what went wrong - it wasn't all DC

[Irish YJ]

First, let's keep this above board. These ARE kids we are talking about. Looking for a fact and data discussion. Yes I screamed at the television too, but let's face it, it wasn't just DC. Here's my top 4.

1 - Defense didn't rise to the occasion. Enough said. We're not there yet. Better than last year, but not even close to where we need to be. Run D was plain terrible. Even our ringers were flat tonight. Anyone see Manti wiff. Not calling him out, just making a point that our best guy was part of the problem.

2 - DC's fumble. 14pt swing and momentum killer. Enough said. Can't ignore it. Yes it was a huge factor, but this loss is not solely on him. It was a team loss.

3 - TR's overall performance - Yes he did look good at times, and he did get us back in the game, but he also fell into the "force the ball to Floyd" in the first half. He also threw a INT, and missed several open reads. The fact he doesn't go to TE earlier is beyond me.

4 - Kelly's decision making. I'm a Kelly fan, but several clear goofs.
4a - Kelly's inability to coach TR to look to other WR/TEs when Floyd is covered
4b - Putting a cold LW in 1on1 with one the best WRs in the country
4c - Putting a cold DC in when you have AH already sharing time.
4d - calling a lateral pass deep in your own territory. If you do, better be to TE or MF.
4e - not getting JG involved more. He's played stellar since his fumble against SF.
4f - too much zone D in obvious man situations.

Overall, we ARE rebuilding. We need to give it time. Both QBs had an opportunity to step up tonight, they did not. TR was fun to watch, but his early and late game mistakes did have an impact. The D also had the opportunity to make a statement, they were silent. I think we all need to step back, take a breath, and give them more time. No need to pig pile on individuals when it was a team loss. Besides TE and GA, nothing to write home about.

 

[EifertPower]

Pretty fair analysis. I think we expected too much too soon from Kelly and, yes, i think 9-3 is a realistic expectation to set for next year and then come Year 4 he has to start producing on a national stage.

What hurts about this loss is i view it as a complete failure from almost all of our players and coaches.

On a positive note, i think 8-4 is still baby steps in the right direction this year and we still have a chance at that. 8-4 and a bowl win is slow and steady improvement.

USC was flat out better than us last night. To me, that hurts more than the South Florida loss in which the bizzare weather and turnovers were why we lost OR the Michigan game where we just couldn't stop one or two Michigan players but outplayed them the majority of the game.

Last night, we had to scratch and claw and get a little lucky and we were hanging in there until the Crist fumble but USC was better in almost every facet of the game except for Special Teams.

 

[Irish YJ]

Pretty fair analysis. I think we expected too much too soon from Kelly and, yes, i think 9-3 is a realistic expectation to set for next year and then come Year 4 he has to start producing on a national stage.

What hurts about this loss is i view it as a complete failure from almost all of our players and coaches.

On a positive note, i think 8-4 is still baby steps in the right direction this year and we still have a chance at that. 8-4 and a bowl win is slow and steady improvement.

USC was flat out better than us last night. To me, that hurts more than the South Florida loss in which the bizzare weather and turnovers were why we lost OR the Michigan game where we just couldn't stop one or two Michigan players but outplayed them the majority of the game.

Last night, we had to scratch and claw and get a little lucky and we were hanging in there until the Crist fumble but USC was better in almost every facet of the game except for Special Teams.

Yep, agree! To me, the positive notes were tight end play, and special teams (GA is the real deal). That's it. I'd also give Kelly slack next year, but not 9-3. I think the goal should be 10-2. I wouldn't fire him for another 8-4, or a 9-3, but the heat should be turned up.

I hate to say it, but they still need to figure out the QB situation. BK needs to give Golson, Hendrix, and Rees a close look, and the best (for long term) should get the call. Same logic even if GK should commit. I'd also like to see the incoming 2012 WRs and DBs get a good look. I'd rather see an 8-4 or 9-3 season so long as he gives the incoming stars serious PT in prep for a run in 2013. USC has always thrown Freshman into the mix, even before sanctions. And it has almost always worked out for them. Even with the crazy depth that they have enjoyed in years past.

Anyway, going to turn down the critical dial this year and enjoy the games. The dial will go back up come LOI day.... LOL. Go Irish!!

 

[ShamrockOnHelmet]

I hate to say it, but they still need to figure out the QB situation. BK needs to give Golson, Hendrix, and Rees a close look, and the best (for long term) should get the call. Same logic even if GK should commit.

I generally agree with you here, but I'm just not sure Rees should be in the mix. Unless Hendrix is just completely incompetent, he probably should get a chance to start next year, unless Golson (or the freshman du jour) is just amazing in the spring. We've seen enough of Tommy to know what we're going to get, and its not championship caliber football.

 

[Irish YJ]

I generally agree with you here, but I'm just not sure Rees should be in the mix. Unless Hendrix is just completely incompetent, he probably should get a chance to start next year, unless Golson (or the freshman du jour) is just amazing in the spring. We've seen enough of Tommy to know what we're going to get, and its not championship caliber football.

Absolutely agree, except I believe TR has improved tremendously this year, and could improve enough to be solid. Regardless, all QBs need a serious look. TR's ceiling is likely the lowest from the perspective of physical tools. AH still looks raw, but great tools. Golson, great tools, but short. Realistically if you look at the surface potential, TR could be on the outside looking in if AH and Golson develop. If GK joins the crew, he could start from day 1. Ten months is a long time, so hopefully BK will give AH significant more PT to better gauge his abilities. If GK signs up, I'd get Golson into the mix right away (this year) to get a real look too.