a little peeved at a 3 point win over a hated rival. It has nothing to do with the outcome, it has everything to do with how it happened.
Folks are lauding ND for 308 rushing yds. USC's Dline was GASSED midway through the 2nd qtr. A quality OC sees that and this ND team rushes for 400+ and the game isn't close. And to no ones surprise, what does BK and CL do? Unblocked WR screens and end arounds to Chris Finke. Much like last year against SC and many times under BK, ND's play calling was the D's best friend. ND bailed them out time and time again.
When your teams base offense is what the head coach thinks the other teams D will "let him do", then things can get frustrating. "Get used to it".
Found it humorous when BK was yelling at Ian for short arming what should have been an easy completion on that crossing route. Like us, he's seen this movie before. Ian Book is the next in a long line of QB's under BK who can't consistently make the simple throws because he's thinking too much and unsure of where to go with the ball. Definition of insanity.
Speaking of insanity, I love Lea, but that gameplan was just what USC and Slovis needed. The fact that it was a special defense that he (and BK. That over-thought nonsense had BK written all over it) came up with it for a true freshman QB is somewhat embarrassing. Showed way too much respect for USC's QB and not enough for ND's DB's. USC has great WR's, but the QB can't get em the ball when he's on his back. The fact that ND stuck with it is even more embarrassing. SC's players and coaching staff should be filling out thank you cards right now.
Bottom line, as a fan, I'm glad ND pulled it out. But it wasn't for a lack of ND's coaches trying to give it away. The players won despite what they were being asked to do. Great job Lads!!!