I’m not privy to what the ND coaches are thinking during the course of a game, but I just do not understand what the 1st string OL was doing in the game in the final 10 minutes. Surely Elmer and Hanratty could have been put in for Z. Martin and C. Watt at LT and LG.

Why risk your best linemen in meaningless mop up time. Surely, at some time this season they will play so why not play them in the Temple game?

Temple After Thoughts:

• After re-watching this game I do not feel good about the defense especially the front 7.
• On a few plays when watching the line play Temple pushed the DL 2-3 yds backwards bunched them up thereby giving the ILB’s no gap to hit.
• I think the DL is out of shape or taking plays off.
• Moreover, this team at least in the 1st game sorely misses the leadership of Teo, Kap Lewis and Zeke Motta.
• We can’t rely on this defense to save games for us – so I say junk the bend/no break defense theory.
• Play aggressive football not wait around ball and hope to get lucky.
• Kelly opined Sheldon Day a star – didn’t even look like he was even in the game – buried by Temple linemen.

Now Michigan:

• Brady Hoke has done an excellent job recruiting, especially on the OL – he snagged a few that ND really wanted and they are big dudes.
• Michigan LT Taylor Lewan is an All-American and maybe the best LT in the country – so we should see quickly how good Tuitt is going against him.
• Their RT is no slouch either, so we’ll see how Day does there.
• Michigan starting Center Jack Miller is new – so Nix – no excuses.
• Thinking about Devin Gardiner – can run but also a decent passer.
• I would use Jaylon Smith as a spy and give, in this game, one assignment – go get the QB every play.

Here’s Kelly’s Tuesday presser from WatchND.tv: