These guys do one hell of a job of focusing one game at a time. They`re NOT going to let some dopey, head scratching, decisions by the HC/OC or ST`s defeat them. The defense plays with a swagger and that line can get after it. The 2012 d-line was maybe a bit more talented; but they were lazy. The offensive line is hell of tougher than than years past. Their more athletic and stronger than O-lines of the past. In every game this year; though as dramatic as it may seem, they have been in control in each of those games.
The Orange present a big challenge on the O side of the ball next weekend, but I`m betting ND will be up to the task, and control the tempo of that game from start to finish and win going away.
I guess if there is a weakness it is ST coaching and that kicker has no balls! The kicking could get them into trouble down the road.
I just want these guys to go undefeated for once, and whatever happens in the tournament happens; but getting to that tourney, would do wonders for ND Football getting back to a top 10 team on a consistent basis.
Go Irish!
2012 might have had the better defense, but its close. Overall, I think this team has a better shot at the NC, but its still a long shot.
ND had a stout front 7, not as athletic at LB and safety. Didn't have a great edge rusher. This year's team is quicker in the front 7. They get into the other team's backfield regularly. And the safeties are better overall. Add Julian Okwara as a pass rusher, replace Fox with Coney at LB, and swap out Motta with Gilman . . . ND would have had spectacular D in 2012.
For one thing, they are all illegible as far as we know...lol, but seriously though. If you look at how that '12 defense was playing before Manti started playing out of his mind because of his thought to be dead fake girl friend, they were 'just' playing good but not great. After that they started playing lights out, based largely imo on his influence, but even then they were very much a text book bend but don't break defense which I'm not a huge fan of.
This year these guys have been playing great since the first game (without any false inspiration stories) and while we've had some long drives against us, it just isn't the norm...in '12 when a team scored on us it was a little surprising and annoying because we weren't used to seeing that too often, but seeing a long drive against us wasn't weird because we were used to it. With this defense, I find myself getting really pissed when we allow long drives,but then I realize its because these guys are more attacking style and the 'norm' is getting the other offense off the field quickly. I like that!
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..you know if you go by record books and all.
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I have a lot of admiration for these players.