USC Postgame

[JadedDomer]

ays are so much fun after a big win. Hopefully, we can take advantage of the rest time, heal up, and clean up some issues. I think Leonard could really benefit from play action a bit and some screen plays. Also, we are going to need a drive or two in the playoffs to seal a game. Those 3 and outs anger me. Great regular season everyone!!!!!

For the life if my I cannot understand why Denbrock doesn't run PA off of our running attack. Every pass is a drop back and it makes no sense.

 

[irishff1014]

They better be because we had no answer for them until Maiava started throwing picks.
500+ yards is quite concerning.
Maiava was uncanny at getting the ball out accurately while getting smashed by defenders. Most QBs don’t do that well.
Game was pretty disconcerting to me because I thought our pass defense was the best in the country and Troy made them look bad for 59 minutes or so. USC never looked this good in their other games

Remember it’s a rivalry game. So they were going to show up and it was also Willams number retirement and senior day.

We got their very very best. We did what we had to and withstood the challenge. Now we have video for AL to fix some issues.

 

[LifelongFan]

They are a good team and the best one we've played all year. They are also choke artists as we saw all year. The talent is undeniable though and they are probably 10-2 with a shot at the playoffs if they start Maiava all year. Top 10 matchup at ND Stadium next October.

 

[bobbyok1]

🤣

 

[ThePiombino]

Folks, please stop fluffing USC. They are not good. Good teams don't lose 6 games and barely earn bowl eligibility. Good teams find ways to win, not lose. They may have talent, but they are not good.

 

[MacIrish75]

Folks, please stop fluffing USC. They are not good. Good teams don't lose 6 games and barely earn bowl eligibility. Good teams find ways to win, not lose. They may have talent, but they are not good.

I mean all of the media was fellating this USC team before the game…only right that now we’d keep that same energy. 🤷🏼‍♂️

 

[irishff1014]

Folks, please stop fluffing USC. They are not good. Good teams don't lose 6 games and barely earn bowl eligibility. Good teams find ways to win, not lose. They may have talent, but they are not good.

Say what you want if Maiava starts the whole season I bet they have a better record.

 

[ThePiombino]

Say what you want if Maiava starts the whole season I bet they have a better record.

Is LR still head coach? Then doubtful...

 

[notredomer23]

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Run game was dominant. To nitpick, OL seemed to lose traction in 4Q.

Price stepped up when he had to after looking like a non-factor in his first few series

Defense carried the team for most of the season. Last night it showed it’s far from perfect once injuries took their toll. Really missed Cross, Traore, Bothello, KVA & BenMo.

I kept telling my wife, I can’t believe ND hasn’t forced a TO yet. Then they force two to seal the game.

That had to me a miscommunication between RL & KM on that horrible pick, right? In fact, IIRC; if RL hits Mitchell on his route it’s a TD.

Loved seeing Denbrock immediately call a play so RL could redeem himself W/ a TD pass on the following series.

Felt bad for JT on that fumble. It wasn’t carelessness, SC defender was just in the perfect spot to punch out the ball. You could see the hurt on his face as SC scored on their ensuing drive. He will redeem himself in the CFP

I may be biased b/c I can’t think of any bad calls vs ND, but that seemed to be the cleanest officiating I can recall this year. I don’t recall either team getting a holding call. Mills got away with a PF but we can all understand why he reacted the way he did.

 

[texbender]

The fake punts have been successful. Why not a fake FG like earlier this season (GT?), or just forget about any more FG attempts? Missing repeated chipshots from 25-40 yds is not acceptable at this level with all that is at stake. All points count.

 

[MacIrish75]

Inject that straight into my veins.

 

[MacIrish75]

The fake punts have been successful. Why not a fake FG like earlier this season (GT?), or just forget about any more FG attempts? Missing repeated chipshots from 25-40 yds is not acceptable at this level with all that is at stake. All points count.

We’re going to have to convert a FG at some point. You just can’t completely ignore that segment of the game.

 

[Rockin’Irish]

We’re going to have to convert a FG at some point. You just can’t completely ignore that segment of the game.

We can only hope Jeter continues to work on his injury recovery and regains his form. There really is no other option at this point since we can‘t pick up a new kicker off the waiver wire.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

I said it in an earlier post that something clicked with USC in the second half of the UCLA game and the quarterback was dealing.
Looks like that carried over.


This doesn't mean that every team will be able to do that to us. Look at how many recent playoff or SEC conference games that turned into barn burning shoot outs with the top defenses in the country. Sometimes the offense has to win a game because the defense will be unable to stop the other team. Today was that day (even though the defense still scored 14).

 

[JadedDomer]

In watching USC, we don't have a single WR with great hands. We don't even have one with good hands. Maybe Kris Mitchel but we don't even know because he gets 1 target a game. Really bad and IDK where to place the blame, Del? Brown? Players?

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Can we mention that Buchner is possibly our second best transfer?

 

[BeatSC]

The fake punts have been successful. Why not a fake FG like earlier this season (GT?), or just forget about any more FG attempts? Missing repeated chipshots from 25-40 yds is not acceptable at this level with all that is at stake. All points count.

Kicking is pathetic. Name a worse group of kickers at ND. Tired of hearing about his groin injury/excuse. Our kickoffs were also weak.

 

[Irish du Nord]

Can we mention that Buchner is possibly our second best transfer?

I’d give it to both DBs, but he’s top 5 no doubt

 

[Huntr]

Up to 2nd in ESPN FPI
9th in SP+ (held back by a horrific special teams grade)
2nd in Resume SP+

 

[BeatSC]

tOSU beat themselves... in many ways

Ohio State was destroyed by their WB and PK. Michigans offense was a one dimensional joke. Their QBs int was one of the worst I’ve seen. Had the TE wide open. Day never should have fucked with big Lou. I will say he is 2-0 against us. I could see those Fs still winning it all but with an asterisk.

 

[KPENN]

If Thomas doesn’t fumble ND is going up 14-0 and it turns into a laugher but at the same time I’m glad they played a game like this with some 2nd half game pressure

 

[BeatSC]

Feel good moment of the season. Buchner fake punt pass for a first down.

That was basically the same play that Buchner threw the game winning touchdown in the south Carolina bowl game.

 

[tko]

Buchner is selfless.

 

[Irish2155]

So fucking awesome

 

[forkbeard3777]

Unfortunately, I missed most of the game as the bar I was at exclusively had the Iron Bowl on. I was trying to follow as much as I can on the phone, but you all know how that goes. Can you give me a quick recap? What was good? What was bad? Seems like the running game was elite, but the secondary really struggled? Can you fill me in? Also, any news on Love? That hurdle jump was insane.

 

[LifelongFan]

Up to 2nd in ESPN FPI
9th in SP+ (held back by a horrific special teams grade)
2nd in Resume SP+

And 1-12 in SP+ are within 8 points of each other. This could be the perfect year to start the 12 team playoff. 10 of those teams plus Boise and the Big 12 champ being in. Any game could go any way honestly.

 

[ND7983]

Unfortunately, I missed most of the game as the bar I was at exclusively had the Iron Bowl on. I was trying to follow as much as I can on the phone, but you all know how that goes. Can you give me a quick recap? What was good? What was bad? Seems like the running game was elite, but the secondary really struggled? Can you fill me in? Also, any news on Love? That hurdle jump was insane.

ND controlled the game.
They were always up 7 early, USC would tie, then ND immediately would go back up 7.
USC never had the ball with the chance for the lead except opening kickoff.
ND then went up 14 multiple times.

ND was moving the ball efficiently and looked unstoppable for unless they screwed up.
USC was just launching passes down the sidelines & hoping for PI or great catches.
That kept them in the game, but was their ultimate demise.

ND was bigger, stronger & even faster than USC. Definitely tougher & mentally stronger.

14 point win was fair outcome.
Last pick 6 by ND & garbage TD by USC equaled eachother out.

No flag planting needed, USC already knew ND owns them.

 

[Giddyup]

That game was about as fun as a colonoscopy.

but I love this team’s culture. And fire. And direction. Regardless of what happens in the playoffs.

Thought the game was awesome. We held back a stud filled USC team that came to play. Our offense seems to be firing on all cylinders.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Unfortunately, I missed most of the game as the bar I was at exclusively had the Iron Bowl on. I was trying to follow as much as I can on the phone, but you all know how that goes. Can you give me a quick recap? What was good? What was bad? Seems like the running game was elite, but the secondary really struggled? Can you fill me in? Also, any news on Love? That hurdle jump was insane.

Secondary struggled in large cause the pass rush wasn’t getting home.