Post Game Observations.......

[GoldenIsThyFame]

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 am here as well though we are probably overreacting. Cam always has great pad level and is always falling forward. Why everybody gotta hate on the white RB?

 

[Pachuco]

We beat Michigan last year with Rees managing the game. We beat Oklahoma with Golson throwing 25 passes. Hell, a lot of national champions had game managers at QB. Greg McElroy threw 11 passes in the national championship game. Game managers can win if you have a great line, good skill position players, and a strong defense. We will have all 3 of those.

True. I guess what I meant to say is that even a game managing QB needs the occasional long pass in the arsenal, even if it's not quite as bombastic as this one:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3Y05X0PF4ws" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Rees can sling according to his own abilities, and I think he will need to do so to keep opposing defenses honest.

 

[ulukinatme]

I am here as well though we are probably overreacting. Cam always has great pad level and is always falling forward. Why everybody gotta hate on the white RB?

I've been a fan. I honestly thought GA III was going to end up #1, and he did, but I don't think he's going to stay there after watching yesterday. I think Cam may end up our #1. He just runs between the tackles well and blocks well. His deficiency may be receiving, but they don't throw to him so I can't say for sure.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

I am here as well though we are probably overreacting. Cam always has great pad level and is always falling forward. Why everybody gotta hate on the white RB?

He is the opposite of hated. Everyone likes him. Saying he's the #1 running back is just going way too far.

 

[irisheyes]

After reading many of your comments I still don't believe nd purposely throttled down after 10 mins in the first quarter. Like someone mentioned style points come into play in the bcs. That would of screwed us over last year if both kansas state and Oregon hadnt lost. Im not saying the score needs to be run up or go for 2 like ohio State did (classless), but you don't shut down an offense after you score 2 tds. And if you do you are risking being critiqued later on in the season.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

[palinurus]

I agree that the D Line play wasn't outstanding, but it does highlight how excellent (and, I think, underrated) KLM was.

 

[Irish To The Core]

Honestly, I can't see what any of you are concerned about regarding the rbs. At this point I think I have seen evidence of 4 players who seem to be good options. I guess I was watching a different GA III than many of you were. Having 4 (and possibly 5 when Mahone is ready) rbs who can carry the mail is not a bad thing. One game vs. Temple however is insufficient evidence for any conclusion. My perception is that I am happy with all of the guys who got carries yesterday, let's see how next week plays out.

 

[NDWorld247]

Good catch about the QB runs, I should have included them.

Here's the Total Defense from last year that includes all runs- regardless of position- sacks and tackles for loss. I'm not sure if these losses go under the category of "loss" in the Rushing category. I don't know how you can aggregate Team Defense without including sack lost yardage. So, I would assume that they're in the rushing yardage "loss" column", but I could be wrong. If I'm wrong feel free to correct me. I'm really curious.

Yardage lost due to sacks are included in the rushing yards, whereas in the NFL they are included in passing yards, which is more accurate IMO. Taking the result of a passing play and including it in rushing statistics is misleading. The defense should certainly get credit for these plays, but I like to deduct them when evaluating our rushing (offense or defense) performance.

 

[DillonHall]

Yardage lost due to sacks are included in the rushing yards, whereas in the NFL they are included in passing yards, which is more accurate IMO. Taking the result of a passing play and including it in rushing statistics is misleading. The defense should certainly get credit for these plays, but I like to deduct them when evaluating our rushing (offense or defense) performance.

How can a play be called a "passing play" if no pass is thrown?

 

[UmphreakDomer]

i've scanned pretty quick. most of the points i would make have been made:
Lb play, WR play, Rees, Nix etc.

i think folston looks freaking solid. and i cant wait for him and bryant to be the 1 2 punch. RB depth and touch distribution is a good problem to have.

there has been no mention of Daniel Smith ALL spring/summer. and he comes in close to 50% of the offensive plays, in at least the 1st half. such a good blocker, but can almost hear the collective, "Run!" from the defense.

 

[NDWorld247]

After reading many of your comments I still don't believe nd purposely throttled down after 10 mins in the first quarter. Like someone mentioned style points come into play in the bcs. That would of screwed us over last year if both kansas state and Oregon hadnt lost. Im not saying the score needs to be run up or go for 2 like ohio State did (classless), but you don't shut down an offense after you score 2 tds. And if you do you are risking being critiqued later on in the season.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

I just re-watched the first half and we definitely didn't shut it down. Tommy overthrew TJ on a 3rd and long then misfired on a ball to Niklas when he had Corey Robinson one on one in the end zone. Those passes led to both of our first half punts. The ball to Daniels when he strained his groin was also on 3rd down and led to the first missed FG.

We drove the ball 94 yards on our only full series of the 3rd quarter. Our other series lasted until the 4th and resulted in a missed FG. The next series we went 3 and out but threw the ball twice. It wasn't until about 10 min left in the 4th did we shut it down offensively.

 

[NDWorld247]

How can a play be called a "passing play" if no pass is thrown?

Pretty easily IMO. If the QB drops back to pass, the WRs run routes expecting a ball to be thrown, the OL pass blocks, etc, is that a passing play? Sure looks like one to me. Just because the defense gets to the QB before he throws the ball doesn't make it a running play.

 

[dshans]

How can a play be called a "passing play" if no pass is thrown?

Simply put "intent." When a QB is tackled while clearly dropping back and looking for a receiver, it's a pass play. When a QB is dropped by a defensive lineman/end/linebacker with quicks and a jump when the intent was clearly to hand off to a running back is a different story. Statisticians aren't hired to analyze plays. They are asked to place sacks in either column A or column B.

"Simply put" is an understatement. I have nothing concrete to back this up. I really don't know WTF I'm talking about ...

 

[DillonHall]

Pretty easily IMO. If the QB drops back to pass, the WRs run routes expecting a ball to be thrown, the OL pass blocks, etc, is that a passing play? Sure looks like one to me. Just because the defense gets to the QB before he throws the ball doesn't make it a running play.

Sure...except for the fact that a pass never got thrown.

I think you're over thinking it. If a pass is thrown (forward), then it's a pass play. If not, it should be considered a rushing play.

The NCAA and NFL disagree, so it's not surprising that we have differing opinions.

 

[military_irish]

i've scanned pretty quick. most of the points i would make have been made:
Lb play, WR play, Rees, Nix etc.

i think folston looks freaking solid. and i cant wait for him and bryant to be the 1 2 punch. RB depth and touch distribution is a good problem to have.

there has been no mention of Daniel Smith ALL spring/summer. and he comes in close to 50% of the offensive plays, in at least the 1st half. such a good blocker, but can almost hear the collective, "Run!" from the defense.

That's what I don't like. Either teach the other WR's to block better or teach him to be a better WR (if that is the case) because I can call a run almost every time he is out there. If an average fan can see it. I am sure the opposing coaches and players see it too. I am sure some passes are thrown while he is in the game but I am sure not many.

 

[Domer4ever]

My thoughts:

1. Nice job by Rees and the receiving core. Loved seeing the downfield passing attack. Daniels looks like a star. Niklas is a weapon.

2. GAIII is not a RB, he's a situational specialist who should have been developed as a WR. I like him as a kick returner but the coaching staff needs to stop trying to make him something he is not. I think Carlisle should be the starter with Bryant being the physical change of pace guy. McDaniel and Folston as 3rd down guys.

3. I'm still not a believer in the 3-4 defense at the college level. It's too difficult and personnel oriented to run and consistently be effective unless your Alabama with a 5 star at every position. The three man front was completely ineffective rushing the passer and was gashed in the running game. I think this is a better defense running more 4-3 with Shembo, Ishaq at DE and Tuitt, Nix at DT. Day spells Nix on 3rd down pass rushing situations.

Just my two cents. Nice to start off with a W.

 

[koonja]

He is the opposite of hated. Everyone likes him. Saying he's the #1 running back is just going way too far.

Then who is?

I like Amir, but he hasn't shown enough to be an every down back, and his injury history says it's unlikely.

Watching GA play RB is just uncomfortable. He's never going to live up to the hype at that position IMO.

Greg/Folston may very well be better than Cam, but they haven't been let loose yet.

We have a lot of pretty good RBs, but none are great. Cam is as complete as we have IMO.

 

[koonja]

My thoughts:

1. Nice job by Rees and the receiving core. Loved seeing the downfield passing attack. Daniels looks like a star. Niklas is a weapon.

2. GAIII is not a RB, he's a situational specialist who should have been developed as a Safety. I like him as a kick returner but the coaching staff needs to stop trying to make him something he is not. I think Carlisle should be the starter with Bryant being the physical change of pace guy. McDaniel and Folston as 3rd down guys.

3. I'm still not a believer in the 3-4 defense at the college level. It's too difficult and personnel oriented to run and consistently be effective unless your Alabama with a 5 star at every position. The three man front was completely ineffective rushing the passer and was gashed in the running game. I think this is a better defense running more 4-3 with Shembo, Ishaq at DE and Tuitt, Nix at DT. Day spells Nix on 3rd down pass rushing situations.

Just my two cents. Nice to start off with a W.

FIFY.

 

[BMT]

I just watched first half again, wasn't as bad as I thought, Jaylon played pretty well just not a lot of action his way. I would like to see him spy Michigan qb. Just chill on GA 111, he got very few carries and he will pop a return or run, hopefully this weekend. Also, Amir Carlisle would have broken a huge second run but CJ Prosice or however you spell it completely whiffed on an easy block on linebacker, would have been 30 or to the house!

 

[Junkhead]

I watched the replay, not going to get into everything, but as far as RBs....
-Atkinson just looks unnatural (high pad level) and slow to accelerate.
-Carlisle has good vision and burst but may not have size or durability to get 20+ carries a game.
-McDaniel got the most carries, and though not the "eye-popping", athlete, I would have no problem having him start. He runs hard, cuts quick, and is always moving forward.
-Bryant/Folson- Both looked good in very limited work.

I have no idea what happens from here. Atkinson was supposedly the starter this season, but he had only 3 more carries than the 5th RB that got in (Folston). No wonder Cierre didn't come back....

 

[Domer4ever]

FIFY.

Nah, I think he could still be utilized in the slot and on bubble screens. The thing is he is the kind of guy who is dangerous in space, but lacks the lateral movement, vision, and quick start explosiveness needed as a RB. He would be great in the screen game, except that is not something this offense does.

 

[koonja]

Nah, I think he could still be utilized in the slot and on bubble screens. The thing is he is the kind of guy who is dangerous in space, but lacks the lateral movement, vision, and quick start explosiveness needed as a RB. He would be great in the screen game, except that is not something this offense does.

You may be right. Either way, I think we can agree that two years ago he would have been better off at WR or safety. His frame is perfect for safety, and you don't need great hands to be a great safety.

 

[Junkhead]

I almost feel bad for Atkinson. 2 years ago, we were all in love with his speed. He definitely should have a role on the team, but as an every down, there is too much talent behind. Amir transferring, and the 2 FL guys as freshman makes it a logjam. Good problems as long as we don't lose anyone.

 

[military_irish]

Not sure if this has been mentioned or even noticed but Nix pursues every single play as if he is going to make every tackle. After every tackle he is always there and if there is a run opposite side of the field you always see him in the screen pursuing the play.

 

[NDWorld247]

Not sure if this has been mentioned or even noticed but Nix pursues every single play as if he is going to make every tackle. After every tackle he is always there and if there is a run opposite side of the field you always see him in the screen pursuing the play.

He looked like an English bulldog chasing Reilly out of the pocket. I loved his effort yesterday.

 

[phillyirish]

POSiTive game Analysis

POSiTive game Analysis

First I would like to be acknowledged for the craftiness of my title. I mean capitalizing the POST in positive to indicate that while this may be a post game analysis, its not your typical one. Alright enough with my cleverness.

People are complaining about the average performance against an allegedly low level program. Well let me say this, I may or may not be a current student at Temple University. So I can possibly give you an in-depth, detailed report on the state of the Temple Football program that you really can't find anywhere else. Here is my insider summary of their football program: They have one. And I mean its a pretty prestigious University in itself. With the exception of Penn, Drexel, and Villanova; Temple may be the best University in the great city of Philadelphia. Bronze ain't bad right? So whatever is after bronze has gotta be decent too.

Now onto some of the positives from the game:

Tommy Rees:
I know we don't want to, but it might be time for us to acknowledge that Tommy Rees may be the greatest player in the history of the Fighting Irish. 346 yards and 3 TD against the vaunted Temple Defense? Right now he is in the stratosphere of the Hiesman race. I know a lot of people don't like him because he is a thug you know with his trouble with his police and everything. I mean the kid is a hard/bad@ss that usually isn't associated with the face of this University.

Greg Bryant:
The freshmen phenom averaged a stunning 6 yards per carry! Granted his limited action only accumulated to a total of 12 yards. However if we multiply that by the 7000 carries we can expect from him in his Irish career-- and I'm not a mathematician--- that's like 42,000 yards we can count on from him over the next 4 years. I mean our running game issues are long gone.

Kiicking Game:
Yeah our kickers were 0-2 on field goals but that wasn't really all their fault. The wind gust during the game were easily exceeding 50 mph. Don't believe me? Then how else did Rees manage to get a ball 32 yards downfield through the air.

So what does all of this mean? Nothing actually cause I didn't even watch the game due to work. But they won!! And a win is a win, and on opening day even better which is way better than half the site being on suicide watch like after USF 2 years ago and GT even further back. Whooooohoooaaa!!!

 

[IrishFaninTX]

First I would like to be acknowledged for the craftiness of my title. I mean capitalizing the POST in positive to indicate that while this may be a post game analysis, its not your typical one. Alright enough with my cleverness.

People are complaining about the average performance against an allegedly low level program. Well let me say this, I may or may not be a current student at Temple University. So I can possibly give you an in-depth, detailed report on the state of the Temple Football program that you really can't find anywhere else. Here is my insider summary of their football program: They have one. And I mean its a pretty prestigious University in itself. With the exception of Penn, Drexel, and Villanova; Temple may be the best University in the great city of Philadelphia. Bronze ain't bad right? So whatever is after bronze has gotta be decent too.

Now onto some of the positives from the game:

Tommy Rees:
I know we don't want to, but it might be time for us to acknowledge that Tommy Rees may be the greatest player in the history of the Fighting Irish. 346 yards and 3 TD against the vaunted Temple Defense? Right now he is in the stratosphere of the Hiesman race. I know a lot of people don't like him because he is a thug you know with his trouble with his police and everything. I mean the kid is a hard/bad@ss that usually isn't associated with the face of this University.

Greg Bryant:
The freshmen phenom averaged a stunning 6 yards per carry! Granted his limited action only accumulated to a total of 12 yards. However if we multiply that by the 7000 carries we can expect from him in his Irish career-- and I'm not a mathematician--- that's like 42,000 yards we can count on from him over the next 4 years. I mean our running game issues are long gone.

Kiicking Game:
Yeah our kickers were 0-2 on field goals but that wasn't really all their fault. The wind gust during the game were easily exceeding 50 mph. Don't believe me? Then how else did Rees manage to get a ball 32 yards downfield through the air.

So what does all of this mean? Nothing actually cause I didn't even watch the game due to work. But they won!! And a win is a win, and on opening day even better which is way better than half the site being on suicide watch like after USF 2 years ago and GT even further back. Whooooohoooaaa!!!

+1 You made me spit out my coffee! My computer screen curses you!

 

[Patulski]

I like the short passes, but I do not want to put that much on Tommy. At this point, we know what he is. He is a game manager who has the ability now to not lose games. We should not rely on him to win. We have the most depth at running back we've had in a couple of decades. That is a big advantage we can play up. We could run it all game without having any fatigue. We have future pros on the offensive line who are great in run blocking.

I do not think throwing short passes to fast running backs out of the backfield or in the slot is tough for Rees. They are short timing routes, which are his bread and butter. They are Game Manager routes. What he has trouble with are longer passes in sideline seams down the field, or with 8 defenders dropping into coverage on 3rd down and long situations.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Not sure if this has been mentioned or even noticed but Nix pursues every single play as if he is going to make every tackle. After every tackle he is always there and if there is a run opposite side of the field you always see him in the screen pursuing the play.

I didn't see it mentioned prior, and I definitely noticed it during the game. He looked frustrated at times with the double, and occasional triple teams, but his relentlessness was there all game. Even when he knew he wouldn't catch him. I do believe I saw him run past Ishaq at one point as he was giving up on the play.

 

[kmoose]

He missed a lot of passes he should be making on 3rd downs. This is why I want to emphasize the running game more than we did. 3rd and longs will be our downfall this year. Rees was 3/7 on 3rd for 2 first downs, and 3 of those should have been easy catches. One was because of Daniels' groin, but the other 2 were just bad misses. If we can get into 3rd and 4 or 3rd and 5, it will be a perfect place for our offense.

1. Rees was 16/23 (70%); he didn't miss a lot of passes in any situation.

2. ND was 5/13 on third down conversions. Rees was 3/7 on 3rd down, and Hendrix was 1/2. So ND was 4/9 on 3rd down, when passing. That means that we were 1/4 on 3rd down when rushing the ball. I fail to see why we should emphasize the run, with these numbers.