seriously though

[mick2]

Ok guys seriously its getting mighty close to the start of what could be the greatest football season in my life. ND has a legit chance to contend for a BCS bowl maybe more, and BQ could very well be the starting QB for the browns on sundays!

Lets talk it up!

I really believe this year could shape up to be something special. The schedule is very manageable, and plenty of experience is returning.

I expect to see a couple of games be over by early third quarter with Dayne Crist coming in for mop up duty(washington state, Navy,purdue).

I also expect some surprises from games that scare me a bit (nevada, michigan, washington, pitt, uconn)

And i see some knockdown dragout brawls on the schedule (usc, mich st., bc stanford)

The Offensive line will allow us to really be a much more dynamic team, verducci has those boys ready to go.

with the protection of the line Jimmy should be able to build upon the hawaii stomping, but he will be tested in a few games and i am anxious to see how he responds. The running game should also be much improved. Guys like shaq evans, dwalk, goodman, and cierre wood should get some minutes after tate, floyd, hughes, and allen have taken care of business. also kamara could have a resurgent year.

Defensively we have a mix up of guys, some with loads of talent but little or no experience, and some with loads of experience but not as much talent, it should make for a very interesting year kapron lewis moore and ethan johnson are 2 guys to look out for, not to mention Manti teo. brian smiths motor never stops and blanton could be the defensive mvp.

taking all of that into consideration i really dont see how a team with so much talent could lose more than 3 games, but these are kids and getting up for every game can be tough for 18-22 year olds.

my realistic prediction: 10-2 we stumble a couple of times but thats what kids do, we face Texas or Florida State in a BCS bowl.

my complete homer prediction: 12-0 if we get to the usc game unscathed we could have a repeat of the 2005 game only with us winning. we ride that momentum straight to the bcs championship vs Florida or Oklahoma.

Let me know what you guys think.

GO IRISH!!!

 

[jason_h537]

like the enthusiasm. probably should have posted this in expectations rising thread. 10-2 11-1 sound right to me. Still a young team so i think 10-2 is more likely, hope im wrong

 

[Riddickulous]

Ok guys seriously its getting mighty close to the start of what could be the greatest football season in my life. ND has a legit chance to contend for a BCS bowl maybe more, and BQ could very well be the starting QB for the browns on sundays!

Lets talk it up!

I really believe this year could shape up to be something special. The schedule is very manageable, and plenty of experience is returning.

I expect to see a couple of games be over by early third quarter with Dayne Crist coming in for mop up duty(washington state, Navy,purdue).

I also expect some surprises from games that scare me a bit (nevada, michigan, washington, pitt, uconn)

And i see some knockdown dragout brawls on the schedule (usc, mich st., bc stanford)

The Offensive line will allow us to really be a much more dynamic team, verducci has those boys ready to go.

with the protection of the line Jimmy should be able to build upon the hawaii stomping, but he will be tested in a few games and i am anxious to see how he responds. The running game should also be much improved. Guys like shaq evans, dwalk, goodman, and cierre wood should get some minutes after tate, floyd, hughes, and allen have taken care of business. also kamara could have a resurgent year.

Defensively we have a mix up of guys, some with loads of talent but little or no experience, and some with loads of experience but not as much talent, it should make for a very interesting year kapron lewis moore and ethan johnson are 2 guys to look out for, not to mention Manti teo. brian smiths motor never stops and blanton could be the defensive mvp.

taking all of that into consideration i really dont see how a team with so much talent could lose more than 3 games, but these are kids and getting up for every game can be tough for 18-22 year olds.

my realistic prediction: 10-2 we stumble a couple of times but thats what kids do, we face Texas or Florida State in a BCS bowl.

my complete homer prediction: 12-0 if we get to the usc game unscathed we could have a repeat of the 2005 game only with us winning. we ride that momentum straight to the bcs championship vs Florida or Oklahoma.

Let me know what you guys think.

GO IRISH!!!

Never this season will we see any back-ups in the early third quarter. That never happens here.

Washington blows. We can play sloppy (like last season) and still blow them out of the water. UConn won't be as tough as people think, either.

Stanford will not be a contest. Harbaugh's rebuilding the program, but we have way more talent. The only way we lose is if Clausen sucks.

The offensive line could be good. Verducci is an improvement over the joke that was Latina, but it's impossible to predict those kinds of things.

I'm 95% sure Shaq's getting redshirted. Cierre Wood could be, as well.

The defensive line is going to suck, which means Brian Smith and company will have a lot of tackles.

If Brady Quinn doesn't start for the Browns next year, there's going to be a riot in Cleveland.

 

[phork]

Never this season will we see any back-ups in the early third quarter. That never happens here.

I hope your right. We need to keep teams down and score a lot on them.

Stanford will not be a contest. Harbaugh's rebuilding the program, but we have way more talent. The only way we lose is if Clausen sucks.

Err USC had more talent, even more than we have this year, ask them what happened a couple years back.

The offensive line could be good. Verducci is an improvement over the joke that was Latina, but it's impossible to predict those kinds of things.

God I hope so. This is the key for NDs success, period. Without the Oline there is no running game, there is no protection and there will be less victories.

If Brady Quinn doesn't start for the Browns next year, there's going to be a riot in Cleveland.

When your greatest competition is Anderson, and no one is suggesting any front runners, then you just have to wonder if BQ is going to make it in the NFL.

 

[Bubba]

I'm 95% sure Shaq's getting redshirted. Cierre Wood could be, as well.

I agree. Shaq and Wood don't see the field IMO, unless they are there to make a difference. No mop-up duty for them. Wood very well may see the field if he can contribute as a returner, or if our stable full of RBs prove they just can't get it done. Our WR corp is too good/deep for Shaq to see the field unless something really goes wrong, or he is really that much of a difference maker.

p.s. Don't let some of the guys around here hear you say "redshirt." They'll tell you that ND doesn't redshirt even though you can have an extra year of eligibility if you don't see the field as a freshman.

 

[Riddickulous]

I agree. Shaq and Wood don't see the field IMO, unless they are there to make a difference. No mop-up duty for them. Wood very well may see the field if he can contribute as a returner, or if our stable full of RBs prove they just can't get it done. Our WR corp is too good/deep for Shaq to see the field unless something really goes wrong, or he is really that much of a difference maker.

p.s. Don't let some of the guys around here hear you say "redshirt." They'll tell you that ND doesn't redshirt even though you can have an extra year of eligibility if you don't see the field as a freshman.

I agree. Unfortunately for those two, we are already loaded at their positions.

Shaq reminds me a lot of Deion Walker during his first year, in terms of build. Shaq needs to bulk up like Deion did before he sees the field.

 

[Junkhead]

Watch the syracuse game again. Until the Nevada game, I'm Koolaid free. We'd be much further along if Latina would've got canned a year ago.

 

[jason_h537]

Stanford will not be a contest. Harbaugh's rebuilding the program, but we have way more talent. The only way we lose is if Clausen sucks.

Stanford scares me a bit because they are so young and they are improving. We play them last and the team we play will be light years better than the team we played last year.

The defensive line is going to suck, which means Brian Smith and company will have a lot of tackles.

I dont think so. Ethan Johnson WILL be a stud. Ian Williams is a solid guy not great but he does his job. Also it is not unheard of for a young player like KLM to make an immediate impact. We will have an average to descent D-Line that will be better than last years and improve as the season goes on.

 

[Bubba]

Watch the syracuse game again. Until the Nevada game, I'm Koolaid free. We'd be much further along if Latina would've got canned a year ago.

I wish I had it on the DVR so I could. But ... I'd say Hawaii was comparable to Syracuse and we crushed them. I'm Koolaid free also, but looking back at the season, a couple of plays could have changed our season by 2-3 games. I agree that we would have been better off if Latina had been let go earier, but who knows who his replacement would've been. Mendoza got a reprive and it seems like ND admin is listening to the strength and conditioning concerns, so we'll see how that pans out.

Anyway, I can't go into the season thnking we are going to suck again. If I felt that way, I don't know why I'd subject myself to that torture and watch. If we do start losing games we should win (again), I'll be the first to start raising the bullshit flag and asking for something to be done at the coaching level.

 

[irish4ever]

Stanford will not be a contest. Harbaugh's rebuilding the program, but we have way more talent. The only way we lose is if Clausen sucks.

I can't agree w/ you on this one. As last year (at home mind you), this game will more than likely be a close one. Harbaugh has more talent out there than you're giving them credit for, plus one can tell that he's able to get his players motivated to play in games where they're underdogs!

 

[JeremyND07]

I agree! I think DL will be one of our most improved units! I think we go 10-2 only to get destroyed in a BCS game then come back the next year and kick azz!!!

 

[IrishAlum1997]

Ok guys seriously its getting mighty close to the start of what could be the greatest football season in my life. ND has a legit chance to contend for a BCS bowl maybe more, and BQ could very well be the starting QB for the browns on sundays!

Lets talk it up!

I really believe this year could shape up to be something special. The schedule is very manageable, and plenty of experience is returning.

I expect to see a couple of games be over by early third quarter with Dayne Crist coming in for mop up duty(washington state, Navy,purdue).

I also expect some surprises from games that scare me a bit (nevada, michigan, washington, pitt, uconn)

And i see some knockdown dragout brawls on the schedule (usc, mich st., bc stanford)

The Offensive line will allow us to really be a much more dynamic team, verducci has those boys ready to go.

with the protection of the line Jimmy should be able to build upon the hawaii stomping, but he will be tested in a few games and i am anxious to see how he responds. The running game should also be much improved. Guys like shaq evans, dwalk, goodman, and cierre wood should get some minutes after tate, floyd, hughes, and allen have taken care of business. also kamara could have a resurgent year.

Defensively we have a mix up of guys, some with loads of talent but little or no experience, and some with loads of experience but not as much talent, it should make for a very interesting year kapron lewis moore and ethan johnson are 2 guys to look out for, not to mention Manti teo. brian smiths motor never stops and blanton could be the defensive mvp.

taking all of that into consideration i really dont see how a team with so much talent could lose more than 3 games, but these are kids and getting up for every game can be tough for 18-22 year olds.

my realistic prediction: 10-2 we stumble a couple of times but thats what kids do, we face Texas or Florida State in a BCS bowl.

my complete homer prediction: 12-0 if we get to the usc game unscathed we could have a repeat of the 2005 game only with us winning. we ride that momentum straight to the bcs championship vs Florida or Oklahoma.

Let me know what you guys think.

GO IRISH!!!

Perhaps semantics here, but no way is this a repeat of the '05 game in terms of hype or talent. I'm going to even go out on a limb and say that when the line comes out on this game the week of, we will be favored. Most vunerable SC has been in 9 seasons. If we get past the Nevada game and Michigan on the road, I think 12-0 is a real possibility. Won't it be great if we just kick the crap out of Nevada and can stop worrying about these mid-major opponents every season? The Floridas, SCs, and Texases sure don't worry.

 

[mick2]

Perhaps semantics here, but no way is this a repeat of the '05 game in terms of hype or talent. I'm going to even go out on a limb and say that when the line comes out on this game the week of, we will be favored. Most vunerable SC has been in 9 seasons. If we get past the Nevada game and Michigan on the road, I think 12-0 is a real possibility. Won't it be great if we just kick the crap out of Nevada and can stop worrying about these mid-major opponents every season? The Floridas, SCs, and Texases sure don't worry.

Yea right on dude, i seriously hate these games, if we lose its a pandemonium if we win its "well its nevada, u should have won." actually come to think of it thats how every game is for the irish.

FAVORED whoa that is going out on a limb, but i cant say i couldnt see that happening.

 

[mick2]

When your greatest competition is Anderson, and no one is suggesting any front runners, then you just have to wonder if BQ is going to make it in the NFL.

come on phork, you know nobody lets out any info on any position battles this early, unless your josh mcdaniels?? BQ has the skill set to succeed in the nfl, he doesnt have the strongest most accurate arm in the world but he moves the chains, and he is a good decision maker.

 

[mick2]

BTW good points on redshirted players i forgot about that. maybe kamara cements himself as a third option, or they do it by committee wit kamara dwalk goodman and parris

 

[BGIF]

Never this season will we see any back-ups in the early third quarter. That never happens here.

Early third quarter, no. Late 3rd Q, early 4th, yes. This offense will score early and often. In games with sizeable leads Crist will get PT. He needs the experience and Weis needs a ready #2 QB.

Washington blows. We can play sloppy (like last season) and still blow them out of the water. UConn won't be as tough as people think, either.

Locker is back. The Molder is gone. Play sloppy and lose.

Stanford will not be a contest. Harbaugh's rebuilding the program, but we have way more talent. The only way we lose is if Clausen sucks.

I think Stanford will be a game.

The offensive line could be good. Verducci is an improvement over the joke that was Latina, but it's impossible to predict those kinds of things.

IF the OLine is good, the offense rolls and ND is BCS bound.

I'm 95% sure Shaq's getting redshirted. Cierre Wood could be, as well.

ND has lots of WR but if you want to keep recruiting higher rated talent like Prater, White, and Woods, you have to play them today. Both find the field.

The defensive line is going to suck, which means Brian Smith and company will have a lot of tackles.

Suck, no. The DLine has Hart now! I don't think the DLine will be confused with Browner, Calhoun, Dike and Fry. But they'll be adequate. The LBs may put up numbers like Heimkreiter and Golic. The Defense is Tenuta's now. ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK!

 

[BGIF]

... Most vunerable SC has been in 9 seasons.

Agree on vulnerability.There almost human now. They still have deeper talent and will be favored.

... The Floridas, SCs, and Texases sure don't worry.

They all have stable coaching situations and I'm not talking Charlie on the Hot Seat. ND's got 3 new assistant coaches at the weakest positions the past few years. They should be an asset but the staff lacks cohesiveness. It's not a veteran group working together. UF, SC, and UTX also have Head Coaches with Killer Mentalities. I like sportsmanship but Charlie needs to learn how to crush an opponent then teams like UNC, PIT, Navy, Syr won't be in the game in the 4th Q.

 

[jason_h537]

ND has lots of WR but if you want to keep recruiting higher rated talent like Prater, White, and Woods, you have to play them today. Both find the field.

The only way they play is if they are too good to keep off of the field. There's the old saying, "for every freshman you play, you lose a game". If you dictate who you play based on some High Schhol senior, you are asking to lose. If Prater doesnt want to go to Notre Dame because we don't promise him playing time, then have fun at Illinois because he aint gaurunteed playing time at Oklahoma or USC either. The reason we played so many freshman the last two years is because they were the best players we had. Ideally Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, Robert Hughes, Steve Filer, Darius Fleming, Ian Williams, Brian Smith, Kerry Neal, Joseph Fauria, all would have sat a year.

 

[mick2]

The only way they play is if they are too good to keep off of the field. There's the old saying, "for every freshman you play, you lose a game". If you dictate who you play based on some High Schhol senior, you are asking to lose. If Prater doesnt want to go to Notre Dame because we don't promise him playing time, then have fun at Illinois because he aint gaurunteed playing time at Oklahoma or USC either. The reason we played so many freshman the last two years is because they were the best players we had. Ideally Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, Robert Hughes, Steve Filer, Darius Fleming, Ian Williams, Brian Smith, Kerry Neal, Joseph Fauria, all would have sat a year.

but you have to remember with grimes gone we need that 3rd optionn if shaq proves to be better than any of the others then whos to say he cant take that spot?

 

[jason_h537]

but you have to remember with grimes gone we need that 3rd optionn if shaq proves to be better than any of the others then whos to say he cant take that spot?

Yeah but thats a case of TOO GOOD not to play.

 

[Bubba]

ND has lots of WR but if you want to keep recruiting higher rated talent like Prater, White, and Woods, you have to play them today. Both find the field.

Good point; I hope the staff looks at it that way. reps.

 

[phork]

come on phork, you know nobody lets out any info on any position battles this early, unless your josh mcdaniels?? BQ has the skill set to succeed in the nfl, he doesnt have the strongest most accurate arm in the world but he moves the chains, and he is a good decision maker.

Teams don't but analysts do. I hope he proves me wrong, but I don't see it happening. If he had that much upside he would have been in more than he has been by now.

 

[Riddickulous]

I'd rather see Kamara in the third receiver spot than anybody else. He's been working on his hands, and I expect him to see a Stovall type transition this year. A 6'5" guy in the slot? Yikes.

 

[Irishlew]

I agree. Unfortunately for those two, we are already loaded at their positions.

Shaq reminds me a lot of Deion Walker during his first year, in terms of build. Shaq needs to bulk up like Deion did before he sees the field.

What??

first off ND is loaded with guys who have never played at WR. We have Tate and Floyd...and...um...yeah guys who have never played. If Shaq beats out Walker, Goodman, Parris he will play. Now if Kumara comes in shape to play then Shaq will get less time, but still will get used in 4 WR sets.

Secondly Shaq is a beast as far as his build is concerned, 6'1'' 205 lbs of muscle. (no homo) Deion was 6'4'' 186 lbs coming out of HS, and while i believe Deion will be a fantasic WR in time he needed to hit the weight room before he seen any time at WR.

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[TDHeysus]

I'd rather see Kamara in the third receiver spot than anybody else. He's been working on his hands, and I expect him to see a Stovall type transition this year. A 6'5" guy in the slot? Yikes.

I think Kamara has earned at least a serious look at getting some good playing time(3rd or 4th WR). but if he is outperformed by underclassmen I think he needs to sit.

 

[jason_h537]

Dude Shaq is physically ready to play, kid is built. Kamara, unlike last year, came into spring in shape and focused. Perhaps the play of Tate and Floyd, as well as the potential of Walker and Goodman was the spark he needed. Walker and Goodman have a lot of talent, but their young.

 

[mick2]

Teams don't but analysts do. I hope he proves me wrong, but I don't see it happening. If he had that much upside he would have been in more than he has been by now.

This is only his third season rookie qbs sit a year or 2 now unless there is a huge need for them derek anderson went 10-6 in quinns first season, and romeos ass was on the line so why would he take a 10 qb out?

i dont listen to much of the analysts, but the little i have heard was all positive about brady, schlereth, mortensen, and clayton all seem to think brady will start.

when brady got a chance last season he moved the chains and singlehandedly beat the broncos but the defense lost the game for him. hes got the stuff.

 

[Riddickulous]

This is only his third season rookie qbs sit a year or 2 now unless there is a huge need for them derek anderson went 10-6 in quinns first season, and romeos ass was on the line so why would he take a 10 qb out?

i dont listen to much of the analysts, but the little i have heard was all positive about brady, schlereth, mortensen, and clayton all seem to think brady will start.

when brady got a chance last season he moved the chains and singlehandedly beat the broncos but the defense lost the game for him. hes got the stuff.

Then he sucked balls against the Bills and underperformed because of a broken thumb against the Texans. Only time will tell what happens to Brady.

 

[mick2]

Then he sucked balls against the Bills and underperformed because of a broken thumb against the Texans. Only time will tell what happens to Brady.

sucked balls? how old are you? I agree that time will tell but dont tell me he doesnt have the ability to make it in the NFL, just wish he could be on a team with some talent.