The Running Game

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Is LOVEMYIRISH related to Richduck? They are both from Oregon and both use tortured logic.

Why is it tortured logic to point out that a guy is slow and is unable to be a dynamic threat?

I am NOT saying he is a BAD player. He's a solid 3-star back. Like Grant, Fisher, etc.

He does not have:
Autry Denson's moves (good for college, bad for pros)
Julius Jones' speed and vision
nor Tony Fisher's power

That's limiting to say the least.

 

[domerfor life]

I am hoping he steps it up a notch so he can continue to play with the big boys. If he does not improve from last year, he will be seeing less and less time with the rock...until finally Thomas or Aldridge are #1.

?????????????????????? What are you talking about? Didn't he have like 1400-1500 total yards last year? Grant it, Walker does not have breakaway speed, but......are you serious? I'm pretty sure Charlie shares your sentiments. He only had 180+ yards against Stanford and a few TD's to help keep us BCS bowl eligible. He had 3 TD's against OSU. Of course, I would like a breakaway threat in the backfield. That doesn't mean that I will continuously nitpick our current starter to death. He doesn't have this and he doesn't have that. It gets ridiculous after a while. Guy gives his all, plays hurt, sacrifices for the team and what does he get? Nothing but criticism and continuous mention of physical shortcomings. The older I get the more ignorant some fans are to me. How would you like it if someone who doesn't even know what you go through to do what you do constantly criticized you? You wouldn't like it would you? You probably give the guy a dose of "Jack Johnson and Tom O'Leary" and tell him to shut up. Now I'm not saying you don't have the right to criticize people. There's just a certain point where you can take it to far. Besides, the guy is only a junior this year. He still has a lot of learning to do. We will get our back with breakaway speed, but let's show the current incumbent a wee bit of respect.

 

[gdgcrew]

Being an '05 Alum, I witnessed 4 years of an inconsistent running game first hand. Even Julius Jones, who had a few fantastic games (Pitt) his last season, was inconsistent from game to game every season, and had injury and personal issues thoughout his career at ND (things that I think are starting to show up in his NFL career). As much as I loved Ryan "Ankle tackled in the backfield" Grant having lived in St. Eds with him, he lacked any real moves or vision. Tony Fisher's biggest issues where injuries (hamstring) and the constant rotation with JJ. RPN never got a proper oppertunity under willingham, and his DUI finished what was looking like a great senior season.

That being said, I thank the Football Gods everyday that Notre Dame has Darius Walker. He may not have top end speed, but he is the most durable, consistent, and reliable running back Notre Dame has had in years. He hardly ever puts the ball on the ground, something that will always scare me about Travis Thomas going back to the 04 season. His vision is excellent, he can stop and accelerate on a dime, and he has some good moves. Yeah, sometimes he spins or shutters one to many times, but more often than not, he gets yards with those moves (shutter fakeout of Pitt Linebacker for a touchdown).

Darius deserves to lead the running attack in 06, and will have a breakout season. At the same time, the fact that there is any discussion of who should start next season demonstrates a depth at running back we haven't had in a long time. That I can appreciate.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

What are you talking about? Didn't he have like 1400-1500 total yards last year? Grant it, Walker does not have breakaway speed, but......are you serious?

Dead serious. And for the record he had 1,196 yards. (4.7 yards / carry)

Compare that to Jones' last year. A year he spent on a 5-7 team. JJ got 1341 yards for a 5.5 yard/carry average.

That was behind a green O-Line with no passing game to take pressure off the running game.

I'm pretty sure Charlie shares your sentiments.

You can bet he does.

Of course, I would like a breakaway threat in the backfield. That doesn't mean that I will continuously nitpick our current starter to death. He doesn't have this and he doesn't have that. It gets ridiculous after a while. Guy gives his all, plays hurt, sacrifices for the team and what does he get? Nothing but criticism and continuous mention of physical shortcomings.

Just because I like a guy (and I do like DW) does not mean I will ignore shortcomings.

Ask your self...is 9-3 good enough?

If its not, we need the back field to step up and play better. Whether that's DQ or TT or JA or MP...it does not matter.

This is not a popularity contest. This is about having the best Back possible.

The older I get the more ignorant some fans are to me. How would you like it if someone who doesn't even know what you go through to do what you do constantly criticized you? You wouldn't like it would you?

No one is attacking him personally.

Seriously, if Weis put me in at Running Back, I promise you I would work as hard or harder than DW. I would kill myself. I would play through injury... The whole 9 yards.

But I promise you, I would be roundly criticized for the fact that I would run slow, miss assignments, and generally stink. I would not appreciate the criticism either... However, if people were fairly discussing my abilities on the field, that would be fair.

I am not disrespecting DW. I do not accuse him of playing soft, or bad, or not working hard... I am saying that he is an average back. (as compared to the teams we are trying to beat for the National Championship every year.

We will get our back with breakaway speed, but let's show the current incumbent a wee bit of respect.

I give him respect. I am simply pointing out where he (or someone else) needs to improve if we want to win it all.

I did not even say Weis was wrong for playing him. Weis played the best player at the time. That's his job. But, to be perfectly clear, if DW does not step it up, he will end up at #2.

By the way, DW's lack of fumbling should not go unnoticed. He is tremendous at holding onto the rock...better than nearly all backs in college.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Darius deserves to lead the running attack in 06, and will have a breakout season. At the same time, the fact that there is any discussion of who should start next season demonstrates a depth at running back we haven't had in a long time. That I can appreciate.

He undoubtedly deserves to start in 2006...and is he continues to imrove he might just hold that role all year. But if he does not, he will most likely get passed up by the stable of guys behind him.

But I would take JJ over him in a heartbeat...

However, JJ is long gone, so DW is the man right now.

 

[Freeman Ara]

Hey all new to the site, just wanted to add my 2 cents. IMO Walker isn't a great RB but I think he is great in the system. It is very impotant for who ever is in the backfield to know the pass protections and be a good blocker and if you watch games you know Walker excels at these two areas. Does DW have gamebreakers speed? By no means but did Emmitt Smith...not that I recall. I think DW and TT will give us a poor mans version of Bush and White this year. No matter what the furure looks bright in the ND backfield.

 

[irishwavend]

As much as I loved Ryan "Ankle tackled in the backfield" Grant having lived in St. Eds with him, he lacked any real moves or vision.

Grant was awful! He had no shiftiness and was too tall and lanky. RPN had the highest yardage per carry of any of our tailbacks. In my opinion, he was a steal for Denver. He is going to do really well in the pros.

 

[Fitzgerald]

The part of that long post in which one person says "Walker had 1500 total yards last year" and the Walker basher responds with the non sequitur "He had 1100 yards rushing, a 4.7 avg" pretty much sums up the futility of continuing this debate. We get it. You hate the guy. But Weis doesn't, and if Walker progresses at the same pace he has, there's no chance he gets benched in his senior year for the sophomore Aldridge. At worst, in that scenario, he would split the carries, but still get the majority. Be realistic.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

The part of that long post in which one person says "Grant had 1500 total yards last year" and the Walker basher responds with the non sequitur "He had 1100 yards rushing, a 4.7 avg" pretty much sums up the futility of continuing this debate. We get it. You hate the guy. But Weis doesn't, and if Walker progresses at the same pace he has, there's no chance he gets benched in his senior year for the sophomore Aldridge. At worst, in that scenario, he would split the carries, but still get the majority. Be realistic.

Grant is no better than walker...I am not making that claim. Nor am I a basher.

Walker is a 3-star RB...and has performed as such. There is nothing wrong with that...and it's not a bash.

I did indicate that Julius Jones rushed for more yards with a really BAD team. However, he is a good benchmark given his play time and the fact that he was drafted in the second round.

 

[Gizmo]

Darius will have a very good year in '06. No he doesn't have breakaway speed, but he is fast enough and smart enough that he will be very productive. We have plenty of offensive talent and great coaching so we don't necessarily need that homerun threat to move the ball and score. He's a very effective runner who doesn't fumble, a receiving threat out of the backfield, and he is one of the best blocking running backs in passing coverage that I've had the pleasure of watching.

It should also be noted that Darius appeared to be hurt most of last year. The injury wasn't serious enough to keep him out of any games, but he wore a wrapping around his leg all year that was slightly visible under his uniform.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Darius will have a very good year in '06. No he doesn't have breakaway speed, but he is fast enough and smart enough that he will be very productive. We have plenty of offensive talent and great coaching so we don't necessarily need that homerun threat to move the ball and score. He's a very effective runner who doesn't fumble, a receiving threat out of the backfield, and he is one of the best blocking running backs in passing coverage that I've had the pleasure of watching.

It should also be noted that Darius appeared to be hurt most of last year. The injury wasn't serious enough to keep him out of any games, but he wore a wrapping around his leg all year that was slightly visible under his uniform.

I sincerely hope he does, because Aldridge won't be ready. He's got talent, but he is green. Weis' system is not easy...it takes a lot of work and study.

He is effective and rarely fumbles (if ever?).

However, saying "we don't necessarily need that homerun threat to move the ball and score" is something we say so we feel better about not having a powerful team.

It takes EVERYTHING to win it all. Look at Texas and USC last year. They had homerun players in every category...and frankly even then there were a couple times when they nearly lost.

I want Darius to be the homerun hitter out of the backfield...he has put so much into this team.

But anyone would have to be blind to pretend he is that now...

What matters though is that the best player plays...if that's him fine by me.

 

[Fitzgerald]

However, saying "we don't necessarily need that homerun threat to move the ball and score" is something we say so we feel better about not having a powerful team.

Speak for yourself, and don't put words in other people's mouths. When I say ND doesn't necessarily need a homerun threat at running back, I mean it. And so does that guy, presumably. You might not have noticed, but ND had arguably the best offense in the country last season.

It takes EVERYTHING to win it all. Look at Texas and USC last year. They had homerun players in every category...and frankly even then there were a couple times when they nearly lost.

ND beat USC last year, or at the worst played them to overtime. Against the stud defense of OSU, the two best Irish offensive players weren't the "homerun threats", Quinn and Samardzija, but two players generally considered slower and less electric, namely Walker and Stovall. Good is good.

Still, feel free to continue spouting nonsense. Nothing can stop you. You say Walker is a Ryan Grant level player. I post statistics to show that that's simply not true. You continue to say it. That's caveman-level debate.

 

[guff]

First your logic is tortured because your a searching for a problem where none exists. For whatever reason you are pointing out every cloud in a mostly sunny sky.

For the record he had 1547 total yards (rushing and receiving combined) averaged about foot short of 100 yds rushing/game -Offical Stats

Not too shabby for a slow guy with no moves.

Is Walker as good as Adrian Peterson? No not even close. But he doesn't need to be a game breaker. He needs to be steady, and reliable. He needs to be enough of a threat that opposing defenses must be prepared for the stop the run.

He averaged 4.7 yds a carry while slightly dinged. He rarely puts the ball on the ground and picks up blitzes better than most college backs. Picking blitzes in this offense is as important as running for huge chunks of yards. It also isn't that easy. And given his size he does an outstanding job at it.

Seriously, if Weis put me in at Running Back, I promise you I would work as hard or harder than DW. I would kill myself. I would play through injury... The whole 9 yards.

And Walker doesn't give it everything he has. Do you think Weis is the kind of coach that would tolerate half ass effort? He may run out of bounds to avoid a hit but that doesn't show lack of effort. He has shown a willingness to take on an defender when the extra yard was critical.

Are there running backs in college football better than Walker? Yes, but the list is short and none of them wear a gold hemlet on Saturdays.

2006 Top Ten Running Backs

I'm damn happy that DW is Irish

 

[Vince Young]

You might not have noticed, but ND had arguably the best offense in the country last season.

Not to stick up TOO much for LMI, but with "arguably the best offense in the country," we still lost 3 games. I'd like that offense to be even better, thank you. And one of the biggest ways to do that is to add a home-run type of running back to our already formidable arsenal.

It just so happens that I think the best candidate for the job is Darius Walker. A lot of his shake-and-bake moves earn him extra yards, but a good chunk of those same moves get him buried for no-gain or a loss. If C-Dub can teach D-Dub when to better recognize when it's time to shake-and-bake versus when it's time to drop your shoulder and knock someone into the next zip code instead, I'll be in heaven.

But in the meantime, I like our backfield. D-Dub, T2 and Schwapp all have distinctive running styles that are quite complimentary of each other. I see no need for a change in personnel, just a change in coaching emphasis.

 

[guff]

ND lost three games none of them not even OSU is was the result of poor offensive play. ND championship hopes rest firmly in the hands of the defense. Can the defense make a stop when it has to - MSU in OT, USC on 4th and 9, OSU on 3-11 in the 4th when ND is down by 7? If they can ND will be untouchable.

It just so happens that I think the best candidate for the job is Darius Walker. A lot of his shake-and-bake moves earn him extra yards, but a good chunk of those same moves get him buried for no-gain or a loss. If C-Dub can teach D-Dub when to better recognize when it's time to shake-and-bake versus when it's time to drop your shoulder and knock someone into the next zip code instead, I'll be in heaven.

Couldn't agree more. My only gripe with Walker is that he has too many negative plays because of backfield dancing. Weis and Haywood need to teach him to make one backfield cut then go without stifling the creativity that makes him an effective back.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Speak for yourself, and don't put words in other people's mouths. When I say ND doesn't necessarily need a homerun threat at running back, I mean it. And so does that guy, presumably. You might not have noticed, but ND had arguably the best offense in the country last season.

I saw we had a great offense...but definitely NOT the best. We had some holes that were exposed by Ohio State. But we were unquestionably a top5 offense.

If we wan't to win it all we need to be a complete team...one where each part of the offense is a threat to the best teams.

ND beat USC last year, or at the worst played them to overtime. Against the stud defense of OSU, the two best Irish offensive players weren't the "homerun threats", Quinn and Samardzija, but two players generally considered slower and less electric, namely Walker and Stovall. Good is good.

Stovall is a stud...his catches all year were impressive.

Walker is not bad he's just slow. Once OSU adjusted to the draw that Weis used, Walker was basically contained from rushing. Here are the results of the drives he participated in from a RUSHING standpoint.

38 yards on first drive (3 rushes)
10 yards on second drive (2 rushes)
8 yards on 3rd drive (3 rushes) <== From OSU 14 yard line...
-1 yards on 5th drive (2 rushes)
10 yards on 7th drive (1 rush)
10 rush on 8th drive (1 rush)
2 yard rush on 9th drive (1 rush)
1 yard on 10th drive (2 rushes)

Still, feel free to continue spouting nonsense. Nothing can stop you. You say Walker is a Ryan Grant level player. I post statistics to show that that's simply not true. You continue to say it. That's caveman-level debate.

No nonsense being spouted. My assessment is in alignment with most of the comments being made about him when talking about plusses and minuses of the team.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

First your logic is tortured because your a searching for a problem where none exists. For whatever reason you are pointing out every cloud in a mostly sunny sky.

For the record he had 1547 total yards (rushing and receiving combined) averaged about foot short of 100 yds rushing/game

Not too shabby for a slow guy with no moves.

I did not say he had no moves, I said he was not fast and not a game-breaker/home-run threat.

Is Walker as good as Adrian Peterson? No not even close. But he doesn't need to be a game breaker. He needs to be steady, and reliable. He needs to be enough of a threat that opposing defenses must be prepared for the stop the run.

This is my point. He is not as good as the top backs. HOWEVER, if we want to win it all, we need a true threat in the backfield. DW may step up and do that this coming year...I pray that he does.

He averaged 4.7 yds a carry while slightly dinged. He rarely puts the ball on the ground and picks up blitzes better than most college backs. Picking blitzes in this offense is as important as running for huge chunks of yards. It also isn't that easy. And given his size he does an outstanding job at it.

We are in full agreement here. This is where he EXCELS. His blocking is SO much better than the average running back.

And Walker doesn't give it everything he has. Do you think Weis is the kind of coach that would tolerate half ass effort? He may run out of bounds to avoid a hit but that doesn't show lack of effort. He has shown a willingness to take on an defender when the extra yard was critical.

I never said that at all. I was making the point that if you put me on the team I would out-work EVERYONE...and I would still stink...and people would still talk trash about me...and I would be hurt <sniff>...but it would be justified.

Are there running backs in college football better than Walker? Yes, but the list is short and none of them wear a gold hemlet on Saturdays.

I'm damn happy that DW is Irish

I am too...never said I wasn't. I merely want a gamebreaker in the mold of...
Bush, White, Pittman, D.Williams, Jerome Harrison, L.Maroney, A.Young, A.Peterson...

And if Walker becomes that...wonderful!

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

ND lost three games none of them not even OSU is was the result of poor offensive play. ND championship hopes rest firmly in the hands of the defense. Can the defense make a stop when it has to - MSU in OT, USC on 4th and 9, OSU on 3-11 in the 4th when ND is down by 7? If they can ND will be untouchable.

Yup. That is the key to winning the National Championship... DEFENSE.

Couldn't agree more. My only gripe with Walker is that he has too many negative plays because of backfield dancing. Weis and Haywood need to teach him to make one backfield cut then go without stifling the creativity that makes him an effective back.

Weis mentioned that last year...albeit not quite so straighforward. I expect to see some improvement this year in that area...or a change.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Not to stick up TOO much for LMI, but with "arguably the best offense in the country," we still lost 3 games. I'd like that offense to be even better, thank you. And one of the biggest ways to do that is to add a home-run type of running back to our already formidable arsenal.

It just so happens that I think the best candidate for the job is Darius Walker. A lot of his shake-and-bake moves earn him extra yards, but a good chunk of those same moves get him buried for no-gain or a loss. If C-Dub can teach D-Dub when to better recognize when it's time to shake-and-bake versus when it's time to drop your shoulder and knock someone into the next zip code instead, I'll be in heaven.

But in the meantime, I like our backfield. D-Dub, T2 and Schwapp all have distinctive running styles that are quite complimentary of each other. I see no need for a change in personnel, just a change in coaching emphasis.

Perfect summary...I fully agree.

 

[Vince Young]

ND lost three games none of them not even OSU is was the result of poor offensive play.

Oh, certainly. I don't think any of Notre Dame's losses (or wins, for that matter) featured what I could call "poor offensive play." We had one of the best offenses in the country last year... and yet we still lost 3 games. And yeah, a better defense would've turned those losses into wins.

But so would a better offense.

See, in all of those games, we had possessions where we didn't score. And in 2 of our 3 losses, we lost by 3 points, meaning that if we had simply scored just one additional time in those games, we would've won. If we'd had an offense that was EVEN BETTER than what we actually had, we'd be talking about C-Dub's 11-1 debut season right now.

Even a great offense can always be better.

 

[irishwavend]

The OSU game featured poor offensive play. We had uncharacteristic dropped balls & mental breakdowns all over the place. We picked a pretty big game to play our worst game...I would have rather played that poorly against BYU where we still would have won, than getting shown up by the Buckeyes. But, did you know that Laura Quinn was dating AJ Hawk?

On the previous comments about the running game...We need a burner, because that makes our passing game that much more effective. Darius gets it done, but he is far from the guy we need in the backfield. A speedster like Prince out of the backfield would be nice to stretch the D, but apparently he is lining up as a CB.

Also, "LoveMyIrish" I love the enthusiasm, but damn...that is a lot of writing. I have read Dickens' novels that are shorter....haha...just playing around.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

But, did you know that Laura Quinn was dating AJ Hawk?

Do tell!!! Did she happen to make it to the game? (lol...god, what an awful circus that was)

On the previous comments about the running game...We need a burner, because that makes our passing game that much more effective. Darius gets it done, but he is far from the guy we need in the backfield. A speedster like Prince out of the backfield would be nice to stretch the D, but apparently he is lining up as a CB.

Agreed... I had not heard about Prince lining up as a CB. Maybe he could end up being like a Tony Driver. Tough tackler, quick, nose for the ball...

Also, "LoveMyIrish" I love the enthusiasm, but damn...that is a lot of writing. I have read Dickens' novels that are shorter....haha...just playing around.

What can I say? A few cups of coffee, a boring meeting or two, and nimble fingers... ;-)

 

[Fitzgerald]

The Irish averaged 36 or so points per game last season without a "burner" at running back. That's more than enough points per game to win a championship. So, they don't need one. The offense clicks without one. If they'd had one last season they'd still have lost those games, since they were lost by the defense. If the offense only repeats last year's production, it'll be good enough to win a national title. The defense just has to get better.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

The Irish averaged 36 or so points per game last season without a "burner" at running back. That's more than enough points per game to win a championship. So, they don't need one. The offense clicks without one. If they'd had one last season they'd still have lost those games, since they were lost by the defense. If the offense only repeats last year's production, it'll be good enough to win a national title. The defense just has to get better.

Well, it was not "more than enough" last year.

So, the losses the offensive points...and running:
Michigan State = 41 points (116 by Walker - long 16)
USC = 24 points (72 by Walker - long 20)
OSU = 20 points (90 by Walker - long 20)

Let's look at the opponents and how their main boys rushed against us:
Michigan State = 44 points (63yds/24yds - Teague/Ringer - Long 29/25)
USC = 34 points (160yds - Bush - Long 45)
OSU = 34 points (136/73/66 - Pittman/Ginn/Smith - 60/68/15)

Yards Rushing, Avg Rush, Passing THEM vs US
MSU = 161 vs 107, Avg= 4.5 vs 2.8, (Passing 327 vs 487)
USC = 175 vs 153, Avg= 5.6 vs 2.9, (Passing 301 vs 264)
OSU = 275 vs 62, Avg= 7.6 vs 2.2, (Passing 342 vs 286)

Even when you take out BQ's sacks, we got solidly beaten in the Rushing game.

Crappy MSU. Yes, CRAPPY. Beat us in the Rushing game...

I see a trend. We can put up small consistent yards, but its simply not enough. We need a game breaker to win it all. If that's Walker, fine, he's worked hard enough that I would love to see that.

But a gamebreaker at RB is needed.

 

[Fitzgerald]

MSU beat us in the running game because they had a huge lead. Quinn's pick six, a porous defense, and an untimely fumble are why that game was lost.

 

[Fitzgerald]

The OSU game, also was one in which BQ was forced to throw all game because the team fell behind.

It's a defensive issue. Your post is a giant stretch.

 

[guff]

Irish wave this is a long one...

Irish wave this is a long one...

For a moment I thought we came to an agreement that Walker is a good running back and that we can win a championship with him in the backfield as is. And while there are areas of his game that can improve - primarily too many negative yardage plays - his play will not be ND’s undoing. The defense will be the key to a ND championship. Either the agreement never existed or I was mistaken.

Hopefully this will bring us back to some level harmony.

Darius Walker is plenty good enough to help ND win a national title. Last year’s offense was a couple DJ Fitzpatrick misses short of averaging 40 points per. Rushing yards per game, longest run from scrimmage, speed of the running back only matters if you can’t score. This team can score and they can do it from any where - 6 TD drives of 81+ yds 3 of those 90+. Does this team score enough to win? Yes 3 TDs should be enough to win any game.

ND’s running game needs to be -

1. Good enough that it can’t be ignored. If a team were able to play 5 or 6 DBs and ND couldn’t effectively counter by running over them there would be a problem. ND can do that.

2. Good enough to have an effective 7 minute drill. ND with a lead in the 4th quarter needs to be able to grind time off of the clock. Play defense with their offense because the opponent can’t burn the ND secondary from the bench. This didn’t happen in the Michigan game and I can’t think of any other time ND was in that situation.

ND doesn’t need a burner to win - need being the important word. Would it be nice? Yes. But Walker is an effective weapon that can get the job done. He’s proven it. We are essentially arguing over which is a better weapon - an F-15 or and F-18. There are differences enough to discuss but either one will get the job the done. One takes off from land and kills you, the other takes off from a ship and kills you. Dead either way.

As for being outrushed in losses, ND was also outrushed in wins against Michigan, Purdue, BYU, Tennessee, and Navy. A team, especially one with Quinn, Samardzjia, and McKnight, doesn’t need to out rush the opponent to win.

And as for long runs from scrimmage, one very important factor is that opposing safeties are playing deep and looking for pass. It is much easier to bust off long run when all of the defenders are in the box and thinking run. Harken back to the days of Jerome Bettis. Do really think he busting off those classic big gainers because he was faster than everyone? He was getting big runs because he was behind the defense after 7 yards. Walker doesn’t have that advantage. He’s facing defenses with safeties 10 and 15 yards off the ball. How does a running back -even the fastest of backs- get behind that .

ND doesn’t need a different running back, a faster running back or a better running to win. ND needs it’s defense to make plays. They need to tackle Ted Ginn just once maybe twice, not allow 3 and long to ever be converted, to stop making two great plays only to follow up with blown coverages. Good defense will be the difference.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

The OSU game, also was one in which BQ was forced to throw all game because the team fell behind.

It's a defensive issue. Your post is a giant stretch.

I agree we lost to MSU because of Defense. I do not agree that we lost to OSU or USC because of Defense alone. A more dynamic running game would have allowed us to win USC...and be competitive with OSU.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

For a moment I thought we came to an agreement that Walker is a good running back and that we can win a championship with him in the backfield as is. And while there are areas of his game that can improve - primarily too many negative yardage plays - his play will not be ND’s undoing. The defense will be the key to a ND championship. Either the agreement never existed or I was mistaken.

I never agreed that AS-IS our running game was effective enough to carry us to the NC. I do believe that if it is improved we have a shot.

Darius Walker is plenty good enough to help ND win a national title. Last year’s offense was a couple DJ Fitzpatrick misses short of averaging 40 points per. Rushing yards per game, longest run from scrimmage, speed of the running back only matters if you can’t score.

When it mattered, we did not score.

You could average 100 points per game and still lose 3 games. The question is the game itself. That's why I broke it down...so we could see how when directly compared to the guys we lost to, we were unable to run the ball the way we wanted to...AND NEEDED TO.

This team can score and they can do it from any where - 6 TD drives of 81+ yds 3 of those 90+. Does this team score enough to win? Yes 3 TDs should be enough to win any game.

I firmly disagree with that 3 TD rule...unless you have a STELLAR Defense. Not a "good" defense...a STELLAR Defense. Because, in the end, you WILL meet someone who hangs 4 TDs on you...especially in this day and age.

1. Good enough that it can’t be ignored. If a team were able to play 5 or 6 DBs and ND couldn’t effectively counter by running over them there would be a problem. ND can do that.

EXACLTY...this is why we failed in the OSU game. Our running game was QUASHED by 4 guys on the D line. Not 5, not 6...4.

As for being outrushed in losses, ND was also outrushed in wins against Michigan, Purdue, BYU, Tennessee, and Navy. A team, especially one with Quinn, Samardzjia, and McKnight, doesn’t need to out rush the opponent to win.

Tell that to the Buckeyes.

And as for long runs from scrimmage, one very important factor is that opposing safeties are playing deep and looking for pass. It is much easier to bust off long run when all of the defenders are in the box and thinking run. Harken back to the days of Jerome Bettis. Do really think he busting off those classic big gainers because he was faster than everyone? He was getting big runs because he was behind the defense after 7 yards. Walker doesn’t have that advantage. He’s facing defenses with safeties 10 and 15 yards off the ball. How does a running back -even the fastest of backs- get behind that .

Moves.

That being said, Darius' problem is not getting hit from the front. It's getting caught from the side by LBs, or even from behind.

ND doesn’t need a different running back, a faster running back or a better running to win. ND needs it’s defense to make plays. They need to tackle Ted Ginn just once maybe twice, not allow 3 and long to ever be converted, to stop making two great plays only to follow up with blown coverages. Good defense will be the difference.

Good Defense is the key to the year, I agree on that.

However, this thread is about the running game.

 

[Fitzgerald]

ND lost to OSU because of incredibly bad play by the entire defense, and bad pass protection on offense. In that order.