom, and takes their chocolate milk. Then, and only then, do we start playing. WTF?
12. Jonas Grey has really turned it around. I like that guy running the rock.
13. Gary Grey, unfortunately, is still a terrible CB. Sorry Gary, nothing personal, but you take terrible angles and have very poor hip movement and coverage skills. Not really sure how you've made it this far, but please...get your degree! I don't see the NFL coming for you bro.
14. The refs tonight were especially **** poor. You could almost see the Trojan Bucks™ sticking out of their pockets.
15. This team is stuck in mediocrity and occasionally has flashes of greatness. Like they said in "Clueless" about Monet's work..."Looks great from afar but up close it's just a big 'ol mess."
