[September 1, 2007] Notre Dame (0-0) vs Georgia Tech (0-0)

[Svoboda]

http://www.goldhelmet.com/images/logos/nd.gif vs. http://www.goldhelmet.com/images/logos/gt.gif


Notre Dame (0-0) vs Georgia Tech (0-0)
Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, IN)
Saturday, September 1, 2007
3:30 pm EST


LAST MEETING: Notre Dame opened the 2006 season with a 14-10 victory (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=262450059) over Georgia Tech in front of a frenzied (and very, very drunk) crowd in Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech finished 9-5 on the season, Notre Dame ended up 10-3.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS: 3 Wins, 1 Loss, 1 Tie

September 2, 2006 - Notre Dame 14, Georgia Tech 10
<!-- / message -->January 1, 1999 - Georgia Tech 35, Notre Dame 28 (Gator Bowl)
September 6, 1997 - Notre Dame 17, Georgia Tech 13
November 7, 1981 - Notre Dame 35, Georgia Tech 3
November 8, 1980 - Notre Dame 3, Georgia Tech 3

[Svoboda]

This is the official discussion thread for the Georgia Tech game. Pick'em thread coming soon!

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Notre Dame wins. :)

[notredomer23]

ND WINs. boy i cant wait for this game

[stonebreakerwasgod]

The countdown clock rocks. I can't believe it's coming so soon.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

If we can't beat GT, it's gonna be a long first 8 games.

[notredomer23]

georgia tech is good, but they are severly overated. their runningback rashard choice is considered a major impact player. I am very unimpressed with him unless, he became amazingly better during the off season. quite frankly, im not as worried about this game as the 1 after that.

[notredomer23]

I basically think if we get past gt with ease, we are going to have a great season.

[mlcspinner]

nd wins I can not wait

[mlcspinner]

I think if we win it will be a good omen for the rest of the season

[daytonirish]

I'm excited to see how the defense looks with more of an attacking scheme. It has to be better than what we did under Minter.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

That, is the understatement of the year. :)

[mlcspinner]

I hope the score is like that 81' game

[notredomer23]

we dont have a pickem yet but the final score: 31-7.

[mlcspinner]

I'm all for that score

[rontdtarchala]

ND is victorious without a doubt....cheer cheer for ol NOTRE DAME!!!

[littlerick77]

ND wins 30-15

Seriously, I had a dream and saw the final score on NBC. I posted this on IE too and I'm sticking to it.

[ALLND62]

With all the new things going on.......new coaches, new defense, new quarterback, new receivers, new running backs, and new lineman this is going to be one exciting game to see how all of this works together. Good luck Charlie and staff beat GT. IRISH 24 GT 13! :)

[DiegoIrish]

I dont see us winning this one easily. This is gonna be a close one. Definitely wouldnt wager on this one either. I think we can win and predict we will win but it will be close. I think their strengths match up very well with our weaknesses but that said Charlie can lead us to the promised land.

[NDisNCin2010]

Golden Tate returns opening kickoff 89 yards, the first play of what will be a legendary, fan favorite type career...and we win it going away...35-21


"and a Freshman Shall Lead Them."

[goldandblue]

Nd 24 Gt 17 Will be there so can't wait to see the irish win this one.

[Tommy]

Man its going to fly by boys and girls enjoy every minute

[Wayne Gordon]

ND won't lose this game! Not only is our talent level improved, we have the elememt of surprise and home crowd. Don't forget, GT is starting with a new QB and lost the best receiver on the planet.

[domerdude]

And we lost a MUCH BETTER qb and 2 NFL quality WR's. I dont think ND will lose, Im just picking on your reasoning thats all.

[Coyote King]

ND won't lose this game! Not only is our talent level improved, we have the elememt of surprise and home crowd. Don't forget, GT is starting with a new QB and lost the best receiver on the planet.

I know, here I go again, Debbie Downer, but ND can very easily lose this game.

Compare who was lost:
ND-Brady, Jeff, Rhema, Darius (QB1, WR1, WR2, RB1)
GT-Reggie, Calvin (QB1, WR1)

The game last year was very close, so I do not see why with GT returning more starters than ND that most people are so confident in this game (unless it is just being an overly optomistic fan, which is fine).

If you look at overall talent lost at skill positions, ND lost considerably more. I think that ND's chances would increase dramatically if not the first game of the year. GT is a very good senior led team with a defensive coordinator that will cause problems for a young ND offense. If ND wins, I think ND will have a great season, if ND loses, I will not take it as a death bell for the season and neither should the rest of you. ND does have a ton of young talent, but to expect them lead ND to a win over GT the first game of the year is very ambitious.

Please do not kill my rep (I worked so hard to earn it:D) by stating my concerns. I just want to make sure everyone realizes that this game is going to be a war. We have a very young team that is going to be exciting to watch the next 3+years. I can't wait to see a couple of NC's, but don't expect the team to click on all cylinders in game 1 of season 1 for most of the talent (even most the soph's will be starters for the first time) that will lead us back to the promised land.

[fighting doug]

Truly the only concern I have is their D-coordinator because he's a total whack job, his blitz schemes keep me up at night, but if we can fan the flames from the first half, our talent will overcome. ND 21-17

[93FSUSUX]

I know, here I go again, Debbie Downer, but ND can very easily lose this game.

Compare who was lost:
ND-Brady, Jeff, Rhema, Darius (QB1, WR1, WR2, RB1)
GT-Reggie, Calvin (QB1, WR1)

The game last year was very close, so I do not see why with GT returning more starters than ND that most people are so confident in this game (unless it is just being an overly optomistic fan, which is fine).

If you look at overall talent lost at skill positions, ND lost considerably more. I think that ND's chances would increase dramatically if not the first game of the year. GT is a very good senior led team with a defensive coordinator that will cause problems for a young ND offense. If ND wins, I think ND will have a great season, if ND loses, I will not take it as a death bell for the season and neither should the rest of you. ND does have a ton of young talent, but to expect them lead ND to a win over GT the first game of the year is very ambitious.

Please do not kill my rep (I worked so hard to earn it:D) by stating my concerns. I just want to make sure everyone realizes that this game is going to be a war. We have a very young team that is going to be exciting to watch the next 3+years. I can't wait to see a couple of NC's, but don't expect the team to click on all cylinders in game 1 of season 1 for most of the talent (even most the soph's will be starters for the first time) that will lead us back to the promised land.

This is definitely going to be a tough game for both teams. I think ND will win. You mentioned ND losing more talent than GT, and that's true, but is the talent that GT is replacing Ball and Calvin Johnson with more talented than what ND is replacing Quinn, McKnight, The Shark, and Walker with? I don't think so.

I expect this years running game to be better than last years running game, for sure. Just my opinion.

We should be better at TE this year since we still have what should be an even better Carlson, along with Rueland and Yeatman both having a year under their belts.

WR is concern of mine, but I think we should be fine. My prediction of who the top receivers will be are in this order: Hord, Grimes, West, Carlson with Parris and Kamara showing some major potential.

My prediction is, if our QB can be productive on a regular basis and make plays with minimal mistakes, we could have an offense that although different than last years, could be just as good because our running game will be night and day better than last year. Not that Walker wasn't a great back for us...he just didn't light up the highlight reel very often.

This of course is all just my opinion. Who knows? Maybe we'll stink, but I could never believe that and I really believe that our running game will be incredible this year and I believe it will keep us in many games due to it eating up so much of the clock. Assuming our QB play is slightly above average. I believe CW can and will make that happen. I have a feeling DJ will be that guy.

ND 31 GT 13

[Coyote King]

This is definitely going to be a tough game for both teams. I think ND will win. You mentioned ND losing more talent than GT, and that's true, but is the talent that GT is replacing Ball and Calvin Johnson with more talented than what ND is replacing Quinn, McKnight, The Shark, and Walker with? I don't think so.

I expect this years running game to be better than last years running game, for sure. Just my opinion.

We should be better at TE this year since we still have what should be an even better Carlson, along with Rueland and Yeatman both having a year under their belts.

WR is concern of mine, but I think we should be fine. My prediction of who the top receivers will be are in this order: Hord, Grimes, West, Carlson with Parris and Kamara showing some major potential.

My prediction is, if our QB can be productive on a regular basis and make plays with minimal mistakes, we could have an offense that although different than last years, could be just as good because our running game will be night and day better than last year. Not that Walker wasn't a great back for us...he just didn't light up the highlight reel very often.

This of course is all just my opinion. Who knows? Maybe we'll stink, but I could never believe that and I really believe that our running game will be incredible this year and I believe it will keep us in many games due to it eating up so much of the clock. Assuming our QB play is slightly above average. I believe CW can and will make that happen. I have a feeling DJ will be that guy.

ND 31 GT 13

Nice post, I agree ND is replacing the lost players with better talent, but I also believe they are losing better talent to start with. I know Calvin was all everything, but with Reggie as his QB he never had the impact he could have. I think the key is to look at the gap between who was lost and who will be replacing them. My breakdown:
QB-Quinn to JC (or whoever wins) vs. Reggie to Bennett. Huge advantage to GT. Quinn is a big loss, the new ND QB will be more talented then GT's but can't step in day 1 and replace Quinn. I do think Bennett can step in day one and play as well as Reggie
WR-Jeff and Rhema to ? and Calvin to ?. I could call this a wash. Calvin is a bigger loss than either Jeff or Rhema individually, but I am not sure he beats the combination.
RB-Darius to Thomas vs. GT returner. Slight edge to Tech, wash at best. I do not think either team will be hurting in their running game.

So really, the gap is at QB. We lost a great one, GT lost a marginal at best one.
Again, I don't throw this out to be a downer, just want to make sure we fully realize how tough of a game this is going to be. Just looking at last year's game and players lost, I think the edge on paper will go to GT:eek:
Having said that, that is why we play the game and I think either team has a great shot.

[IRISHDODGER]

I know, here I go again, Debbie Downer, but ND can very easily lose this game.

Compare who was lost:
ND-Brady, Jeff, Rhema, Darius (QB1, WR1, WR2, RB1)
GT-Reggie, Calvin (QB1, WR1)

The game last year was very close, so I do not see why with GT returning more starters than ND that most people are so confident in this game (unless it is just being an overly optomistic fan, which is fine).

If you look at overall talent lost at skill positions, ND lost considerably more. I think that ND's chances would increase dramatically if not the first game of the year. GT is a very good senior led team with a defensive coordinator that will cause problems for a young ND offense. If ND wins, I think ND will have a great season, if ND loses, I will not take it as a death bell for the season and neither should the rest of you. ND does have a ton of young talent, but to expect them lead ND to a win over GT the first game of the year is very ambitious.

Please do not kill my rep (I worked so hard to earn it:D) by stating my concerns. I just want to make sure everyone realizes that this game is going to be a war. We have a very young team that is going to be exciting to watch the next 3+years. I can't wait to see a couple of NC's, but don't expect the team to click on all cylinders in game 1 of season 1 for most of the talent (even most the soph's will be starters for the first time) that will lead us back to the promised land.

I agree w/ your post. There's nothing wrong w/ being realistic which I consider myself. Unless the offense comes out as a gelled unit & avoids turnovers while eating cock AND the defense can prevent the big play, GT should win. The one thing that keeps me going back & forth is the fact that none of us knows what to expect, so it could be good, bad or in between. If money was on the line, I'd have to give the nod to GT, but my heart will always pick the Irish. That's what's so beautiful about college football.

[IRISHDODGER]

Nice post, I agree ND is replacing the lost players with better talent, but I also believe they are losing better talent to start with. I know Calvin was all everything, but with Reggie as his QB he never had the impact he could have. I think the key is to look at the gap between who was lost and who will be replacing them. My breakdown:
QB-Quinn to JC (or whoever wins) vs. Reggie to Bennett. Huge advantage to GT. Quinn is a big loss, the new ND QB will be more talented then GT's but can't step in day 1 and replace Quinn. I do think Bennett can step in day one and play as well as Reggie
WR-Jeff and Rhema to ? and Calvin to ?. I could call this a wash. Calvin is a bigger loss than either Jeff or Rhema individually, but I am not sure he beats the combination.
RB-Darius to Thomas vs. GT returner. Slight edge to Tech, wash at best. I do not think either team will be hurting in their running game.

So really, the gap is at QB. We lost a great one, GT lost a marginal at best one.
Again, I don't throw this out to be a downer, just want to make sure we fully realize how tough of a game this is going to be. Just looking at last year's game and players lost, I think the edge on paper will go to GT:eek:
Having said that, that is why we play the game and I think either team has a great shot.


The gap tends to always hinge on QB at least according to the preseason prognostications. Look at the TOP 20 (from ESPN or AP, I forget), You can pretty much name the QB for every team:

USC - Booty
LSU - Flynn
UF - Tebow
WVU - White
UL - Brohm
UM - Henne
VT - Glennon
Tex - McCoy
OK - ?
Wisc - ?
OSU - Boeckman
Rutgers - Teal
Ark. - Dick
PSU - Morelli
Boise - ?
Auburn - Brandon ?
Tenn. - Ainge
Neb. - ?
GA - stafford
Cal - Longshore

This was w/o the benefit of looking the starting QB up. I did forget the last name of the Aub. QB but he's a returner & couldn't recall the Neb. QB but know he's an experienced transfer from ASU (first name Sam?).

The teams where I couldn't name a starter have something in common, too.
Oklahoma & Wisconsin both have a strong running game w/ stout defenses. Boise is my wild card as I don't know their personnel outside of the returning RB. That's my 2 cents.

[JMR8]

Nd 24 -gt 13

Look for 10 of those points to be set up by solid defense or a turnover caused by ND defense.

[Coyote King]

Unless the offense comes out as a gelled unit & avoids turnovers while eating cock AND the defense can prevent the big play, GT should win.

Irishdodger-thanks, I think we are on the same page. I do have to pick on you however, I almost busted my gut reading this typo. :eek:

[93FSUSUX]

Nice post, I agree ND is replacing the lost players with better talent, but I also believe they are losing better talent to start with. I know Calvin was all everything, but with Reggie as his QB he never had the impact he could have. I think the key is to look at the gap between who was lost and who will be replacing them. My breakdown:
QB-Quinn to JC (or whoever wins) vs. Reggie to Bennett. Huge advantage to GT. Quinn is a big loss, the new ND QB will be more talented then GT's but can't step in day 1 and replace Quinn. I do think Bennett can step in day one and play as well as Reggie
WR-Jeff and Rhema to ? and Calvin to ?. I could call this a wash. Calvin is a bigger loss than either Jeff or Rhema individually, but I am not sure he beats the combination.
RB-Darius to Thomas vs. GT returner. Slight edge to Tech, wash at best. I do not think either team will be hurting in their running game.

So really, the gap is at QB. We lost a great one, GT lost a marginal at best one.
Again, I don't throw this out to be a downer, just want to make sure we fully realize how tough of a game this is going to be. Just looking at last year's game and players lost, I think the edge on paper will go to GT:eek:
Having said that, that is why we play the game and I think either team has a great shot.

Coyote...Yep, looking back at last years game it was a nail-biter. I was actually at the ND-GT game last year. I live in Chattanooga, Tn. so my Dad and I made the hour and a half drive down to Atlanta, we couldn't miss that one. How often do you get to see ND games played in the south? When ND came to FSU in Willingscam's 1st year we also had to go to that one as well. My Dad and I caused a ruckus at GT though. lol My Dad's business partner went to GT so we sat in the GT section and yelled and screamed, and basically gave everyone around us a full dose of Notre Dame pride. I remember thinking though, that we were going to catch some major crap from the GT fans had they won. And it was real close, close enough to where I was worried we may actually lose. The expectations of the offense were high at the begining of last year, I was able to see 1st hand just how stout GT's defense can be.

[Coyote King]

Coyote...Yep, looking back at last years game it was a nail-biter. I was actually at the ND-GT game last year. I live in Chattanooga, Tn. so my Dad and I made the hour and a half drive down to Atlanta, we couldn't miss that one. How often do you get to see ND games played in the south? When ND came to FSU in Willingscam's 1st year we also had to go to that one as well. My Dad and I caused a ruckus at GT though. lol My Dad's business partner went to GT so we sat in the GT section and yelled and screamed, and basically gave everyone around us a full dose of Notre Dame pride. I remember thinking though, that we were going to catch some major crap from the GT fans had they won. And it was real close, close enough to where I was worried we may actually lose. The expectations of the offense were high at the begining of last year, I was able to see 1st hand just how stout GT's defense can be.

I was at the game also. It was amazing how many ND fans were in the "GT" sections. It was a very exciting game and I expect the same this year.

[Wayne Gordon]

That's why ND rarely plays an away game. I've seen them in 5 different cities and I always see tons of blue and gold. Sort of like going to a Boston-Blue Jay game in Toronto and feeling like I'm in a transformed Fenway. I still think our major losses from last year were Quinn and the offensive line. Darius was not a top flight running back, as evidenced by the NFL completely ignoring him, and Jeff was a good receiver with great hands and one of those special connections with a quarterback that gave him an edge. He knew how to run his routes, but he didn't have any speed. He made the right decision signing with the Cubs. The new O-line needs seasoning. Sam Young is a great start, but he needs help. Hell, last years senior line had a hard time protecting Quinn at times. Our new players are bigger, stronger and, more importantly, faster and will advance quickly. Calvin was GT's offense last year, even when they had him double-teamed, and he did have a connection with Ball, even when other Tech receivers didn't.

I don't look for the game to be anything like last years. Its the first game for both teams and GT doesn't have the hometown emotion going for them. ND by 2-3 touchdowns. We'll find out in less than 2 days.

[IRISHDODGER]

Irishdodger-thanks, I think we are on the same page. I do have to pick on you however, I almost busted my gut reading this typo. :eek:

That's hilarious. I deserved to be picked on for that typo. Shit Fuzzy!

[Coyote King]

I still think our major losses from last year were Quinn and the offensive line. Darius was not a top flight running back, as evidenced by the NFL completely ignoring him, and Jeff was a good receiver with great hands and one of those special connections with a quarterback that gave him an edge. Calvin was GT's offense last year, even when they had him double-teamed, and he did have a connection with Ball, even when other Tech receivers didn't.

I don't look for the game to be anything like last years. Its the first game for both teams and GT doesn't have the hometown emotion going for them. ND by 2-3 touchdowns. We'll find out in less than 2 days.

Man, you are optomistic. I agree with most your points. I differ with you on a few key ones:
1. The WR situation. Even if Jeff was only good and not great, you are still losing the combo of Jeff and Rhema and replacing them with question marks. I think you are underestimating that impact. On the GT side, the Calvin loss is big, but I think our WR loss is as big as GT's (when you compare the combo to Calvin)
2. I find it hard to see a close game from last year becoming a blowout win this year. The GT pressure D vs a young offense in their opening game is not a good combination. If you look at the changes from last year for ND and GT, I still think at best you can call it a wash, which would mean another close game this year. I see no facts that show me ND has elevated and GT has regressed since their game last year.

I really think the facts point to a much tougher game then most think.

[Svoboda]

Bumping the game thread for discussion... let's strap it on and playing some football!

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Enjoy the game Svo, I'll be nervous until the game is won by us.

[pappy]

Ahhhhh. I've been away for a while, but it's finally GAME DAY!!!!!!!

[notredomer23]

Game Day party anyone?

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Yep, at my dads house.

[mlcspinner]

I am having a party of one today:(

but I still will have a good time :)

[stonebreakerwasgod]

We're all together, wherever we are. That will make it easier for me.

[Svoboda]

3-0 GT... mistakes are costing the Irish early.

[JohnShade]

Weis picked the wrong QB. This guy sucks, this offense sucks. This playcalling sucks. Armando gets huge gains every time he touches the ball, your team has had three possessions and not gotten a first down... so you DON'T give Armando the ball? He's the only one playing on offense, give him the ball.

As for the D, so far they've looked like crap until the red zone, where they all of a sudden wake up. Let's hope they either put it all together or at least keep holding them in the red zone. I'm not sure with this craptacular offense ND can afford to fall behind double digits.

[JohnShade]

Nope, they're going to keep giving up huge gains to Choice. How long till this comes back to bite them? This game has all the ingredients of a blowout, let's hope they can right the ship.

[JohnShade]

I don't care for who. He can't pass, to judge by the playcalling, and his vaunted running ability is good for nothing. If he goes another two possessions without getting a first down, bench him.

[xtekknox]

I agree man. I have been saying all this time that we need someone who can PASS. GT has been preparing for that 'scrambling' QB style offense all summer. Our D looks horrible out in the open field, but in the red zone we look AWESOME !

[Svoboda]

C'mon offense.

[Specnatz]

C'mon offense.

Defense is doing a good job considering the field position discrepancy

[xtekknox]

WTF man ? Top TE in the nation and we cant even get the ball to him.

[xtekknox]

WTF !???!?!? Take Jones out ! IMMEDIATELY ! Is that really the BEST that we have ?!?!?!?!?!?!? Mr. FUMBLE !???!!??!?!

[JohnShade]

TWO fumbles already. Huge ones, too. Awful debut so far. He's more than negated the few good runs he's had.

[JohnShade]

Why in God's name aren't they just giving Armando the ball every play? GT has yet to stop him at all. Make them stop Armando, stop giving them Travis Thomas and the Fumbling QB.

[JohnShade]

Also this D getting gashed is getting old quick. It's ok I GUESS if they keep holding them to FG attempts but really is it so much to ask to stop them one time?

[notredomer23]

major adjustments time. We can do it. If sharpley was in the whole game, we definitly could have scored, but we will see what happens.

[Irish93]

The game plan has been flawed. Weis should have allowed Jones to throw a couple short passes to keep the defense off balance. Running the ball every play accomplishes nothing. If Jones can't throw a short pass, he shouldn't have been the starter.

If we are going to pass, this OL will not be able to pass protect. The patterns need to be shorter. On the last sack of Sharpley, none of the patterns were shorter than 25 yds (even Carlsons).

[notredomer23]

Sharpley!!!!!

[JohnShade]

Just a complete botch by Weis on this one. He started Jones obviously as a tactical thing and not because he'd beaten Sharpley out. Sorry but I can't see a guy who can't throw a pass winning the QB job outright. Weis messed up, and now it's 16-0.

[gallup21]

Also this D getting gashed is getting old quick. It's ok I GUESS if they keep holding them to FG attempts but really is it so much to ask to stop them one time?

i dread thinking of what rick minter would have done in some situations..and they did have the blocked FG to their credit

[Akron Irish]

Sharpley!!!!!

That boy got crushed twice on blitzes. I can't believe he is standing.

[Irish93]

I think that the D is playing really well. I don't know, but it seems like GT's starting field position (average) is in ND territory.

The offense (more so the gameplan) is letting this team down today.

[notredomer23]

Exactly....every possession they got a field goal on they had good position so say if GT's drives started on the 20 instead of the 50. 7-0 game not even because of the penalty....bull shit call that happens every play. atleast dont eject him

[Irish93]

I don't have a problem with Jones starting. But, you've got to throw the ball at least once.

[untitledproject]

Similar to the 05 Pitt game, I was expecting ND to land a roundhouse shocker today. Right now, theyre not even in first gear.

[notredomer23]

it really could be 0-0 if it wasnt for the botched punts and turnovers

[xtekknox]

Our D is playing pretty good so far. You cant blame them for not being able to stop a blazing fast RB that is taking direct snaps. Its our Offense that needs to make some major adjustments. Yes, the whole world knows that we have some good RB's ... but if you run the ball every play then your not going to score. Lets find a way to utilize Carlson, Yeatman, Reuland, Grimes, West, and Kamara.

[notredomer23]

Serious though, who knows. I am impressed with GT's defense. GT can be the future Nat Champs for all we know.

[xtekknox]

Its not over till its over guys ...

[notredomer23]

that arent screens

[IRISHDODGER]

I don't want to ever hear another dual-threat (read: running) QB tell the press that "I'm a passer first, w/ the ability to run second). It's not all DD's fault, but damn. When you can't threaten w/ the pass, Tenuta will send the house every play until you burn 'em.

GT, along w/ USC, was probably the worst team to start the season w/ considering their excellent defenses. that's the price of being Notre DAme.

If ND can't score early, it's gonna be a long, blitz-filled second half.

[notredomer23]

exactly. i just told my friend that. But since were ND, its especially not over til its over

[notredomer23]

16 yard line about time no good field position. good job special teams

[IRISHDODGER]

Looks like another GT field goal...time to start drinking...heavily.

[jfschellcrna]

wow, we are really bad.........not in a good way.

[untitledproject]

Crisp.

[Specnatz]

wow they are in our backfield all damn day.

[xtekknox]

The Problem Is Slow A$$ Travis Thomas. He Gets Tackled For A Loss Every Time.

[untitledproject]

Ill take the points. That's just a momentum builder. We're still in this one.

[JohnShade]

Why the hell is Weis still playing Thomas? Especially in crucial downs? It's obvious to everyone that if it's a "by merit" offense, then the running backs are Allen and Aldridge, and the QB is Sharpley. Charlie- feel that sting? That's pride. Stop it. Bench Thomas too. He sucks.

[JohnShade]

We aren't still in it if Weis insists on running Thomas over Allen and Aldridge. Field goals don't win games when you spot the other team 19.

[JohnShade]

Also, considering he had Jones over Sharpley and Thomas over Allen and Aldridge, I have to seriously question Charlie's ability to evaluate offensive personnel. Remember he also had McKnight over Samardzija before he got hurt in '05.

[untitledproject]

Also, considering he had Jones over Sharpley and Thomas over Allen and Aldridge, I have to seriously question Charlie's ability to evaluate offensive personnel. Remember he also had McKnight over Samardzija before he got hurt in '05.

HHAhAHAH, wow. Just stop. People might actually think you have a clue what youre talking about.

[xfactor9600]

Also, considering he had Jones over Sharpley and Thomas over Allen and Aldridge, I have to seriously question Charlie's ability to evaluate offensive personnel. Remember he also had McKnight over Samardzija before he got hurt in '05.

You realize it's possible to have more than one highly talented player at a position right? Especially at ND? I'm going to go out on a limb and say that most people are going to me more comfortable with Weiss evaluating talent then some guy in an armchair.

[Sweeney6083]

we have some work to do, but give gt credit there guys are blitzing 90 percent of the time and there not tired. Unreal!

[mlcspinner]

our ol needs to give the qb a little time

[xfactor9600]

Yeah the OL needs to give more time to throw, they've got to stay on the field and let this Defense rest. The D has played well but is obviously getting tired.

[mlcspinner]

CW is going to have alot to say this week

[mlcspinner]

another TD this is not what I envisioned

[Specnatz]

another TD this is not what I envisioned

I am just glad I have moonshine handy.

[untitledproject]

The sad thing is, GT isnt that great. They have a 1 dimensional Offense, and they make their living off of an aggressive defense that is prone to giving up big plays.

[mlcspinner]

The sad thing is, GT isnt that great. They have a 1 dimensional Offense, and they make their living off of an aggressive defense that is prone to giving up big plays.


your right if we had any offense this game would be different

[Legend]

Time to put in Clausen.

[rontdtarchala]

our oline is horrible....again this year...t2 is running like he doesn't care our d is giving up to much yardige they are playing soft...yes they are agressive up front but secondary is playing way too soft...another turnover our oline sucks...we are in for a tough season

[BroadwayBelm]

this is an embarrassment

[Specnatz]

long long season ............... At least I can say to my UT friends ..

Pay per view Biatch.

[mlcspinner]

Time to put in Clausen.

AMEN

[rontdtarchala]

hell no we don't want to ruin him too

[dudexcore]

AMEN

can clausen play o-line?

[rontdtarchala]

atleast meecheegan got beat

[mlcspinner]

atleast meecheegan got beat


try to stay positive

[Doomsday Device]

Time to put in Clausen.

Sharpley hasn't felt the pressure well, but the protection has been horrendous. That's what's really at fault here. It looks like a combination of coaching and inadequate personnel.

[mlcspinner]

I Am Sick

[rontdtarchala]

hate loosing hate skunkbears more....

[mlcspinner]

Defense is tired and no offense = long season

[untitledproject]

If Jimmy gets hurt. Im not going to be happy.

[mlcspinner]

what the hell

[untitledproject]

The stadium needs to get up.

[Steve102]

start this man

[xfactor9600]

On one hand Clausen is moving the ball... on the other he's not facing the same D players the other two were.

[rontdtarchala]

we looked sooooooooobad people and charlie has a lot of work to do this coming week...we are in big trouble...yes its the first game but as bad as our oline was last year its worse to start the year this year...not a good sign...

[JMR8]

I give credit to GT's amazing D, and I know we have a very young team, but that was not football being played out there today. We wont face another D like GT this year, but our D will have to step up in the run game big time and GT just made some great catches as well. Best of Luck to N.D. the rest of the season.

[gallup21]

the positives: Clausen and Sharpley both looked ok/pretty good. Clausen had some nice throws. and Brandon Walker can kick.

the negatives: the obvious and DD and...wont get into it, ill let Weis speak.

[irishziggy]

the positives: Clausen and Sharpley both looked ok/pretty good. Clausen had some nice throws. and Brandon Walker can kick.

the negatives: the obvious and DD and...wont get into it, ill let Weis speak.

defense was bad and kick returns were bad as well. give credit to GT. they had the better team. having your best rusher, 4 OL and 8 starters on Defense back is a good thing esp when you upgrade at QB (bennett manages game 10x's better than Ball did).

Bonehead play of the week - personal foul/ejection of justin brown - shoulda been a punt instead, we're down 16-0.

Woulda been nice if Sharpley hit Grimes for that TD as well.

All in all, im disgusted by the final score and the way GT controlled the game, but positives were look how many Frosh and Sophs played. We're gonna go through some growing pains even though none of us wanna hear we're rebuilding, it looks like we are.

[mlcspinner]

it comes down to our o-line, we had neg. rushing yards today not good

[IrishKnight1023]

Did anyone notice how every player out there was either a So. or a Fr.? We all knew this, but duddde we are young.

Positives I can take from the game....
1) Robby Parris looked good
2) Our young receivers look good period.
2) Armando looked good
3) John Ryan will be good when he gets a little more playing time under his belt. He is more agile than I thought he would be.
4) Alrdridge looked very good, breaking alot of tackles.
5) The D looked good in the redzone, but that is all.
6) Michigans loss will take the attention from our spanking

Negatives I can take from the game....
1) Our offensive line isn't great run or pass blockers
2) Blitzing makes our players look like pee wees
3) You can run outside on our defense alot. Accually you can run on our defense alot period.
4) I have no idea if DJ can throw a ball.
5) DJ likes to fumble
6) Clausen looked very poised and great, but wasn't getting blitzed. When he did, he was sacked.
7) Sharpley looked very good, but can't feel pressure at all.
8) Our defensive backs are just as bad as always.
9) Konrad isn't a good blocker (shocker)
10) We can't win when our QB doesn't throw the ball, ever.
11) Travis Thomas, while he didn't have much space to run probably looked the least impressive.
12) It's sad that there is even eleven negatives.

[IrishKnight1023]

OH YEAH why did J. Brown get ejected? Last time I heard when you hit someone after the whistle it's a 15 yard penalty not a banishment.

[stealingshrimp]

I can't really convey how disappointed I am with todays play.

[irishziggy]

OH YEAH why did J. Brown get ejected? Last time I heard when you hit someone after the whistle it's a 15 yard penalty not a banishment.


i agree, thought that was a little harsh for a push not long after the whistle

[xfactor9600]

Looked like Brown hit the guy in the head to me... plus the GT players looked as if they were walking to the line of scrimmage for the next play... I didn't think it was too harsh.

[notredomer23]

But we werent just prepared for this game. DD, i will not get into that, it brings back to much pain. Thomas, i understand its hard to rush against GT, but that was just bad. AA and JA did ok today. Tashard Choice is one of the best players i have ever seen come out of GT besides Calvin johnson in a long time. Our defense is improved, but still has a way to go.

Positives:
Clausen- I am impressed and like our future
Sharpley- Threw the ball well, but needs to feel pressure
Wide Receivers and Carlson- They played ok, but could definitly play better
Armando Allen and James Aldridge- Two explosive, durable backs.
Negatives
DD- Throw the ball, dont think just do
TT- IDK, he may have had an off day, but couldnt gain any yards.
O Line and rueland- Need to work on blocking the blitz
Offense- we played against a tough GT defense, but DD looked bad
Not bad not good
Defense-improved from last year. We just couldnt stop the direct snap for some reason





I like our future, not much this year, but a bowl win is definitly posible still. I expect Clasuen to start next week and lead us to a hopeful victory.

GT finishes a top ten team, gaurenteed.

[Steve102]

and after the miami-fiu fiasco last year, i don't think they're gonna risk anything

[Mattmags]

Brown deserved what he got. Doing something like that is simply uncalled for. Maybe I'm being harsh but I think Weis should suspend him for the penn state game. I was totally embarassed to see a Notre Dame player do what he did today. I can't remember the last tim I ever saw a Notre Dame player get ejected. I think he needs to take his time to re-evaluate his decision and I just hope it makes him that much hungrier and smarter. That's all i have to say on that subject.

[IrishCalves]

Random thoughts (sorry if they are repeats).

1. Armando Allen is the real deal - the more touches the merrier.
2. Probably going to catch some flack for this, but... Thomas didn't impress. Yes, the line didn't help, but he made a few bad plays worse - didn't run like a veteran should.
3. The OL simply looked bad. Turkovich looked more like a tackle playing at guard than a guard. Duncan also looked challenged on more than one occasion.
4. Quite a short leash with Jones. 2 passes and he's outta there? Hmmm.
5. Clausen looked better than I'dve expected.
6. As I feared, the DL got outmuscled bigtime in the running game.
7. Bright spots - even if they were sporadic: Sharpley, Allen, Clausen, Bruton, Walls, Vernaglia, Kuntz, Parris.
8. I'm sorry, but I really can't stand Asaph Schwapp getting short yardage carries. It was only one, but... a bit of a pet peeve I suppose, even if it is very minute.
9. The play calling was... well... interesting. I can see where Weis was coming from, in trying to establish the run, but needless to say it backfired a bit.
10a. The QB situation is all the more intriguing. We know just enough to know nothing altogether. Was Jones a victim of his OL? Was Clausen simply a benefactor of facing the 2nd team? Will Sharpley get the keys vs. Penn State? Which leads me to...
10b. I'm oddly optimistic for Happy Valley. Its all contingent on QB play, but... I'm actually okay with this loss, even though it was such a sound defeat.

[IrishKnight1023]

I do think Sharpley should get the start against PSU and I'm the biggest Clausen homer there is. I also think that Clausen didn't have the blitzing in his face so that made him look better, but come on his throws were pretty and he was poised. He was directing WR's in the middle of a scramble and not forcing anything. I think the DJ experiment would've been better if maybe....HE THREW THE BALL. Seeing how pumped up DJ was during the run out to start the game and then seeing him at the end was kind of depressing because you kind of feel bad for him. Sharpley completed most of his passes and only really threw one bad pass and it was the possible TD overthrow to Grimes (which was just terrible by the way because he had ALL of the time in the world to throw that one.) Parris caught everything his way and remember Shark didn't emerge until his Jr. year and Parris is already looking good.

[Mattmags]

But we werent just prepared for this game. DD, i will not get into that, it brings back to much pain. Thomas, i understand its hard to rush against GT, but that was just bad. AA and JA did ok today. Tashard Choice is one of the best players i have ever seen come out of GT besides Calvin johnson in a long time. Our defense is improved, but still has a way to go.

Positives:
Clausen- I am impressed and like our future
Sharpley- Threw the ball well, but needs to feel pressure
Wide Receivers and Carlson- They played ok, but could definitly play better
Armando Allen and James Aldridge- Two explosive, durable backs.
Negatives
DD- Throw the ball, dont think just do
TT- IDK, he may have had an off day, but couldnt gain any yards.
O Line and rueland- Need to work on blocking the blitz
Offense- we played against a tough GT defense, but DD looked bad
Not bad not good
Defense-improved from last year. We just couldnt stop the direct snap for some reason





I like our future, not much this year, but a bowl win is definitly posible still. I expect Clasuen to start next week and lead us to a hopeful victory.

GT finishes a top ten team, gaurenteed.

I pretty much agree on all points.

1. I didn't like a "Navy style" offense to start the game. As someone else noted, i see where weis is coming from on this, but it was used way too often. very predicatble each snap

2. TT was definately not impressive today. I'll give 80% of that blame on the OL.

3. We all know clausen's time was garbage duty, but he showed poise and confidence when on the field. Weis likes a QB who does the little things like audible, get a play into and out of the huddle etc. I believe clausen can do this well.

4. DD just didn't look confident out there. Again, the OL didn't help any eithr.

5. Not sure about Sharpley. I did like that he stood in there and took some hits, BUT I'd rather not see him on a stretcher.

6. Brown should be suspended for the Penn State game IMO. he needs to sit and think about that one.

7. It was nice to see the student section continue to support the Irish after the game. Win or lose, I love the tradition and we need to keep it up.

Go irish

[IrishKnight1023]

What Justin Brown done was warrent of a 15 yard penalty not an ejection let alone a suspension, but that is just my opinion on the matter.

[Irish93]

Random thoughts (sorry if they are repeats).

1. Armando Allen is the real deal - the more touches the merrier.
2. Probably going to catch some flack for this, but... Thomas didn't impress. Yes, the line didn't help, but he made a few bad plays worse - didn't run like a veteran should.
3. The OL simply looked bad. Turkovich looked more like a tackle playing at guard than a guard. Duncan also looked challenged on more than one occasion.
4. Quite a short leash with Jones. 2 passes and he's outta there? Hmmm.
5. Clausen looked better than I'dve expected.
6. As I feared, the DL got outmuscled bigtime in the running game.
7. Bright spots - even if they were sporadic: Sharpley, Allen, Clausen, Bruton, Walls, Vernaglia, Kuntz, Parris.
8. I'm sorry, but I really can't stand Asaph Schwapp getting short yardage carries. It was only one, but... a bit of a pet peeve I suppose, even if it is very minute.
9. The play calling was... well... interesting. I can see where Weis was coming from, in trying to establish the run, but needless to say it backfired a bit.
10a. The QB situation is all the more intriguing. We know just enough to know nothing altogether. Was Jones a victim of his OL? Was Clausen simply a benefactor of facing the 2nd team? Will Sharpley get the keys vs. Penn State? Which leads me to...
10b. I'm oddly optimistic for Happy Valley. Its all contingent on QB play, but... I'm actually okay with this loss, even though it was such a sound defeat.


1. I agree. Big problem with the number of touches he got. How many screens did we run against an agressive defense. Zero maybe?
2. Thomas is probably in there because he is the best pass protector. He is clearly a step or two slower than AA and JA.
3. Even Young looked bad at times.
4. No clue why he started if he wasn't going to throw. If JC was healthy enough to play, he should have started.
5. See four. He has to start against PSU. At least he got some PT before hitting a noisy PSU.
6. D was aggressive at times, but seemed to wear out. It seemed to me that they were on the field forever. Despite the number of points on the board, I'm not too much bothered by their performance. Maybe I'm crazy.
7. No argument here.
8. The goal line play was horrid. Against that defense you run a stretch play? This loss is on CW. Only one example of him getting out coached from start to finish.
9. See above. CW better go back to the drawing board.
10a. The only reason not to play JC is if you are afraid to get him hurt. And, if that is your motivation, go find a new sport.
10b. No optimism here. I bet it will be closer, but not by a meaningful amount.

[stew654]

Aww man even knowing that we were gonna go through a rough year i didnt expect that. Makes me appreciate the last 2 years w/ Brady that much more where it felt like we had a shot for a W in even the toughest games. The only thing to cheer for this game was clausen coming in and connecting with duval. This is gonna be one of those years for all the young guys to mature and look fwd to the 08 recruits and next year.

[Mattmags]

This is gonna be one of those years for all the young guys to mature and look fwd to the 08 recruits and next year.

The season just started. I can understand everyones excitement in the off-season for 08 and beyond but let's focus on the team we have right now. As a true Notre Dame fan, we need to suppoort them all the way. through the best and the worst. Let's talk about now

[JMR8]

Woah brown made a dumb move by letting his emotions take his play too far, the one game ejectin should be more than enough. It was stupid, but I have seen a lot worse get a lot less. I like the emotion from him I guess, but he needs to stay level headed. Dumb move, he got pulled and got screamed at, I'm sure he learned his lesson. Not that big of a deal though.

[IrishKnight1023]

At least in a few days we'll find out who got early offers lol. I just hope to God that this season doesn't scare away our commits because we are young and REAL talented. If they can think past this season then they have their head on straight.

[NDisNCin2010]

Jimmy needs to take control of, and lead this team.

They/You/We all can say whatever we want (i read all 14 pages of this thread) but in the final analysis he's the best QB we have. Period.

Have we forgotten that of the 320,000+ kids who played high school football last year he was rated #1 in the entire country? not just the #1 QB-the #1 football player.

The kid is the future and the present, and then its Crist. All repsect to DJ, Shapley but they are backups.

Weis had 8 months to prepare, only to throw it what, three times in the 1st half, and with none thrown toward an AA candidate tight end?

This ones ALL on Weis. The team was unprepared. The staff was unprepared.

CW game time X and O's on offense were damn near laughable, brutal to watch.

[NDgrandson]

Just checking in. You guys have captured my thoughts in this thread. I am disappointed for sure. I hope we learn, improve and that we see nothing like this again this year.

1. At least we have more hope vs Michigan than we thought.

2. After watching Tennessee vs Cal... what gives? Those teams moved the ball 10+ yards on accident and we can't gain a rushing yard? I know those are good teams, and GT is a good team, but a top 10 team? That might be a stretch. We'll have to see how us and them pan out.

3. I love Travis Thomas, but AA needs touches.

4. It was nice to see EVERYONE play today.

5. How did Kuntz drop that INT?

[Flyin_Irish]

... I think OSU is a player, but one game won't condemn the Irish. 5 or 6 like this would for sure, but not one.

Like I said a few days ago, if DJ actually stays at QB I would be worried about Floyd. It's obvious that DJ can't pass.
That said, I think the Jones experiment is over and I hope that ND shows some aerial assault throughout the rest of the season.

[NDgrandson]

Like I said a few days ago, if DJ actually stays at QB I would be worried about Floyd. It's obvious that DJ can't pass.
That said, I think the Jones experiment is over and I hope that ND shows some aerial assault throughout the rest of the season.

While I have no rooting interest for any one QB, I must pipe in that DJ had no protection and it is way to quick to make those judgments. This reminds me of Travis Thomas' first carries in which he kept fumbling (FR year). Posters were writing him off completely. Jones is not an experiment. DJ might not be the best passer, but he can pass. DJ will stay a QB. He will not be anything else. I want Floyd and Baldwin just as much as anyone else and I buy in to the "we need a passing offense to draw WRs" to ND. I think we let CW figure it out and lay off DJ. I feel for the guy. Imagine being in his shoes.

[NDisNCin2010]

While I have no rooting interest for any one QB, I must pipe in that DJ had no protection and it is way to quick to make those judgments. This reminds me of Travis Thomas' first carries in which he kept fumbling (FR year). Posters were writing him off completely. Jones is not an experiment. DJ might not be the best passer, but he can pass. DJ will stay a QB. He will not be anything else. I want Floyd and Baldwin just as much as anyone else and I buy in to the "we need a passing offense to draw WRs" to ND. I think we let CW figure it out and lay off DJ. I feel for the guy. Imagine being in his shoes.

per Travis above...the posters were right then and are right now.
The truth hurts.

[jfschellcrna]

hey grandson, with all due respect, jones is a carbon copy of arnez battle, so move him to flanker and get clausen into the position, stat. jones will never play a down in the NFL as a QB. a man's got to know his limitations......

[Fishin'_Irish]

I wouldn't write Travis off yet. He may not have done well, but he didn't have too many holes, either. I'm in no way saying he couldn't have done better, but I don't think he's a bad back by any means.

[NDgrandson]

hey grandson, with all due respect, jones is a carbon copy of arnez battle, so move him to flanker and get clausen into the position, stat. jones will never play a down in the NFL as a QB. a man's got to know his limitations......

With all due respect, you're an idiot.

We have seen DJ play a half of a game where the O line was embarrassed. Arnaz Battle played several games at QB. What makes you think Jones would beat out any of our WRs? He will transfer before going to WR. DJ is a SO and I would be a bit slower to make such predictions.

That said, I posted yesterday that I have no idea who should start at QB, as most of you blow hards do either. The difference? I let CW decide. He knows a few things about QB. Just because this a message board where people can share their opinions, you should still try put a little thought into them.

[Fishin'_Irish]

With all due respect, you're an idiot.

We have seen DJ play a half of a game where the O line was embarrassed. Arnaz Battle played several games at QB. What makes you think Jones would beat out any of our WRs? He will transfer before going to WR. DJ is a SO and I would be a bit slower to make such predictions.

That said, I posted yesterday that I have no idea who should start at QB, as most of you blow hards do either. The difference? I let CW decide. He knows a few things about QB. Just because this a message board where people can share their opinions, you should still try put a little thought into them.

Excellent post, and I couldn't agree more. Let's not throw the team to the wolves yet, we have 11 games to go.

[Coyote King]

The sad thing is, GT isnt that great. They have a 1 dimensional Offense, and they make their living off of an aggressive defense that is prone to giving up big plays.

Disagree with you here. They are being one dimensional because they can. Why would you throw when the run is working? They will not show anything else while they feel they can run at will. I really get tired of people saying GT isn't that good. You are wrong. They are very good and one of the worst teams to play in the country for a first game, especially with a young team because of their aggressive D. Where you are correct, and where the gameplan was flawed, is that the teams that beat Tech do so by hitting a few homeruns against the agressive D. These homeruns almost always come by pass plays.

[Coyote King]

Just checking in. You guys have captured my thoughts in this thread. I am disappointed for sure. I hope we learn, improve and that we see nothing like this again this year.

1. At least we have more hope vs Michigan than we thought.

2. After watching Tennessee vs Cal... what gives? Those teams moved the ball 10+ yards on accident and we can't gain a rushing yard? I know those are good teams, and GT is a good team, but a top 10 team? That might be a stretch. We'll have to see how us and them pan out.

3. I love Travis Thomas, but AA needs touches.

4. It was nice to see EVERYONE play today.

5. How did Kuntz drop that INT?

I 100% agree with AA needing more touches, I think he is going to be special. Michigan really scares me more now. They might take out their frustration on the next few teams. I just hope they are really not that good and did not just have a bad game. I would rather them have been over-confident coming into the game and I do not think they will not.

[NDisNCin2010]

in light of the posts above, good way to see where we stand would be to answer this question:
Who do you want to be the feature QB/RB combo in our backfield:
1-Clausen and A Allen or
2-D Jones and T Thomas
i respect all your guys opinions and I'm no genius like Charlie is, but i choose JC and AA.
Am i delusinal or were they clearly the guys with some "juice" out there on offense Saturday? (Parris, too)

[Pete]

in light of the posts above, good way to see where we stand would be to answer this question:
Who do you want to be the feature QB/RB combo in our backfield:
1-Clausen and A Allen or
2-D Jones and T Thomas
i respect all your guys opinions and I'm no genius like Charlie is, but i choose JC and AA.
Am i delusinal or were they clearly the guys with some "juice" out there on offense Saturday? (Parris, too)

4-Bragg and Jabbie

[NDisNCin2010]

remember Armindo Allen didnt play as a senior in HS..i put forward that had he played we're looking at a Joe McKnight type of hype and recruitment, 5 star lock. Armondo and Jimmy are the future IMO

[NDgrandson]

Can we move this thread out of Floyd's profile. I'm not just saying that so you guys don't see my big red infraction icon in my previous post. I think we have a good discussion going here and we should continue it, just not here.

For this year, I don't care which QB starts. I want to win first and foremost. I wan to win every game we play, we won't, but we should give 100% towards that goal. Sharpley is less of "our future" if you will, but he was rated about as high as BQ was coming out of HS. I'd take another BQ. Next year, I think Clausen is the guy. If he can earn it this year, great. It would be harder for him to win it if DJ keeps it. All said, I trust CW and whatever QB earns it and gives up the best shot to win has my vote. I would love to have an offense that showcases talent and produces NFL 1st round draft picks. But NCs are what I want most.

At TB, Aldridge and Allen showed skills. AA has the big play ability. Honestly, I'd like to see some more Hughes as well. I said before, I love Thomas, but he brings nothing unique to the table.

How's that for not really answering your question?

[Coyote King]

I wouldn't write Travis off yet. He may not have done well, but he didn't have too many holes, either. I'm in no way saying he couldn't have done better, but I don't think he's a bad back by any means.

I am not sure on this one. It seems like even 2 years ago at RB he had the same problem. Didn't hit the holes quick enough and always went down at first contact. To answer Cincy's question I am officially on the AA bandwagon. He showed me something. As for QB, I think it is very muddy. Sharpley and JC looked fine, but JC was in against the backups. DJ looked bad, but I think he was a victim of the early gameplan and really never had the chance to show if he can pass. I wish I could have seen him in the 2 minute drill, that would have made a judgement much easier. I do think that CW pulling him to have Sharpley run it might tell me the answer already (assuming what I heard is true-that he had planned on using Sharpley for it all along vs. putting him in because of DJ's issues.) I will trust CW on whoever starts, but am expecting ES or JC. I really do hope JA and AA are the primary RB tandem.

[IrishKnight1023]

I thought the biggest suprise Saturday was Parris. Did anybody see him catching some not easy catchable balls? I was NOT sold on him becoming anything of an impact this year, but as of right now I'm more high on him then anybody else. I fully agree with the top 3 WR being Grimes West (who looked good making a play on 3rd and long) and Parris. Shark didn't make one peep until his Jr. year and I'm already seeing flashes from Parris. People get too caught up in who we missed out on (Benn, Little and if we missed Floyd this year), but they forget what Weis has done with his WR's. Goodman will be a good one and we happend to bring in a top 5 WR last year in Kamara to go along with Golden. The future is brighter at the WR position then some people think. While I hated the game plan Saturday, towards the end of the game when we switched back to passing I saw some glimpses of the future and I was pleased. Now Weis needs to take that approach to PSU and not this cute spread offense, never pass BS. I think it was the first badly coached game by Weis since he's been here, but I'm not not one of those people screaming for his head or comparing him to Ty (which is just the most retarded thing a person could do.) Bad gameplan and they have our YOUNG OL run and pass blocking TOO MANY different offenses and positions. Stick with your guns and make it happen. I'm not expecting this to be anything but a .500 season, but I'm not excepting embarressing blowout losses every week no matter how young our team is and I think most of you will agree with me. Bend with losing games, but don't break and be embarressing. Give us some hope for the future and I think ND will.

[IrishKnight1023]

I forgot to mention that yes TT had NOWHERE to run, but neither did Aldridge and the guy just beasted over people and made something outta nothing and that's what we need here.

[mikejND]

It's hard to make a fair assement of Jones play. He was definately at fault because of the turnovers, but at the same time, he was a victim of Charlies gameplan(run, run, run...) I think if the gameplan was more balanced, and then DJ screwed up then it would be easier to evaluate. I know everyone is Clausen fans and I'm not saying he should'nt start, but it isn't fair to throw DJ under the bus like this. I'm 100% positive that if we play either of the other qb's they would be guaranteed to have a two turnover game sometime this season. While he did turn the ball over twice, Sharpley did have 6, or 7 sacks against him. Clausen makes sence this week, but it still isn't fair to judge DJ the way we have, and that's my honest opinion. Arnaz Battle? c'mon guys.. lol.

[rontdtarchala]

t2 played very soft it was horrible I'd bench him and tell him if he wants to get on the field pull it out of his rectum and act like a leader...another words hit the fricken hole

[Fishin'_Irish]

It seemed as if TT got hit behind the line on almost every carry. It's hard to break tackles when you have no forward momentum. It's also hard to hit a hole with two defenders on your back.

[mlcspinner]

t2 played very soft it was horrible I'd bench him and tell him if he wants to get on the field pull it out of his rectum and act like a leader...another words hit the fricken hole


Maybe it's me but I didn't see any holes to hit

[jfschellcrna]

hey mike, there is nothing wrong with arnez battle. he is a great athlete who is making a name for himself in the NFL. DD will not play in the NFL on sunday as a QB. move him to flanker and give us a legitimate threat at that position. get clausen in and get him some reps.