Sept 21 | Georgia

[Irishize]

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.

Isn’t it also the lack of consistency by the media in saying ND hasn’t beaten a Top 5 team since they defeated scUM in 2005. But...that team didn’t finish #5....they had a down season. Conversely, ND beat Sparty in 2013 in a season where Sparty finished 13-1 and a top 5 ranking despite not being top 5 when they played. Seems the media likes to pick whichever one makes ND look the worst. Just pick one and judge every team the same way. Wasn’t Stanford top 10 when we kicked their asses last season?

 

[BeatSC]

Can anyone remember what our expectations were leading up to the game last time? I seriously can't remember.

As someone noted we were coming off a 4 win season which may have been why so many ND ticket holders sold out and allowed half the stands to turn into a sea of red. You won't see that from Georgia fans. Hoping to see many new wrinkles and more speed from our running game. 3rd or 4th and short need to be play action TE passes as we have demonstrated failure between the tackles in short yardage why let history keep repeating itself.
I like the bewildered QB look to the sideline and snap run to the RB. I think we could do with a few wildcat situation just not sure who should run it. Would love to have Wimbush back for that right about now. Poor guy has been hung out to dry for the UCF future. Hopefully Pitt can redeem their idiot coaches play calling with an upset win at home.

Speaking of play calling Long needs to do a much better job this time around. Running Adams into the line in slo mo didn't work and Dexter should have seen the field at least once.

Need to find mismatches on offense and exploit. The funny thing is imo Book and the RBs are the weak links on offense when you compare us to other top teams but the talking heads are saying we have a very good QB but he needs to have a great game (true) but in a game this big (Clemson) he has not. Sadly he is better than the other options. Try wildcat please.

 

[Irishfanforlife23]

I think this has been discussed recently but the stats against ND's defense have been compiled largely by RPOs and option offenses. Georgia runs more of a traditional pro-style offense against which I believe ND's defense matches up well. The elite pass rushing DE, Okwara and Kareem, should have more of an impact in a matchup like this which gives me hope. Also I believe we will stack the box at times and other times come out in nickle to keep Georgia guessing. Hopefully we also have some blitz packages, including run blitz, to unleash as well.

This. I am not worrying about their QB taking off and gashing us. They are going to run power at us non stop. We have to sell out to stop it. I guess Fromm is a good athlete, but he is not escaping if we can get to him. I am holding off judgement of our D until after we play an offense that isn't a RPO . We are lucky that the RPO offenses remaining on the schedule are shit. I think it is something that can hurt the ND defense more than anything due to our young and inexperience linebackers. Some of the guys getting shit for missed tackles are going facing something completely different Saturday night. They just have to tackle and stop it.

 

[Irish#1]

I think Dan Lanning will try to emulate what Clemson did on defense to try to slow down the Irish offense. Be aggressive on 1st and 2nd down by taking away the zone read early and force Book to make decisions quicker. On 3rd down have a spy on Book. Long struggled adjusting to this against Clemson. He will have to do better Saturday night.

On the flip side, the Ga defense hasn't proven to me that they can stuff the run just yet. They struggled at times last season to slow down better teams and gave up a healthy run average to these teams. Their DL hasn't proven that they are in the upper elite yet. If the Irish OL can hold their own and not allow the inside pressure to disrupt Book, I believe there will be some running room available. A three to four yard gain is a win for the Irish. But Long has to be committed to that. He will struggle with his over the top passes he loves to call a lot if he can't consistently put the Irish offense in 3rd a short situations. Running the ball is key for the Irish offense to work. The fact that they are thin there right now is one reason I believe the pundits are not giving them much chance. Time for that Irish OL and Chip Long to prove them wrong.

The good news is Book has now experienced it a couple of times, Pitt & Clemson. While some have not been happy with Book's performance so far, he showed a big jump from the 1st to the 2nd game this year.

 

[Cali_domer]

The good news is Book has now experienced it a couple of times, Pitt & Clemson. While some have not been happy with Book's performance so far, he showed a big jump from the 1st to the 2nd game this year.

Could Book's improvement be because he went from an okay Louisville team to a lousy (That is being kind) New Mexico team?

 

[Irish#1]

Could Book's improvement be because he went from an okay Louisville team to a lousy (That is being kind) New Mexico team?

Glass is half empty, right? lol

 

[Cali_domer]

Glass is half empty, right? lol

Just bringing the other-side.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Could Book's improvement be because he went from an okay Louisville team to a lousy (That is being kind) New Mexico team?

It should improve more now that Kmet is back. Also factor in his confidence that McKinley and Claypool - virtual trees should be on the outsides to go up and grab anything that comes their way. Long better have some quick out, crossing patterns and quick screens ready. I agree that GA is going to jolt on 1st and 2nd downs to try and keep the Irish behind the chains.

 

[NDisme]

Could Book's improvement be because he went from an okay Louisville team to a lousy (That is being kind) New Mexico team?

Bigger issue is that the o line looked worse against a worse NM team

 

[Cali_domer]

It should improve more now that Kmet is back. Also factor in his confidence that McKinley and Claypool - virtual trees should be on the outsides to go up and grab anything that comes their way. Long better have some quick out, crossing patterns and quick screens ready. I agree that GA is going to jolt on 1st and 2nd downs to try and keep the Irish behind the chains.

Kmet? I keep reading on how much he is going to help. Last year he had 15 catches for 162 yards (176 yards for his career). He is a better blocker but on offense I do not see how he is going to push us over the top. No slight on the kid just curious why people think he is a game-changer.

 

[Luckylucci]

My biggest criticism for Book is the plays he doesn't make because either he doesn't see it or doesn't make the throw.

He needs to trust the offense, his reads, and his players to make contested catches. If he gets 1 on 1 matchups with McKinley and Claypool, gotta let the ball fly. Can't wait for guys to be running wide open to release the ball, that's not how any of this works.

 

[Cali_domer]

Bigger issue is that the o line looked worse against a worse NM team

New Mexico has a very vaunted front. But, I agree that is a massive issue.

 

[Irish YJ]

It should improve more now that Kmet is back. Also factor in his confidence that McKinley and Claypool - virtual trees should be on the outsides to go up and grab anything that comes their way. Long better have some quick out, crossing patterns and quick screens ready. I agree that GA is going to jolt on 1st and 2nd downs to try and keep the Irish behind the chains.

I think UGA has the horses (DBs) to defend the outside 50/50 stuff. IMO we'll need crossing and go patterns to be successful.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

My biggest criticism for Book is the plays he doesn't make because either he doesn't see it or doesn't make the throw.

He needs to trust the offense, his reads, and his players to make contested catches. If he gets 1 on 1 matchups with McKinley and Claypool, gotta let the ball fly. Can't wait for guys to be running wide open to release the ball, that's not how any of this works.

Nailed it.

 

[Sea Turtle]

We gonna win.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

From Greg Flammang at UHND

Wait what?

 

[Cali_domer]

We gonna win.

a participation trophy

 

[calvegas04]

a participation trophy

Participation in the beat down of uga

 

[Wingman Ray]

I think UGA has the horses (DBs) to defend the outside 50/50 stuff. IMO we'll need crossing and go patterns to be successful.

This.Is.So.Flippin.Weak

How did LSU win by 20 against this team since they are all 5 stars and superstar players??? Heck they sure managed to pass and run on GA and LSU receivers arent all world are they???

My word, you guys sound like ND is playing a NFL team.

News flash:

GA wont win the SEC and GA wont go to the playoffs. GA plays no one this whole year until the SEC championship other than a VASTLY overranked FL team that nearly lost to Miami. The same Miami that lost by more to superpower UNC.

 

[koonja]

This.Is.So.Flippin.Weak

How did LSU win by 20 against this team since they are all 5 stars and superstar players??? Heck they sure managed to pass and run on GA and LSU receivers arent all world are they???

My word, you guys sound like ND is playing a NFL team.

News flash:

GA wont win the SEC and GA wont go to the playoffs. GA plays no one this whole year until the SEC championship other than a VASTLY overranked FL team that nearly lost to Miami. The same Miami that lost by more to superpower UNC.

MY MAN!

 

[Luckylucci]

UGA has been beat down by two teams (LSU and Texas) that I wouldn't categorize to be in a tier above this ND team.

 

[NDBoiler]

This.Is.So.Flippin.Weak

How did LSU win by 20 against this team since they are all 5 stars and superstar players??? Heck they sure managed to pass and run on GA and LSU receivers arent all world are they???

My word, you guys sound like ND is playing a NFL team.

News flash:

GA wont win the SEC and GA wont go to the playoffs. GA plays no one this whole year until the SEC championship other than a VASTLY overranked FL team that nearly lost to Miami. The same Miami that lost by more to superpower UNC.

I hope you are right, but the majority of the objective data and facts do point heavily in UGAs favor. But that’s why they play the games, so who knows.

 

[Luckylucci]

I hope you are right, but the majority of the objective data and facts do point heavily in UGAs favor. But that’s why they play the games, so who knows.

Well, this wouldn't be the first upset in college football history and it wouldn't be the biggest, either.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

I hope you are right, but the majority of the objective data and facts do point heavily in UGAs favor. But that’s why they play the games, so who knows.

I like data but we have to remember for both ND ang GA it has been compiled over 2-3 games against below average to very poor teams. Two problems with it 1) not enough information at this point in the season and 2) it doesn't always translate to how a team will perform against higher quality opponent.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Hell, GA may piss their pants if ND even puts up a bit of fight in this one after listening to everyone say how easily they'll win.

 

[Irish YJ]

This.Is.So.Flippin.Weak

How did LSU win by 20 against this team since they are all 5 stars and superstar players??? Heck they sure managed to pass and run on GA and LSU receivers arent all world are they???

My word, you guys sound like ND is playing a NFL team.

News flash:

GA wont win the SEC and GA wont go to the playoffs. GA plays no one this whole year until the SEC championship other than a VASTLY overranked FL team that nearly lost to Miami. The same Miami that lost by more to superpower UNC.

LOL..

Anyway, this is likely Smart's best team. But, you're so confident, you should go put a bunch of money on ND to win. You could make a killing.

And you're right. Bama will win the SEC. But you're wrong about them playing nobody.. They also play Auburn and TAMU. Guessing you have low opinions on them too. Who exactly do we play except UGA? VA? LOL... scUM could be a 2 or 3 loss team and unranked by the time we play them.

 

[ACamp1900]

LOL..

Anyway, this is likely Smart's best team. But, you're so confident, you should go put a bunch of money on ND to win. You could make a killing.

And you're right. Bama will win the SEC. But you're wrong about them playing nobody.. They also play Auburn and TAMU. Guessing you have low opinions on them too. Who exactly do we play except UGA? VA? LOL... scUM could be a 2 or 3 loss team and unranked by the time we play them.

That's a big 'eh' from me dawg. Especially since the rest of the schedule is well, SEC like... I love how A&M was this middling Big 12 program for forever but now that they have an SEC patch on the uni and play Lamar they're somehow bigger and badder.... they're not.

 

[Irish YJ]

That's a big 'eh' from me dawg. Especially since the rest of the schedule is well, SEC like... I love how A&M was this middling Big 12 program for forever but now that they have an SEC patch on the uni and play Lamar they're somehow bigger and badder.... they're not.

TAMU is recruiting very well now with the new coaching regime (6th last year), and has been top 10 / top 15 for several years going back. And they've got a sheet ton of money and the best facilities. Like it or not, they're on the rise. The SEC patch will do a lot recruiting wise. Auburn is recruiting very well too. They've also ranked hire than us 3 out of the last 5 years IIRC in the final poles.

 

[Crazy Balki]

LOL..

Anyway, this is likely Smart's best team. But, you're so confident, you should go put a bunch of money on ND to win. You could make a killing.

And you're right. Bama will win the SEC. But you're wrong about them playing nobody.. They also play Auburn and TAMU. Guessing you have low opinions on them too. Who exactly do we play except UGA? VA? LOL... scUM could be a 2 or 3 loss team and unranked by the time we play them.

Highly debatable that this is Smart's best team. Most raw talent? I would say yes. But I think of that 2017 team and all of the known commodities they had.

Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Mecole Hardman, Riley Ridley, Terry Godwin, Javon Wims, Trent Thompson, Roquan Smith, Lorenzo Carter, Davin Bellamy, DeAndre Baker, Natrez Patrick. They were not only stacked, but they had great veteran leadership across the board.

As for Auburn, Auburn is not going to beat Bama or Georgia. They have a very good defense, but their offense is simply porous. Bo Nix is gonna have to make some astronomical strides for that to change and Malzahn's recent track record with QB development is not a favorable one. A&M is in a similar boat. Their defense looks good, offense? Questionable. Mond looked very subpar in Death Valley. Yes it's Clemson, but that wasn't the same juggernaut defense that ND went up against last year.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

How did LSU win by 20 against this team since they are all 5 stars and superstar players??? Heck they sure managed to pass and run on GA and LSU receivers arent all world are they???

I don't recall anyone here shitting themselves over Georgia's superior depth alone. We beat teams with similar to somewhat better team composite ratings all the time.

They're favored because the last time we faced them: (1) we had a stronger team; (2) they were weaker; (3) we had home field advantage... and we still lost. Now we're weaker, they're stronger, we don't have home field advantage, and the match-ups don't favor us either. Thus we're 14-point dogs. No conspiracy there (bookies don't like losing money), and there's no defeatism here either.

Doesn't mean we can't win (we've got about a 25% chance). Doesn't mean we shouldn't even show up to play the game because Georgia has more 5-stars, higher FEI, whatever. But these Randy Marsh-esque posts calling out anyone who's not pumping sunshine are a little tiring.