N.D. vs Air Force

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ND vs Air Force

Air Force, I believe will run blitz ND and double Michael Floyd hoping to not only disrupt the running game but at the same time get to Rees.

I think that is the only way AF can hope to counter the size advantage. The problem–don’t think even doubled they can cover Floyd.

Cut blocks = injuries, so ND defense must pummel the OL of Air Force–jam the line and explode into the Air Force OL right at the snap. Notre Dame has to get the DL push before they are cut. Play really really physical. Nix and others should literally be nose to nose with the Air Force line.

The Notre Dame OL has to punish the defensive line–if they do then they win handily.

I look for lots of action and lots of scoring with ND winning big.

Prediction:

Notre Dame 48 Air Force 28

ND 15 PITT 12

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Your lying eyes are not deceiving you. This game was bloody awful.

It was obvious right from the outset and throughout the game that ND was completely out coached, out played and outhit.

It seemed that the Pitt defensive coordinator was wired into Brian Kelly’s headset. It was also obvious that Bob Diaco was hopelessly confused as were the players.

Rees tossed a pick and fumbled as usual. He had absolutely zero pass protection. I have wondered why previous opponents didn’t just blitz all the time.

I have nothing good to say about the Offensive Line–each would get an F if I was evaluating them.

Defensive Line played well especially Aaron Lynch–that guy could make one of the All American squads by years end. Stephon Tuitt was very good also.

What genius had Louis Nix playing off the line–he also seemed to wear down as game went along. Was not impressed by the play of the OLB’S.

I don’t know what the deal is with Teo–he is not the dominant ILB that was projected by all.

Pitt took Michael Floyd completely out of the game

Offense:

Jonas Gray had a real nice 78yd touchdown run. MVP Offense

Tyler Eifert came through in the clutch.

Tommy Rees while befuddled managed to lead ND for the win.

DEFENSE:

Not impressed except for mentions above.

Carlo Calabrese MVP Defense for game saving pass knock away.

Pitt had like 4th and 38yds to go and Carlo ended up one on one and saved the game. The question I have–where was everyone else in this prevent defense–if that pass completed could have gone all the way.

Field Goal attempt–what the hell was a center doing placing the ball??? I admit I did not pay close attention to the holder until now but it makes no sense to me–at the very least, you want a holder who can move and possibly pass on a bobbled snap.

Pitt should have won this game–better team today.

4 games into the season and now standing at 2W 2L but this team is not improving–sort of treading water–both players and coaches.

Expected much much more but give the Pitt coaches and players credit–they wanted this game much much more and played like it.

What’s ahead–who the hell knows!!!!!!!!!

ND VS. USF

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What bothers me most about this game is the prediction of a USF win by Lou Holtz. I know–what did you expect him to say. It’s the way he said it that bothers me. He didn’t say he hoped USF would win or that he would cheer them on–he said USF would win this game.

He’s been to practices at both schools and has keener insight than reporters covering ND–maybe he saw something that prompted him to say what he said.

We will soon find out. I think this will be closer than I would feel comfortable with–I want a blowout, I want to see all these freshman on the field at the same time –Williams, Tuitt, Nix, Lynch and Niklas.

If ND can’t take the 1st possession and score a TD we are in trouble. If we can’t run the ball we could easily lose.

Once again the OL holds the key to the game. I hope I’m wrong but I really don’t want this game decided in the 4th quarter–we can’t let them hang around like last year–nearly every game.

So here is my hopeful prediction:

ND 31 USF 24

Heating Up

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ND team in full pads Wednesday and some real good hitting drills taped–thank you Jesus.

I’m linking to a few posts courtesy of und.com Replay the drill over and over and what stands out — no one can block Nix or Lynch one on one.

Enjoy!!! 1-Brian Kelly Update 8/10/2011 courtesy of und.com 2-Practice and drills again from und.com

August Doldrums

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Disappointed that we haven’t landed a quality RB by now–hopefully, something will pop soon.

The usual coming out of fall camp so far–bigger, faster and stronger. But we hear that every year.

Believe this is day 5 and that should mean 1st day in full pads. I’ll be watching out for hamstring injuries. While I fully understand why Kelly wants closed practices– I would really like to see the Linemen go one on one–like to see Cave vs Nix and the other OL’s against Lynch and Tuitt. Get the same deal going with the LB’S .

Like to see the offense ag defense just running the ball–that wouldn’t tip off anything about full offense but would be interesting.

Key Indicator for 2011 Success

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THE OFFENSE LINE–PERIOD!!!

While the QB deal has not been sealed–the OL just about has with really only the LG position up for grabs–believe Watt starts here.

That being said I watched in horror how Nix and Aaron Lynch–(what 17 yrs old?) threw a bunch of experienced 300+ starters all over the place including Trevor Robinson in the BG game.

Hopefully with going against this DL this Fall Camp will improve the quality of the OL play–I am not at all sold on this group.

Key Indicator: will be opening game against USF when it’s 3rd or 4th and one yard to go early in the game and the RB gets stuffed–can just hear the air going out of the balloon if that happens.

Time for all the OL to pick it up especially Robinson and I don’t want to hear about his need to re-shape or re-model his body for this offense.

To me this OL performance will make or break this season and we will know the answer quite early in the season.