A few things we learned from Brian Kelly’s press conference:

• GA III and Cam McDaniel both a little dinged up–that could mean anything.
• Amir Carlisle finally cleared to play.
• Matthias Farley # 2 behind Slaughter at free safety.
• Freshman Nicky Barratti # 2 behind Motta at strong safety.
• Rees back to getting reps and will compete for # 2 QB position, which in my opinion he will win.

Since playing a good option team it is really difficult to grade the secondary, but what I observed was a train wreck not only at CB but also at Safety. I don’t remember Slaughter making one play and did not see him at all. We know he played but was invisible. Zeke Motta, outside of one great hit did not have a good game at all. He looks really slow. If this senior cannot seriously upgrade his play, I look for Barratti to replace him at mid season.

Now, onto Purdue. Purdue coach Danny Hope will start senior QB Caleb TerBush over Robert Marve vs. Notre Dame but indicated Marve would also probably play. Marve was very impressive in Purdue’s opener and I would continue with him–when your hot your hot, especially against the woeful secondary Notre Dame displayed vs. Navy.

Considering Tommy Rees–he took himself out of the QB battle prior to Fall camp. He showed no improvement in Spring camp either. That is very strange, for usually a starter for 2 years shows big improvement going into his third year. Think it’s all mental with him after getting vilified towards end of last year. Here’s a highlight clip vs Purdue in 2011 and he looked damn good:

He also in game 2 of 2011 led a magnificent comeback against Michigan which was negated by ND’s secondary playing so ineptly that in the closing minutes Robinson just heaved 2 air balls to no one but were completed.

Great clip–so enjoy.