Post spring thoughts

[notredomer23]

Still a minute or too left, but..

George atkinson needs a minimum of 10 touches a game anyway possible... If he holds on to the ball. He is a flat out beast.

Cierre wood and riddick are going to be an absolute sick combo at running back. Throw in GAIII and Carlyle. Wow. That will be scary good.

I will be absolutely shocked if Golson is not the starter. He is the quickest, fastest, and most accurate qb we have. Rees's pick was almost the nail in the coffin. Hendrix will be a good back up.

Kiel is extremely raw but you can see the talent. He has a huge arm.

Daniels made some plays which will be good for us moving forward. Eifert did well when asked too as well as koyack and welch. I really like the upside riddick brings to the passing game.

Ishaq Williams really stood out to me, even when he got punked by GA. His pick was perfect coverage.

Our defensive line I feel like played pretty well. It was just so hard to tell because our offensive line is going to be so good. I think hegarty filled in for cave well considering he has never played center before. I feel like I saw nix and day a lot.

Kendall Moore played a very solid game. He had a few good tackles.

I know Bennett Jackson didn't play, but the corners scare me. Wood looked decent, JA looked okay, but neither looked ready.

Safeties on the other hand I thought were good. I was impressed with collinsworth.

I feel like there is a positive feeling in the program right now that has been lacking almost since the lost to Michigan. I am very pleased with the direction we are headed. I know it's just a spring game so don't look too much into it, but I think it told us a lot.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Thought Golson had a good scrimmage.

We better put alot of points on the scoreboard.

DBs are going to be an issue.

AL pass rush was missed.

 

[Black Irish]

GA3 & Golson were obviously the offensive standouts. CB coverage was worrisome, but I liked how the D line got their hands up and still broke up passes even when they couldn't rush. Lots of pad crunching; I like it.

 

[NDdomer2]

Cb coverage was better than I expected. They at least found the ball in the air. Josh even broken up that pass to Eifert late.

 

[IrishAlum1997]

Gunner won't play a down this season. If I recall, Golson was the best looking QB in last year's game as well. BK seemed to be pretty hard on Everett on the sideline, hope he is challenging him to step up as a leader of this team. Of the four,Everett projects his leadership the least from afar, IMO.

Think this season sets up perfectly for a new QB. Opening with Navy and Purdue will give a little latitude for mistakes and experience. I'm hoping for a change at QB based on what we saw today.

 

[notredomer23]

While I think Everett is a good passer, we need to exploit his skills running. With the group of backs we have, I will be disappointed if we don't run the ball at least 60% of the time

 

[irishog77]

Still a minute or too left, but..

George atkinson needs a minimum of 10 touches a game anyway possible... If he holds on to the ball. He is a flat out beast.

Cierre wood and riddick are going to be an absolute sick combo at running back. Throw in GAIII and Carlyle. Wow. That will be scary good.

I will be absolutely shocked if Golson is not the starter. He is the quickest, fastest, and most accurate qb we have. Rees's pick was almost the nail in the coffin. Hendrix will be a good back up.

Kiel is extremely raw but you can see the talent. He has a huge arm.

Daniels made some plays which will be good for us moving forward. Eifert did well when asked too as well as koyack and welch. I really like the upside riddick brings to the passing game.

Ishaq Williams really stood out to me, even when he got punked by GA. His pick was perfect coverage.

Our defensive line I feel like played pretty well. It was just so hard to tell because our offensive line is going to be so good. I think hegarty filled in for cave well considering he has never played center before. I feel like I saw nix and day a lot.

Kendall Moore played a very solid game. He had a few good tackles.

I know Bennett Jackson didn't play, but the corners scare me. Wood looked decent, JA looked okay, but neither looked ready.

Safeties on the other hand I thought were good. I was impressed with collinsworth.

I feel like there is a positive feeling in the program right now that has been lacking almost since the lost to Michigan. I am very pleased with the direction we are headed. I know it's just a spring game so don't look too much into it, but I think it told us a lot.

Not to harp on one thing in a long post, but are you serious about claiming how his coverage was perfect on that pick??

 

[jonesman]

Tommy looked just like he did last year. Really nice MAC level quarterback. He still throws a weak ball. He still is not mobile. He is just as turnover prone as ever, yet no upside!!

Golson looked really solid. It is obvious he is still learning, but his ball looks really good. He has excapability, however Kelly needs to tell him to tuck that ball. It is likely Golson will commit some turnovers, but his upside is huge.

Hendrix played decent, but he trys to use his velocity in some bad situations. He has good mobility and will stretch plays. His long ball to Eiffert was a really nice play. In fact, I saw Tommy ask Andrew what it felt like to throw a ball that far. ha ha.

Gunner is going to REDSHIRT!!! PERIOD!!! He is a great talent, but would be in way over his head. Let him learn for a year.

Post Spring Depth Chart:
1. Golson
2. Hendrix
3. Tommy
4. Gunner

 

[Wizzle32]

Still a minute or too left, but..

George atkinson needs a minimum of 10 touches a game anyway possible... If he holds on to the ball. He is a flat out beast.

Cierre wood and riddick are going to be an absolute sick combo at running back. Throw in GAIII and Carlyle. Wow. That will be scary good.

I will be absolutely shocked if Golson is not the starter. He is the quickest, fastest, and most accurate qb we have. Rees's pick was almost the nail in the coffin. Hendrix will be a good back up.

Kiel is extremely raw but you can see the talent. He has a huge arm.

Daniels made some plays which will be good for us moving forward. Eifert did well when asked too as well as koyack and welch. I really like the upside riddick brings to the passing game.

Ishaq Williams really stood out to me, even when he got punked by GA. His pick was perfect coverage.

Our defensive line I feel like played pretty well. It was just so hard to tell because our offensive line is going to be so good. I think hegarty filled in for cave well considering he has never played center before. I feel like I saw nix and day a lot.

Kendall Moore played a very solid game. He had a few good tackles.

I know Bennett Jackson didn't play, but the corners scare me. Wood looked decent, JA looked okay, but neither looked ready.

Safeties on the other hand I thought were good. I was impressed with collinsworth.

I feel like there is a positive feeling in the program right now that has been lacking almost since the lost to Michigan. I am very pleased with the direction we are headed. I know it's just a spring game so don't look too much into it, but I think it told us a lot.

I agree. From what i saw, Golson should be the starter. He has a great arm and is accurate. He is real quick and can cause problems with defenses with his speed which teams do not need to worry about with rees.

George Atkinson was a beast and just needs to limit the fumbling. All in all i was very impressed by him.

Rees can not throw a fade route if his life depended on it.

All in all i felt like it was a great learning experience for our players going forward. We still got to limit the turnovers and I am very concerned with that, so hopefully that will be resolved by the time the season starts.

 

[notredomer23]

Not to harp on one thing in a long post, but are you serious about claiming how his coverage was perfect on that pick??

He was where he was supposed to be was he not? It really was just a horrible pass from Hendrix, but Ishaq was right where he was supposed to be so whats wrong with that statement?? The ball shouldn't have been thrown in the first place.

 

[irishog77]

He was where he was supposed to be was he not? It really was just a horrible pass from Hendrix, but Ishaq was right where he was supposed to be so whats wrong with that statement?? The ball shouldn't have been thrown in the first place.

So if I'm a detective assigned to a murder case, have no evidence, no witnesses, no motive, no clues, and generally no idea what's going on with the case, but a some guy walks into my precinct and hands me the murder weapon and confesses and tells me his motive and reasoning, then is that "perfect detective work?" No, I just caught a break and got lucky.

Williams was just floating around, not near any receivers nor potential receivers, and the ball came straight to him. That's all. Yeah, then he made the catch and made the play. I'm glad he did and glad it happened. But let's not start getting carried away with some of our coronations for players just yet. Pretty decent play by Ishaq? Yes. Perfect coverage? No.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Still a minute or too left, but..

George atkinson needs a minimum of 10 touches a game anyway possible... If he holds on to the ball. He is a flat out beast.
GA3 needs to wear number 12 because he's Ricky Watters.

Cierre wood and riddick are going to be an absolute sick combo at running back. Throw in GAIII and Carlyle. Wow. That will be scary good.
I have no opinion of Carlyle, having never seen him play, but some say he's the most talented of our group. Scary thought for our opponents.

I will be absolutely shocked if Golson is not the starter. He is the quickest, fastest, and most accurate qb we have. Rees's pick was almost the nail in the coffin. Hendrix will be a good back up.
Golson appears to have trouble with snaps from under center. We saw it in the videos and during the game. IMO it doesn't matter. All 3 qb's are apparently turnover prone. Golson has the ability to play over it. He's going to light up the scoreboard hopefully covering up the occasional mistake. He needs to start!

Kiel is extremely raw but you can see the talent. He has a huge arm.

Daniels made some plays which will be good for us moving forward. Eifert did well when asked too as well as koyack and welch. I really like the upside riddick brings to the passing game.
IMO receiver is a weakness on this team.

Ishaq Williams really stood out to me, even when he got punked by GA. His pick was perfect coverage.
Ishaq's coverage was encouraging, but I'm looking for a better pass rush. We need double digit sacks from him next year.

Our defensive line I feel like played pretty well. It was just so hard to tell because our offensive line is going to be so good. I think hegarty filled in for cave well considering he has never played center before. I feel like I saw nix and day a lot.

Kendall Moore played a very solid game. He had a few good tackles.

I know Bennett Jackson didn't play, but the corners scare me. Wood looked decent, JA looked okay, but neither looked ready.
I thought JA looked really good. He made 3-4 really good plays against bigger players.

Safeties on the other hand I thought were good. I was impressed with collinsworth.

I feel like there is a positive feeling in the program right now that has been lacking almost since the lost to Michigan. I am very pleased with the direction we are headed. I know it's just a spring game so don't look too much into it, but I think it told us a lot.

.

 

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

While I think Everett is a good passer, we need to exploit his skills running. With the group of backs we have, I will be disappointed if we don't run the ball at least 60% of the time

I think you are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening. Here is my take on this game:

QBs: Everett should be getting most of the reps and he should be groomed to start the season. Rees should be the emergency back up...and Hendrix should be groomed as a long term backup.

RBs: GAIII will become a stud as he matures. Wood looks as slippery as ever. Riddick I am disappointed with. He just doesn't have the speed. He just isn't that dynamic player that the position he plays demands. We need someone who is able to threaten the defense. Riddick does not threaten the defense. Riddick does provide depth at the RB position.

TEs: They are impressive. Blocking and receiving. Three headed monster without considering Troy. Interesting to use Eifert as a WR...but I would rather him play more inside. Make teams focus on him on the inside to open up space for the young wideouts to make plays.

Offensively I see us moving the ball through the ground and with play action passing. I don't see us spread attack anyone...as much as I think Golson is the answer...he is young and he is going make some boneheaded plays. This year should be his trial by fire year and great expectations in 2013.

Defensively...nothing much to say other than the young LBs to me kinda disappointed...secondary played like I thought they would. In position but unable to make plays...except for a couple of occasions. One notiecable thing was how pedestrian the pass rush was. There was a certain presence missing...of forget it...he is gone.

This year is a rebuilding year. No doubt about it in my mind. We need to play the players that will give us the best shot to win big in 2013. With regards to turnovers, playcalling is one factor often overlooked...let's hope it improves this year.

See you guys in the fall.

 

[DSully1995]

Pass rush and defense in general will be better, we didnt have Manti or shembo most the time, AL will be missed, but its not too gamebreaking

 

[Patulski]

I will be absolutely shocked if Golson is not the starter. He is the quickest, fastest, and most accurate qb we have. Rees's pick was almost the nail in the coffin. Hendrix will be a good back up.

Kelly downplayed Golson's performance in his Press Conference, saying he didn't care about statistics, and that Golson couldn't line up the team and get the ball snapped in time without him. He also said Golson had the "art" of being a QB down, but not the "science". I hope Kelly was bluffing, but I fear that Kelly is a system based coach and doesn't like that Golson doesn't always set his feet and bails out of the pocket. Of the three, I thought Golson was the best. Rees, who had the most to lose imo, looked terrible. Hendrix made the same problem of not seeing the underneath linebacker and Kiel is too inexperienced

Safeties on the other hand I thought were good. I was impressed with collinsworth.

I was not impressed with Collinsworth. He had Atkinson lined up dead to rights on a routine safety tackle, and Atkinson shrugged him off like he was a safety from Army.

I feel like there is a positive feeling in the program right now that has been lacking almost since the lost to Michigan. I am very pleased with the direction we are headed. I know it's just a spring game so don't look too much into it, but I think it told us a lot.

This team may have "a positive feeling", but that won't prevent them from losing 6 games if they can't find better QB play, more reliable playmakers than Wood and Eifert, and a better secondary. I'd include Atkinson, but two fumbles in one half isn't reliable. I don't think Riddick is a playmaker of the caliber of Wood and Eifert. He's quick, but doesn't have a second gear.

Wish I could be more positive, but that was the sloppiest spring game I think I've ever seen, and I've seen lots of them.

 

[jonesman]

ND Fighting Irish,
I think you were watching the wrong spring game as far as your Theo Riddick analysis. The guy looked great. He does not have George's top-end speed, but he will make tons of people miss. Our RB's all looked sickly good.

The scary part at RB is that we did not have Amir, Cam Roberson or any of our incoming freshmen. ND is loaded at RB.

 

[Irish YJ]

If Golson blossoms, and we find answers at CB and WR, this team could do anything. The DL will help the DB inexperience, and the RB/TE situation will mask the WR situation. Let's just hope our young guys learn fast and find their grooves by the end of the first two games!

Overall, I'm more optimistic after watching today. That is, if Golson starts. Anyone else, I'm going to have a sick feeling in my stomach the entire season.

 

[tko]

I agree with Jonesman's order for the QB's:
Golson
Hendrix
Rees
Kiel(behind Rees only b/c he's a freshman)

What's nice is we still have Tommy for the special option package. He really can hit that corner aggressively and make that end commit.

 

[BGIF]

So if I'm a detective assigned to a murder case, have no evidence, no witnesses, no motive, no clues, and generally no idea what's going on with the case, but a some guy walks into my precinct and hands me the murder weapon and confesses and tells me his motive and reasoning, then is that "perfect detective work?" No, I just caught a break and got lucky.

Williams was just floating around, not near any receivers nor potential receivers, and the ball came straight to him. That's all. Yeah, then he made the catch and made the play. I'm glad he did and glad it happened. But let's not start getting carried away with some of our coronations for players just yet. Pretty decent play by Ishaq? Yes. Perfect coverage? No.

So, the murderer was Hendrix, in the Stadium, with the football.

 

[Anchorman]

"Oh f*ck"
-Tommy Rees


Best moment of the spring.

 

[irishog77]

So, the murderer was Hendrix, in the Stadium, with the football.

Yes. And Tim Curry was the butler who made it all possible.

 

[lawdomer14]

Am I out of line?

Am I out of line?

I'm really surprised by the positive posts on this board right now. Maybe it was just me, but I did not come out of this game feeling good at all.

Good things:
Golson looks to be the starter, but by no means is he a sure-fire take us to the BCS QB right now.
The running game looked great, from all sides.
D looked solid, especially the line.

Concerns:
Mistakes--lots of them. At points it looked like the team had not even been practicing every day for the past few weeks.
O-Line: I thought they just looked awful. Any gain in the runs were because of the running backs, rarely was it due to great blocking. Didn't see a whole lot of second level stuff, and on numerous occasions there were missed assignments.
Timing: I know this will come with more practice, but it looked like timing wasn't just off with Golson, but with everyone. There would be sparks of rhythm, but nothing to hang your hat on.

tl;dr - I'm very concerned coming out of this game. Maybe it's just me though.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

I think you are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening. Here is my take on this game:

QBs: Everett should be getting most of the reps and he should be groomed to start the season. Rees should be the emergency back up...and Hendrix should be groomed as a long term backup.

RBs: GAIII will become a stud as he matures. Wood looks as slippery as ever. Riddick I am disappointed with. He just doesn't have the speed. He just isn't that dynamic player that the position he plays demands. We need someone who is able to threaten the defense. Riddick does not threaten the defense. Riddick does provide depth at the RB position.

TEs: They are impressive. Blocking and receiving. Three headed monster without considering Troy. Interesting to use Eifert as a WR...but I would rather him play more inside. Make teams focus on him on the inside to open up space for the young wideouts to make plays.

Offensively I see us moving the ball through the ground and with play action passing. I don't see us spread attack anyone...as much as I think Golson is the answer...he is young and he is going make some boneheaded plays. This year should be his trial by fire year and great expectations in 2013.

Defensively...nothing much to say other than the young LBs to me kinda disappointed...secondary played like I thought they would. In position but unable to make plays...except for a couple of occasions. One notiecable thing was how pedestrian the pass rush was. There was a certain presence missing...of forget it...he is gone.

This year is a rebuilding year. No doubt about it in my mind. We need to play the players that will give us the best shot to win big in 2013. With regards to turnovers, playcalling is one factor often overlooked...let's hope it improves this year.

See you guys in the fall.

What? Riddick was disappointing? He was a freakin stud out there today. Fast, shifty, quick, strong and versatile are words that come to mind to describe him.

 

[irishtrooper]

Not an expert by all means, but Golson should be the starter. His physical tools just stand out above the rest. I feel like we will hear the same song with Rees again this year if he starts. To me, Riddick looked very good. He is quick and made some plays. He will not be an Atkinson breaking 35-40 yard runs, but will be slippery and hard to tackle. These runs and short catches will be 6-10 yard chain movers. I think we will be a match up formation changing team going from 3 TEs on one play to 5 wide on the next. Overall, with Golson I really like our offense. There will be some irritating mistakes and growing pains, but Golson just has to be the man. I also agree with many of you that say Kiel will not take a game snap this year.

On defense I thought they played ok. I think Rees made them look a little better than they were today. I did not notice really any pass rush. I was impressed with Sheldon Day. Didn't see enough of Teo to make any statements but he looked good covering Koyack on an out route, and really his coverage is my only concern. Kendall Moore was my pick to really step in for Teo if he left. To me, he looked physical but also looked slow and looks to have gotten a bit thick in the middle. Our corners sort of held their own, but Ibelieve this may have been a product of poor WR play too. Overall, our defense will be good as long as what we have on the back end stays healthy and makes improvements.

 

[ryno 24]

Yea theo Riddick looked great look like a wr, catching the ball better than ever as well. He looked thick as well and shifty he is now a true combo player.

 

[irishtrooper]

Yea theo Riddick looked great look like a wr, catching the ball better than ever as well. He looked thick as well and shifty he is now a true combo player.

Looks to be in great shape. Think maybe he gets another shot at PR ????

 

[jonesman]

Troy Nicklas??? What is the injury situation?? I was looking forward to seeing him, but heard he is now injured. What is the situation??

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

Troy Nicklas??? What is the injury situation?? I was looking forward to seeing him, but heard he is now injured. What is the situation??

Concussion supposedly.

 

[tadman95]

I think I would be grooming Golson as the starter the rest of the way. He's got work to do but athletically he's so far ahead. He's going to make mistakes this year but put him in charge and challenge to run Notre Dame football.

I was pretty pleased with what I saw. Need the WR's to keep coming on. The CB's were okay just need more rep's. Thought McDaniel showed some good technique considering he's only had 15 or so practices at the position.

 

[koonja]

Does anybody know of a link to the replay?