As I see things:
BK based on all reports is accepting his role as Head Football Coach of Notre Dame - NOT CEO of Football Operations. The coaching changes by all accounts has improved recruiting efforts and seem to focus on connection with players and demand excellence.
The S&C changes will take another year or 2 to really change the culture of the team and the physical make up of the team but in 7 to 9 months 18 to 22 year old's can do wonders.
,
I have faith in Elko making ND respectable on D, at times suffocating, but we will see lapses and big plays and some poor tackles along the way. Trust the process.
I pray that Chris Long goes 2 and 3 TE and 2 RB's ALOT all season. I really see great scheme mismatches with ESQ, Alize, Jones out of back field and one of the other TE's stepping up. With Wimbush at 228 lbs and Jones and Adams also 225+ and Williams at 218 isnt exactly small, along with 2 and 3 TE sets with an experienced and physical OL we need to pound the ball and use bootlegs and roll outs and throw high percentages stuff and go for the deep ball. Also with Boykins, ESQ, and Chase we have big WR who need to block to get a dynamic outside run game.
Laslty Brian Polian needs to upgrade the special teams where is a dynamic part of the team that can and will change MO of games with returns. coverage's, blocks, fakes...
Asking a lot I know and with all this said we need good health a few lucky bounces and players like D. Hayes, N. Morgan, Adams, Wimbush, Jones, ESQ, Tillery to play to the 5 star athletes they are. Do we have enough talent that is ready to play against the top 5 teams I am not so sure, can we get better as the year goes along and manage the schedule to a 2012 type season - we shall see. Temple we need to set the ton, Georgia we need to make noise, MSU & BC we need to step on throat. USC upset and enjoy the ride
Shoot my alarm clock just went off I think I was dreaming....