Post Game Observations........

[IrishJayhawk]

To be fair to Golson, who going through typical sophomore QB growing pains recognizing coverages, Stanford disrupted a number of plays by simply beating our blockers which disrupted the rhythm of the play. I'm watching the replay and there's a designed rollout, which is a key element of the offense for Golson, where Watt pulls and is supposed to lead Golson outside. Stanford's OLB Thomas beats Niklas' block like Niklas is a statue, and Watt now has to block Thomas in the backfield. So, Golson gets disrupted before the play can even develop. He can't get outside and throws the ball away.

Very few people allowed Tommy the same allowance last year.

I think Golson should start. But, people have a short memory.

 

[stlnd01]

Very few people allowed Tommy the same allowance last year.

I think Golson should start. But, people have a short memory.

Two differences:
- By this time last year, Rees already had the equivalent of a full season starting under his belt. Also it wasn't until this time last year - USC game and after - that you really saw the downside of Rees' athletic ceiling when teams started forcing him to beat them. He didn't have the arm, and that's when the calls for a new QB really picked up.

- Anyone who's watched this season has seen Golson make several plays per game that Rees just can't. Even last night, with the pressure Stanford was bringing, Rees would have been on his butt ten times. Golson got away more often than not. His upside buys a lot more patience, at least in my book.

 

[RDU Irish]

I am to the point I think Rees needs a series or two per game regardless of Golson's health. Two reasons 1) real time teaching moment for EG, 2) more importantly, Tommy presents a great change up with good potential to burn the opposing team.

Tommy might not have survived the whole game had he started, Golson was able to scramble where Tommy most likely would have been sacked a dozen times for -100 yards.

Reps to BK for saying he made a dumb call passing out of the end zone. I probably taught my kids a few words yelling at the TV during that series.

If that knock on the head does not motivate Golson to slide or run out of bounds, nothing will. One of the dumbest decisions I have ever witnessed by a QB. Apparently someone needed to remind him he is not 6'3" 230 pounds.

Defense wins championships. The offense gave up more points than them, which was bound to happen at some point this year. I think this motivates our defense to score, more eye of the tiger on INT returns and fumble recoveries.

 

[WaveDomer]

Regarding Rees, another difference this year is the receiving corps. Both catches by Riddick and TJ Jones for the TD were ridiculous catches. The throw to TJ in the endzone was not a good throw. The throw to Riddick was a nice read on the blitz but it was pretty much a toss that was all Riddick. Last year only Eifert and Floyd probably make those. The same can be said for the rest of the receivers. There was another play when TJ came back to the ball to make a catch. They are playing well this year. Not bashing on Rees, just pointing out that there's been improvement across the board and these guys are mentally tough.

The interesting thing is that ND is now a gritty offensive football team making tough catches and running hard yards. When the opportunity is there they break a big gainer, but the offense is working because it's playing tough. ND is running more than throwing and winning the TOP battle. And their D is dominant. Hardly what many people thought would happen with a Kelly team.

 

[Irish#1]

I am to the point I think Rees needs a series or two per game regardless of Golson's health. Two reasons 1) real time teaching moment for EG, 2) more importantly, Tommy presents a great change up with good potential to burn the opposing team.

Tommy might not have survived the whole game had he started, Golson was able to scramble where Tommy most likely would have been sacked a dozen times for -100 yards.

Reps to BK for saying he made a dumb call passing out of the end zone. I probably taught my kids a few words yelling at the TV during that series.

If that knock on the head does not motivate Golson to slide or run out of bounds, nothing will. One of the dumbest decisions I have ever witnessed by a QB. Apparently someone needed to remind him he is not 6'3" 230 pounds.

Defense wins championships. The offense gave up more points than them, which was bound to happen at some point this year. I think this motivates our defense to score, more eye of the tiger on INT returns and fumble recoveries.

I think he would have been sacked, but not as much as one would think. One thing I noticed as soon as TR came. He recognized the blitzes and was throwing the quick passes right away. EG never did that.

 

[RDU Irish]

I think he would have been sacked, but not as much as one would think. One thing I noticed as soon as TR came. He recognized the blitzes and was throwing the quick passes right away. EG never did that.

I exaggerate a bit, I do think Tommy would have made better calls at the LOS to mitigate some of the pressure. Hard to say Tommy would not have been taken down at least a few more times though. EG also had some very good runs and scrambles ending in completions that Tommy absolutely would not have made.

 

[kmoose]

- Anyone who's watched this season has seen Golson make several plays per game that Rees just can't.

Agreed. But the corollary is also true: Rees has made plays that Golson just can't. Golson can't make the pre-snap reads that Rees can, and has to use his mobility to beat the blitz, whereas Tommy can read the D, know where the blitz is coming from, and get the ball out quickly to the single covered target. If Golson can develop THAT ability, then the sky will be the limit for him. Until he does, he's going to have his own limitations.

 

[Riddickulous]

We ran 44 times for 150 yards.

Take away 4 sacks, the botched snap on the field goal attempt, and the botched handoff on the zone-read that Riddick fell on and we had close to 200 yards rushing on 38 attempts. Not bad at all.

 

[NDBoiler]

Agreed. But the corollary is also true: Rees has made plays that Golson just can't. Golson can't make the pre-snap reads that Rees can, and has to use his mobility to beat the blitz, whereas Tommy can read the D, know where the blitz is coming from, and get the ball out quickly to the single covered target. If Golson can develop THAT ability, then the sky will be the limit for him. Until he does, he's going to have his own limitations.

Great point, I've always tried to rationalize it in my head by looking at Golson's scrambles and saying to myself "see, Rees would've been sacked on that one" or something similar. I differ in that I think the positive plays Golson is making are more numerous than the negative ones, aside from the Stanford game, which was his worst overall performance IMO. Even then, he did bounce back in the second half and appeared to be turning the corner before getting hurt.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Is there a link for this weeks "Inside Notre Dame Football"?

Havent seen in linked to und.com yet and cant seem to find in anywhere online.

thanks guys.

 

[connor_in]

Great point, I've always tried to rationalize it in my head by looking at Golson's scrambles and saying to myself "see, Rees would've been sacked on that one" or something similar. I differ in that I think the positive plays Golson is making are more numerous than the negative ones, aside from the Stanford game, which was his worst overall performance IMO. Even then, he did bounce back in the second half and appeared to be turning the corner before getting hurt.

Golson gives us way more options of plays than Tommy. I compare it to a reliever vs. a starter in baseball. Golson has all the pitches, he just needs to work on his control. Tommy has a couple of things he does really well, but outside that or to use him beyond a certain length of time and his effectiveness declines.

Also, its not like Tommy makes all the throws. Some of his biggest throws this year (same goes for Golson too) have been ones that are kind of thrown up and the receiver makes a play (Riddick vs Stanford and Goodman vs UM), also Tommy got lucky that TJ was able to reach back for the OT TD

I like TR, but just don't think we would be where we are if he was in every down. That being said I don't think we would be where we are if he hadn't come in when he has. I know its been hard for Golson, but when Tommy has been in, it is for the team...for the win. It is not personal. I liked the interactions CBK had with him in the Onward Notre Dame NFL Films piece. It showed how he is working with him and building him up, but he is just a freshman eligibility-wise. He is growing and developing and CBK is keeping him focused on team and not just him. I think that is a hard lesson for a lot of our players as they have always been about the best on their team and the individuality has been bred into them...you are the most talented guy, take over the game vs. you need to sit and watch or calm down and think and work together more.

 

[Chamellion]

Is there a link for this weeks "Inside Notre Dame Football"?

Havent seen in linked to und.com yet and cant seem to find in anywhere online.

thanks guys.

Check the Stanford game thread, its in there.

 

[jason_h537]

The o-line did not play that bad. Golson held onto the ball too long and he often ran out of the pocket when he had great protection. Also, Niklas was blocking one of the best LBers in the country, cut him some slack. Yes there is much room for improvement but I think the o-line did a good job, penalties aside.