Sep 18 | Notre Dame at Michigan State

[tko]

I would say they are what we are... unit for unit on down the board they are better than michigan... but a lot of teams that can say that could lose to Michigan with DR under center...

I don't think it's a debate personally MSU is the better team from tpo to bottom... but so are we and who is 2-0???

love when you give your 2 cents

 

[GoingGreen]

I have a feeling this will be one of our best wins of the year. Our boys should have won last week and they know it. They're hungry and ready to show everyone that they are a good team. 38-17 Irish

I would love to see it, but I think it'll be a little closer. I refuse to predict a score, but I think we win a close one. Hopefully Crist can stay healthy for the entire game.

Go Irish!

 

[GDomer09]

If we run the ball & run it the way we did against purdue we win by (2)TD's. That's what killed us against UM, we were running the ball well, but not enough, especially when DC was out. I think our D kills it!!! We'll never face another Ratard Dobinson this year!

 

[ACamp1900]

Getting J Slaugther back in at saftey may be a big key to this game... Not that Zeke didn't do the job last week because he did... but our safties are gonna have to come up big in this game in run suport and just as big, in the coverage on the deep ball in Play Action... and having three safties we can rotate in and out rather than just two like last week will certainly help...

got to get Jay Slaw back and healthy

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

No Denard Robinson = ND win, 34-20

 

[ACamp1900]

No Denard Robinson = ND win, 34-20

from my view if that is your logic prepare to be kicking the dog come saturday night... this is a coin flip.

 

[fitz_bu47]

Anybody know if being here in Kansas is going to mean that I have to watch Texas Saturday night instead of the Irish?

 

[jason_h537]

Anybody know if being here in Kansas is going to mean that I have to watch Texas Saturday night instead of the Irish?

If you got DirecTV you can go online and check. Also you can get the game as PPV. Had to do that once. If not check TVGuide, the games it should let you know if the game will be carried in your area

 

[ryno 24]

if its not on ABC then its on ESPN 2

 

[fitz_bu47]

Thanks Fellas, that's the scenario I was hoping for Ryno.

 

[Rudy89]

honestly I see us losing to MSU, BC, Pitt, and we might sneak one out against stanford. I just think we are new and those teams will be breaking our hearts late in the game all year. I also think USC and perhaps Utah will beat us. Ive been very pesismistic these last few years and despite a good showing saturday for me a loss like that were quite frnakly we blow it makes me just think the worst is yet to come especially with the schedule ahead....ughhh =(

 

[The Polish Irishman]

Never forget them planting their Flag at ND and the next year protecting the 50 yard line.
Still can't believe CW let that happen.

Irish 28-20

 

[TerryTate]

I'm excited to see this defense play against a pro-style offense. While I'm disappointed by last week's game, I think they play with a chip on their shoulder on the road. I like PI's prediction 28-20

 

[KPENN]

I'm excited to see this defense play against a pro-style offense. While I'm disappointed by last week's game, I think they play with a chip on their shoulder on the road. I like PI's prediction 28-20

Agree. I think we have some sucess against the pro style offenses. 31-24 irish

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

I'm excited to see this defense play against a pro-style offense. While I'm disappointed by last week's game, I think they play with a chip on their shoulder on the road. I like PI's prediction 28-20

You are correct, Sir... It's a big deal that we're going against a pro-style offense this week. Just another day in the office. This week, we gets ours.

 

[Irish_Angst]

Anybody know if being here in Kansas is going to mean that I have to watch Texas Saturday night instead of the Irish?

Try this link around Thursday (not posted yet):

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/news/2010/abc-coverage-map-for-september-18/

OR

Use da Googles: "abc 2010 college football coverage map"

 

[Irish_Angst]

honestly I see us losing to MSU, BC, Pitt, and we might sneak one out against stanford. I just think we are new and those teams will be breaking our hearts late in the game all year. I also think USC and perhaps Utah will beat us. Ive been very pesismistic these last few years and despite a good showing saturday for me a loss like that were quite frnakly we blow it makes me just think the worst is yet to come especially with the schedule ahead....ughhh =(

Some folk's glass is half full... others are half empty...

Dude, I think your's is empty, chipped & has greasy fingerprints on it.

Don't worry... we'll get there. I remember Louie's first season after Faust. It was frustrating that year, but we all know how that worked out.

I really get the feeling the Kelly will be much more successful this season than Holtz was in 1986. Have faith!

 

[tankjeep]

Getting J Slaugther back in at saftey may be a big key to this game... Not that Zeke didn't do the job last week because he did... but our safties are gonna have to come up big in this game in run suport and just as big, in the coverage on the deep ball in Play Action... and having three safties we can rotate in and out rather than just two like last week will certainly help...

got to get Jay Slaw back and healthy

i agree and having slaughter back will be a big time bonus. my only concern is harrison smith. his decision making is slow. he needs to pick it up.

 

[irish4ever]

Agree. I think we have some sucess against the pro style offenses. 31-24 irish

Better be able to limit Bell and Baker in their run game. I don't think that Sparty can beat the Irish thru the air (assuming Crist plays the whole game)!

 

[SoInIrishFan]

i agree and having slaughter back will be a big time bonus. my only concern is harrison smith. his decision making is slow. he needs to pick it up.

I'm wondering if HS is too worried about making mistakes... that's what it looks like sometimes. He's a very good safety, but I think he needs to STOP thinking and play.

Don't be surprised if you see the secondary in some man, and taking big chances this weekend. I'm guessing the message in practice was, "We have to start making plays!". There is a ton of talent on this team, and I think you're going to start seeing the "natural" athleticism come out this week. We'll also get a good measure of the S&C program. Sparty is beefy and strong up front. This is a power team, and if the 2's can get some push when Ian & Co., are getting a blow......... this will be a route.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

 

[tankjeep]

I'm wondering if HS is too worried about making mistakes... that's what it looks like sometimes. He's a very good safety, but I think he needs to STOP thinking and play.

Don't be surprised if you see the secondary in some man, and taking big chances this weekend. I'm guessing the message in practice was, "We have to start making plays!". There is a ton of talent on this team, and I think you're going to start seeing the "natural" athleticism come out this week. We'll also get a good measure of the S&C program. Sparty is beefy and strong up front. This is a power team, and if the 2's can get some push when Ian & Co., are getting a blow......... this will be a route.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

not sure he's ever shown that yet. i know in my drunken stupor for the purdue game i gave some harsh criticism toward HS when he only made a couple of bad plays, but i'm not sold on him and probably won't be. some posters here have mentioned that a safeties name shouldn't be called out by the annoncers if they are having a good/great game. how so?

what about troy palamanadingo for the steelers or ed reed for the ravens or what's his name for USC (last season)? these guys are ball hawks and you heard their names being called on more than one occassion during games. so, to me....not hearing a safeties name lends to the fact that they are not imposing their will on the game. and in HS case, SIIF, i agree....he's playing not to make a big mistake instead of just playing.

HS may be an exceptional athlete, but that's about it. he's been moved around quite a bit and had to go thru different defensive coordinators, so i try to give him the benefit of the doubt, but what kind of grace period do i give him?

i hope he can prove me wrong, but i just don't have any confidence in him to step his game up. boy do i wish he will.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

Better be able to limit Bell and Baker in their run game. I don't think that Sparty can beat the Irish thru the air (assuming Crist plays the whole game)!

This cannot be stressed enough. I think their RB's are averaging 6 or 7 yards per carry. Stop the run and force Cousins to beat you in the air. But stopping them on the ground will not be easy.

However, keep in mind, this sparty defense gave up 256 in the air to FLORIDA ATLANTIC and had 3 pass interference calls. If the Irish get an early jump on these guys offensively and dictate tempo, their offense will have a tough time keeping up. First quarter is huge!!

 

[SoInIrishFan]

not sure he's ever shown that yet. i know in my drunken stupor for the purdue game i gave some harsh criticism toward HS when he only made a couple of bad plays, but i'm not sold on him and probably won't be. some posters here have mentioned that a safeties name shouldn't be called out by the annoncers if they are having a good/great game. how so?

what about troy palamanadingo for the steelers or ed reed for the ravens or what's his name for USC (last season)? these guys are ball hawks and you heard their names being called on more than one occassion during games. so, to me....not hearing a safeties name lends to the fact that they are not imposing their will on the game. and in HS case, SIIF, i agree....he's playing not to make a big mistake instead of just playing.

HS may be an exceptional athlete, but that's about it. he's been moved around quite a bit and had to go thru different defensive coordinators, so i try to give him the benefit of the doubt, but what kind of grace period do i give him?

i hope he can prove me wrong, but i just don't have any confidence in him to step his game up. boy do i wish he will.

Tank, the safeties you mention all had/have great counterparts in the deep secondary, and usually had outstanding cover corners. This frees them up for more run support, unless it's a pure passing down.

The part concerning the "not hearing their names called", means that the front 7 are doing their job, and safety support isn't needed. When you safety's name is being call often on running plays, that's a very bad sign. It means your getting beat at the point of attack, and allowing the opposing O-line to get to the 2nd level blocking assignments. That's what's been happening at ND the past few years. IMO, the safety should NOT lead your team in tackles. If that's the case, something is dreadfully wrong.

In regards to , "how much time do you give", I think if he's the best we have, we have to be patient regardless of the time it takes. Kelly said, "we need to win now", I'm thinking HS is under tremendous pressure to not give up the big play, but close quickly, and be there for run support. He just doesn't seem to have that "feel" just yet. I think it's really close though, as he only seems a couple steps late, and has been right on time on a few plays. My guess is you'll see a different player this week, provided he can "see" the play action effectively.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary

 

[GreatGolson]

happy birthday GD, happy birthday GD, happy birthday Great Daaaaayneee, happy birthday GD

 

[fitz_bu47]

Notre Dame 38-24....We beat Michigan last week if Dayne plays the whole game, and/or we slow down Denard AT ALL(Not making excuses, or talking crap on Michigan, they (he) did what they had to do.), Mich St. doesn't have an offense or personnel to do what Denard did.....They can't stop us, we stop them some, we win.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Notre Dame 38-24....We beat Michigan last week if Dayne plays the whole game, and/or we slow down Denard AT ALL(Not making excuses, or talking crap on Michigan, they (he) did what they had to do.), Mich St. doesn't have an offense or personnel to do what Denard did.....They can't stop us, we stop them some, we win.

Dude, I think we beat Michigan if Dayne plays for even two or three more possessions, let alone the whole game. If he is in there the whole game, I think we win that game by 2 or 3 scores.

Michigan State won't be able to stop us if we execute. As we get closer to the game, I am getting more and more excited. A couple days ago, I was down in the dumps and thinking we could go 0-4 over the next 4 games, but now I am bouncing back and I am starting to get pumped and positive again.

I think we have a better time against Sparty - ND - 41 Mich St - 17 It stays close for the first 2 1/2 quarters, but the Irish pull away in the second half. Or, I could be totally off base. What the hell do I know? I just hope I can win back some of my 6 mil Vbucks I lost last weekend!

 

[Irish Man3]

I think this week we will really find out how far along our front seven are in this new system. Carlo and Manti looked good last week but the front seven will really need to shut down MSU and their run game. If we can stop the run without having to bring Harrison or Slaughter into the box then we dominate. I think Dayne walks into this game with something to prove and after last week I think he really understands how much he means to this team. I think with that added confidence and the continued emergence of TJ, we put up big numbers. I look for Dayne to go 23-37 for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns. I also think Cierre will see the endzone for the first time this year and Armando goes for 86 yards. All bold predictions I know but I got the Irish 38-21.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Michigan State won't be able to stop us if we execute. As we get closer to the game, I am getting more and more excited. A couple days ago, I was down in the dumps and thinking we could go 0-4 over the next 4 games, but now I am bouncing back and I am starting to get pumped and positive again.

The time-to-game timer is killing me. Just watching it tick down, waiting... I want some spartan blood and I want it NOW!

 

[TerryTate]

Slaughter looks like he might be out for the game. Robert Blanton is taking reps at safety. I like Blanton's size at that spot

 

[Old Man Mike]

Some possibly meaningless pieces of information: Dantonio was talking a lot about Notre Dame in his press conference [all EXTREMELY respectfully and even a little bit affectionately---he grew up as a Catholic Zanesville Ohio boy watching ND every week on TV and being a fan]. He was asked about the hurry-up offense. He admitted that "it presents problems". Those problems were 70% "mental". They were mostly having superior discipline [vs "normal" d-play] whereas one must rush the d-call in immediately, the players not only get in their proper positions, but also make the correct reads and adjustments almost immediately. He said that they [MSU] had experienced this sort of thing against both Northwestern and Texas Tech. He didn't go any further, but I decided to. Texas Tech routed them in the bowl game, garnering several offensive records. OK, you say, that's Texas Tech. Well, Northwestern didn't beat them but had lots of passing yards, especially in the fourth quarter when they outgained the tired MSU defense double. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Secondly, he was asked about the inferiority of the first two opponents [Western and Florida Atlantic] vs Notre Dame. Without dissing those two too badly, he agreed that yes this would be a significantly greater challenge. I'd like to add that both teams played MSU pretty evenly for three out of four quarters, though getting their butts handed to them in the other [mainly by the running of two backs---Cousins has been mainly a station-keeper so far this year, and Dantoni says that he's played well but not to the place he can get to "and Kirk knows that".]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------My observation is that MSU is a fairly "vanilla" big ten power team [what my brothers call a "thug" team] and try to do two things: Run over you, and channel all offense into their linebackers. Maybe Cousins will break out the fancy tricks, but he hasn't so far. Maybe the D-coordinator will unleash the hounds, but there hasn't been much sacking so far, either [something like three in two games against allegedly inferior lines]. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MSU has much to prove yet this season. Hopefully that will not happen against us, but their performance so far gives me reasons for a lot of optimism.....at least if Crist plays the whole game.