clear message from this CFP game was that we need to get the dynamic playmakers on the field and get the ball in their hands so that they could make plays. It is my guess that he learned that lesson.
As for Johnson, I'm not sure he was the explosive, dynamic player to replace Lenzy and Austin. And as the plan was always to get Lenzy back, I could see why they would keep with the two big WR's on the outside. And when you are winning and in the top 3 rankings, it's sometimes tough to change things up that are working. Plus, apparently Johnson had a hard time adjusting.
Watts is a little confusing to me, and I think he could have been given a shot and worked into the lineup. I think they could have found ways to get Tyree the ball to make plays...perhaps find ways to split Tyree out and get him the ball that way in space.
I think Styles reminds me of Devonta Smith or Chris Olave. If you look at what DeVonta Smith did against us and against OSU, many of those plays were just short little throws to get him the ball and he did everything else. I think Styles can be that kind of guy.
Regardless, there needs to be a massive upgrade in the dynamic playmakers that are on the field. I think that he should play as should Watts, Johnson, Austin and Lenzy. And Tyree and Williams. Mayer of course needs to be on the field because he is a beast and uncoverable. Get those guys out there and find ways to get them the ball in positions they can make plays. What Alabama did is the same thing Urban Meyer said he was going to do when he was coaching FL before they thrashed OSU: "I'm going to get the playmakers the ball."
ND has playmakers...that's step 1. Step 2 is getting them on the field and getting them the ball.