Week 3 Prediction Poll (Georgia Tech @ ND)

[dublinirish]

Paul Johnson's hatred from BVG makes me feel just so uneasy about this game. If GT gets up they are not going to take the foot off the pedal..

 

[IrishLion]

What makes you think that GT's offense is going to be as good as last years? At this point, we know a sizable amount about ND but know nothing about GT. They had plenty of question marks coming into this year and they still have those question marks because they have played nobody.

I am certain they have wrinkles for this game, but there is a part of me that thinks they have not seen anything like ND yet and if there is one thing you can say about PJ's teams at Navy and GT is that they usually get better as the years rolls on.

Going into the year I thought Virginia was going to be the more difficult game for ND (trap game) and I still think mentally that is the case. If Malik was in, I would be saying ND by 10, without him, I say ND by 4.

I don't think GT's offense needs to be as good as it was last year to cause ND all types of problems.... Navy gives our defense enough trouble, and though Navy has plenty of surprisingly gifted athletes, they still aren't at GT's level. GT is Navy, but better.

You and Buster both make good points about GT having not played anyone yet, though. That gives me some hope. Maybe they get shocked early by ND's athleticism, and then have to play from behind. That would be optimal.

 

[dublinirish]

i think BK is going to have to be pretty gutsy in his play calling, 4th and short has to be an offensive play each time rather than punting, gotta control the clock and limit GT's time in possession

 

[koonja]

Trying to quote dublin but can't:

Having a 6'4", what, 220 LB quarterback? I'd like to see is get under center QUICKLY on 4th and 1 and sneak it right behind Quenton Nelson and Martin. It won't happen, but I'd call it at least twice in this game before I went away from it.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I don't think GT's offense needs to be as good as it was last year to cause ND all types of problems.... Navy gives our defense enough trouble, and though Navy has plenty of surprisingly gifted athletes, they still aren't at GT's level. GT is Navy, but better.

You and Buster both make good points about GT having not played anyone yet, though. That gives me some hope. Maybe they get shocked early by ND's athleticism, and then have to play from behind. That would be optimal.

Just remember this......the Navy game usually falls at a point during the year that is challenging from a prep standpoint. I truly believe the coaching staff has been preparing for this game all summer and the last time that happened, they destroyed Navy. Now, that might mean squat come Saturday, but I do think using our historical performance against Navy as a barometer might lead to false conclusions.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I'm not mad at Schmidt for being out there, I'm mad that in year 2 BVG's scheme is still so difficult that we have to put a 'coach' out on the field who's physically at a disadvantage against everyone we play outside of maybe Temple, Navy, and Massachussettes. Joe Schmidt is not a good MLB, we just need him for some reason because no one else can figure out how to 'run' the defense. He's constantly late to the angle, gets zero push, and doesn't have a disruptive bone in his body. I'm not going to write him a letter telling him this, but it's true and I hope we can speak candidly on this site about it.

FWIW, Coach Driskel will never overtly bash a player, but he basically says Joe sucks at football if you read between the lines. Nyles should be playing and I put it on BVG's scheme that he's not.

I don't think he's out there to coach or hold other players' hands. He's out there because his football instincts are A+.

I think the whole thing is moot be a use Schmidt is not what is holding this defense back. I thought, more than anything, the safeties blew on Saturday.

 

[aubeirish]

Trying to quote dublin but can't:

Having a 6'4", what, 220 LB quarterback? I'd like to see is get under center QUICKLY on 4th and 1 and sneak it right behind Quenton Nelson and Martin. It won't happen, but I'd call it at least twice in this game before I went away from it.

I found myself saying a lot of "Facking sneak it" last Saturday. The pats do it all the time with Brady. It's almost unstoppable.

 

[koonja]

I don't think he's out there to coach or hold other players' hands. He's out there because his football instincts are A+.

I think the whole thing is moot be a use Schmidt is not what is holding this defense back. I thought, more than anything, the safeties blew on Saturday.

The safeties didn't blow, Redfield did. Shummate was a baller on Saturday. And I disagree. You don't really realize you were having poor MLB play until you see good MLB play. I'm not saying Morgan is going to come in and be great, but with how Schmidt's playing it's worth a shot. Let him learn on the job, it's only way he's going to get better. And he's a thumper. Him and Jaylon flying around would be scary if you're on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[phgreek]

Notre Dame comes out, and shifts regularly into 5 on the LOS, GT slowed significantly. As Usual, trick play and a bonehead coverage mistake give up TDs, but otherwise Tech is handled at the LOS.

ND Running Game slow at first, as GT predicts caution BK will use with his new QB, but will loosen by second quarter as ND runs read option (against conventional wisdom), and Dk stings them on a couple roll outs ala EGs first year. The Tight end position is reinvigorated this week, and running backs gain near 300.

ND 27
GT 24

 

[Old Man Mike]

As to whether we will "stop" GTs offense: No, nobody "stops" it; that's a straw man premise for discussion.

As to whether our defense can significantly limit it: well, who knows until we play? But here's why someone could be positive about that without others calling them a koolaid-drinking fool --- Va Tech beats Ga Tech most of the time, and Bud Foster does it by limiting their scoring [while crappy Va Tech offenses score a bit on Ga Tech's typically crappy defenses]. How does Foster do it?

He seems to do it by three things:

1). Stout DT play, limiting the dive;
2). Corners capable of covering the wideouts;
3). Speed everywhere with good tackling wide.

Could ND do that?

1). Day//Cage//Tillery//... and the DEs helping ... yes.
2). Russell and Luke covering WRs, none of which were on the GT top five receivers list last year ... yes.
3a). Speed on defense ... Smith, Redfield, Onwualu, Farley, Shumate ... I believe yes.
3b). Good tackling in the wide field space ... Jaylon for sure; Elijah usually; James, probably; Max --- maybe not especially with the bad hand, but leave him in centerfield and watching the TE anyway, Matthias, yes; Tranquill, probably --- we've got a shot at this.

Can GT with its great QB still trick us? With our safeties, sure. Will they? How much would Johnson think that he has to abandon the bread and butter to unleash the deeper pages of his playbook?

Is the above analysis sensible? It is for VT; for ND? Wait and see....

 

[dublinirish]

I found myself saying a lot of "Facking sneak it" last Saturday. The pats do it all the time with Brady. It's almost unstoppable.

There's no excuse for an offense not have a "Goose" call for short yardage where the OLine hustles to the line of scrimmage and the QB takes an under centre dive for a 1st down.

 

[IrishLax]

I don't think he's out there to coach or hold other players' hands. He's out there because his football instincts are A+.

I think the whole thing is moot be a use Schmidt is not what is holding this defense back. I thought, more than anything, the safeties blew on Saturday.

Redfield was just awful with that cast on his hand. I don't really remember seeing Shumate mess up, in fact I thought I remembered him playing well. A lot of the coverage issues I put on scheme, but other problems were very basic "CB not covering WR well."

Schmidt looked horrendous though on my watch back of the game. I didn't really notice it at the game, but when I watched the recording he is just really slow right now. He made some great plays against Texas, but against UVA his lack of athleticism got him taken out of the play over and over. Put another way, there is no scenario where your MIKE linebacker in a 4-3 should be 5th on the team in tackles. Jaylon posts a 6/5 line with 2.5 TFL but Schmidt's line is 2/4 with basically no impact plays.

 

[BeauBenken]

I think there's only one way ND wins this game and that's by a +2 turnover margin and red zone TD conversion rate of at least 75%.

I don't see both happening so I think ND loses by a touchdown.

Georgia Tech 38 Notre Dame 31

Good news on your turnover margin. We are one of the few teams left this year to not turnover the ball.

I think you beat an option team by beating them at their own game. Take care of the ball, mistake free football, wear them out, and win on third down and in the redzone.

P.S. - That's a pretty good recipe to beat any team. That's why an option team that takes care of the ball is ALWAYS really tough to beat.

 

[ACamp1900]

What gives you guys confidence that ND can stop GT's triple-option enough to get a win?

Leprechauns are magical... and maybe the grounds grew can extend the length of the fake grass enough to limit any speed advantage Tech may have...........

 

[Henges24]

The more I think about it the more I feel that this game may have a heart-breaking ending.

Kizer plays outstanding for what is expected of him, the D controls GT's offense at the LOS but GT scores a TD in the final minute.

Getting mixed feelings about the game, now. But I still think GT takes the W.

 

[koonja]

Redfield was just awful with that cast on his hand. I don't really remember seeing Shumate mess up, in fact I thought I remembered him playing well. A lot of the coverage issues I put on scheme, but other problems were very basic "CB not covering WR well."

Schmidt looked horrendous though on my watch back of the game. I didn't really notice it at the game, but when I watched the recording he is just really slow right now. He made some great plays against Texas, but against UVA his lack of athleticism got him taken out of the play over and over. Put another way, there is no scenario where your MIKE linebacker in a 4-3 should be 5th on the team in tackles. Jaylon posts a 6/5 line with 2.5 TFL but Schmidt's line is 2/4 with basically no impact plays.

LAx will never admit it but we're seeing the exact same things. It's cute, really. One mind.

 

[woolybug25]

LAx will never admit it but we're seeing the exact same things. It's cute, really. One mind.

 

[T Town Tommy]

The X factor against GT could be the fact that Thomas just isn't a runner. He can also throw the ball fairly well. No, he is not an elite passer, but he is better than what Tech has had recently. Winning the initial point of contact and limiting Thomas' ability to work outside the tackles will be huge. If he hits the corner he can take it to the house.

But I still think the key to this game is the Irish OL. Keep the chains moving, score TDs in the red zone, and limit the Tech offensive possessions. Many have alluded to the TE becoming more involved and I would agree with that. Or the back out of the backfield for a quick hit pass. Put Kizer in positions to make plays with the talents he has. Short, high percentage passes, an occasional crossing route or quick slant, getting the ball to your great WR to stretch the field somewhat, and good hard nosed running would help.

If Tech can cheat their LBs up closer to the line because Kizer is ineffective on some of the mid routes then I would start to get concerned. You better believe PJ is too good of a coach to not want to make Kizer try to beat you. Let ole Harry work his magic up front, take what Tech gives you, and get in the end zone.

Irish find a way and win 28-24 in a game that is decided in the last five minutes.

 

[TDHeysus]

if you think ND's defense can limit a team to under 30pts after back to back weeks of that team scoring 60+, and ND can score 31+ with their 3rd string QB who has never started a game and whose skillset does not match the current version of the offense....then yeah ND has a shot.

by the way, they run a triple-option offense with the ability to throw the ball when they need to.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I think ND's defense gives up 4 TDs in this game. The question is can the offense out score GT? I think they can IF play calling is legit and Kizer takes care of the ball.

ND 34 - GT 31 (Yoon with the game-winner)

 

[T Town Tommy]

if you think ND's defense can limit a team to under 30pts after back to back weeks of that team scoring 60+, and ND can score 31+ with their 3rd string QB who has never started a game and whose skillset does not match the current version of the offense....then yeah ND has a shot.

by the way, they run a triple-option offense with the ability to throw the ball when they need to.

I hear ya... but one has to have faith before they have to exercise it. It's going to tough but it isn't impossible either. You guys deserve something good to happen. Why not now?

 

[woolybug25]

One thing I think we can do to drastically increase our chances is run the ball well. I think we could easily do that here and it would keep their offense off of the field. Even if they stack the box, we still should be able to pound it, imo.

 

[connor_in]

I predict their will be swearing, an injury, heavy drinking, and more than likely a banning.

 

[ACamp1900]

One thing I think we can do to drastically increase our chances is run the ball well. I think we could easily do that here and it would keep their offense off of the field. Even if they stack the box, we still should be able to pound it, imo.

Agree, but I seriously doubt BK plays keep away... it's just not in his DNA

 

[irishfan]

Agree, but I seriously doubt BK plays keep away... it's just not in his DNA

It has been with freshman QBs. 14-1 with 2010 Rees and 2012 Golson going very conservative.

 

[ACamp1900]

Were those time eating efforts though? Maybe they were and I just don't remember them that way... it's one thing to protect a young QB, I think wooly was referring to clock eating drives and playing keep away...

 

[dwshade]

Paul Johnson's hatred from BVG makes me feel just so uneasy about this game. If GT gets up they are not going to take the foot off the pedal..

What hatred?

 

[mgriff]

What hatred?

With doubts as fuel, Paul Johnson drives Georgia Tech

 

[koonja]

With doubts as fuel, Paul Johnson drives Georgia Tech

I pray the dislike is mutual so BVG has extra motivation.

 

[ACamp1900]

You have got to be kidding me....