The ND offense has not been able to score enough to be competitive obviously in these big games? They’ve never run the ball effectively enough and become one dimensional. The NFL is littered with former ND players that start on the line, WR and TE positions. We may not have a Trevor Lawrence at QB but the other positions have been solid that we should be able to score more than 10 points in these big games. I come back to coaching and scheme. Last night, Venables brought a lot of pressure, no surprise. The middle of the field was wide open behind the middle linebackers. I never saw any of our guys run pass routes to that spot or any quick slants. How can you go into a game knowing a defense is going to blitz the heck out of you and not be ready for it? Whatever it is isn’t working because ND has not been competitive in any of these big games over the last few seasons.
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Something about what Kelly does always leads to a slow to non-existent team. No shows and very poor performance.
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In watching other teams play, I never see other QBs hold onto the ball as long as he does for as many plays as he does. Not even close. He does this even in games where the opponent is weak.
Herbstreit said our receivers were getting open but that Book had to throw it sooner. It's almost as if the game still goes too fast for him and it takes him a while to process the receiver is open. By the time he does, it's too late.
A perfect example is the misfire to Davis. Davis broke wide open, but instead of throwing him the ball immediately, Book took another 3-4 steps before doing so.
is somewhat comical on this board.
I did make mention of the fact that he does this EVERY game. The difference is when facing a non-elite defense, the O-line buys him enough time to scramble or eventually complete a pass. And our rushing game is productive.
time whereas the last time they let Book rollout and run much more. This was a poorly planned game. Book is not a pocket passer. I don't know why we continue to call plays to keep him in the pocket. Book's strength is playing like Steve Young and Fran Tarkenton.
Just let him roll and run, throw on the run, or pick up 5 to 12 yards with his feet. It's really that easy with Book. Look at every successful game he's had or every game where he's been great. He started with his feet.
Urban Meyer or any other top offensive mind would have a field day with a kid like this because all the plays would align to his strength instead of trying to force him into a dropback passer.
I can't beat this dead horse enough.
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This team is limited by the QB position. Book is serviceable, nothing more.
The pattern in recruiting seems to be that the Irish recruit a stud QB every three to four cycles, and then take "filler" in between. Their last couple stud recruits -- Wimbush, Jurkovech -- didn't pan out, which left fillers. Book was recruited between cycles, and while his overall W/L record is very good, his ceiling is not going to win a national championship.
I was hoping we would not embarrass ourselves. So much for that hope.
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Same with Book. You have to take shots down field. He was doing that the last several games even if the WRs were covered. Let them make plays!
Defense was obviously poorly prepared. Out of position on way too many plays. We should have been able to hold Clemson to 20/21 points.
Which, unfortunately says it all.
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