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!!!
learned a thing in any of the Kelly 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0's. Nothing.
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In the end, doesn't matter that much. We all know what will happen even if ND makes it into the playoffs.
As Albany said, the scheme sucks, and I’d argue it’s not only the scheme but the way it’s used. Last night was the first time I’ve seen a lot of diversity in the running game all season.
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Burneister and Harris on the radio play by play noted numerous times that Clark Lea told them he spent more time with BK on the plan for this week than for any other game.
This comes on the heels of BK stating last week that he wants his coordinators to be "more stubborn," which sounds to a lot of us like he wants them to learn his worst trait.
The hallmark io Lea"s tenure has been successful adjustments for the second half of a game. That is decidedly not what we saw yesterday -- in a game where BK's influence on the defense was reportedly increased.
Clark, you have been a terrific DC. Your career trajectory points toward a multi-million dollar future as a head coach. But don't let BK teach you his worst quality. Don't back away from what you have done so well. Otherwise, you might follow the path of Polulian, Quinn, Diaco....
And Coach Kelly, the most impressive thing you have done in your ND tenure has been to go outside your circle and bring in fresh talent as assistants to rebuild after your 4-8 debacle. Nervous fans are seeing signs that you are reverting to what dug that hole. Please cut it out.
"Burneister and Harris on the radio play by play noted numerous times that Clark Lea told them he spent more time with BK on the plan for this week than for any other game."
To me, the game plan just smacked of Navy 2010 and Texas 2016. Two other games where BK was more involved with the D than usual and ND got gashed.
The guy is such an over thinker and desperate to look really smart that he can't see the forest for the trees. All I can do is shake my head and laugh.
the D.
Clark Lea laid an egg in the second half. Or maybe neither Lea nor Kelly did.
USC has the most offensive weapons of any team we face this year. Our weakness at linebacker was exposed. Our secondary was fine, but a good passer and All-American level receivers can throw jump balls that can't be defended.
I think the bottom line is that the defense just isn't that good. And yes, we have the offense to thank for a) scoring 30, b) only allowing USC to touch the ball 4 times in the second half.
re-assert itself, it will show up in losses to Michigan and some other team that we should beat. I would be happy to be wrong.
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Yes, I stuttered.
You want to ruminate over 308 rushing yards instead of 400, knock yourself out.
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Throw $500 (or whatever makes you uncomfortable) on another team you think is well coached next weekend.
Live post your thoughts.
That will never change with Kelly. What was disturbing last night was Lea changing his scheme in the second half. In the first half ND brought pressure and SC scored 3 points. In the second ND didn't bring pressure and SC scored in bunches.
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