Gameday Thoughts

ND-MSU

The Oline Still Needs to Gel

Clearly, we've seen a lot of improvement from this squad this year.  Despite today's struggles, it's night and day from last year.  Yes, Clausen was sacked a few times (3?), but 3 total in 3 games ain't bad.  My biggest issue here is the lack of an ability to really blow the DL back off the line and run the ball.  Much like we saw against the Skunkbears, this OL has troubles getting guys pushed back and opening holes for our talented RBs.  I think this will improve in time, but it's obvious they're more comfortable in protecting the QB.  Unlike the lame ABC/ESPN announcers, I didn't feel like MSU had a 'ton' of pressure on Jimmy.  But there was more than the previous 2 games.

Speaking of Jimmy...

3 games in and Jimmy definitely looks a lot better than last year.  And the numbers prove it.  BUT, Jimmy is still very young in his career and some of his decisions show it.  In each game he's made a couple really bad choices that result in almost-turnovers or turnovers.  Today's toss up into double coverage for a pick in the end zone was just that type of choice.  When you see double coverage, you check down to option 2 or 3 and use that outlet to just get a decent gain.  He seems to be pushing a bit, really trying to make something happen.  That's an admirable trait, but sometimes the better choice is to just take a few yards.

Speaking of Jimmy again...

It's clear that we have a really good, but developing QB. When Jimmy and his top receivers (lately that's GOLDEN TATE and Floyd) get in rhythm, it's a really nice relationship.  They communicate well, and they rack up yards.  If ND can get a running game to complement the passing game, this will be a very tough team to beat.

On the Other Side of the Ball...

Despite the stats, I thought the ND defense did a decent job today.  Except for our super-inability to stop a slant pattern, I thought we did a good job of making MSU earn every yard.  Without that last huge run, Ringer was somewhat contained throughout the game.  You're never going to completely stop a guy that good - and he IS good - but we did a nice job of keeping the damage to a minimum.  In the red zone, our D gets really tough.  MSU needed 5 downs to score on their first short and goal, and we had them inches away from failing on their second try.   Literally inches.  And that's what this game came down to...

Inches.

ND played a decent game today, but had way too many mistakes that killed scoring opportunities.  (Sound Familiar?  See: SDSU).  ND is a decent squad, but we're not good enough to overcome those types of big mistakes.  And to do so, we needed those inches here and there to go our way.  They didn't - they went to MSU and that's why MSU got the W today.  The upside?  MSU is one of the better squads on the schedule.  There aren't a whole lot of other teams on our schedule better, and this game's outcome was in doubt well into the 4th quarter.  And if we eliminate some of those game-changing mistakes, I'm confident that ND pulls out a win.  So what's that mean?  Well...

In Summary

Much what we thought before the game.  This is a much improved, but still very young team.  It's a team that needs to NOT shoot itself in the foot to win.  And today, we blew off every toe including the pinkies.  ND needs to somehow establish a running game.  Be it through misdirection, draws, off-tackle or motion plays (the end-around to TATE was sheer brilliance - man I love that kid!).  We need that option to make the pass more effective.  Because until I see differently, this team needs to pass to set up the run, and not the other way around.  We just don't have the consistent push up front needed to run to set up the pass.  I think the staff needs to recognize this, and adjust.  And with that mentality, I bet the running game opens up a bunch.

I picked ND to lose this game earlier in the year, and I'm not happy that I was right.  I just thought we were too young still and with too many holes to pull this out on the road.  But, this team should take heart - we're not that far away from winning that game.  We've seen a lot of progress since last year, and this team will only continue to get better.

ECU Got Wide Eyes

In other action, after back-to-back 'upsets' by ECU, today they got beat by a 'meh' NC State team.  Can anyone say too big for your britches? People wondered if this team could buckle down for a long season after such a hot start.  So far, they can't.

Michigan (Sucks!) Lost to ND in their Last Game

Just a reminder.

Alabama Ain't Bad

I really thought that Arkansas could field a team that could give 'Bama some issues.  After that dominating performance, no one should listen to anything I ever say again (does anyone now? no? okay, nevermind).  Very impressed with 'Bama today.

LSU-Auburn

I'm hoping to see an AUB upset here, because I feel that LSU was way overrated last year, and continue to be today. But even if AUB crushes LSU, LSU will drop maybe a spot or two. Because any loss in the SEC is like losing to a super-duper-championship-caliber team right?  So, right.

Purdue Pulls it Out

Purdue actually looks to have a running game this year, and they pulled out an exciting victory today.  I put Purdue in that bucket with MSU, that 'decent but not great' category where ND can compete and potentially win, but will have to play well and not make a lot of mistakes to win.  I think Purdue, along with USC (obviously) and potentiall UNC pending how they develop, will be the tougher games remaining on the schedule.