Was the 2022 season a success and what are your expectations for 2023?

[forkbeard3777]

Looking back at the 2022 season, given that it was Marcus Freeman's first year as a head coach, would you consider it a success and/or what would you grade it?

It was certainly a roller-coaster season with its highs and lows - the highs, obviously beating Clemson, an improved South Carolina team, North Carolina, and Syracuse, and the lows, well, obviously losing to Marshall and Stanford (the Cal and Navy wins can arguably be filed into the lows category).

It was evident that the team lacked sound quarterback play, and the defensive front seven leaves a lot to be desired.

So, that said, would you consider it a success? Acceptable? Room for optimism or concern? A, B, C, D, F?

In regard to the upcoming 2023, season, what are your expectations? What's acceptable and what's not? The offensive line should be stout, Hartman should be a vast improvement, the running backs are deep and talented. I'm not too sure about the defense; however, other than the Clemson (and NC State - they're a tricky bunch, I'm not too sure what to expect from them) game, the schedule is favorable (Ohio State, USC, and Pitt are coming to ND).

What do you think? Where do you see the strengths/weaknesses? What's considered a successful season and/or failure for you?

 

[notredomer23]

 

[PutuporShutup]

Salvaged season that could have been disastrous is how I view 2022

2023 my expectation is 11-1 or better. We have one of the top qbs in the country with a ton of experience, could have one of if not the top olines with a lot of skilled talent on offense. That’s recipe for a 40ppg type offense. Defensive secondary will also be elite.

Lbs can only improve but dline worries me. If we don’t make playoff and are healthy to me it will probably be due to coaching and or front 7.

Clemson isn’t elite despite their most likely high pre season rankings but it’s on the road so it will be tough, usc will be tough but at home, Ohio state is early at home with super green qb. 11-1 or better, let’s go!

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Looking back at the 2022 season, given that it was Marcus Freeman's first year as a head coach, would you consider it a success and/or what would you grade it?

It was certainly a roller-coaster season with its highs and lows - the highs, obviously beating Clemson, an improved South Carolina team, North Carolina, and Syracuse, and the lows, well, obviously losing to Marshall and Stanford (the Cal and Navy wins can arguably be filed into the lows category).

It was evident that the team lacked sound quarterback play, and the defensive front seven leaves a lot to be desired.

So, that said, would you consider it a success? Acceptable? Room for optimism or concern? A, B, C, D, F?

In regard to the upcoming 2023, season, what are your expectations? What's acceptable and what's not? The offensive line should be stout, Hartman should be a vast improvement, the running backs are deep and talented. I'm not too sure about the defense; however, other than the Clemson (and NC State - they're a tricky bunch, I'm not too sure what to expect from them) game, the schedule is favorable (Ohio State, USC, and Pitt are coming to ND).

What do you think? Where do you see the strengths/weaknesses? What's considered a successful season and/or failure for you?

It was a success because it's in the past and gave Freeman a lot of growth opportunities. It was a moderate disappointment because we should never drop games to Marshall and a terrible Stanford team, even though we had a massive dropoff in QB skill

I have optimism because Freeman is a tireless worker and I believe he understands culture more than the smaller nuances and that's where he's most focused. I think he's developing a very strong culture with his coaches and players and that will pay dividends as it continues to take root. If we put together a very strong season, the recruiting is going to heat up a lot.

We have a question mark for our defense with a lot of turnover on the DL. We have a proven QB with what should be a strong OL and a lot of skill players competing for reps.

I don't care who is on the schedule. If we have average luck in terms of injuries and TOs, I believe we should go 10-2 or better.

Potential weaknesses: pressure on the QB/DL, athleticism at LB, experience at WR, new staff learning to work together

Potential strengths: QB, RB, CB, OL?, new staff learning to work together (element of surprise)

 

[ACamp1900]

I blacked out at halftime of Cal and basically just came to

 

[FU BK]

I wouldn't necessarily call south carolina an improved team with all the transfers that were missing from the bowl game, but overall would say season was a success. Marshall and Stanford were crushing for sure, but no one expected that they would throttle Clemson either. They were the proverbial jekyll and Hyde team last year.

 

[NorthDakota]

I view 2022 as a sad learning experience. If Buchner had not gotten hurt, I think I would have called it a success. Only because he'd have a full year under his belt

 

[stlnd01]

To me 2022 was a success chiefly because that team had multiple opportunities to give up on the season and they never did. That says a lot about the character and culture of both the players and coaching staff and that can take you a long way in this sport. Obviously the Marshall and Stanford games were unacceptable, and the quarterback room left a lot to be desired (a problem that was years in the making), and 9-4 is not the goal. So I'd give the season overall a B. Maybe B+ if I'm feeling generous, or a B- if I dwell too long on not taking a grad transfer QB. But probably a B. Which is fine for a first year coach who loses his starting quarterback in Game 2.

For '23? 10-2 feels like the floor for a successful season. Our offense should be the best its been since 2015, and we have so much talent and depth coming back that we could even survive some injuries at any position group. And while there are questions on D, especially D Line, it feels in recent years more like "reload" than "rebuild" on that side of the ball. Hopefully that continues. In practice, 10-2 means no bad losses and beating one of OSU/USC/Clemson. Though I wonder how we'd feel about one bad loss and beating two of the big three? Better? Or worse? Either way I'd expect at least an NY6 berth and a distinct possibility to go 11-1 with a good shot at the CFP. Anything less than that would be a disappointment.

 

[GATTACA!]

I blacked out at halftime of Cal and basically just came to

Ah man you missed the Browns Super Bowl run!

 

[GoIrish41]

Given the QB room limitations, a B season, IMO.

Definitely room for optimism if the best athletes get on the field on D (Sneed, Collie).

 

[Henges24]

I said ND MBB to the Sweet 16 in 2023, so sitting this one out.

 

[ACamp1900]

Ah man you missed the Browns Super Bowl run!

In all honesty I’m already resigned to the idea that they’ll win the Super Bowl like three weeks after I die,…

 

[NorthDakota]

In all honesty I’m already resigned to the idea that they’ll win the Super Bowl like three weeks after I die,…

When the RIP thread says "our brother ACamp1900 had joined Jesus" I'm putting my life savings on the Browns

 

[ACamp1900]

When the RIP thread says "our brother ACamp1900 had joined Jesus" I'm putting my life savings on the Browns

Except your hick ass outlasting me ain’t happening

 

[Kingbish01]

I'll never call a season when they lose to Marshall a success unless they run the table and win the natty.

 

[Giddyup]

Not a success because of the bad losses and losing to USC. Bowl win put it in respectable category.

 

[Kingbish01]

The bowl win was good, I was there....it was a straight up hostile environment. 75/25 SC fans. The late pick 6 sent the crowd into a frenzy, it was great to see them stay composed.

 

[forkbeard3777]

The bowl win was good, I was there....it was a straight up hostile environment. 75/25 SC fans. The late pick 6 sent the crowd into a frenzy, it was great to see them stay composed.

That doesn’t surprise me. South Carolina had a nice season, and was coming in hot with wins over both Tennessee and Clemson. I think Beamer is a damn good coach. If I’m Virginia Tech, I’m loading up the Brinks truck and driving it to his spot in Columbia.

 

[NorthDakota]

Except your hick ass outlasting me ain’t happening

Bitch I'm 31. I'll bury you myself

 

[GATTACA!]

Bitch I'm 31. I'll bury you myself

You’re 31? Christ I would have guessed 56.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Success? No.

But it was a decent building block for year 1 under Freeman, considering how disastrous the start was. You saw a team get progressively better. It was unfortunate that ND lost 2 of their top 3 corners in the 1 game (outside of perhaps OSU) that they could not afford to lose them.

 

[ACamp1900]

Bitch I'm 31. I'll bury you myself

‘I’m a man!!… I’m 31!!’

 

[allenm5333]

It was a failure. But may have been a necessary failure to allow ND to take the next step

 

[Irishdrunk]

2022 - 2023 was obviously a failure based on a Top 5 preseason ranking and a couple embarrassing losses. 9-4 is not what was expected by the fan base. But the offense stunk and the defense really wasn't much better. We did win the Bowl Game but I think the season also resets many fans' expectations. This off season on cemented that view: ND is a solid Top 20 program but is not a serious Title Contender. The total commitment by the University simply isn't there.

2023 - 2024 - I think preseason has it right. Top 25 / Top 15 finish. I think a 9-3 finish is most likely. We have a much better QB coming in but we have even a LESS experience OC if you can believe it! We have the same dynamic albeit almost worse. A fairly inexperienced HC from the defensive side of the ball with an incredibly inexperienced OC. Amazing how screwed up the off season was for ND this turn. The LB and DL core have serious question marks. This defense is going to give up some scores.

Anyone putting in for 11-1 and 10-2 are setting their expectations up for another disappointing year. I think this year is 9-3 with the hope of next year being 10-2 / 11-1 depending on QB play and maturation of the staff.

 

[DONTH8]

I always saw 2022 as a growing year. I can only determine if it was a success if this next season we take a step forward and start winning more games consistently the next few years.

We paid for Freeman’s tuition last year. Sacrificed games like Marshall and Stanford to do so. I think after last year my belief that he can be an elite head coach is stronger than it was before, even if the ‘buzz’ has worn off around the program with all the turnover recently. So I’m hopeful that it was a successful season.

I just hope that we give him the support needed to have the success desired.

 

[texbender]

For me, no better than B-. Can't lose those 2 home games to their easiest opponents, and had ample opportunity to beat USC. Coming back in bowl game with a QB who hadn't played all year offers hope, and glad they got Hartman, should be a boost for offense. Surprised to see them any better than 9-3 next year, but rooting for Coach who has overcome a tsunami of issues. Biggest thing for me is ND admin figuring out their game plan with portal and NIL, Current plan will relegate them to being on outside looking in for any real chance to compete with those going all in (Bama, OSU, LSU, Clemson, UGA, USC, OU, etc.). Would hate to see Coach move on due to that.

 

[ACamp1900]

Not a success because of the bad losses and losing to USC. Bowl win put it in respectable category.

In all honesty I’m here.

 

[Irishdrunk]

I think if Kelly were still HC and had a 9-4 record there would have been huge disappointment due to his prior success since the 2016 season. I think all the goodwill for MF coming on board was needed to swallow those two awful losses. Certainly if Kelly did those losses at this stage the fans would have gone nuts. I don't think Kelly loses those games because he compensated for Rees's inexperience. I chalk those two up to go growing pains. I just hope Freeman will step in when needed next year.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

The real question is “Was this thread a success?”

I’m gonna say yes. It takes dedication to create 4 accounts and have a conversation with yourself in a thread using them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[forkbeard3777]

Again? Your commitment is noted. Always a pleasure, cher.