Sept 21 | Georgia

[stlnd01]

Koons drunken epiphany reminded me of


2000 Nebraska game weekend:


We got annihilated at the bars, and were walking through campus afterwards. A buddy of mine stopped, got on all fours, and started drinking out of the pond in front of Hesburgh.

He wasnt drinking it like a dog, but like a man who discovered the Fountain of Eternal Youth. Dude is straight drinking this disgusting water with this weird sense of gratitude.

He finishes, gets up, then starts walking across the pond with his arms raised like in the mural.


Tons of people were still milling about. Clearly enjoying the attention for being a dumbass, he starts yelling to everyone how the water is magic, and everyone needs to take a sip to ensure a victory. Sure enough, quite a few people did it, and a few even walked out into the pond also.

The scene turned into a mini-pep rally. People chanting, yelling, etc. It was a grand spectacle for a little bit before campus security shooed everyone away.

Id like to think the people who joined him were also stupid/drunk, but part of me thinks they were also so desperate to see a win, they thought what the hell, why not. Believe in something.

If we play Georgia 100 times, they win a very high percentage of those games, maybe all 100, who knows.

We only play them once though. What the hell, why not. Believe in something.......

And that weekend we came awful close to winning a game that, on paper, we had no business winning. Like you said, believe in something.
Go Irish.

 

[irishtrooper]

Be a bit more “wide open” on offense

Take advantage of Claypool’s athletic abilities on the outside

Mix up the formations (under center, shotgun, pistol)

Be disciplined on defense, trust your instruction

Get after their pocket QB as the run game sell-out will likely be needed and the DBs will be under pressure

Tackle, tackle, tackle. Very few missed tackles will be a huge win for us

Force at least 2 turnovers (looking at Alohi, Hamilton, Elliott and Crawford)

Take care of the ball (as much as possible while being more open on offense).

Lastly, don’t be scared. This is why most of these kids come to ND. For these games. Contrary to the fan base beliefs, this team can be beaten by ND if we play well. They don’t really challenge themselves on their schedule and we all seem to be scared based on recruiting rankings and the fact that they aaaaaalmost beat Bama (Bama wasn’t that much better than us/them last year anyway). I just don’t think it’s as big of a mismatch as most y’all. I will grant they are deeper and have great talent, but I trust our development and coaching. We are light years ahead of where we were even a few years ago. This team (in my view ) is ready to compete and play with anybody. I will cede that we aren’t in the “top tier” or whatever until we earn it, but to be so down on this team in the interest of being “real” in my view is a product of 25 years of fighting to get EXACTLY where we are.... competing for a national title/playoffs. Kids in high school (recruits) see that we are more than traditions and we can be successful and play big time games. We now just have to reinforce that and this game can literally pay dividends for years. An added bonus is it will make that phony,fraudulent and annoying boob Paul Finebaum squirm (not admit being wrong, he’s not that honest).

I’m confident we’ll show well and I’m hopeful that the players/coaches are p!ssed about almost everybody expecting them to get their pants pulled down and play angry. They have the talent and if a few things fall right, they will win.

 

[Wingman Ray]

/agree

LSU beat them by 20+ last year. ND can do this

 

[T Town Tommy]

Interesting. I’m wondering if Lea employs a lot of pre-snap movement to keep the QB guessing & the OL antsy. I like their dime package but that requires the Irish D to force UGA offense into as many third & longs as possible.

I heard someone float the idea of bringing Alohi up to Rover and Hamilton taking his spot at Safety to sell out on the run early. I think JOK will be a great LB in time & love his aggressiveness but he’s still running himself out of plays and struggling to get off WR blocks. Cager is primarily used as a blocker and even their 5-star freshmen have done well in pass catching & blocking thus far. Let’s hope ND can rattle them under the bright lights.

I would be surprised if pre snap movements on defense disrupts the Ga OL. They are as good a group as there is this year in CFB. For all the talk of the Ga run game, they haven't been as successful running in the trenches. But they have made a living running off tackle. And if the ND LB's can't cover sideline to sideline and the Irish have to commit a safety up to support, then the DL better get to Fromm. He isn't as great as people want to make him, but he is good enough to pick his spots and deliver the ball.

 

[Redbar]

Koons drunken epiphany reminded me of


2000 Nebraska game weekend:


We got annihilated at the bars, and were walking through campus afterwards. A buddy of mine stopped, got on all fours, and started drinking out of the pond in front of Hesburgh.

He wasnt drinking it like a dog, but like a man who discovered the Fountain of Eternal Youth. Dude is straight drinking this disgusting water with this weird sense of gratitude.

He finishes, gets up, then starts walking across the pond with his arms raised like in the mural.


Tons of people were still milling about. Clearly enjoying the attention for being a dumbass, he starts yelling to everyone how the water is magic, and everyone needs to take a sip to ensure a victory. Sure enough, quite a few people did it, and a few even walked out into the pond also.

The scene turned into a mini-pep rally. People chanting, yelling, etc. It was a grand spectacle for a little bit before campus security shooed everyone away.

Id like to think the people who joined him were also stupid/drunk, but part of me thinks they were also so desperate to see a win, they thought what the hell, why not. Believe in something.

If we play Georgia 100 times, they win a very high percentage of those games, maybe all 100, who knows.

We only play them once though. What the hell, why not. Believe in something.......

“What though the odds be great or small...”

 

[JohnnyJasper]

ummm....it was supposed to be a joke...Sigh

Hahahaha clearly


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JohnnyJasper]

Honestly, I miss Dex and Coney. If we had those two back, I would feel more confident. Other players also, but these two especially. We lost some major experience in key spots.

Losing Tillery is our biggest loss. Although Dex/Coney/Drue are missed as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

And that weekend we came awful close to winning a game that, on paper, we had no business winning. Like you said, believe in something.
Go Irish.

If only one more person had drunk from the reflection pool...

 

[Irish#1]

If the O & D lines step up, we will be in a position to win.

 

[ulukinatme]

Koons drunken epiphany reminded me of


2000 Nebraska game weekend:


We got annihilated at the bars, and were walking through campus afterwards. A buddy of mine stopped, got on all fours, and started drinking out of the pond in front of Hesburgh.

He wasnt drinking it like a dog, but like a man who discovered the Fountain of Eternal Youth. Dude is straight drinking this disgusting water with this weird sense of gratitude.

He finishes, gets up, then starts walking across the pond with his arms raised like in the mural.


Tons of people were still milling about. Clearly enjoying the attention for being a dumbass, he starts yelling to everyone how the water is magic, and everyone needs to take a sip to ensure a victory. Sure enough, quite a few people did it, and a few even walked out into the pond also.

The scene turned into a mini-pep rally. People chanting, yelling, etc. It was a grand spectacle for a little bit before campus security shooed everyone away.

Id like to think the people who joined him were also stupid/drunk, but part of me thinks they were also so desperate to see a win, they thought what the hell, why not. Believe in something.

If we play Georgia 100 times, they win a very high percentage of those games, maybe all 100, who knows.

We only play them once though. What the hell, why not. Believe in something.......

So what you're saying is not everyone took a sip??? They doomed us all!

I was at that game. Arnaz Battle was playing his butt off despite the fact he had a broken wrist. Boob Davie sat on the ball to go to overtime rather than take a shot at getting a FG in regulation. We were on our own 30 with over a minute to play and two TOs. He cost us that game.

 

[Dizzyphil]

The Irish D-Line will be key to this game. When the Irish stop the run, the score (IMO) will be close to the same as it was a couple of years ago. A lot has been said about this powerful running offense that GA has but, Vandy, Murray State (FCS), and AR State do not have the 'meat' the Irish have up front. (I still think Louisville is a lot better than what was expected this year - we will see how they do vs. F$U).



Although the Irish may seem that it has holes in the D-Line based on the two games they have played, I have re-watched both games and there was some serious rotations going on on the front line and line-backer crews. So hopefully Coach(es) has found a combination that will keep the run game to a minimum and force them to the air where the Irish DBs can take control.


With the RBs headed to the game, I would have no problem watching the Irish offense throwing the ball to set up the run.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

The Irish D-Line will be key to this game. When the Irish stop the run, the score (IMO) will be close to the same as it was a couple of years ago. A lot has been said about this powerful running offense that GA has but, Vandy, Murray State (FCS), and AR State do not have the 'meat' the Irish have up front. (I still think Louisville is a lot better than what was expected this year - we will see how they do vs. F$U).



Although the Irish may seem that it has holes in the D-Line based on the two games they have played, I have re-watched both games and there was some serious rotations going on on the front line and line-backer crews. So hopefully Coach(es) has found a combination that will keep the run game to a minimum and force them to the air where the Irish DBs can take control.


With the RBs headed to the game, I would have no problem watching the Irish offense throwing the ball to set up the run.

My hope is the heavy rotation of unready players and the mobile quarterbacks have made ND look a lot worse than they are on run defense. If Tommy is correct and Georgia looks to run off tackle that would be doing the Irish a big favor. Bilal, for one, looks WAY more comfortable going inside/out than trying to go downhill.

 

[Dizzyphil]

My hope is the heavy rotation of unready players and the mobile quarterbacks have made ND look a lot worse than they are on run defense. If Tommy is correct and Georgia looks to run off tackle that would be doing the Irish a big favor. Bilal, for one, looks WAY more comfortable going inside/out than trying to go downhill.

I believe this WILL happen. I watched the Vandy game here in Nashville and even against their defense, they were running sweeps. GA had over 325 yards rushing but, 7 rushes of 20+ yards (2 were for 18 actually but close enough). That is almost half of GA's yards on 7 rushes out of 40 carries.



The Irish CAN NOT let the big plays happen. This is why I agree with you that the D-Line will have to contain the run.

 

[AllTimeIrish]

DTs need to step up. I believe there is enough talent and depth there but they need to believe they can perform at this level. It's not talent, it's faith in their ability and a trust in the system that's needed.

ND needs to play young at LB and put the athleticism they recruited on the field. Even if ND loses, you lose with your best players on the field. This game could be big developmentally for the young LB core going against GA's OL and TEs.

ND has a talent advantage at safety. Hamilton should play every snap somewhere, use his athleticism and instincts against GA's young WRs. He will win most of those battles.

ND needs to pound GA's defensive line - they are not as good as other SEC teams. Kyren is most athletic and needs to get some run here. Again, play your young talent!

Avery Davis should get some plays in space, on screens or end-arounds, to get his athleticism on the field. He is one of the few running backs with an agility that we can use against GA.

Feed Keys and Claypool, and get Lenzy some significant play time in the slot. Athleticism at the WR position could win some important battles for the Irish and keep the chains moving.

I don't think ND is going to win this game, but their only chance is to put their best TALENT on the field. Even if ND does not win, give your young players the opportunity to learn from such a big game early in their careers. It will pay huge dividends down the road when this team is ready to compete for the championship.

GA 31 - ND 24

 

[ACamp1900]

I honestly can't remember the last time a ranked ND team was universally looked at as this much of an underdog in a game. Even in big bowl games the overall tone was never this overwhelmingly against us,... at least not that I can remember.

 

[PANDFAN]

I honestly can't remember the last time a ranked ND team was universally looked at as this much of an underdog in a game. Even in big bowl games the overall tone was never this overwhelmingly against us,... at least not that I can remember.

clemson last year...they were 11 point favs neutral field so it's about the same w/ georgia being home team

NO one was picking us and rightfully so in retrospect

 

[calvegas04]

I honestly can't remember the last time a ranked ND team was universally looked at as this much of an underdog in a game. Even in big bowl games the overall tone was never this overwhelmingly against us,... at least not that I can remember.

ND at OU in 2012 we were 11 1/2 point dogs and everyone had ND losing

 

[Cali_domer]

ND at OU in 2012 we were 11 1/2 point dogs and everyone had ND losing

Not to this degree. Years of failure in big games has produced more realistic expectations. BK is like deer in headlights in these types of games. I will never forget the look on his face coming out of the tunnel in the Bama game. I knew we were in trouble.

 

[notredomer23]

ND at OU in 2012 we were 11 1/2 point dogs and everyone had ND losing

So we will only win this one by 15 points is what you are saying. Fine, I'll take it.

 

[calvegas04]

Not to this degree. Years of failure in big games has produced more realistic expectations. BK is like deer in headlights in these types of games. I will never forget the look on his face coming out of the tunnel in the Bama game. I knew we were in trouble.

None of this is true, BK is the only coach since Lou who has won big games for ND. No other teams were beating Bama in 2012 or Clemson last year

 

[Irish YJ]

I honestly can't remember the last time a ranked ND team was universally looked at as this much of an underdog in a game. Even in big bowl games the overall tone was never this overwhelmingly against us,... at least not that I can remember.

I saw a graphic on ESPN that said something we were 1-18 since 1999 vs top 5 teams, or something close to that.

I think it's simply that history, and the fact we've had our doors blown off lately by Bama and Clemson.

Can't wait to shock the world

 

[Dizzyphil]

the line (odds shark) is 14.5


The O/U is 57.5 their prediction GA - 43-30



I'm thinking the game is going to end 28-24 - either way.




So, does Odds Shark think the OL/DL lines are going to show up?


https://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/notre-dame-georgia-odds-september-21-2019-1114982

 

[NDdomer2]

I saw a graphic on ESPN that said something we were 1-18 since 1999 vs top 5 teams, or something close to that.

I think it's simply that history, and the fact we've had our doors blown off lately by Bama and Clemson.

Can't wait to shock the world

theres some really bad stats out there for ND vs ranked teams in last 25 years.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I saw a graphic on ESPN that said something we were 1-18 since 1999 vs top 5 teams, or something close to that.

I think it's simply that history, and the fact we've had our doors blown off lately by Bama and Clemson.

Can't wait to shock the world

theres some really bad stats out there for ND vs ranked teams in last 25 years.

The stat I keep seeing is ND at 1-17 v. the AP top-5 since 2000. But the failures of Davie, Willingham and Weis aren't really relevant to this game.

Kelly's 0-4 against the AP top-5 since he's been here. But three of those losses came against 'Bama and Clemson, who no one else is remotely close to competing with either, and the fourth coming against FSU in 2014 where we would have won had we not gotten jobbed by the refs.

18 Stripes recently highlighted that Kelly's 8-7 against the Top-25 over the last 3 years, which doesn't sound great until you realize that's the 3rd best in the country during that period. Better than Georgia, OSU, etc.

 

[ACamp1900]

clemson last year...they were 11 point favs neutral field so it's about the same w/ georgia being home team

NO one was picking us and rightfully so in retrospect

ND at OU in 2012 we were 11 1/2 point dogs and everyone had ND losing

I don't think the tone was this bad for either though... I heard pundits and fans and such who picked ND or thought they could hang in those games. Even in the Bama game some thought our D could stop Bama. This is different... I've never felt the universal (even from our own) shrug towards a 'good' ND team.

Not to this degree.

This. YJ is prob right though... history in these games (even if some are close) is catching up to us more than ever.

 

[Irish YJ]

The stat I keep seeing is ND at 1-17 v. the AP top-5 since 2000. But the failures of Davie, Willingham and Weis aren't really relevant to this game.

Kelly's 0-4 against the AP top-5 since he's been here. But three of those losses came against 'Bama and Clemson, who no one else is remotely close to competing with either, and the fourth coming against FSU in 2014 where we would have won had we not gotten jobbed by the refs.

18 Stripes recently highlighted that Kelly's 8-7 against the Top-25 over the last 3 years, which doesn't sound great until you realize that's the 3rd best in the country during that period. Better than Georgia, OSU, etc.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I don't think the tone was this bad for either though... I heard pundits and fans and such who picked ND or thought they could hang in those games. Even in the Bama game some thought our D could stop Bama. This is different...

Very few picked us to beat Clemson, and I can't recall anyone reputable sticking their neck out for the Irish before the Oklahoma game. But a lot of it has to do with recency bias. Our last three games were: (1) comfortable win over a garbage-tier team; (2) sort of ugly win against a decent team coming off a garbage season; and (3) seemingly getting rolled by Clemson when the game was actually much closer than the score-line implied.

 

[ACamp1900]

Very few picked us to beat Clemson, and I can't recall anyone reputable sticking their neck out for the Irish before the Oklahoma game. But a lot of it has to do with recency bias. Our last three games were: (1) comfortable win over a garbage-tier team; (2) sort of ugly win against a decent team coming off a garbage season; and (3) seemingly getting rolled by Clemson when the game was actually much closer than the score-line implied.

Has even one reputable one gone out for ND in THIS game?? Maybe I missed one here or there and I don't remember the typical tone being "ND is going to get crushed and this game shouldn't even be in prime time" tone for any game previous... I'm not speaking to point spread here, or experts overwhelmingly picking against us. I'm speaking to the typical messaging of, "This game is a joke and will be a complete blowout..." That's not been a thing that I can ever remember.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Has even one reputable one gone out for ND in THIS game?? Maybe I missed one here or there and I don't remember the typical tone being "ND is going to get crushed and this game shouldn't even be in prime time" tone for any game previous... I'm not speaking to point spread here, or experts overwhelmingly picking against us. I'm speaking to the typical messaging of, "This game is a joke and will be a complete blowout..." That's not been a thing that I can ever remember.

I remember some of that before the Oklahoma game in 2012. There was much less of it before the FSU game in 2014 because we had competed for a title a couple years earlier. You didn't hear it before the playoff game against Clemson because we were coming off an undefeated season, and had proven ourselves to be a complete team. We're not getting that benefit of the doubt now.

 

[ACamp1900]

It's all good,... the game came just in time for the super blowhard, ND and Baker Mayfield hating UGA fan neighbors that my wife has bonded with to move in recently. They're also Pats fans to boot so it's double the blowhard in your face at all times fun. At least the Browns look like they're getting blown out too, which i'll hear tons about also. I'm super looking forward to this weekend...... for loving football so much i also fucking hate it most of the time.