Yesterday's game at Penn State was a hard one to watch.
Here are the thoughts I took away from this disheartening game at Penn State.
1. The Defense improved a great deal from last week.
The D kept the Irish in this game. Hands down. This game could have been an absolute blowout had the defense not shown up to play. Considering the defense gave up 21 points. Take away the 7 points on the punt return by Williams, and the 2nd half kickoff that was returned deep into ND territory. Of course the D outscore the Offense 7-3 on a very exciting interception return by Walls. Really, we should give the 3 points to Zibby for the return. My heart goes out to the Irish Defense. By the 4th quarter this unit was totally gassed. Still they kept battling. It frustrated me watching the last Penn State score when the Lions dominated the line of scrimmage and ran the ball to the end zone. I was especially upset because the Irish did a very good job against the run all evening. Had the Offense sustained a few drives in the second half and let the D rest, I don't think this drive happens. The offense has done nothing to help Notre Dame compete in the first 2 games.
2. Travis Thomas should not be playing running back anymore.
Last week on third and 1 from inside the Tech 5, Thomas took a hand-off and tried to bounce outside. Result: loss of 4 yards. This week the same situation occurred, Thomas made the same choice. Result: pretty much the same as last week. I cringe when I see Thomas in the backfield. He does not hit holes aggressively and seems to try to go outside way too much. I truly think Allen should start now. Also, where is Aldridge? The only carry I saw all game for him was the fumbled pitch that would have gone for a nice gain.
3. Clausen is going to be as good as all of the hype suggested.
Clausen really impressed me overall. Consider, a 19 year old true frosh getting his first start in front of 110,000 plus fans that want to see your get your head ripped off. Add to that a Defense that could be one of the best in the nation with nothing but revenge on their minds from last season. Also, add in the fact that Jimmy had no O-Line, no running game, and a dropped TD pass by Kamara. He showed poise, very good decision making, and glimpses of a leader stepping up. He is going to be a special QB at Notre Dame who is going to have a tough frosh season. Remember Quinn's first season. It was rocky, but also remember the last two years.
4. The Irish might have to score all of their points on Turnovers and
Special teams.
Okay, I am being a bit ridiculous here. The Offense will get it together eventually. The Offensive game plan for Penn State seemed very watered down for Clausen. I know it was Jimmy's first start but I really wish Clasuen had thrown down the field more. I counted two "deep" balls. One was incomplete to Parris (interference call) and the other was a great catch by Golden Tate that was brought back due to a holding penalty. Penn State obviously adjusted to the quick outs and screens the Irish were running in the 2nd half. Also, just to let you know, this season ND is 7-32 on third down conversions (22% success rate). Awful.
5. The ND Offensive Line must not go to practice.
Enough said. Clausen is very fortunate he was not killed tonight. 2 games - 14 sacks. 2 games - negative 7 yards rushing. Add numerous penalties to this mix. This line is really bad. I know they are young and inexperienced, but Young and Duncan were consistently beaten by quickness all night long. This could be a really long season if this line does not gel or at least show signs of life really soon.
6. John Carlson should be a rich tight-end in the NFL right now.
Here is one player I fell badly for. He should be an All-American again this season, however, at this rate if he catches 20 balls all season he will be lucky. I made a request last week to get the ball to Carlson. Now I'm begging you, throw the ball to #89. Carlson absolutely killed PSU last season, yet he only had 1 catch for 5 yards this year. John, I'm glad you decided to stay, but I'm starting to think maybe you should have left for your own good.
7. Is Notre Dame turning into Miami of the late 1980's?
Justin Brown getting tossed last week. Travis Thomas wailing on a PSU player without a helmet this week. 14 penalties for 93 yards. I want this team to be nasty, but they seem more undisciplined right now. This is definitely not a good sign.
8. This Freshman class is really good and will only get better.
Did you see that catch by Golden Tate? Even though it was called back due to a holding penalty, Tate proved right there he is ready to be a wide-out now. Armando Allen was given a bunch of touches on the first drive, and pretty much disappeared after that. The Irish have to get that fast Floridian the ball as much as possible. Kamara dropped a Clausen TD pass, but something tells me Kamara will not let the next one slip through his hands. I was really upset when the Irish had a first and goal at the PSU 7 after Zibby's punt return. Charlie called the play-action pass that has been so successful over the last two years when it was thrown to the Shark high in the back of the end zone where only Jeff S. can catch it. The play call does not have me upset at all. The receiver the ball was thrown to does. Duvall or Parris would be perfect for this situation. Duvall is 6'5" and Parris is 6'4". Duvall was touted for his jumping ability. Yet, who is the play designed for? 5 foot 10 inch David Grimes. The pass was incomplete, and the touchdown opportunity was effectively lost right there. I have to admit my frustration level peaked right there. If the Irish score, who knows what happens.
I believe this freshman the sophomore classes will lead the Irish to a Championship in no more than 2 years.
Remember Irish fans, patience is a virtue.
