In honor of his great debut yesterday (2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 440 yards total offense), here’s Cam Newton’s best run of last year. It is against LSU, and I belief this is what put him on the road to the Heisman Trophey. Great read, even greater physical talent.
Okay, I know I haven’t updated in a while but this ND loss has been keeping me up all night. Here are my problems with the current Irish:
1- The nine turnovers in two games against sub par opponents is completely killing this football team. Interceptions, fumbles, botched returns, it is an absolute disgrace. What has this team been working on in spring practice and summer drills?
2- This fast-paced spread offense is great from 20 yard line to 20 yard line, but inside the red zone it is atrocious: 2 scores in 6 attempts against South Florida, 4 out of 6 versus Michigan. Both of Brian Kelly’s quarterbacks have been ineffective near the goal line, and the execution by everyone has been awful. And why must the play clock be run down to the single digits on every single down?
3- Tonight showed that the Irish have the best three-quarter defense in the country. Denard Robinson, one of the most explosive players in college football and the focal point of the Michigan offense, was held to 2 for 8 throwing for the entire first half and had been rendered completely ineffective. Third quarter, same line. For the final fifteen minutes of the game, however, Michigan was in complete control. Robinson completed a series of under thrown balls, one after another, against Irish defensive backs seemingly incapable of locating the football in the air. And what happened on the 70 yard catch and run Robinson completed to Jeremy Gallon with 23 seconds left in the game? Michigan came out in a spread formation, yet the ND secondary seemed to cling towards the middle of the field, allowing Gallon to find wide open space on the right sideline. Twenty eight points in one quarter, that is disgraceful.
These are the three main faults I have with this team, but one can look and find many more. Over the years, Notre Dame has stumbled. I have been saddened and crushed by various losses throughout the years: the fiasco against Oregon State in the Fiesta Bowl, Pat Dillingham against Boston College, the Bush-Push game. All heartbreakers. This 0 and 2 start is different though: Now I’m seriously angry. The most frustrating aspect of this whole situation is the fact that this is a good team. The execution and discipline, however, is bringing it to it’s knees. That goes beyond the players. That’s coaching. Now I’m not at all for the firing of Brian Kelly, not at all. Some does need to be done, though, fast, before this season is completely lost.
Here in Paris with Mom and Dad after a great meal last night in Heidelberg. I’ve been longing for this trip for months and am so glad its finally here. More to come …
