Official Notre Dame Football Thread

[FirstTimer]

The new ICONs is up on und.com.

The field view of stuff especially during Seven Nation Army is awesome.

 

[Irish]

Random Rivals article about Cierre Wood. I had to post because I really do love Cierre's personality and think he is a great back for us.

In a perfect world, the “next man in” for Notre Dame at running back would be Cierre Wood?followed by Cierre Wood?with a change of pace from?Cierre Wood.


Matt Cashore
Actually, in a perfect world, Jonas Gray would be alongside his running mate in the backfield this weekend against No. 4-ranked Stanford. But the game-changing back who emerged from an early-season mishap in the season-opener won’t be around this weekend to form his tag-team partnership with Wood.
?
Gray went down with a torn ACL against Boston College, ending his Notre Dame career, which saw him rush for 791 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 6.9-yard average per carry in 2011. Did Notre Dame’s hopes for a victory at Stanford go down with Gray?

“I don’t know how the whole public feels, but I thought Jonas was having a great year, working his butt off, and doing a lot of good things,” said Irish running backs coach Tim Hinton. “It’s tough to lose a guy like that.”

Enter, or rather, re-enter Wood into the starting lineup. Despite leading the Irish in rushing with 1,001 yards, Wood had relinquished the starting job to Gray, who made the best of the opportunity by continuing to produce. It was a shift in roles that required the Notre Dame coaching staff’s finesse.

“Today, you better communicate with the kids, and we sat down with Cierre,” Hinton said. “To make those kind of moves is really tough emotionally, and we were honest. Cierre knows the one thing that’s going to happen in our room is honesty. It’s not always what you like, but you’re going to get honesty. I explained the situation to him and the bottom line is Jonas started playing very well and we just felt that it was time to make a little bit of a change.

“I don’t know that it was ever a demotion as much as we had two 1As. It wasn’t 1A and 1B; it was two 1As. So we felt really good about it. It can be very tricky, and (Wood) managed it tremendously well.? You’ve really got to compliment Cierre for how he handled it because some kids aren’t going to do as well as he did. The bottom line is he continued to come out and produce.”

While Irish head coach Brian Kelly and Hinton insist that freshmen George Atkinson III and Cam McDaniel have to play a role this weekend against Stanford, chances are Wood is going to get most if not all of the “important” carries. He carried 26 times for 94 yards against Boston College and figures to get a comparable - and perhaps even an expanded - role against Stanford.

“Whatever my team needs me to do, that’s what I’ll do, whether it’s carrying the ball 10 times or 50 times, it doesn’t matter,” Wood said. “If they call my number, I just want to get my job done.”

Kelly never lost faith in Wood’s ability once Gray moved into the starting lineup.

“He was still Cierre Wood,” Kelly said. “We didn’t see a drop-off at all. There was good balance there. Obviously, losing somebody that scored 12 touchdowns in Jonas Gray was a blow to us. But we still have a 1,000-yard rusher in Cierre Wood, and that’s a good thing to have going into your last game.”

Asked if Wood could play Gray’s role of power back in addition to his scatback form, Kelly said: “He’s got to do it all. He’s not Jonas Gray. He’s a different runner. But we had to use him late in the game against Boston College in that kind of role, and he stuck his nose in there and played physical. So yeah, he’s got a more expanded role, no question, with Jonas being down.”

If Atkinson and McDaniel don’t get an extended opportunity against Stanford, it could be former running back Theo Riddick, the converted slot receiver who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

“We’re continuing to get him along physically with that hamstring,” Hinton said. “I never coached him at running back here, but I understand he was a very good running back with a lot of natural talent. If we need that work, we have to find ways to win this game and the best man has to go play.”

Hinton believes that the best man, or men, at least when Wood isn’t running the football, are the two freshmen who have trained at the position all season.

“The bottom line is at this point in the year, Cam and George have to produce,” Hinton said. “It’s their time. The negative is they haven’t had the practice reps because (we) were trying to get the two top dogs running. But now it’s their time. Now we’re expanding those reps and the knowledge has to be there.

“They’ve got to spend some film time with ol’ Coach Hinton, and every second of those 20 hours they’ve got to get it because the bottom line is they’ve got to be ready to do it. We’re playing a very good football team at Stanford and it’s next man in. We’re not going to take a step backwards. We’re going to maintain that level.”

Wood has no doubt in his mind that he can maintain the high level of play by the Irish running backs, sans Gray.

“It’s very difficult seeing my bro go down,” Wood said. “It’s something that bothered me when it happened, and it’s been bothering me ever since it happened.

“At the same time, I have to keep going, keep moving, because that’s what he would be telling me. ‘Listen, you have to take over now. Just go out there and do what you’ve got to do.’ I just want to keep coming out here and ball the way I usually do.”

 

[FirstTimer]

Cierre Wood = hilarious

 

[FirstTimer]

ICONS:

Senior Day

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPbz3mpP75M&feature=channel_video_title"]Irish Connection - Episode 25 - Nov. 20, 2011 - YouTube[/ame]

Seven Nation Army at 6:35

:fap:

 

[FirstTimer]

I'm done with Tommy Rees

 

[FirstTimer]

If Crist doesn't start the 2nd half...............

 

[FirstTimer]

Welp, that a laid egg by Rees. This game and BC is pretty much the thesis of why I can't stand Rees and think we need to move on as quickly as possible.

For the most part the defense played baws.

 

[Irish]

Hendrix is the answer now and moving forward. Give Tommy the red hat.

 

[FirstTimer]

Hendrix is the answer now and moving forward. Give Tommy the red hat.

:smh:

2012 is all about:

 

[Irish]

He tries to pull this drastic change of direction at Stanford, he slips and falls.

God that field was awful.

 

[Irish]

But as for the QBs looking forward:

Have to assume Crist is transferring. I loved and hated him. Injuries and probably wrong system at the wrong time for him. With that said, he has all the tools, but during his career I was really never convinced he can pull it all together. Something just isn't there.

Rees, I have backed for a while (I am all for QBs just being a manager of the offense), but I think he is holding the team back. This team is ready to make the step to top 25 year round. And I think Rees just can't cut it at QB, no matter his W-L. I don't think he can read and react to defenses, and pressure swallows him up.

I really liked what Hendrix showed tonight. It surprised me how fast he can throw the ball and does have some touch to his throws. I think he is a better leader than Rees, and probably capable of keeping this team in the top 25 year round with a solid summer. I think if Kelly believes the same thing he needs to be upfront this time and say Hendrix is our guy moving forward. Any more controversy at QB will only cause problems.

Golson, obviously the crystal ball is bright. I hope he gets a little bit bigger and really learns the offense in and out before he gets on the field. I feel like what Hendrix brings is slightly better at this point and am not sure the team needs a player like Golson yet.

If we get Kiel I hope he sits on the bench for 4 years because I have watched a couple of his games and was not impressed in the slightest. It is obvious he plays against lesser talent.

 

[FirstTimer]

Rees, I have backed for a while (I am all for QBs just being a manager of the offense), but I think he is holding the team back. This team is ready to make the step to top 25 year round. And I think Rees just can't cut it at QB, no matter his W-L. I don't think he can read and react to defenses, and pressure swallows him up.

Rees is maxed out. I truly believe at this point we have seen the best he has to offer. He's a REALLY nice QB but he is so limited athletically that the upside just isn't there. He really pissed down his leg last night. Frankly, the interception that lead to his benching looked a ton like the Crist USF pick. Under throw an open guy by at least 5 yards etc.

I really liked what Hendrix showed tonight. It surprised me how fast he can throw the ball and does have some touch to his throws. I think he is a better leader than Rees, and probably capable of keeping this team in the top 25 year round with a solid summer. I think if Kelly believes the same thing he needs to be upfront this time and say Hendrix is our guy moving forward. Any more controversy at QB will only cause problems.

Hendrix mechanics, namely his footwork, are awful. If he can get those right the kid oozes talent.

Golson, obviously the crystal ball is bright. I hope he gets a little bit bigger and really learns the offense in and out before he gets on the field. I feel like what Hendrix brings is slightly better at this point and am not sure the team needs a player like Golson yet.

Golson is an impressive leader, knows the spread really well, and gives me an erection.

:smughard:

I saw Gehrig Dieter in person yesterday at state. My cousin plays for SB St. Joe so I stayed to watch SB Washington play Cathedral (team who murdered Kiel). Kid is a fucking BEAST man. He obviously has an attitude and is lazy, but the kid is crazy. He was triple covered every play and found a way to get open. Their offense was AWFUL though. The QB was a black sophomore and was brutal to watch. By the second quarter, their offense was snap, one step drop, chuck a go route to Gehrig. And he couldn't even put it within range for him to make a play. Cathedral's D-Line was murdering Washington's anyway. They played more balanced the second half and Gehrig ended the game with like 6 catches for 167 yards, which is a new state record for receiving yards.

As for Perkins? We aren't missing out on anything special here. He's a bad running back (no speed, can't cut well, can't hit the hole). He's a solid defensive player but nothing special. He just towered over everyone though. He looks like a BCS caliber defensive player. He ran through smaller guys and just relied on his size and strength to beat his blocker. Other times, he got bottled up by them. I think most of it is coaching, and he doesn't know what to do correctly. However, the kid would have turned out as an average player anyway. Whoever we get in his place will be just as good, if not better. He's nowhere near an elite player.

E:I think Washington's QB ended like 9-40 for 180 yards, 6 of them and 167 yards to Dieter. He had catches of 50, 67, and 80 or something.

Oh, and I'd like to have this debate sometime. It's crazy to me that Dieter doesn't have a single BCS offer. I DONT think ND should get him because of his attitude, but that doesn't stop SEC teams. There is NO DOUBT in my mind that if there was an exact copy of Dieter but with black skin color, he would be a top recruit in the country.

Rivals is showing his Top 5 choices as SMU, Cincy, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and NIU. His only offers thus far are some MAC schools and SMU. He will be one of those kids who gets a ton of late BCS offers.

Just watching tape of Dieter he seems really "stiff". Not a very fluid athlete or fast. Just seems crazy productive.

 

[FirstTimer]

The Toma overturn was bullshit too.

 

[padman59]

Wasn't able to watch the game yesterday, but I'm shocked Dayne didn't get put in. I'm not really surprised by Rees' benching though considering his struggles reading defenses and getting the ball downfield in recent weeks.

 

[FirstTimer]

It only took a few months but they finally figured out how to IP ban me from IE.

After recent usernames of L.H. Oswald and 9/11WasanInsideJob some idiot finally figured it out...

Can't wait to post there with new names from my home IP tonight

 

[Irish]

So I am thinking about where we stand for next season.

QB-Hendrix (Rees, Golson, I won't say Kiel but who knows)
RB-Wood (Roberson, Mahone, Atkinson, McDaniel)
WR-Daniels, Jones, Riddick (Toma, Smith, Greenberry, Brown, Ferguson, Farley)
TE-Eifert (Koyack, Welch, Golic)
OLine-Martin, Watt, Cave (I don't know much about the OLine and where some players fit)

DLine-KLM, Lynch, Nix (Tuitt, Hounsell, Schwenke, Cwynar, Stockton, Jones, Day, Springman)
OLB-Shembo, Niklas (Spond, Ishaq, Councell)
MLB-Carlo, Fox (Moore, Utopo, Rabasa, Grace)
CB-Wood, Shepard (Jackson, Darby, Atkinson, Brown)
S-Motta, Slaughter (Hardy, Prosise, Turner, Baratti, Collinsworth)
K-Tausch
P-Turk

I did this from memory so I probably missed some players or I don't think they will be back. Obviously our biggest hit is at CB and WR. I don't think Te'o being gone will hurt that much. Harrison leaving will probably be huge but Motta has had enough experience at this point and Jamoris has a lot of talent.

I love where we stand at RB and Dline. Both could even become better if some recruits sign on at ND that are on the radar. I really think we need to hold onto Darby, Shepard, and Mahone to feel comfortable with the class. Shepard and Mahone seem very committed to ND, Tee early enrolling will be huge. I think Darby though is a must get (or hold onto). We need his speed and depth at DB.

 

[FirstTimer]

I think Kendall Moore breaks into the MLB starting lineup next season whether Teo stays or not.

Also, I think Collinsworth is officailly a WR now isn't he?


Jordan Prestwood should be ready for PT next season as well at OT.

Edit: Just saw you had Jones in there already at DL. My bad.

 

[Irish]

Yeah out of the tackle options for next year, I like Prestwood over the likes of Lombard and Nichols. Lombard strikes me as somebody who could be the other guard.

I like Moore as well but with the PT Carlo and Fox have I am sure it will be tough for him to get in there. Carlo is down to only making 1 or 2 facepalm plays a game and Fox got a lot of PT this year(didn't really notice him, but he was on the field a lot).

I wonder if Niklas does jump over Spond and Ishaq though. Gotta admit Ishaq was kind of a let down this year. Really didn't look ready yet.

 

[FirstTimer]

Here's the deptch chart project as of now in my mind:

QB:
Hendrix/Golson
Rees
*Regardless if Kiel is signed he "redshirts" next season IMO unless he blows people away in Spring Ball....which I highly doubt*

RB:
Wood
Atkinson
Roberson
McDaniel
Mahone
*Don't be surprised to see McDaniel possible move to WR*

TE
Eifert
Koyack
Welch
Golic

WR:
Daniels
Riddick
TJ Jones
Toma
D. Smith
Greenberry
Ferguson
Brown
Farley


OL:
T:Zack Martin, Lombard, Prestwood, Nichols Nick Martin
G: Watt, Hanratty, Carrico, Hegarty, Heggie
C: Cave, Golic, Heggie,

*Recuits like Daly, Decker, and Harrel, could find themselves in themix but I doubt it.*

DL
DE: KLM, Lynch, Tuitt, Hounshell, Kona, Okwara
DT: Nix, Cwynar, Newman, Springmann, Jarron Jones

OLB: Shembo, Niklas, I. Williams, Spond, Councell,
ILB: Teo, Moore, Fox, Carlo, Rabasa, Grace, Utopo,

This is where it gets a little scary:
CB: Lo Wood, J. Brown, Bennet Jackson, J. Atkinson, Darby, Shepard
*This position battle could go insane. I could very easily see Darby and Shepard coming in and taking starting jobs right away.*

S: Slaughter, Motta, Hardy, Collinsworth, Prosise, Turner,

*Hopefully Hardy comes back healthy from his torn ACL* Decent depth here. Slaughter has really come on this year so hiopefully it carries over. I hate Motta.

K: Tausch, Brindza
P: Turk, Brindza

 

[FirstTimer]

Yeah out of the tackle options for next year, I like Prestwood over the likes of Lombard and Nichols. Lombard strikes me as somebody who could be the other guard.

I like Moore as well but with the PT Carlo and Fox have I am sure it will be tough for him to get in there. Carlo is down to only making 1 or 2 facepalm plays a game and Fox got a lot of PT this year(didn't really notice him, but he was on the field a lot).

I wonder if Niklas does jump over Spond and Ishaq though. Gotta admit Ishaq was kind of a let down this year. Really didn't look ready yet.

The coaches love Moore. Nasty kid. "Bad disposition" as Kelly likes to say. Fox is nice but Moore is clearly more talented at this point but just kind of stuck behind Carlo and Fox. Carlo has quietly seen less and less time as the season has gone on. Wouldn't surprise me a bit to see Carlo behind Moore heading into/after spring ball.

Niklas is an interesting player. Ishaq didn't look ready this year, which sucks we burnt a year of his eligibility but I think early on next season Niklas sees a lot of snaps, Ishaw comes in as a situational pass rusher and they expand his role more and more. You could see some packages with Tuitt moving inside and Lynch and Williams on the edges. Diaco does a great job of mixing looks up.