Big Back
While we have Mahone, who I believe will do the job and compliment Wood–I want a jumbo fullback say 6’2″ 245 lbs that has a burst to get the 2-4 yds.
Don’t need a speed merchant but if we can get a FB like Navy churns out every year that would set up numerous running possibilities–lead blocker, QB protector and to mix it up have 3 RB’s in backfield at same time.
Thinking ahead–if Calabrese is pushed out of LB rotation–give him a shot at FB.
He was a great runner in HS–just don’t know if he’s lost that skill set and speed.
But with the middle wide open so often would rather see an animal running opposed to QB.
If Hendrix wins job–he needs to learn to get down–he took a blast on his right arm and a few more hits like that and he can’t throw.
7 thoughts on “Big Back”
Stanford game was painful in person. Fortunately lots of ND representation in the stands at least.
Agree with you on needing a big back. I think people are overlooking Golson next year and ordaining Hendrix the starter. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t win out.
Shane must have been depressing
I’d like to know how a bunch of 250 lb DL men threw all ND’s 4-5 star OL all over the place? Even with no expectation I’d have thought ND OL could weather the storm on talent alone–ND would have never looked at these guys and they were pulvererized the OL.
Really thought we had a chance until first series–a bunch of no names no stars obliterated ND OL–as I said 1st ND possession would determine game.
Rees is not the answer and I don’t think in long run Hendrix is either. Come Spring Golson could win it all.
I’m from old school–think pure passer as opposed to runner wins championships.
We need to sign Gunner Kiel–let him marinate and then go.
Question–what do you think about massive full back–lots of powerful guys out there
just need one big guy–get 2-3 yds when needed–ideal 6″3-4 250–sorta like Toby Gerhart–lotta white kids could fill that role.
It was extremely depressing. But at least their helmets looked good! Ha.
Agree we need a passer and if we get Kiel I’ll be thrilled; am just not holding my breath until it happens. Plus Kelly doesn’t exactly agree with you on that philosophy, so I’m trying to compromise a little so he doesn’t ruin the next one like Dayne Crist. I think Golson is a lot better passer than he’s given credit. He has a cannon of an arm and was in a pass first offense in HS for what it’s worth. On film he scrambled a lot in the pocket but still looked and threw down field instead of just running. But his legs will keep a defense honest.
The Michigan game summarizes why we need a back like that (and basically any game with CW as coach). He doesn’t need to be a start but needs to be really good at three things: 1) getting 2-3 yards when necessary on 3rd or 4th down, 2) HOLD ON TO THE FOOTBALL, and 3) pass protection by taking on blockers and not turning sideways and diving at their feet in crucial situations. That’s it. Doesn’t need 25 carries. Doesn’t need to average 5-7 yards. But we NEED that back. And I think 4th he needs to be a mean, tough,angry son-of-a-b!tch.
Agree on all you say.
Don’t know if you already checked it out–but connect to the OC DOMER on our side bar..
he runs a streamer across top with news from around country re ND news. 2 articles to look for:
1–Bleacher Report–Kelly/Crist-we agree
2–Post Tribune by Hutton–Diaco/Defense I agree–can’t remember last QB sack.
Both interesting reads.
On the defense, I think what surprised me is how much it seemed to regress during the year, particularly the front 7. Aside for Q4 vs Michigan they were pretty stout. Against MSU they completely dominated against the run and put pretty good pressure on Cousens. But they eroded later in the year, no longer stopped the run, put pressure etc. It was disappointing to see them regress.
Same with the offense. Check out these stats from ISD on the 1st half of the year vs. 2nd half.
Here is a look at Notre Dame’s second half regression: (First half number – Second half number)
Points Per Game: 31.2 – 26.3 (ND scored under 30 points just twice in the first half, four times in the second half)
Yards Per Game/Avg.: 467.5/6.6 – 380.7/5.6
Rushing Per Game/Avg: 194.0/6.0 – 138.0/4.1
Passing Per Game: 273.5 – 242.6
Completion Percentage: 65.5 – 63.4
TD/INT: 14/7 – 6/7
Pass Efficiency: 138.81 – 125.78
Yds Att/Yds Com: 7.1/10.8 – 7.1/11.1
First Downs: 26.3 – 21.5
Third Down: 46.8 – 46.3
Red Zone: 72.0 – 90.0
I don’t think you can blame it all on injuries. This team went flat in the second half, so it seems. What gives? Can only hope they turn it around for bowl game and next year. We’ll see…
Shane–your stats very interesting and clearly show backward direction.
On offense they did very well up to Pitt game–they decided to take Floyd out of the game. Then USC game where both our lines got manhandled until 4th quarter–I don’t remember Barkly getting hit at all. Then Wake and BC dropped 7-8 and Stanford brought 6-7.
Without the warp speed needed to run this offense it won’t work.
Defense–never subscribed to bend/break–it was pressure that finally came(too late) to get Luck out of rhythm.
Whole team needs some type of infusion although I believe Kelly’s comments (well deserved) after USC caused a schism on this team. Lackluster finish to a once thought
breakout season.