Post Game Observations.......

[Patulski]

Offense: I don't think we showed much of our offense. We were so much better than them in offense-defense matchups that its hard to tell all that we can/will do schematically. However, it was good that Rees played error free football, though he missed a couple of wide open/move the chain throws. Kelly called it "rust". I hope that is the case. The important thing was no turnovers. We have a solid line and lots of playmakers. So, I continue to be optimistic.

Defense: I thought our linebackers/safeties filled slower in our base offense on running plays than Manti/Motta did last year. That is a concern as we did not have as many 3 and outs as I expected. We also gave up too many QB runs that produced yardage and move the chains. A better offense would have scored more points. I thought our cornerback play was solid and Farley/Collingsworth tackled well. Our main weakness looks like the speed of our inside linebackers. I have no idea how good/lousy Temple is. So, it's hard to gauge, but they could/should have had 13 points at half. Would blitzing have neutralized this? Hard to tell. Overall, it was not as impressive performance as I would have liked, with some warning signs.

Special Teams: Very disappointed by Tausch's shank. Can Brindza handle all three duties well? We need a solid field goal kicker.

We have the playmakers for the return game. If we can block well, we should have some production. We've got a lot of freshman blocking. So, it will take some time for it to be cohesive.

Was disappointed that they had a long kickoff return, with their returning breaking containment. Field position will be key this year. So, we need to shore things up.

 

[kmoose]

If I'm Kelly, I'm seriously considering cross training Councell at MLB. They were non-existent, and with Councell as the 2nd Dog with a solid Romeo behind, what do you have to lose.

You mean other than being the top 3 tacklers for the game?

Fox = 7.5
Calabrese = 5.5
Grace = 5.5

They didn't pass the eye test, I will give you that. But they weren't exactly non-existent.

 

[BobD]

Awesome win!

God I hope we look better next week.

GO IRISH!

 

[koonja]

You mean other than being the top 3 tacklers for the game?

Fox = 7.5
Calabrese = 5.5
Grace = 5.5

They didn't pass the eye test, I will give you that. But they weren't exactly non-existent.

That comes with being the MLB in Diaco's system behind an enormous DL. Their tackles mean nothing, IMO. They didn't fill hard on the run (what good is a tackle 7 yards after the LOS) and are too slow in coverage.

 

[notredomer23]

Brian Kelly should have to run stadium steps for punting from the 37.

Glad I wasn't the only one in disbelief. I felt like we went back to the Ty Willingham era for a second. And then we punt it out the back of the end zone.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I wish we didn't punt then either, but didn't he mention something post game about the punt game and flipping field position and such. I assume he felt we would easily win the game and used that as a learning time for the punter in that situation. If so, our punter didn't do to well. Lol.

 

[notredomer23]

I haven't had a chance to watch the game back on tv yet, but from the stadium, here is what I could notice.

-Temple had a really good game plan. They are probably about as good as Pitt will be this year.

-Kelly definitely held back

-TJ Jones and Davaris Daniels are going to be a deadly combination

-Didn't realize Troy Niklas had the wheels to go for 66 yards. If Tommy can find him consistently over the middle, our offense will be extremely dynamic.

-Our running backs right now in order should be Amir, Atkinson, Bryant, Folston, Cam. That is no knock on Cam, I just wasn't impressed with him.

-Tuitt is still a stud. Nix was off but then again he was taking double and triple teams.

-Jaylon Smith to me just doesn't look ready physically for his position. I know he has the skills, but some teams like Stanford will abuse him this year.

-Grace>>>Fox>>>>>>>>>Calabrese.

-Prince Shembo I thought had the best game on defense.

-Punt return game was actually existent. Too bad we missed two field goals and our punting was atrocious.

-Offensive line will still physically dominate teams this year.


Overall, I am still confident this team will win 10+. Kelly held back big time. Punting from the 37, not scoring at the end, and missing two field goals, that right there is the potential for another 20 points, and if that happened, no one would be complaining about a 48-6 victory. Next week we are going to unleash the dogs.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Chill out lol. ND won 28-6 and did what they needed to. Believe it or not teams give up touchdowns in football games. Last year they gave up a lot of yards to teams, and magically did the samething and tightened up to hold teams to FGs. ALABAMA gave up a 77 yard touchdown run yesterday....I dont think their fanbase is flipping out.

Temple had a QB that you couldnt plan for bc he had yet to take a snap. What Temple ran offensively is essentially impossible to stop. The middle linebackers had to stay home and not drop bc of they were running a zone read play, then hitting a quick slant/drag off of it. If the LBs dropped Temple would have ran for 5 yards a carry all game. You can't have it both ways. I would have liked to see a little more blitzing, but ND gave up 6 points...I am not going to worry about giving up 6 points to Temple, Sam Houston St, Alabama, or Oregon...its 6 points.

Offense, they got up early and then played around with personnel. ND could have put up 50 yesterday, but getting freshman experience was more of priority. Would I have liked to see 50 on the scoreboard, Sure. But, getting Robinson, Onwulau, Fuller in there consistently is going to pay off dividends down the road. Robinson and Onwualu got a lot of work yesterday.

ND ran their offense and made plays. By playing so many guys on offense, they didnt give away any of their keys to michigan and they were more than efficient. Enjoy it fellas, its going to be a fun season.

 

[tko]

How was the stadium noise?

pretty solid early on and then went into a lull naturally in the 2nd quarter. frustrations started to come out when Temple converted on a few big third and longs, especially with that QB scramble out from deep in their territory. i could sense the excitement for all the youth on the field, though. Greg Bryant got a huge ovation when he came in.

 

[notredomer23]

How was the stadium noise?

Student section was as hyped as I've heard it for the first quarter, but after that it was pretty dull. Come MSU it will be good to go all 4 quarters

 

[tko]

I haven't had a chance to watch the game back on tv yet, but from the stadium, here is what I could notice.

-Temple had a really good game plan. They are probably about as good as Pitt will be this year.

-Kelly definitely held back

-TJ Jones and Davaris Daniels are going to be a deadly combination

-Didn't realize Troy Niklas had the wheels to go for 66 yards. If Tommy can find him consistently over the middle, our offense will be extremely dynamic.

-Our running backs right now in order should be Amir, Atkinson, Bryant, Folston, Cam. That is no knock on Cam, I just wasn't impressed with him.

-Tuitt is still a stud. Nix was off but then again he was taking double and triple teams.

-Jaylon Smith to me just doesn't look ready physically for his position. I know he has the skills, but some teams like Stanford will abuse him this year.

-Grace>>>Fox>>>>>>>>>Calabrese.

-Prince Shembo I thought had the best game on defense.

-Punt return game was actually existent. Too bad we missed two field goals and our punting was atrocious.

-Offensive line will still physically dominate teams this year.


Overall, I am still confident this team will win 10+. Kelly held back big time. Punting from the 37, not scoring at the end, and missing two field goals, that right there is the potential for another 20 points, and if that happened, no one would be complaining about a 48-6 victory. Next week we are going to unleash the dogs.

I think this kid is a quick study and will rise to the occasion. i'm not overly worried about JS.

 

[IrishLax]

I wanted to watch a replay before I gave my thoughts, so here goes:

-Our linebackers in general, but especially our ILBs, played so bad it was laughable. I'm aching for a Brian Smith much less a Manti Te'o. Tons of missed tackles, late reactions, getting out of position... just really an F- style performance. Either their needs to be some massive improvement before next week or Michigan will eat us alive. Calabrese/Fox are dreadful for players who have played this much football. I don't know if we have a solution for this... maybe there isn't one... but we should try to come up with something because the status quo is bullsh*t. It's inexcusable that every other position on the team can be pretty darn good but these guys who have been here for years don't have their act together at all.

-The issue with our defense had more to do with scheme than anything else, IMO. When we started applying pressure in the second half it made it much harder for them to effectively pick up the yardage when they needed it. The simple fact is that against mobile QBs you CANNOT sit back in a passive zone and rush 3 because they will extend the play and/or scramble for a chunk of yards. We need to be aggressive against Michigan.

-Do I even need to mention special teams? Holy hell. I understand growing pains for Brindza, but WTF with the FG kicking? SMH. That kind of BS is worth 3-7 points a game and will cost us against a better team.

-Tommy Rees missed a couple throws. Besides that, he was dealing. If DaVaris Daniels doesn't go out and/or they actually let Tommy run the offense from the 3rd quarter onward instead of going hyper conservative I think he reasonably could've gone 70% for 400+ and 5 TDs. We really need DaVaris 100% for next week and the rest of the year. He is a playmaker.

-We hardly used our TEs at all against Temple. Saving it for Michigan or what? Maybe a much more WR-centric offense going forward? I have no idea why you use Daniel Smith as an "H-back" instead of someone like Koyack. Troy Niklas was a DOMINANT blocker in the run game.

-Amir Carlisle + Cam McDaniel please with a sprinkling of GAIII as needed. What can Atkinson do that Carlisle can't? Bryant and Folston... as they get more touches... maybe should supplant McDaniel too. But I do like Cam as a potential goal line/short distance runner right now. He finds holes and always runs with good pad level/determination.

-Temple's QB is actually really talented. He might not have it all put together yet but he's mobile and has a very strong arm. He missed some deeper throws but everything short/intermediate was really well thrown... his WRs failed him a couple times. I think Temple has a solid chance to win 8 games this year. Or at least 7.

-Brian Kelly gives zero craps about style points That's pretty obvious. But maybe he should? We easily could've run the score up to 35-6 or 42-6 but he chose not to... every other school in the country does (see Michigan kicking field goals at the end of the game when up 56-9, Ohio State against Buffalo, etc.) because they realize this crap matters for polls. If at the end of the year it is us and Louisville competing for a spot and Louisville stomped our common opponent Temple 55-0... voters will look at that.

-Temple might be the second or third hardest team Louisville plays all year. Seriously. Wrap your head around that for a second. The only teams that look to be more talented are Rutgers and Cincinnati. WTF?

 

[returnofthemack]

.

 

[returnofthemack]

I'm glad you all are unconcerned with how TEMPLE made our defense look foolish on play action and QB scrambles. After all, we don't want to show Flintstone anything and the Temple QB is really good right? Better than Devin Gardner?

 

[Irish Insanity]

-Brian Kelly gives zero craps about style points That's pretty obvious. But maybe he should? We easily could've run the score up to 35-6 or 42-6 but he chose not to... every other school in the country does (see Michigan kicking field goals at the end of the game when up 56-9, Ohio State against Buffalo, etc.) because they realize this crap matters for polls. If at the end of the year it is us and Louisville competing for a spot and Louisville stomped our common opponent Temple 55-0... voters will look at that.

I hate this. Not just for the voting aspect, but I fear at some point it could cost us a W by letting up. Don't get me wrong, we won handily, but it seemed like we slowed way down on O at the half. Can't always turn that back on if the other team makes it close.

 

[Grahambo]

Can we also talk about how Shumate got rented yesterday WTF was the defensive gameplan? Can one of the many experts on IE share that with me? I missed a lot of stuff by being in the stadium.

The game plan was to be simple and get PT for a lot of different guys. Shumate was bad yesterday by taking bad angles. He got beat in the end zone on a slant or crossing pattern then committed PI to prevent the TD.

They either sent 3 or blitzed the house. Threw in a few CB blitzes. Nix was double or triple teamed most of the game. Again most of the plan was to be plain and it was. There are a lot of guys who are not only playing as true freshman but also sophmores and juniors with little experience. The young guys thought more then just played but that changes with experience: hence the reason for playing everyone.

There's a lot of overreaction in here especially with Fox and Calabrese.; they were fine. The safety's, outside of Shumate, were fine too.

The only mild concern I have is ST but with Wulfeck and his experience, I think punting will be okay. Use him for directionals and Brindza if you just need it bombed. Even FG, it will be fine. Brindza would be my choice personally because his problem seems more easily correctable then Tausch.

The team is fine. BK and his staff are doing an excellent job with the team. I wish I could be apart of the staff to be honest.

Just my personal and far from expert opinion.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

How was the stadium noise?

Not great. I think it was the opponent, the TV timeouts as always, and the boring last 55 minutes.

 

[koonja]

The game plan was to be simple and get PT for a lot of different guys. Shumate was bad yesterday by taking bad angles. He got beat in the end zone on a slant or crossing pattern then committed PI to prevent the TD.

They either sent 3 or blitzed the house. Threw in a few CB blitzes. Nix was double or triple teamed most of the game. Again most of the plan was to be plain and it was. There are a lot of guys who are not only playing as true freshman but also sophmores and juniors with little experience. The young guys thought more then just played but that changes with experience: hence the reason for playing everyone.

There's a lot of overreaction in here especially with Fox and Calabrese.; they were fine. The safety's, outside of Shumate, were fine too.

The only mild concern I have is ST but with Wulfeck and his experience, I think punting will be okay. Use him for directionals and Brindza if you just need it bombed. Even FG, it will be fine. Brindza would be my choice personally because his problem seems more easily correctable then Tausch.

The team is fine. BK and his staff are doing an excellent job with the team. I wish I could be apart of the staff to be honest.

Just my personal and far from expert opinion.

Fine and OK won't cut it next week against Michigan, IMO. These areas need to be vastly improved, not just 'fine'.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

I hate this. Not just for the voting aspect, but I fear at some point it could cost us a W by letting up. Don't get me wrong, we won handily, but it seemed like we slowed way down on O at the half. Can't always turn that back on if the other team makes it close.

Agreed. Up 3 scores, 8 minutes left, and the second string is in? Are you kidding me? That's begging for a historic comeback.

 

[FearTheBeard]

We have the playmakers for the return game. If we can block well, we should have some production. We've got a lot of freshman blocking. So, it will take some time for it to be cohesive.

Was disappointed that they had a long kickoff return, with their returning breaking containment. Field position will be key this year. So, we need to shore things up.

I dont like to blame one person but i thought i remembered Lo Wood not holding contain twice. It could have been someone else or he could have had different responsibility but if i remember right he looked bad on kick return. The whole unit could use to get better though. Our FG kicking was terrible, gotta change something up this week...go train a soccer player to kick fg for us if need be lol

 

[koonja]

I guess I'm a lot higher on Cam than some on here. I think he's great speed away from being a complete back. He make efficient cuts and 'churns'.

I don't see any reason to give GA more than a few carries per game.

I'd like to see Amir catch some passes against Michigan.

I hope Kelly lets Greg loose on Michigan. It was one run, but he ran inside like no one had all game. Great vision.

 

[yankeehater]

I don't know about anyone else, but I was disappointed we did not see the two FR RB's earlier in the game.

 

[sparkyND]

Speaking of RBs, is Mahone behind the two freshmen in the depth-chart or is he injured? I was sort of expecting to play in the fourth quarter ahead of Bryant and Folston.

 

[tko]

Speaking of RBs, is Mahone behind the two freshmen in the depth-chart or is he injured? I was sort of expecting to play in the fourth quarter ahead of Bryant and Folston.

I believe that high ankle sprain still an issue.

 

[IrishLax]

Speaking of RBs, is Mahone behind the two freshmen in the depth-chart or is he injured? I was sort of expecting to play in the fourth quarter ahead of Bryant and Folston.

He was ruled out for this week with injury.

 

[koonja]

I don't know about anyone else, but I was disappointed we did not see the two FR RB's earlier in the game.

Agreed.

 

[Jerry]

Offense: Tommy played really well. Like the upperclassman that he is. Im thinking most of the mistakes he made in the past were because he was young and not just lack of talent. Pretty excited to see Daniels get going early with his first career TD's, but didn't like to see him pull up w/ a groin. I think he would have had 3 or 4 TD's in that game. Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise this week with UM focusing on stopping TJ, Daniels won't be doubled.
RB's looked solid consistently picked up positive yardage. O-line looked pretty good.

Defense: I remember thinking during the season last year that we wouldn't really know how important Teo was till he was gone. The LB's looked lost yesterday but I was actually surprised more that the d-line didn't just absolutely dominate. I think when an o-line isn't concerned about stud LB's blitzing, blocking a 3 man front becomes a lot simplier.

ST: pretty scary. I can't stand watching a terrible kicking game.

Overall a good start hopefully they can tighten a few things up before next week.

 

[koonja]

rish Sports Daily ‏@ISDUpdate 2m

Kelly expects Daniels to play next Saturday vs. Michigan.
Expand

Irish Sports Daily ‏@ISDUpdate 3m

Kelly: DaVaris Daniels has "slight" grade one groin injury. Some bumps & bruises to others.

Irish Sports Daily ‏@ISDUpdate 54s

Kelly on Will Fuller:.top end speed.As fast as the guys we've got.Work on getting stronger. Great routes, excellent hands.

We'll get lab report on Malik Zaire Tuesday. Hope to get him back after that regarding mono.

We'll make a decision on where to go with FG kicking. Can't have bad mechanics on kick. Brindza had that on missed FG.

Kelly on D-Line: thought in 2nd half four-man group was on QB when we needed to get pressure.

Kelly on Torii Hunter, Jr: In a situation where he would have to show "incredible" things this year due to depth at WR, but we'll see.

Kelly: "We're a team people want to play or people wouldn't comment including Brady (Hoke)" - on Hoke's "chicken" comment.

Kelly on ND's D-line vs. Mich. O-Line: Our def.will watch film & find things to improve. We'll have to be better vs. Michigan.

Kelly: Wanted to lighten the load for Brindza as he settles into new role punting. Leaned on Tausch to lighten the load in camp.

Kelly: Tausch was going to take extra points yesterday & see what he did with FGs.Brindza was clutch last yr & we recognize that.

Kelly on 200th win: "I'm a pretty good coach when I recruit good players."

Kelly: O-Line was "solid" vs. Temple. Only one procedure penalty & no holding calls. Good for opener.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Think my expectations were so unrealistic, I didnt stop to smell the roses yesterday. Tommy played the best game he ever has, and DD is going to be a red zone nightmare for opposing defenses. 28 points left a bad taste in my mouth after the early laser-light show, but it is obvious the cards were being held close to the vest all second half.

As for the defense, this is where most of my frustration lies. They looked slow and out of synch IMO. I had these grandiose visions of the 85 Bears taking the field, so any performance would have been hard to live up to my delusional expectation. They gave up 6 points, which is never something to be upset about, but the sustained drives Temple was able to put together irked me. I hope we see more 3 and outs next week.

 

[tko]

Think my expectations were so unrealistic, I didnt stop to smell the roses yesterday. Tommy played the best game he ever has, and DD is going to be a red zone nightmare for opposing defenses. 28 points left a bad taste in my mouth after the early laser-light show, but it is obvious the cards were being held close to the vest all second half.

As for the defense, this is where most of my frustration lies. They looked slow and out of synch IMO. I had these grandiose visions of the 85 Bears taking the field, so any performance would have been hard to live up to my delusional expectation. They gave up 6 points, which is never something to be upset about, but the sustained drives Temple was able to put together irked me. I hope we see more 3 and outs next week.

and everywhere else for that matter.