Forget about the playcalling part of being an OC. Sure, it's the most visible. It's what we see work, it's what we see fail, and it's what we yell at the TV about. But this week will be the test to really see how good Charlie really is.
Because if Charlie can put together a winning offensive game plan after losing his #1 receiver, I'll believe he's legit as an OC. Scratch that - as a COLLEGE OC. We all know he was legit as OC at New England (booooo), but he's had fits and starts at ND, and it's been tough to really get him. Is he that genius? Is he too clever for his own good? Forget all that. Let's see how he 'dials up' (he freaking loves that phrase) his offense this week against (yaaaaaawn) Purdue, and we'll see if he's really got game.
Last year, the ND offense fell apart without Floyd. Teams rolled up coverage on Tate, and we were left with few passing options in a pass-happy offense. This year, things should be a bit better given that emergence of a serviceable running game thanks to an improved OL and Allen, and also because we have a solid, and somewhat experienced crew of WRs to fall back on. None of them will come close to replacing Floyd on his own, but as a group, pending on the gameplan, the production just might add up.
My guess? Robby or Kamara as the Y, and a lot of Shaq in the slot when we go three-wide. I also expect copious amounts of Kyle Rudolph and Allen/Hughes out of the backfield.
Also of Note: Clausen is freaking amazing
I know it's been sort of looked over because everyone wants to whine about how the sky is falling, but Jimmy Clausen has looked unreal so far this year. Even with a gimpy foot, he looked in control of the game on Saturday - managing the offense, leading his team, and making plays. Even his scrambling looks a bunch better. If nothing else, we know for SURE that Charlie can develop a QB. Brady, Quinn and now Jimmy. The transformation from last year - in terms of leadership, decision-making, and even accuracy (though he was pretty solid in that respect last year already) is really impressive.
If ND happened to have the ball with 1:23 left at the end of the Michigan game, and Clausen leads a drive to take that win home, he's in the discussion for the Heisman big time. Given that loss, and the loss of Floyd, it's looking like much more of an uphill battle. But he at least deserves the props for great growth from last year to this year. Love watching that kid play.
EDIT: A few stats to add in here on Jimmy...
He's 62 for 91 attempts, with more than a few (coughcoughGoldenTatecough) drops in there, for a completion percentage of 68.1% (20th in the nation). He's thrown for 951 yards (4th in the nation), good for almost 10.5 (4th in the nation) per attempt. 9 Touchdowns (2nd in nation), ZERO INTs (tied for 1st). QB rating: 188.6 (2nd in the nation to Mallett, who's only thrown the ball 61 times).
That's ridiculous.
By Pat O'Connell September 22, 2009 - 11:21 am
I could not agree more, Clausen has made people laughing at Lou Holtz double take. I am of course talking about the Heisman at this point, not the National Championship. But Clausen has just looked spot on each and every time. His throws all have zip, and for the most part are being put EXACTLY where they need to be. I think given some drops being caught he would be among the nation’s leaders in completion percentage. Clausen has just looked so in control and poised. I get the feeling that no matter what he faces now he is confident that he can handle it, and he has looked the part completely. I just hope that he can keep it up without arguably the best reciever in the nation being hurt now…
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By AnnArborIrish September 22, 2009 - 11:45 am
Clausen is for real. He’s grown with Charlie from a golden-BOY recruit to a real MAN of the grid iron. I don’t think it’s quite set in just what he did coming back into that came and saying “no way, MSU, not if it kills me.” Put the game in his hands any time.
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By Michael Homula September 22, 2009 - 1:00 pm
I agree Clausen has been incredible. His growth and maturation as a QB, leader and game manager is probably the best year to year improvement in all of college football.
I am definitely a HUGE Clausen fan. That said, he has yet to have that signature win or definining moment as a QB at Notre Dame. I think he will have it, and I sure hope it comes against U$C this year, but as of yet it has not happened. That Brady Quinn drive the Irish down the field against U$C moment is what I am talking about. Don’t get me wrong, if he just can lead this team to win out the season or lead them to a two loss season without having that “moment” I will be happy but we all know that playing QB at Notre Dame means you need to have one of two of those moments to cement your legacy.
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By The Biscuit September 22, 2009 - 1:30 pm
Michael, I hear you. But even without that moment, if he can lead this team to 10 or 11 wins w/o Floyd and with a mediocre-at-best Defense, he’ll have cemented it with me.
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By tjak September 22, 2009 - 2:26 pm
I feel that at any time the game is in good hands with Clausen. I had no doubts he would get us a go ahead score in the Michigan games; my doubts rewsted on the defence.
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By san diego irish September 22, 2009 - 3:53 pm
Golden Tate is great, but JC has actually made him look better than he has been. On the long pass against Nevada and the game winner against MI ST, Tate was actually not very open–1/2 step at most.
But Clausen can drop the ball in the tightest of spaces where only his man can catch it. That type of accuracy will not go unnoticed in NFL circles where receivers don’t often run down the field wide open like they often do in college.
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By Michael Homula September 22, 2009 - 4:37 pm
Biscuit – I completely agree if he can lead the team to 10 or 11 wins this year under the circumstances his legacy is sealed for most Notre Dame fans.
A 10 or 11 win season begs the next question though. Would Clausen have to win the BCS game we would most definitely be in if we win 10 or 11 games in order to really nail down that legacy?
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By www.southbendblarney.com September 22, 2009 - 9:26 pm
Wow, we better enjoy every moment we get to see of Clausen winging it to Tate and Floyd (I’m hoping the first two will come back next year)-won’t see a wide receiver combo like that for awhile.
I am hopeful that the offense remains potent-even Weis was counting his blessings to be working with that kind of pass-catching talent, so he should be able to adapt to more normal circumstances. (But it would help if Shaq or Deion Walker could show some big-play potential).
Also, the running game looks more promising than ever-I don’t think we have seen a Weis o-line open up running lanes like this one is doing at times. If that keeps up, ND will still be putting up 30+.
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