Official Notre Dame Fighting Irish Thread

[xCH0Nx]

Go Irish!

[padman59]

Tenuta and Hart need to work on a d-line rotation. Williams and Johnson can't hold up the middle of the d-line for the entire game.

[xCH0Nx]

Not at all. Weis should have been throwing late. Tate dropped 2 TD passes. If Allen was actually having success, why didn't we keep pounding the rock? Why did we come out so flat after the half? After all that... we were still in it. I'm proud of them and this is along way from 3-9. Congratulations to the Michigan Wolvorines, we look forward to you comming into South Bend next year. Lets Go Irish!

[padman59]

I agree with you to a certain extent, but you can't keep the same two guys playing the middle of the defensive line for the entire game. I realize that Michigan forced ND into the nickel for most of the game, but that is why you have a two deep. Rotation along the d-line keeps guys fresh and allows them to be effective late in games. In the second half, there was a clear lack of closing down the middle and lack of a pass rush (especially in the 4th). We keep hearing about guys like Hafis, Cwynar, KLM, and Filer off the edge, but they hardly played yesterday.

Poor defense is the main reason the Irish lost. After a good first half, the doors seemed to fall off for them, and I think fatigue along the d-line is a major part.

If the offense performs the way they did yesterday (sans the poor playclock management), they'll be able to hang with anyone on the schedule.

On a positive note: I'm very impressed with the progress that both Armando and the offensive line have showed so far this season. Allen seems to have turned the corner and is, hands down, the best running back on the roster. He's running harder and finding holes faster on top of his ability to catch the ball. The screens were fantastic yesterday. It's been a few years since they've been executed that well.

I definitely think Alford and Verducci are part of the progress. Weis definitely should have gotten a new o-line coach after the '07 season. Who knows how much better that group might be if he had done so.

[steeljake]

ND hasnt been good since the 80's. you suck.

[xCH0Nx]

We'll see this week. MSU always plays up tough. At least they don't have Javon Ringer anymore.

[padman59]

True. They don't have Hoyer either, which might be an upgrade for them. Regardless, I hope they're passing early and often as that will probably mean that ND is putting up points.

[xCH0Nx]

As long as Weis doesnt get pass happy, we should be fine. Allen actually looked like a RB against Michigan. Weis lost that game for us. Period. If I was the AD I'd have fired him on Monday.

[padman59]

Passing is the offense's strength though. Why wouldn't you pass with Clausen, Tate, Floyd, Rudolph, and an offensive line that has given seven quarters of pretty good protection this season? I think it's even more important considering how well Clausen has played in his last three games. He appears to have turned that mental corner in his development. The passing attack has also opened up the draw which has gone for some very good yards this season compared to the last couple.

With regards to the running game, I agree. I think Allen should be in there for most carries as he's clearly the best runner on the team. Gray has looked good at times, but he seems to fumble an awful lot considering how many rushes he has (reminds me of Travis Thomas early in his career in that regard). The fumble on the exchange last week was inexcusable IMO.

I'm more concerned about the defense though. They collapsed in the second half last week and haven't shown any ability to consistently stop runs up the middle this season. Maybe it was because the defense was using it's smaller nickel personnel for the entire game (which won't be used as often this week), but I think Tenuta has his hands full getting that side of the ball fixed.

[padman59]

I believe that Floyd was hurt on those questionable pass plays toward the end. Tenuta is a great DC, he should do you well. Y'all got lucky against MSU though

Questionable how? Playcalling? I'd have to disagree with you there. It's an unfortunate injury to be sure, but blaming it on playcalling is ridiculous.

I definitely think the refs made the wrong call on the field (not a TD) and in the booth on the review. I'm sure it can be classified under the "continuation of the catch" rule, but considering that Floyd lost the ball because the MSU defender ripped it out of his hands after he hit the ground and broke his collarbone, I think they missed the intent of the rule.

With regards to Tenuta, I really hope he turns it around, but he better do it soon. Otherwise, he might be looking for another job at the end of the season along with the rest of the coaching staff.

[padman59]

I don't think you understood my point. With around 2:00 minutes left it was like 2nd and 9, they passed the ball twice, no completions, no clock, UM wins. That's what I meant by questionable playcalling, and I was pointing out that Floyd was hurt on those 2nd and 3rd down throws.

And did Floyd break his collarbone? If he did, I'm sad

I thought you were referring to the play that Floyd got injured today. My mistake.

I'm ambivalent about the playcalls. On one hand, Weis could have run the ball and forced Michigan to use their timeouts, but if Evans catches the ball on that comeback, ND gets a fresh set of downs and Allen is probably back in the game at that point. I can't say that I'm surprised by the playcalling in that situation though.

[padman59]

On 2nd down I had to disagree. On 3rd and 9 or whatever it was, I can understand the pass. And I heard you say that Floyd broke his collarbone, is that confirmed?

It's confirmed. Neither the extent of the injury nor how long he'll be out is official, but he's definitely going to miss some games. The only positive at this point is that he'll be eligible for a medical waiver if he misses the season.

[xCH0Nx]

Losing Floyd hurts. Tate needs to quit dropping the fucking ball.

[padman59]

On to Purdue. I'm interested to see if the defense is going to be able to contain Ralph Bolden and Curtis Painter's twin at QB. The shutout against Nevada is looking like an aberration at this point.

However, I was happy to see a good rotation along the d-line against MSU, and I don't think it was surprising to see a drop in the opponent's rushing production last weekend either. I'm concerned about Darrin Walls though. He seems to have fallen off with his year away from the game. He allowed a few big plays last week in addition to what he gave up against Michigan.

Offensively, I think Allen could have a career day if last year's contest is any indication. I'd be surprised if ND didn't rely more on the ground game considering the loss of Floyd and Clausen's injury.

[Bear Pand]

lol at that sig when Notre Dame has some of the ugliest women I've ever seen.

Purdue sucks though ND should win easily and get back to dreaming about going to the NC again.