On a gorgeous Saturday and before a stadium washed in (mostly) green, the manicured mums bore mute witness to a rare home loss that probably was more attributable to Irish mistakes than to anything Oklahoma intended. Notre Dame turned out a terrific running performance, putting up 220 yards, and the defense was able to stuff Oklahoma’s Blake Bell on short yardage plays time and again. But that same defense surrendered shocking amounts of yardage, none more emblematic of the day than Oklahoma’s last touchdown, a 52 yard score off a short pass play on third and three at the OU 46. In short, Notre Dame broke at the most inopportune times and gifted possession and points to a Sooner team too talented and too well coached not to capitalize on them.
Tommy Rees threw three interceptions in the first half, two in his first three attempts and one for a pick six. His first was run into the end zone, instantly negating the kickoff and his second gave possession away on the thirty-four, giving the defense a short field to defend. OU converted a few plays later and just like that, the Irish were down 14-0. Overall, Tommy was rough, completing just nine passes on the afternoon, for just 104 yards.
Defensively, it was a tale of two teams for Notre Dame, with one team unable to contain, or tackle, or pressure, while the other frustrated Blake Bell, stuffed the run and did enough to put the offense in a position to win. But it was those huge mistakes on D that really impressed, giving up 450 yards to the Sooners. The 52 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter was bad enough, but Ben Councell’s ejection for targeting, the first Irish player so disciplined, could have ramifications beyond yesterday’s loss. Leveling OU’s Brennan Clay on third and three, Councell clearly struck with his head and will miss the first half of the ASU game if the penalty is upheld. I chalk this penalty up to coaches and player, given the clarity of a rule that has been the subject of almost tedious practice and debate. Argue that the rule is anathema to the game or its spirit, but it is the rule nevertheless.
Notre Dame’s O-line put up an overall effective performance by opening huge holes for the backs to exploit, though they did blow an obvious assignment that clearly resulted in points for the other team on the opening drive. Coach Kelly got adventurous and put Andrew Hendrix under center a number of times, with positive, though not definitive, results. Still, against a defense like Oklahoma’s it is hard to quibble much with only one sack and 220 rushing yards.
There’s a lot to talk about today in the wake of Saturday. Rees was trouble, the D was gashed, and Lane Kiffin got fired. How do the Irish respond now becomes this coaching staff’s number one priority.
- Finding Flaws in a Diamond: Clemson’s Rushing Offense - December 17, 2018
- Why Nobody Will Cotton to Notre Dame - December 3, 2018
- Irish Finish Regular Season Perfect 12-0 - November 26, 2018
Zipper
Watching ND’s games, this year, are very different from 2012. The largest drop off is in the physical play on both sides of the football. On defense, when blitzing, ND shows their hand WAY to early which enables their opponent to take advantage of them. Too, absolutely NO pass rush. Blake Bell had all day to throw his TD pass in the corner of the end zone. One can’t expect any DB’s to stay with receivers that long. The lack of a pass rush will continue to plague ND against every good opponent this year. Tuitt has NOT recovered from from his medical operation. He too is over weight and trying to play his way into shape via game day. The defense in not nearly as disciplined as the 2012 unit (especially on the edges).
The offense is very inconsistent. I like coach Kelly but I would prefer more of a pro offense with a power running game like Alabama. When you have to throw on third and one you can’t be consistent in the red zone. Overall I think Rees has done a very credible job give the circumstances. It’s obvious his mobility is a detriment but he’s surely the best choice. Recruiting on a consistent basis is the great equalizer for ND. They sorely need more top skill players at positions such as wide receiver, defensive end (pass rush), more speed at middle linebacker. I believe the 2013 team will have a difficult year in wins and losses versus 2012. Given the time and opportunity Kelly will eventually get the program on a top consistent level. Too, ND’s schedule is VERY difficult this year…..must be in the top 5 in difficulty.
IrishElvis
Quick note on your strength-of-schedule comment: ND currently has the 32nd most difficult schedule (as of this week’s results). ASU has actually played more rigorous opponents (10th most difficult slate) and has a 3-1 record.
Domer88
A few thoughts about Irish Football this year:
1. Tommy Rees is who we thought he was.
2. Manti and Kapron L-M had an impact on defense beyond anything that the stat sheet could reveal.
3. Bob Diaco is not the defensive mastermind that many people elevated him to after last year’s campaign. Poor tackling, telegraphing blitzes, players out of position, just to name a few problems. What a stunning, profound regression. NO ONE saw this coming.
Regardless, I remain a devoted fan, and look forward to probably the harder challenge of ASU.
irishize
We cut the lead to 6, when Diaco blitzed Farley, and; of course, the clinching touchdown went right through Farley’s vacated area. Game over. Diaco has been killing us with his DB blitzes all season. Our DBs always tip off the blitz and, then, never lay a glove on the QB. Meanwhile, their area is vacated and vulnerable. Please, Iowa, take this guy off of our hands.