Thoughts on Today's Practice

[TDHeysus]

astonishing that people actually believe Malik is better.

I'm not ready to say that, but when i think of Golson - I cant get that ASU game out of my head, still.

 

[irishfan]

I'm pumped Golson seems to be taking control of the QB competition early (Coach D has said as much on ISD). He went 500 days between the Bama game to the Rice opener last year without playing a single down.....of course he was shaky. Kelly put too much on his shoulders last season by far. The flashes he showed last year were ridiculous, and I think it's incredibly likely he'll take another massive step forward in 2015 with his entire WR corps returning.

Zaire looked quite good, don't get me wrong, but there is a reason why Kelly went with Golson for a majority of that 2-minute drill to beat LSU. We're returning essentially every starter to what should be Kelly's best team yet....no offense to Zaire but I really don't want to see us break in a new QB with this stacked team and easy schedule when the Playoff is a real possibility with a seasoned QB. I've got no issue with us using Zaire as a Belldozer/Tebow, but I think we max out at 10-2 with him as our full-time guy next season.

 

[Booslum31]

I'm pumped Golson seems to be taking control of the QB competition early (Coach D has said as much on ISD). He went 500 days between the Bama game to the Rice opener last year without playing a single down.....of course he was shaky. Kelly put too much on his shoulders last season by far. The flashes he showed last year were ridiculous, and I think it's incredibly likely he'll take another massive step forward in 2015 with his entire WR corps returning.

Zaire looked quite good, don't get me wrong, but there is a reason why Kelly went with Golson for a majority of that 2-minute drill to beat LSU. We're returning essentially every starter to what should be Kelly's best team yet....no offense to Zaire but I really don't want to see us break in a new QB with this stacked team and easy schedule when the Playoff is a real possibility with a seasoned QB. I've got no issue with us using Zaire as a Belldozer/Tebow, but I think we max out at 10-2 with him as our full-time guy next season.

This is pretty much where I stand on it as well. I just wish he would step up and lead.

 

[Catholics_Rule]

Thanks so much for the update.

 

[pumpdog20]

If we can get the 2012 Golson back as far as turnovers but keep the 2013 version in regards to the number of touchdowns we would have the perfect Golson. He only had 6 picks in 2012 but also only threw 12 touchdowns.

Dude, we cannot afford Golson to throw zero touchdowns.

 

[BeauBenken]

I'll add to LA's notes when I get back home. Not enough time to do it now, but let's just say I agree on pretty much everything.

One thing I'd point out, Fuller's hand is definitely affecting his ability to catch the ball. During punt return drills (which featured only Greg and Fuller) Fuller was only catching the back with one hand and his body to avoid agitating his fractured hand.

Good notes!

 

[Crazy Balki]

I'm pumped Golson seems to be taking control of the QB competition early (Coach D has said as much on ISD).

Speaking of which, what happened to the Power Hour this week? Pretty odd time to skip a week, or maybe they're gathering more info for a bigger one next week? I dunno, just started watching them, and it's pretty darn informative.

 

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Anything golson does is meaningless, until he is capable of adjusting to blitzes telegraphed in front of his face.



Also if Fuller is hurt to the point of using 1 hand, why the fuck is he even practicing catching balls. Now that to me is ridiculous.

 

[Grahambo]

Maybe I'm in the minority here but I'll continue to take a wait and see approach since ya know..its March. The MZ/EG you see today may not be the same kind you see come August/Sept.

I'm still going MZ > EG and won't buy into the new and improved EG yet simply because its March. Still on the MZ bandwagon.

I like to hear Manny's reports because they're honest but again..March.

 

[woolybug25]

Maybe I'm in the minority here but I'll continue to take a wait and see approach since ya know..its March. The MZ/EG you see today may not be the same kind you see come August/Sept.

I'm still going MZ > EG and won't buy into the new and improved EG yet simply because its March. Still on the MZ bandwagon.

I like to hear Manny's reports because they're honest but again..March.

Same here. I would also add my original point, which was this is what we were seeing last spring with Golson as well. Rave reviews telling us how he is taking control of the QB competition. Then fast forward to the end of the season, we are benching that same QB and beating LSU with Malik. It's just practice.... practice in March, no less.

The only thing I DO know is that I really don't know who will be better. It's a gamble, regardless of who ends up being the starter. But I hope BK doesn't simply pick the QB on who practices with a red jersey on better. If that is going to be the process, then Malik isn't even being given a shot.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

I wish I could see Golson operate in a pro set with the RB in the I. Hand it off up the middle or off tackle then use play action pass and rediscover the TE over the middle. Give him some separation from the line so he has room to pass over them. Then he can take off once in a while through the open lanes up the middle. It seems like a pretty easy thing to grasp.

.

Dude, you're talking my language! This is what i'm all about.

 

[Grahambo]

Same here. I would also add my original point, which was this is what we were seeing last spring with Golson as well. Rave reviews telling us how he is taking control of the QB competition. Then fast forward to the end of the season, we are benching that same QB and beating LSU with Malik. It's just practice.... practice in March, no less.

The only thing I DO know is that I really don't know who will be better. It's a gamble, regardless of who ends up being the starter. But I hope BK doesn't simply pick the QB on who practices with a red jersey on better. If that is going to be the process, then Malik isn't even being given a shot.

I'm gonna go ahead and say BK is smarter then to pick a QB in March but I get your point. haha

The problem with EG has never been his ability. He's been wowing people in practice since he got here with his arm strength, etc. Its when it goes live and shit starts to hit the fan that he's gotten into trouble and has become untrustworthy. Has he turned a corner? Maybe, its possible but really hard to truly say until game day and with the way teams have to be just about perfect, can we afford to let him try?

Maybe we will see an MZ/EG LSU type approach. Maybe EG does get named the starter and goes on to win a Heisman. Maybe MZ takes over and leads ND to a title game. Who knows at this point, Im just not ready to call it in March.

 

[irishrb]

That's a heck of a write-up. I usually just come over here to see what LAX has to say about lacrosse but that's a lot of great information there. Nice job.

 

[Irishman77]

I don't care who looks better at a practice.

If Golson truly figured out how to take care of the football, suddenly became any kind of running threat and stopped looking scared to death on game day....I am onboard. Until then it's Malik for me!

 

[Irish2155]

LA, maybe Beau as well, I know you have some good connections and live close enough to campus. Any chance you see any more practices? Your feedback/information is super fantastic.

Damn it is a long time until Texas.

Thanks in advance.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

Dude, we cannot afford Golson to throw zero touchdowns.

Sorry meant 2014

 

[Irish2155]

I don't care who looks better at a practice.

If Golson truly figured out how to take care of the football, suddenly became any kind of running threat and stopped looking scared to death on game day....I am onboard. Until then it's Malik for me!

EG, in his defense, was in the Heisman talk through the FSU loss...so there is something there. But even then turnovers were still an issue.

Then shit really hit the fan. Our inability to get first downs plus turnovers in bad territory killed our defense...a defense without safeties and an experienced Mike LB.

On a positive note, a lot of young guys on D got forced experience last year...one would think that bolds well for this upcoming year but I'm not overly optimistic. Ball control will be key for this '15 ND team. If we figure that out, we can play with anyone in the country IMO.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

EG, in his defense, was in the Heisman talk through the FSU loss...so there is something there. But even then turnovers were still an issue.

Then shit really hit the fan. Our inability to get first downs plus turnovers in bad territory killed our defense...a defense without safeties and an experienced Mike LB.

On a positive note, a lot of young guys on D got forced experience last year...one would think that bolds well for this upcoming year but I'm not overly optimistic. Ball control will be key for this '15 ND team. If we figure that out, we can play with anyone in the country IMO.

Yep, 100%. We have the offensive line to control the game. We have the RBs to pick up yards and we have WRs to take the top off.

Our defense has a ton of experience returning with an influx of talented freshman and RS freshman. Our safeties and LBs are the biggest concern but we have more competition at LB than last year. Our safeties will have some young help and we can always hold out hope that one more year means better understanding for Shumate and Redfield. Our corners should be at least top 25, and I don't think that is hopeful. Hopeful is a top-10 tandem.

Can our defensive line get more pressure on the QB without opening the floodgates on run plays/bubble screens? Can we force more turnovers? Can we avoid turnovers? Can we get productive, if not spectacular QB play? Once again,we don't need a dynamic QB to win most of the games on our schedule. We just need solid play and ball control.

 

[connor_in]

I really hope you guys figure out our QB situation soon so you can get Sanford and Kelly to accept the IE decision


I jes playin

 

[Irish2155]

Yep, 100%. We have the offensive line to control the game. We have the RBs to pick up yards and we have WRs to take the top off.

Our defense has a ton of experience returning with an influx of talented freshman and RS freshman. Our safeties and LBs are the biggest concern but we have more competition at LB than last year. Our safeties will have some young help and we can always hold out hope that one more year means better understanding for Shumate and Redfield. Our corners should be at least top 25, and I don't think that is hopeful. Hopeful is a top-10 tandem.

Can our defensive line get more pressure on the QB without opening the floodgates on run plays/bubble screens? Can we force more turnovers? Can we avoid turnovers? Can we get productive, if not spectacular QB play? Once again,we don't need a dynamic QB to win most of the games on our schedule. We just need solid play and ball control.

Our corners, assuming KVR returns to form, should be top ten if not the best in the country...both NFL caliber players for sure. KVR could be All American.

Pass rush is also an issue, thanks for adding that in. Hopefully more ball control keeps those big guys fresh to get to the QB. Last year I think they were more occupied grasping for air opposed to face planting a QB.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Same here. I would also add my original point, which was this is what we were seeing last spring with Golson as well. Rave reviews telling us how he is taking control of the QB competition. Then fast forward to the end of the season, we are benching that same QB and beating LSU with Malik. It's just practice.... practice in March, no less.

The only thing I DO know is that I really don't know who will be better. It's a gamble, regardless of who ends up being the starter. But I hope BK doesn't simply pick the QB on who practices with a red jersey on better. If that is going to be the process, then Malik isn't even being given a shot.

I don't care who looks better at a practice.

If Golson truly figured out how to take care of the football, suddenly became any kind of running threat and stopped looking scared to death on game day....I am onboard. Until then it's Malik for me!

I'll say again that I completely understand people wanting Zaire. Here's the thing though...people forget Golson beat a lot of really good teams himself, and looked like one of the only people who belonged on the field with Alabama - as a redshirt freshman. People forget about all that because of his late-season collapse. Zaire has had one and a half games, one great win (with help from Golson), and people think he's the best bet to win. A few things about that:

1. What if Golson consistently had a game plan where he didn't have to win the game, that the running game was going to be the key and not him? Zaire had that, and it was extremely beneficial to him. I think Golson could be deadly with a running game, where IT was the focal point, not just the QB.

2. What happens when teams have film on Zaire? No one knows. I do know that in the 2nd half, LSU adjusted and our offense stalled. Can Zaire beat teams with his arm? There's going to be a time he's going to have to, of that there can be no debate. Just watching him in the LSU/USC games and in practice, no one can say that he can consistently push the ball down field yet.

3. As a coach, you can't just ignore practices. You can't. Eventually you have to perform in practice. Zaire is a beast, so when the red jerseys come off, he needs to not just run well but pass well also. If he can do that, then I'll be the first one on his bandwagon. But personally, I think people are ignoring all of Golson's achievements because of his turnovers (the turnovers are a MAJOR issue, no doubt) and just assuming Zaire is better based on very little evidence. But I can guarantee you that when Zaire starts more games, the warts will come out as well, and people will be begging for the next Irish QB.

I just want Zaire to start dominating practice, plus a bigger sample size before I anoint him. Him pushing Golson is phenomenal for the program, as now Kelly can have a quick hook if Golson is the starter and hasn't accepted taking care of the ball as a mandatory thing.

 

[Fbolt]

^Great post LA-I concur. Completely.

Mack-No way "Golson's Deer in the Headlight" look is confused with a "1000 yard stare".

I trust Kelly and the staff to pick the correct QB. The Irish will have a good season if not great. BK is not going to put his faith in someone who he believes can't get it done.

 

[Grahambo]

I'll say again that I completely understand people wanting Zaire. Here's the thing though...people forget Golson beat a lot of really good teams himself, and looked like one of the only people who belonged on the field with Alabama - as a redshirt freshman. People forget about all that because of his late-season collapse. Zaire has had one and a half games, one great win (with help from Golson), and people think he's the best bet to win. A few things about that:

1. What if Golson consistently had a game plan where he didn't have to win the game, that the running game was going to be the key and not him? Zaire had that, and it was extremely beneficial to him. I think Golson could be deadly with a running game, where IT was the focal point, not just the QB.

2. What happens when teams have film on Zaire? No one knows. I do know that in the 2nd half, LSU adjusted and our offense stalled. Can Zaire beat teams with his arm? There's going to be a time he's going to have to, of that there can be no debate. Just watching him in the LSU/USC games and in practice, no one can say that he can consistently push the ball down field yet.

3. As a coach, you can't just ignore practices. You can't. Eventually you have to perform in practice. Zaire is a beast, so when the red jerseys come off, he needs to not just run well but pass well also. If he can do that, then I'll be the first one on his bandwagon. But personally, I think people are ignoring all of Golson's achievements because of his turnovers (the turnovers are a MAJOR issue, no doubt) and just assuming Zaire is better based on very little evidence. But I can guarantee you that when Zaire starts more games, the warts will come out as well, and people will be begging for the next Irish QB.

I just want Zaire to start dominating practice, plus a bigger sample size before I anoint him. Him pushing Golson is phenomenal for the program, as now Kelly can have a quick hook if Golson is the starter and hasn't accepted taking care of the ball as a mandatory thing.

Understand all that. Its not a perfect science but as good as he was last year, there were times he was downright awful with the ball.

My big takeaway is that its March..long, long, long way to go.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I'll say again that I completely understand people wanting Zaire. Here's the thing though...people forget Golson beat a lot of really good teams himself, and looked like one of the only people who belonged on the field with Alabama - as a redshirt freshman. People forget about all that because of his late-season collapse. Zaire has had one and a half games, one great win (with help from Golson), and people think he's the best bet to win. A few things about that:

1. What if Golson consistently had a game plan where he didn't have to win the game, that the running game was going to be the key and not him? Zaire had that, and it was extremely beneficial to him. I think Golson could be deadly with a running game, where IT was the focal point, not just the QB.

2. What happens when teams have film on Zaire? No one knows. I do know that in the 2nd half, LSU adjusted and our offense stalled. Can Zaire beat teams with his arm? There's going to be a time he's going to have to, of that there can be no debate. Just watching him in the LSU/USC games and in practice, no one can say that he can consistently push the ball down field yet.

3. As a coach, you can't just ignore practices. You can't. Eventually you have to perform in practice. Zaire is a beast, so when the red jerseys come off, he needs to not just run well but pass well also. If he can do that, then I'll be the first one on his bandwagon. But personally, I think people are ignoring all of Golson's achievements because of his turnovers (the turnovers are a MAJOR issue, no doubt) and just assuming Zaire is better based on very little evidence. But I can guarantee you that when Zaire starts more games, the warts will come out as well, and people will be begging for the next Irish QB.

I just want Zaire to start dominating practice, plus a bigger sample size before I anoint him. Him pushing Golson is phenomenal for the program, as now Kelly can have a quick hook if Golson is the starter and hasn't accepted taking care of the ball as a mandatory thing.

Great reply. This is where I'm at as well. Let them fight it out through spring/summer and both will be better for it. Let's get both some playing time and pray that Kelly has the wisdom to swap his QBs when needed. If Golson is rattled or unsettled or missing easy throws, then pull him and let Zaire run the show. If Zaire is misreading his keys, not going through his progressions or firing passes haphazardly through the middle of the defense, pull him and give Golson his chance.

The most important part about this is the running game. If Stanley, Nelson, Martin, Elmer and McGlinchey can open up holes, then we have the RBs to take advantage and make things happen at the second level. I only hope that we are correct about the potency of our run game and that Kelly sees it. He can take all the shots down field that he wants if our run game is clicking, but we have to commit to it.

I know Kelly doesn't really want to fall into any label, he wants to be a hybrid that is constantly morphing so his tendencies don't show through to defensive coordinators but I'm wondering if that is the best approach? Maybe we should snap the chinstraps and let them know exactly what we're going to do in heavy sets and simply demoralize the opponent because they can't stop it.

Let's make defenses quit this year!

 

[phgreek]

It wasn't eliminated today. He had a couple of nice throws over the middle. And Zaire isn't much taller (he didn't have one over the middle, fwiw).

Also, interestingly enough, no one threw an INT, but Zaire was the only one to come close, as he had one curious pass that should have been picked but was bobbled and dropped.

And for those who are over Golson, I would warn against dismissing the fact that he can improve. He has a new QB coach dedicated to fixing his fundamentals, and for one practice anyway, everything was working. Whereas Kelly had to pull put Zaire at one point and have a quick footwork teaching session, Golson was on point almost the entire game. I get why people are over Golson. But maybe the finality of his career, plus Sanford coaching him might and Zaire truly pushing him might take Golson to a different level. I'm certainly not ruling that out...

Everett's problem was trying too hard to force shit down the field when he had an o-line that folded up on him pretty frequently. It was clear to me he wasn't just playing Everett ball...he was trying to prove something.

If he lets himself run the ball when its there, and throw the ball when its there, he'll be fine.

I have to admit, having Zaire get reps. seemed to sharpen Everett, and it also delivered a punishing run game. I'd be just fine with both guys getting action as both showed they can be very effective at what they do.

totally confident in either or both.

 

[Irishman77]

I'll say again that I completely understand people wanting Zaire. Here's the thing though...people forget Golson beat a lot of really good teams himself, and looked like one of the only people who belonged on the field with Alabama - as a redshirt freshman. People forget about all that because of his late-season collapse. Zaire has had one and a half games, one great win (with help from Golson), and people think he's the best bet to win. A few things about that:

1. What if Golson consistently had a game plan where he didn't have to win the game, that the running game was going to be the key and not him? Zaire had that, and it was extremely beneficial to him. I think Golson could be deadly with a running game, where IT was the focal point, not just the QB.

2. What happens when teams have film on Zaire? No one knows. I do know that in the 2nd half, LSU adjusted and our offense stalled. Can Zaire beat teams with his arm? There's going to be a time he's going to have to, of that there can be no debate. Just watching him in the LSU/USC games and in practice, no one can say that he can consistently push the ball down field yet.

3. As a coach, you can't just ignore practices. You can't. Eventually you have to perform in practice. Zaire is a beast, so when the red jerseys come off, he needs to not just run well but pass well also. If he can do that, then I'll be the first one on his bandwagon. But personally, I think people are ignoring all of Golson's achievements because of his turnovers (the turnovers are a MAJOR issue, no doubt) and just assuming Zaire is better based on very little evidence. But I can guarantee you that when Zaire starts more games, the warts will come out as well, and people will be begging for the next Irish QB.

I just want Zaire to start dominating practice, plus a bigger sample size before I anoint him. Him pushing Golson is phenomenal for the program, as now Kelly can have a quick hook if Golson is the starter and hasn't accepted taking care of the ball as a mandatory thing.

Your posts have been phenominal. Deep down I know Golson is the better all around QB right now, I just have a hard time with anyone that throws in the towel mentality. I want a warrior!!!!

Also, I feel if it is Malik Kelly will be forced to play a simplified offense that must commit to the run game. We have the guys now to force our will on opponents....including Stanford and Alabama

 

[texbender]

really appreciate the initial post and subsequent chatter. Strength and depth along both lines will go a long way for the upcoming season. Hard to imagine EG doesn't start, but there's a long way to go. Good thing is ND may finally have a decent backup we.ve lacked for too long.
Can't wait for Texas.

 

[returnofthemack]

^Great post LA-I concur. Completely.

Mack-No way "Golson's Deer in the Headlight" look is confused with a "1000 yard stare".

I trust Kelly and the staff to pick the correct QB. The Irish will have a good season if not great. BK is not going to put his faith in someone who he believes can't get it done.

haha I wasn't saying he had a 1000 yard stare, I'm saying they're both stupid cliche phrases.