Post Game Observations.........

[tommyIRISH23]

Not surprising, he is protecting the investment.

Wow. It's understandable, but I'd be furious.

 

[gkIrish]

Not surprising, he is protecting the investment.

Would be understandable but disappointing. You go to war with your team for four years and then (possibly) quit on them? Norte dame invested in him too

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I don't think ND's offense would look half as bad, or be looked at with question marks if we had a QB. Like I said earlier, I saw TJ open many times, and the QB didn't look his way. If we can solid QB, ND has the pieces to do really well

 

[NDMontana]

Well, I can only say that, with 2005 being the exception, the offense of this team has been predictable for 15 years. There have been successes in that 15 year span but, with exception of 2005, those successes have been smoke and mirrors.

Is it an inability to recruit difference makers? Coaching? Some of both? Tough to say.

I'm still all in on Kelly and I'm not going to use next season as the measuring stick but, come 2013, he has expectations to fulfill. No questions asked.

Finally, Tommy Rees cannot be as good as it gets. I don't care if this offense is a spread option, spread, pistol, pro style or any other offense--Rees just isn't a starting DI quarterback. I'm disappointed that BK, who said there would be no situational quarterbacking this game, absolutely used situational quarterbacking. Hendrix started one series (correct me if I'm wrong) but otherwise was inserted in the middle of drives (including the G damn near insulting decision to trot Rees out for the first play of the final drive and then stick Hendrix in to finish the game...WTF??????).

Oh well. On to face another cold, cruel winter.

 

[DillonHall]

1. Not really sure what Diaco was thinking, maybe hes dyslexic and thought that it was 41-0 and not 14-0.

2. Floyd's absence will definitely hurt, but it wouldn't be as bad if we had a decent QB. I only saw limited views of the field, but I saw TJ Jones open a few times, and the QB (both Rees and Hendrix) didn't even glance his way. I think we have the players to run a solid offense, just not a QB to get it done. Maybe Hendrix will emerge, but theres just something about him I don't like. Rees is Rees, he's reached his ceiling.

3. I may be the minority, but I don't think losing our corners will really hurt. They have been suspect all year, and I don't think the next guys in can be that much worse.

4. Danny Fox is terrible in coverage. It'd be nice for a LB to step up in that department.

5. I feel bad for BK. He looks embattled. He is feeling the pressure. He's going to get a ridiculous amount of criticism, and I don't tihnk he deserves it. He is building his team for a fanbase that wants to win now. I wish people would lay off of him for a few years, he's building a team from scratch...it takes time. People just dont get that.

6. I am optimistic for next season, I think the wave of new faces will be more athletic, more aggressive, and better developed football players than those whom are leaving. Our defense will keep us in every game, if someone steps up to be a competent QB then ND will win 9-10 games. But the QB position is paramount, it will be the different between 9/10 wins and 7/8 wins.

2. Good analysis on Hendrix.

3. Blanton had a damn good year, and next year's secondary is not going to be better.

5. Charlie Weis at Kansas is building a team from scratch. Kelly has much more talent available, and it's extremely unimpressive that the team's 8-5 again.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

2. Good analysis on Hendrix.

3. Blanton had a damn good year, and next year's secondary is not going to be better.

5. Charlie Weis at Kansas is building a team from scratch. Kelly has much more talent, and it's extremely unimpressive that the teams 8-5 again.

But he didn't have a QB to use all the talent. Youll only go as far as your QB takes you. It doesn't matter if you have 5 guys whom are 6'9 340 lbs who run 3.8 40's...if you can't get them the ball...then they really arent a factor.Texas is a great example. All that talent the longhorns bring in, but they don't have a QB. This offense wouldn't look that bad if they had a competent QB.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Well, I can only say that, with 2005 being the exception, the offense of this team has been predictable for 15 years. There have been successes in that 15 year span but, with exception of 2005, those successes have been smoke and mirrors.

Is it an inability to recruit difference makers? Coaching? Some of both? Tough to say.

I'm still all in on Kelly and I'm not going to use next season as the measuring stick but, come 2013, he has expectations to fulfill. No questions asked.

Finally, Tommy Rees cannot be as good as it gets. I don't care if this offense is a spread option, spread, pistol, pro style or any other offense--Rees just isn't a starting DI quarterback. I'm disappointed that BK, who said there would be no situational quarterbacking this game, absolutely used situational quarterbacking. Hendrix started one series (correct me if I'm wrong) but otherwise was inserted in the middle of drives (including the G damn near insulting decision to trot Rees out for the first play of the final drive and then stick Hendrix in to finish the game...WTF??????).

Oh well. On to face another cold, cruel winter.

I agree. Hendrix or Golson's weakness can be hidden easier then Rees'. Golson or Hendrix get all the reps from now on

 

[NDMontana]

2. Good analysis on Hendrix.
5. Charlie Weis at Kansas is building a team from scratch. Kelly has much more talent, and it's extremely unimpressive that the teams 8-5 again.

I have to politely disagree. The only skill players that Kelly inherited that fit his scheme are Te'o, Floyd and Eiffert--each of whom would fit any scheme.

He has done a great job of building and improving the one foundational element of successful teams--linemen. Weis either had bad linemen or insufficient coaching competencies as far as linemen go but, either way, the line play has improved significantly.

Kelly is absolutely building from scratch and, unlike Weis, he is focusing on the areas he needs to focus on in order to get the program to where it can be.

Believe me, if either of the lines had not been as improved as they were this year, we would've making our final post game observations for the season after the Stanford game.

 

[Honey Nut Irish]

I think this recruiting class is huge for Kelly. If the class falls apart the "Building a program" mantra will fall on tired ears, if it isn't already. I think Swarbrick is the one who is really on the hot seat. Both he and Kelly could be on a short leash next year.

Whether you are a Kelly guy are not I think you have to agree this is the reality of being the head coach at Notre Dame in the modern era.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I have to politely disagree. The only skill players that Kelly inherited that fit his scheme are Te'o, Floyd and Eiffert--each of whom would fit any scheme.

He has done a great job of building and improving the one foundational element of successful teams--linemen. Weis either had bad linemen or insufficient coaching competencies as far as linemen go but, either way, the line play has improved significantly.

Kelly is absolutely building from scratch and, unlike Weis, he is focusing on the areas he needs to focus on in order to get the program to where it can be.

Believe me, if either of the lines had not been as improved as they were this year, we would've making our final post game observations for the season after the Stanford game.

Yup. I also don't think its our WR's (outside of floyd) that aren't getting it done, they aren't getting the chance to get anything done. QB matters SOOO much, and ND doesn't have one. I just hope they have one in waiting otherwise we're screwed

 

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

Why did Rees play as much as he did? The reason why we lost the game was our QB play. For the love of God, what does Kelly see in Rees? What????

Next year, Kelly will have to start Golston. There is no point to start Hendrix? He could have done it in this bowl game. Hell he could have played Hendrix the majority of the snaps. He mindf'ingly didn't. He plays Tommy in all the series when we are up and then when it gets close he puts in a cold Hendrix in the game. Who the F does that? Has Kelly in his 20 F'in years of coaching ever F'in heard of building confidence in young players? You can't expect an inexperienced QB to step in cold against the type of defense we faced today and expect anything different. If Hendrix had played the majority of the snaps, he might have established some confidence. Hendrix was never given a chance in this game. Why???!! Someone please tell me that Kelly has a plan with regards to our QBs.....PLEASE!!!

 

[IrishinSyria]

I'm nervous that we don't know who the guy is, and that some are pointing towards a red shirted QB as being the answer. ND is in trouble if this carousel continues. Name a starter, and give him all the reps from now til Navy

It's almost like we would have a seasoned 6'5" QB going into next year if we tried that one this year... crazy.

I don't want to over-react to a hard fought loss. As disappointing as this loss was, I saw a lot on the field that was encouraging as well. That being said, it's very tough to shake the feeling that this was a wasted year. I like Rees a lot, but it was obvious from the get go that he just doesn't have what it takes to be the starter at ND. To be the respected back-up, absolutely. Giving him 90% of the snaps this year means we do not have a clear cut starter next year. No matter who goes in is going to have to grow up in a hurry to meet expectations and, quite frankly, save Kelly's ***. I'm not a fan of it, but unless there's clear improvement next year could be Kelly's pink slip year.

 

[DillonHall]

But he didn't have a QB to use all the talent. Youll only go as far as your QB takes you. It doesn't matter if you have 5 guys whom are 6'9 340 lbs who run 3.8 40's...if you can't get them the ball...then they really arent a factor.Texas is a great example. All that talent the longhorns bring in, but they don't have a QB. This offense wouldn't look that bad if they had a competent QB.

It's his job to develop those QBs. Hendrix has plenty of talent.

 

[tadman95]

I don't think ND's offense would look half as bad, or be looked at with question marks if we had a QB. Like I said earlier, I saw TJ open many times, and the QB didn't look his way. If we can solid QB, ND has the pieces to do really well

Been that way all year. DC's see that too, game plan accordingly.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Why did Rees play as much as he did? The reason why we lost the game was our QB play. For the love of God, what does Kelly see in Rees? What????

Next year, Kelly will have to start Golston. There is no point to start Hendrix? He could have done it in this bowl game. Hell he could have played Hendrix the majority of the snaps. He mindf'ingly didn't. He plays Tommy in all the series when we are up and then when it gets close he puts in a cold Hendrix in the game. Who the F does that? Has Kelly in his 20 F'in years of coaching ever F'in heard of building confidence in young players? You can't expect an inexperienced QB to step in cold against the type of defense we faced today and expect anything different. If Hendrix had played the majority of the snaps, he might have established some confidence. Hendrix was never given a chance in this game. Why???!! Someone please tell me that Kelly has a plan with regards to our QBs.....PLEASE!!!

Please learn to spell the players' names correctly. Your rant and rave writing style and disrespectful misspelling of GOLSON's name take away credibility from a post that actually makes a few good points.

 

[phgreek]

DBs played pretty well.

Normally on board with all you say...not on this one...

they had moments early, but they got OWNED every time there was a big play required in the second half. I only belabor this point because this is one of my peeves with this team...Mental toughness.

I believe when a QB lofts the ball like FSU's QB, it should always result in an Int., a crushing hit, or at worst a ball batted away. If that doesn't happen...thats just a lack of desire, no sense of urgency...not taking it personally...whatever you want ot call it....its the mentality required to be a good dback. Its the mentality that says go ahead dumbass throw that duck SH!T it at me so I can send your boy out on a stretcher...and the same mentality that is enfuriated to the point of needing medication when he gets beat by a floater. We may have talent back there, but very inconsistent on the mentality it takes to play D-back. WE ARE MENTALLY SOFT. We are also fundamentally BAD. How can we be in a bowl game and still not crank that head around???UNREAL! Its like Michigan never happened or something.

These are veterans and they have all flashed ability to do it...but one or more of them folds up every time the game is on the line...that simple!

...Dback is an horrific hole for this team right now. Its as bad as QB, only there are more of them to eff it up.

The fix starts with depth, and the promise that "Next man in" isn't just a slogan response for injury...it will happen to your A$$ for sucking.

...just sayin !

As I see it... bring back Tenuta next year and blitz every freakin down...I kid...just a lil bit though!

 

[IrishinSyria]

It's his job to develop those QBs. Hendrix has plenty of talent.

And Crist. And Golson. Hell, Luke Massa and John Goodman could probably have gone 8-5 this year at QB.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

It's his job to develop those QBs. Hendrix has plenty of talent.

Hendrix may not have been developing in a way to compliment his talent. Talent only takes you so far. Or Kelly screwed up by giving Crist/Rees all the reps. It could be a million different reasons and none of which we know because of how tight lipped Kelly is about practices..etc. We can't speculate when we don't know the facts surrounding the situation. Regardless, if the QB situation doesn't change next season, then all excuses go out the window. In years 1/2, there is reason to why the QB hasn't developed the way you need him too. By year 3, with 2 capable QB's on the roster, then there is no excuse for need fielding the future of your squad.

 

[kmoose]

2. Not sure what you watched. Irish rushed for 26 yards in the first quarter, and only 18 yards from the running backs. That's a 2.0 average from the running backs in the first quarter. The rest of the game Wood and Riddick ran for 78 yards on 17 carries for a 4.5 average---so the exact opposite of what you're saying seems true.

That's exactly what I am talking about.......... 9 rushes in the 1st quarter, and only 17 in the next 3 quarters combined.

 

[IrishFrog]

New to the forum but have followed it off and on for about 4 years. If I don't recall, when BK was hired Irish nation deemed it important to realize that it took a new coach 3 years to get a program where it needed to be. Looks like next year will tell a lot about the future. As for recruits for this class, we have lost plenty of big time games this year but the staff continues to reel in big time recruits. Continue to have faith in the staff as far as recruiting goes and maybe by this time next year all the sideline antics BK yells in the quarterback's ears will have set in and they will quit making costly mistakes.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I'm thinking Massa needs a shot at QB

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Normally on board with all you say...not on this one...

they had moments early, but they got OWNED every time there was a big play required in the second half. I only belabor this point because this is one of my peeves with this team...Mental toughness.

I believe when a QB lofts the ball like FSU's QB, it should always result in an Int., a crushing hit, or at worst a ball batted away. If that doesn't happen...thats just a lack of desire, no sense of urgency...not taking it personally...whatever you want ot call it....its the mentality required to be a good dback. Its the mentality that says go ahead dumbass throw that duck SH!T it at me so I can send your boy out on a stretcher...and the same mentality that is enfuriated to the point of needing medication when he gets beat by a floater. We may have talent back there, but very inconsistent on the mentality it takes to play D-back. WE ARE MENTALLY SOFT. We are also fundamentally BAD. How can we be in a bowl game and still not crank that head around???UNREAL! Its like Michigan never happened or something.

These are veterans and they have all flashed ability to do it...but one or more of them folds up every time the game is on the line...that simple!

...Dback is an horrific hole for this team right now. Its as bad as QB, only there are more of them to eff it up.

The fix starts with depth, and the promise that "Next man in" isn't just a slogan response for injury...it will happen to your A$$ for sucking.

...just sayin !

As I see it... bring back Tenuta next year and blitz every freakin down...I kid...just a lil bit though!

Fair enough.

IMO DB is the most difficult position on the field, especially the corner.

 

[koonja]

Post game observations? I'm trying out to be the ND QB this spring.

 

[DillonHall]

Hendrix may not have been developing in a way to compliment his talent. Talent only takes you so far. Or Kelly screwed up by giving Crist/Rees all the reps. It could be a million different reasons and none of which we know because of how tight lipped Kelly is about practices..etc. We can't speculate when we don't know the facts surrounding the situation. Regardless, if the QB situation doesn't change next season, then all excuses go out the window. In years 1/2, there is reason to why the QB hasn't developed the way you need him too. By year 3, with 2 capable QB's on the roster, then there is no excuse for need fielding the future of your squad.

Sounds good to me.

 

[IrishinSyria]

I don't agree with you, phgreek, about the DBs today. By my count, there were only 3 back-breaking catches made against us: the 40 yarder and the two TD catches. All three of those were great plays by very talented receivers. Our DBs (or, in the case of the second TD, Dan Fox) were all over them and they made great (somewhat lucky) catches. Sometimes you've got to tip your hat to the other team, I felt like all three of those plays were examples of that.

MY BAD PHORK!

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Post game observations? I'm trying out to be the ND QB this spring.

haha im with ya. Ive got 4 years left. Ill Tonya Harting you if you try to take my spot! Seriously though, there is no competition. BK, be decisive, and pick a QB. Spend the whole spring and fall camp developing him. Splitting reps will hurt the development of all of our QBs.

 

[phork]

I don't agree with you, phork, about the DBs today. By my count, there were only 3 back-breaking catches made against us: the 40 yarder and the two TD catches. All three of those were great plays by very talented receivers. Our DBs (or, in the case of the second TD, Dan Fox) were all over them and they made great (somewhat lucky) catches. Sometimes you've got to tip your hat to the other team, I felt like all three of those plays were examples of that.

I think you are talking to phgreek.

 

[DillonHall]

I don't agree with you, phork, about the DBs today. By my count, there were only 3 back-breaking catches made against us: the 40 yarder and the two TD catches. All three of those were great plays by very talented receivers. Our DBs (or, in the case of the second TD, Dan Fox) were all over them and they made great (somewhat lucky) catches. Sometimes you've got to tip your hat to the other team, I felt like all three of those plays were examples of that.

I agree; FSU's receivers just made great plays down the stretch.

 

[wallym]

New to the forum but have followed it off and on for about 4 years. If I don't recall, when BK was hired Irish nation deemed it important to realize that it took a new coach 3 years to get a program where it needed to be. Looks like next year will tell a lot about the future. As for recruits for this class, we have lost plenty of big time games this year but the staff continues to reel in big time recruits. Continue to have faith in the staff as far as recruiting goes and maybe by this time next year all the sideline antics BK yells in the quarterback's ears will have set in and they will quit making costly mistakes.

But this game was "winnable" if coaches made the right decisions. Including sticking with the right QB (Or 1 QB), and making the right play calls.

 

[Couv Domer]

Our offense, or lack thereof, just sickens me. I'm going to call out specific players (it wouldn't do any good anyway), but it boggles my mind to see such a talented group of individuals (many of whom are high school all-americans) not being able to move the ball worth a damn!