Navy, first off, gets kudos for this win. Navy is starting to control ND’s destiny–starting with getting Weis fired and basically losing his team for the final games of 2009. I, for one, would have liked to see what he would have done this year–if he had been able to keep Clausen and Tate. Let’s face it Navy has arrived with the option and cut blocks. That being the case–on with the recap:
DAYNE CRIST–this kid should be starting his second year at some other University in a Pro Set. He came to ND to play for Weis and was willing to wait his turn. If Weis knew anything he knew a good QB when he saw one. To lay this loss on Crist would be a travesty. He never was a Spread QB and I think for him to overcome all that he learned before and shazzam be a Spreader with all the different reads is asking way too much. Compound that with the constant screaming at him by Kelly. The idea is to keep your QB somewhat calm during a game. This kid is frazzled.
To keep it simple–just ND’s 1st possession–13 plays Christ flushed and had 3 runs. Now let’s put the blame where it belongs the, drum roll, OFFENSIVE LINE. Navy 4 vs our 5 and Crist no time to make reads, harassed and running for his life. That continued whole game.
OFFENSIVE LINE–continuing the tradition of not being able to run or pass block. While I like Martin, the others are just horrible. Put that guard Watt in–get him some experience. Robinson got thrown right back into Crist and pass did not go where it was intended- i forget what happened to it . If you can alternate DL do the same for OL. Kelly should be screaming at them not the QB.
OL grade–awful or disgraceful.
DEFENSIVE LINE–Can’t get any worse. Not only no penetration but not once kept the Navy guards off ILB’s, When Navy did pass 2 to 3 times no one touched the QB. I focused on one play and cut block involved–the D lineman was actually backing up to avoid the block. Grade–Really Bad.
OLB’S–how do you describe when they were nowhere near anyone -did they play at all? No Grade.
ILB’S I really like the combo of Teo and Carlo. Who the hell’s idea was it to play so far off the ball–giving away 5 yds before ball snapped and OG’s already on them. If the first priority is to stop the FB the ILB’s should have been closer and rushing the lanes– jam the middle up. GRADE-bad coaching.
DB’s SAFTIES–oh well-3 passes entire game -we know how that turned out.
KICK RETURNS–we must have someone slower.
COACHING–guess.
STRENGTH COACH–check with the Navy guy. Bet they have no one who can lift 200 lbs let alone 5-600 lbs. All that running in sand etc leaves us with a whole team with hamstrings, bad ankles and knees.
CONCLUSION–why not–blame Weis
