Where is it?

[GoldenDomer]

This team is missing something, and I wish they would find it.

The question my friends; where is the mean streak in this team?

Where can we find that edge and say, "these guys wanna come in to our house and break our hearts. We need to kick their teeth in and send them home with a new idea of ND."

I feel like the whole country takes us lightly. It's a disgrace.

We need a little bit more hard ass in this program.

 

[Bubba]

Not sure I agree. Every team gives this team their best shot. We may take them a little too lightly, but we stay calm under pressure. Can we win them all, I don't know. I do wish we would commit to the run, but we keep winning, so it's hard to second guess the coaching staff.

 

[ickythump1225]

One thing we're missing is experience, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. However every game remedies that a bit.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Yea, I definitely disagree with just about every single word of the OP. You're talking about a team that gave up under 2 ypc against Stanford in cold, freezing rain. A team that spotted UNC 14 points and then fought back to take the lead and win. A team that is 6-0 despite losing 5 players, 2 of them key players in key positions, to academic issues.

These Irish may or may not be a top 5 team in the country. There are still question marks. But they are tough -hard ass- in ways ND hasn't been in a long time.

To call this team "a disgrace" is beyond dumb.

 

[DCIrish]

Lack of a pass rush is a big problem.

It's embarrassing that every QB this team plays has all day to throw.

 

[Circa]

Lack of a pass rush is a big problem.

It's embarrassing that every QB this team plays has all day to throw.

Huh! <div style="max-width: 500px;" id="_giphy_K58dtBj1wHI2c"></div><script>var _giphy = _giphy || []; _giphy.push({id: "K58dtBj1wHI2c",w: 400, h: 194});var g = document.createElement("script"); g.type = "text/javascript"; g.async = true;g.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https://" : "http://") + "giphy.com/static/js/widgets/embed.js";var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(g, s);</script>

 

[MNIrishman]

Lack of a pass rush is a big problem.

It's embarrassing that every QB this team plays has all day to throw.

We were getting lots of pressure against NC, the QB just kept escaping and zooming. That was frustrating.

 

[GoldenDomer]

Yea, I definitely disagree with just about every single word of the OP. You're talking about a team that gave up under 2 ypc against Stanford in cold, freezing rain. A team that spotted UNC 14 points and then fought back to take the lead and win. A team that is 6-0 despite losing 5 players, 2 of them key players in key positions, to academic issues.

These Irish may or may not be a top 5 team in the country. There are still question marks. But they are tough -hard ass- in ways ND hasn't been in a long time.

To call this team "a disgrace" is beyond dumb.

To call ourselves a top of the line college football program and go down to the wire with a team that got their doors blown off by ECU... what do you call it? You don't see the Bama teams of the last few years in that situation. Good football teams that have a mission show up angry to every game ready to make a statement. We made a statement alright...

 

[Circa]

To call ourselves a top of the line college football program and go down to the wire with a team that got their doors blown off by ECU... what do you call it? You don't see the Bama teams of the last few years in that situation. Good football teams that have a mission show up angry to every game ready to make a statement. We made a statement alright...

<div style="max-width: 500px;" id="_giphy_Ihtex8MLu6gAU"></div><script> _gif_artist = "absurdnoise"; _gif_artist_avatar = "http://media2.giphy.com/avatars/absurdnoise/dr5sdVXCNSkm.png"; var _giphy = _giphy || []; _giphy.push({id: "Ihtex8MLu6gAU",w: 360, h: 360});var g = document.createElement("script"); g.type = "text/javascript"; g.async = true;g.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https://" : "http://") + "giphy.com/static/js/widgets/embed.js";var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(g, s);</script>

 

[IrishinSyria]

To call ourselves a top of the line college football program and go down to the wire with a team that got their doors blown off by ECU... what do you call it? You don't see the Bama teams of the last few years in that situation. Good football teams that have a mission show up angry to every game ready to make a statement. We made a statement alright...

Honestly, I thought this was a 3 or 4 loss football team going into the season, especially after I heard about the frozen five. If you're comparing them to Alabama 2012 or USC 2004 then yea, not as good. But we're not talking about a once-a-decade type team who can physically destroy their competition. We're talking about a team with a ton of youth which is developing into a top tier program. There are going to be bumps along the road. But holy f**k your expectations were out of line if you thought this was going to be a season of blowout wins.

6-0 speaks for itself.

 

[ickythump1225]

To call ourselves a top of the line college football program and go down to the wire with a team that got their doors blown off by ECU... what do you call it? You don't see the Bama teams of the last few years in that situation. Good football teams that have a mission show up angry to every game ready to make a statement. We made a statement alright...

Florida State Seminoles vs. Boston College Eagles - Box Score - September 28, 2013 - ESPN
Every team doesn't show up for a game, or has a lesser team play close with them. Hell Alabama, the MIGHTY Alabama actually LOST a game a piece during their back to back title runs in 2011 and '12. Auburn lost a game last year. Florida during both of their title runs with Urban lost a game, both times to mediocre teams. College football isn't played on paper. Every team, even champions, have games where they let a team play closer than they should have. Shit happens.

So much overreaction and panic. We're 6-0 and 27-5 since the start of the 2012 season. You're right, ND is a mediocre program.

 

[GBdomer]

. nvm

 

[IrishinSyria]

For the record, we have 184 carries on the season and 178 pass attempts.

Also 12 sacks. Not great, but not terrible either.

 

[Irishman77]

It's tough making a run at undefeated...but with our youth it is crazy tough...we will have this. My only concern is how drastically golson regresses. Tonight at times he looked like he just stepped on campus.

It is tough for me to understand hegarty still playing...I mean the kid is getting embarrassed... Move Martin back to center and put hanratty in ...try something anything..

Defense ...we whiffed tonight and I guess when you bring the house with youth that happens. We got a long way to go but these guys can get it done if they decide to tackle perfectly.

Not making excuses,but the officiating was putrid at times tonight and swung the game big time on several occasions.

 

[Classic Irish]

Florida State Seminoles vs. Boston College Eagles - Box Score - September 28, 2013 - ESPN
Every team doesn't show up for a game, or has a lesser team play close with them. Hell Alabama, the MIGHTY Alabama actually LOST a game a piece during their back to back title runs in 2011 and '12. Auburn lost a game last year. Florida during both of their title runs with Urban lost a game, both times to mediocre teams. College football isn't played on paper. Every team, even champions, have games where they let a team play closer than they should have. Shit happens.

So much overreaction and panic. We're 6-0 and 27-5 since the start of the 2012 season. You're right, ND is a mediocre program.

I agree. I posted this in another thread, but this was clearly a trap game, sandwiched between a big victory against Stanford and a huge game next week against Florida State. College football games are played in a context, not a vacuum. Not offering an excuse, just an explanation.

 

[ACamp1900]

Up your ass....this team is ready to rock.


Drunk on koolaid

 

[ickythump1225]

I agree. I posted this in another thread, but this was clearly a trap game, sandwiched between a big victory against Stanford and a huge game next week against Florida State. College football games are played in a context, not a vacuum. Not offering an excuse, just an explanation.

Also factor in the distraction of the "Frozen 5" drama coming down the past 24-48 hours I mean this was definitely a game where we could get caught looking ahead. We were, the good news is we're a good enough team to overcome that now.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Florida State Seminoles vs. Boston College Eagles - Box Score - September 28, 2013 - ESPN
Every team doesn't show up for a game, or has a lesser team play close with them. Hell Alabama, the MIGHTY Alabama actually LOST a game a piece during their back to back title runs in 2011 and '12. Auburn lost a game last year. Florida during both of their title runs with Urban lost a game, both times to mediocre teams. College football isn't played on paper. Every team, even champions, have games where they let a team play closer than they should have. Shit happens.

So much overreaction and panic. We're 6-0 and 27-5 since the start of the 2012 season. You're right, ND is a mediocre program.

Bull shit! That game never happened! And Bama NEVER lost a game! Also, Auburn didn't BARELY beat an awful Miss St team last year, as well as a bad Wazzou team last year. Forget the truth and the facts...everybody knows that great teams win every game by 30+ points.

Awful, awful posts in this thread by the OP. To say that "good football teams that have a mission show up angry to every game ready to make a statement" is a joke. It's like you don't even watch college football. Teams have off-days. Teams have trap games and let down games. These things are real. To think otherwise is foolish.

I thought we'd be 9-3 this year. And THEN we lost our top DB, our starting DE, and our best WR. And we're relying on a crap load of sophomores and freshmen. And we're 6-0 and top 5/6 in the country!

And you're talking crap on this team?????

 

[IrishFaninTX]

This team is so young across the board. We lose 1 starter on defense next year and Cam on offense. Maybe Koyak, can't remember if he is a junior or senior. The fact we are 6-0 with as many frosh and sophomores we have starting is unreal. Our top RB, top 2 receivers, best linebacker, best safety, and interception leader are all sophomores. Also the guy that has blocked several kicks is a red shirt sophomore. Those kids all committed to us during our NC run in 2012. Let's hope we can continue winning with those guys and set up another great national signing day and really stock the cupboards.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Bull shit! That game never happened! And Bama NEVER lost a game! Also, Auburn didn't BARELY beat an awful Miss St team last year, as well as a bad Wazzou team last year. Forget the truth and the facts...everybody knows that great teams win every game by 30+ points.

Awful, awful posts in this thread by the OP. To say that "good football teams that have a mission show up angry to every game ready to make a statement" is a joke. It's like you don't even watch college football. Teams have off-days. Teams have trap games and let down games. These things are real. To think otherwise is foolish.

I thought we'd be 9-3 this year. And THEN we lost our top DB, our starting DE, and our best WR. And we're relying on a crap load of sophomores and freshmen. And we're 6-0 and top 5/6 in the country!

And you're talking crap on this team?????

But to deny the team doesn't have issues isn't being honest either. Those issues may get you by against the competition you have played thus far, but against elite teams it will generally get you ran off the field. Luckily for the Irish, the only elite team I see is FSU - and they are nothing like they were last year as they have some serious issues as well.

With that said, I don't agree with everything the OP posted. But I do think he is at least being honest in the fact that he sees issues that aren't going to get it done moving forward.

And before people jump on the Bama bashing... they too have some serious issues they either fix or they don't. The OL, especially the right side, is not playing well. The execution is not there. Sims is a crap shoot throwing once he gets past his initial first read. Our DBs are improved but not where they need to be. If we don't fix those issues quickly, there won't be a need for any playoff talk.

 

[chicago51]

I disagree with opening post. One thing I will say is I'm not sure who the leaders on this team are. I suppose they are EG on O and Joe S on D, maybe Day as well. I don't necessarily see an emotional leader. I think emotion is overrated some respects but in some respects is still important as well as having leadership to push the mental focus necessary to be great on a weekly basis.

I see a lot of parallels to the 2012 team but you don't see the strong leadership that is going to will the team through the season, and keep the focus as you get every opponents. A large part of this stems from the team being so young.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Was today frustrating? Yes

Could ND play a lot better? Yes

Did they not play hard or without heart? No

Dont get me wrong, I get as frustrated if not more than anyone with the TO's and lack of execution. But, you have to understand that this is a team that is going to have a lot of mistakes this year bc they are very young. Thats the curse of being able to bring back 18 starters next year. They are going through growing pains.

I think this is a game similar to the Pitt games in 2012 and 2013.. A subpar team that can do a few things well and ND didnt stop those few things well. 2012, ND had Golson and he made up for his mistakes to win the game. 2013, ND had Rees and he couldnt make up for his mistakes. Today, Golson had a lot of mistakes, but he made up for them and won the game. Sure, they are bone headed, but those TOs would have crushed most QBs, esp with the previous two weeks.

I think BK is doing a hell of a job with Golson, bc he knows that Golson can make up for the mistakes with big plays. BK got him back into the flow with some screens and ND was off. I dont think it would be a bad idea to start the game with a screen or two and see if that can get him into groove sooner.

The defense played their first bad game of the year. I am a little worried about FSUs speed when UNC did that. The good thing is FSU doesnt play like UNC and are more pro-style vs spread. UNC took advantage of ND's lack of experience and went fast so ND couldnt communicate pre-snap. There was definite lack of communication in the secondary and that will need to be shaped up next week. And give UNC's staff credit, they called the perfect play when BVG brought the house this week.

But as bad as the O played, they still put up 50. As bad as the D played they stepped up to get crucial stops to get momentum back. I think BK does need to get a little creative in pass game and start using the middle of the field a little and use the crossing routes more. Teams are sitting on the outs, and comeback routes on the outside. FSU struggled against NC State in a similar fashion and still won. If ND won 7-0 today, we would be unhappy about the offense.

Just keep putting wins up and everything will continue to grow. This week will be a good test to see where the program is as far as speed, and athleticism. Speed and athleticism can make up for mental mistakes and thats how FSU won a title last year. BK has put together his best game plans at ND in big games and I expect no difference this week and involving #25 will be on that list.

 

[Grahambo]

But to deny the team doesn't have issues isn't being honest either. Those issues may get you by against the competition you have played thus far, but against elite teams it will generally get you ran off the field. Luckily for the Irish, the only elite team I see is FSU - and they are nothing like they were last year as they have some serious issues as well.

With that said, I don't agree with everything the OP posted. But I do think he is at least being honest in the fact that he sees issues that aren't going to get it done moving forward.

And before people jump on the Bama bashing... they too have some serious issues they either fix or they don't. The OL, especially the right side, is not playing well. The execution is not there. Sims is a crap shoot throwing once he gets past his initial first read. Our DBs are improved but not where they need to be. If we don't fix those issues quickly, there won't be a need for any playoff talk.

Considering what ND is missing, the new defensive scheme, a QB who is playing his first ball since 2012, a revamped OL, playing a bunch of freshman and young sophomores, this team is balling out and winning games they have lost all too often in the past.

People get so angry and upset when they don't see perfection. Going undefeated in college football is so freaking difficult and being 6-0 should not be scoffed at, no matter how you get there. This game turned into a shootout that ND won.

Purdue put up 31 on MSU.
Syracuse dropped 20 on FSU.

Bad teams can put up points, even on good defenses. Florida State gave up 41 to NC State.

UNC has a good offense and pile of bodies on defense. They rank 27th in PPG averaging 37 but give up an avg of 43. Kelly said post-game that they were not comfortable with this type of a matchup. Even then, it took two really bad turnovers and a well executed trick play to get 21 of those points.

So, taking into consideration everything, its not as bad as some may think. Most had ND at 2-4 losses coming into the season losing one or two of these early games and here ND sits, 6-0, with a real good shot at beating FSU.

 

[ickythump1225]

But to deny the team doesn't have issues isn't being honest either. Those issues may get you by against the competition you have played thus far, but against elite teams it will generally get you ran off the field. Luckily for the Irish, the only elite team I see is FSU - and they are nothing like they were last year as they have some serious issues as well.

With that said, I don't agree with everything the OP posted. But I do think he is at least being honest in the fact that he sees issues that aren't going to get it done moving forward.

And before people jump on the Bama bashing... they too have some serious issues they either fix or they don't. The OL, especially the right side, is not playing well. The execution is not there. Sims is a crap shoot throwing once he gets past his initial first read. Our DBs are improved but not where they need to be. If we don't fix those issues quickly, there won't be a need for any playoff talk.

Yeah but his post was just a bunch of bulls**t about how we're basically just a bunch of soft frauds that "don't come to make a statement every game." We make a statement, it's called 6-0. Every team has issues, I don't see a really standout great team this season.

Yeah I want to win every game by 4 TDs but I understand that isn't realistic. To expect a team starting a ton of underclassmen to be the 2004 USC Trojans was completely unrealistic from the get go. People project their desires onto the team and then take a dump on them for not living up to them. We're 6-0, the point of the game is to win, looking awesome while doing so is just a bonus.

We lost a lot of experience to the NFL, injuries, etc. and we also essentially took a 5 scholarship reduction through the "frozen 5." We're ahead of where I thought we would be. BK has built a stellar program. BK has only lost 15 games at ND and 14 of them were with Tommy Rees/hot garbage at QB.

I swear I don't understand how people can just go around being so down all the time on the team. People are already writing us off against FSU. It is sad.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Considering what ND is missing, the new defensive scheme, a QB who is playing his first ball since 2012, a revamped OL, playing a bunch of freshman and young sophomores, this team is balling out and winning games they have lost all too often in the past.

People get so angry and upset when they don't see perfection. Going undefeated in college football is so freaking difficult and being 6-0 should not be scoffed at, no matter how you get there. This game turned into a shootout that ND won.

Purdue put up 31 on MSU.
Syracuse dropped 20 on FSU.

Bad teams can put up points, even on good defenses. Florida State gave up 41 to NC State.

UNC has a good offense and pile of bodies on defense. They rank 27th in PPG averaging 37 but give up an avg of 43. Kelly said post-game that they were not comfortable with this type of a matchup. Even then, it took two really bad turnovers and a well executed trick play to get 21 of those points.

So, taking into consideration everything, its not as bad as some may think. Most had ND at 2-4 losses coming into the season losing one or two of these early games and here ND sits, 6-0, with a real good shot at beating FSU.

I agree.I would be very happy with where the Irish are at right now. Improvement needs to come and if so, the Irish will be fine.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Yeah but his post was just a bunch of bulls**t about how we're basically just a bunch of soft frauds that "don't come to make a statement every game." We make a statement, it's called 6-0. Every team has issues, I don't see a really standout great team this season.

Yeah I want to win every game by 4 TDs but I understand that isn't realistic. To expect a team starting a ton of underclassmen to be the 2004 USC Trojans was completely unrealistic from the get go. People project their desires onto the team and then take a dump on them for not living up to them. We're 6-0, the point of the game is to win, looking awesome while doing so is just a bonus.

We lost a lot of experience to the NFL, injuries, etc. and we also essentially took a 5 scholarship reduction through the "frozen 5." We're ahead of where I thought we would be. BK has built a stellar program. BK has only lost 15 games at ND and 14 of them were with Tommy Rees/hot garbage at QB.

I swear I don't understand how people can just go around being so down all the time on the team. People are already writing us off against FSU. It is sad.

Agree. You guys have a shot against FSU for sure. Execute, no turnovers, and a break or two and the Irish can win.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

Agree. You guys have a shot against FSU for sure. Execute, no turnovers, and a break or two and the Irish can win.

It would be great to have a turnover free game but I don think that is going to happen. We can still win with turnovers but we can't have as many and we need to force some ourselves. I look at the top 25 games and almost all of them have turnovers on both sides this year. Was it MSU that had 4 and still beat Auburn? We just have to play better defensively and make plays on offense and we have a chance.

 

[GoldenDomer]

I guess I can come to the conclusion that:

1. My expectations are too high

or

2. I'm letting the apocalypse mode get the best of me


I am just disappointed with the lack of killer instinct. That team should not have hung around with us. And our QB who,(though missed a year of play time, spent his off year doing nothing but training) shouldn't look that bad.

 

[NDinL.A.]

But to deny the team doesn't have issues isn't being honest either. Those issues may get you by against the competition you have played thus far, but against elite teams it will generally get you ran off the field. Luckily for the Irish, the only elite team I see is FSU - and they are nothing like they were last year as they have some serious issues as well.

With that said, I don't agree with everything the OP posted. But I do think he is at least being honest in the fact that he sees issues that aren't going to get it done moving forward.

And before people jump on the Bama bashing... they too have some serious issues they either fix or they don't. The OL, especially the right side, is not playing well. The execution is not there. Sims is a crap shoot throwing once he gets past his initial first read. Our DBs are improved but not where they need to be. If we don't fix those issues quickly, there won't be a need for any playoff talk.

Where/when did I deny that this team has issues?

I actually don't think we'll make the playoffs (just my opinion) but even then I'd still say 10-2 is a successful year all things considered.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Where/when did I deny that this team has issues?

I actually don't think we'll make the playoffs (just my opinion) but even then I'd still say 10-2 is a successful year all things considered.

Didn't mean to imply you. Just some of the other posts that are out here on various threads. As far as playoffs, I think ND has as good a shot as anybody at this point. Beat FSU next week and I think you have a great shot.