Post Game Observations........

[kmoose]

Okay watched it once again and I will say I was a little harsh on Rees. He made some good plays, some IMO not so good plays. But at the end of the day we won. I just don't know about him leading us to victory.

Neither QB is leading this team to victory, this year. The defense is driving this bus, and there is no maybe about it.

 

[IrishMoore1]

Neither QB is leading this team to victory, this year. The defense is driving this bus, and there is no maybe about it.

The O has been lacking, but they definitely had a part in the wins. The offense ended the last 2 games on the field, something we couldn't do in 2009 and 2010.

 

[kmoose]

The O has been lacking, but they definitely had a part in the wins.

Never said they didn't, but the stronger unit (usually designated the leader) has been the defense, and it's not even close.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

Maybe our first grown man QB since Quinn (Clausen suffered from being put out there too early). I know the upside that Golson possess, but having to hold his hand and bring him along makes no sense.

Clausen suffered from being on teams with horrible defenses and poor coaching staffs. He was an amazing quarterback.

Oh, and "grown man" Brady Quinn played as a freshman, so that kind of ruins your whole premise.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

Michigan's rush offense in the 3rd Quarter:

1. Toussaint for 31 yards
2. Toussaint for 4
3. Robinson for -1
4. Robinson for 9 (read option)
5. Gallon for 5 (WR jet sweep)
6. Toussaint for -1
7. Toussaint for 8 yards
8. Robinson for 8 yards (fumbled forward; actual run was ~4 yards)

First Drive: 8 carries, 63 yards (7.9 ypc)

---------
09. Toussaint for 2 yards
10. Toussaint for 0
11. Toussaint for 5
12. Robinson for 1
13. Robinson for 6
14. Robinson for 5
15. Toussaint for 3
16. Robinson for 3
[End of 3rd Quarter]

Second Drive [3Q ONLY]: 8 carries, 25 yards (3.3 ypc)
3Q Total: 16 carries, 88 yards (5.5 ypc)
3Q Total sans first play: 15 carries, 57 yards (3.8 ypc)
3Q Total sans first play and fumble play: 14 carries, 49 yards (3.5 ypc)

17. Robinson for 0 yards
18. Toussaint for 4
19. Robinson for 3
[Field Goal]

Second Drive Total: 11 carries, 32 yards (2.9 ypc)
Total of First Two Drives: 19 carries, 95 yards (5.0 ypc)
Total sans first play: 18 carries, 64 yards (3.56 ypc)

Michigan dominated the TOP in the 3rd quarter because the Irish offense ran only 7 plays. If you take out Michigan's first play from scrimmage in the 2nd half (a 31-yard run), they averaged about 3.5 ypc in the quarter. I hope our front 7 gets "dominated" like that for at least a quarter every week.

 

[stlnd01]

I think people here are underestimating the difficulty of being a first year starter. EG is a second year college kid who didn't see the field last year. There are growing pains. Tommy gives us some flexibility when he's having troubles. It's not a terrible situation.

Right. I think everyone realizes Golson has a higher ceiling, and can simply do things on a football field that Rees can't. But Golson was clearly rattled Saturday night, and if/when that happens, as it will sometimes to a new starter, it's not so bad to be able to bring in a veteran who doesn't much get rattled and can do the little stuff that doesn't lose you football games.
What I wonder is what'll happen when we get behind someone. When we need Golson's skills to score some points but he's rattled. Tommy has never played as well from behind and just flinging it doesn't fit his skill set.

 

[jason_h537]

Great defensive win, that is all

 

[rikkitikki08]

Has the Notre Dame media released their weekly video on the game yet? I always like to see the speeches kelly gives at halftime and after the game

 

[dublinirish]

they have but there was no such footage

 

[Irish#1]

Here's the way I view the QB "controversy." If you had one game to win, who do you start at QB? Seems to me, that's where we are with a ranking at #10....win all games possible.

If you think it's TR who gives you the best chance to win on any given Saturday, you're calling for TR. If you're worried about a QB's psyche and are looking to win a game in 2013, then maybe you swing towards starting EG and throwing TR under center in relief as needed.

In August, I did not think TR was the answer. Now I'm not as sure. EG didn't look great vs. MSU or UM. I think he may give a stronger showing with two weeks to prep for Miami, but it's possible that EG isn't ready to be a starter.

I think we tend to get too deep and over think things. You keep starting EG and let him play as long as he isn't hurting your chance to win. If the circumstances dictate TR like the PU and UM games you go to TR. EG gets his experience, learns and continues to progress while we have the safety net of TR.