Disaster Averted Notre Dame 20 Purdue 17

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An unexpectedly tough Purdue team gave Notre Dame a far closer game than anyone expected, especially me. Game won in the closing minutes by Tommy Rees, who calmly led his team down to the 6 yard line and Kyle Brindza kicked the winning field goal. Game ball to Tommy.

2ND game ball goes to the Purdue coach Danny Hope for alternating QB’s when Marve was the far superior QB and already had an excellent first game passing for 300 yds.–thanks coach.

Golson, actually had a pretty good day 21 for 31 289 yards and one TD while the running game was entirely shut down 52 yards rushing on 36 carries. Purdue stacked the box and their interior linemen completely abused the ND offensive line especially Watt Cave and Golic.

Notre Dame had a slew of injuries, which we hope won’t keep them from playing against MSU.

Conclusions:

  • Golson can only get better with more playing time–at times he was somewhat rattled.
  • Kelly needs to get the plays in on time–thought this was corrected–guess not. He did make the right call going to Rees for the closing drive whether or not Golson hurt. Just too much pressure for his experience level.
  • Student fans–mindless idiots among them booed Rees–ND students should have more class. Do they really think Rees wanted to go in????? and flop, a lot put on his shoulders and he came through. If he screwed up can’t imagine fan reaction. Good job Tommy. Incidentally, he’s now over 4000 yards passing and closing on Montana.

Finally. Weis loses heart-breaker vs. Rice 25-24 on a 45 yard field goal in last seconds. Crist 33 of 64 313 yds. 2 TD’s BUT 3 Ints.

Wrap it up with ND highlights courtesy of und.com

Tommy Rees/ Dayne Crist

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I never thought too much about it when TR was recruited–seem to remember he had good passing stats was about 6’2″ but I was under the impression he was more of a running QB.

The big catch was Hendrix with the cannon for an arm and if Weis knew anything-he knew QB’s and anyhow Crist had at least 2 yrs eligibility left. Plus a Montana with the team.

Kelly arrives and adds QB Luke Massa. So depth chart looks like Crist, Hendrix, Massa, Rees & Montana.

But somewhere along the process it becomes apparent that Tommy is the only QB that can quickly read defenses and check out of plays.

We all know the rest of the story which led to an unacknowledged schism within the team. Dayne had it all and I believe if a vote taken he would have been a captain.

Tommy becomes a lightning rod among the blogs–weak arm etc gets nickname (earned) Turnover Tommy but equally earned he led the team to 12 wins and had some great comebacks.

While Dayne was treated unfairly, in my opinion–Tommy was also put in a very difficult situation within this ND team.

Whole situation handled very badly. You simply cannot change an entire pro style offense to a spread overnight.
Yet Kelly tried, but like Rick Rod at Michigan he did the whole square pegs to round holes thing.

So we end up, at this point, with two disillusioned young guys –simply not fair to either.

Champs Sports Bowl

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ND vs. Florida State
Thursday 12/29/11 5:30 est ESPN–Orlando Fla.

Kelly names Rees starter–I have no problem with that but Hendrix better play a lot. Think Bowl Game start puts too much pressure on Hendrix and hopefully he will be able to grasp a few more plays in the next 3 weeks.

I’m more concerned about the OL–think FSU eats them alive and Rees is carried off field on a stretcher.

So unfortunate with the absolute bungling of the Crist situation–could have been lead up to big big 2012 season–oh well!!!!

Tommy Rees’s Nightmare

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Much has been written about both Crist & Rees everywhere. I’m going to try another angle.

Just consider the outcome of the QB situation from Rees perspective. Unheralded prospect ranked after Hendrix, Massa and maybe even Montana on depth chart. Knows Crist will probably be starter for at least 1 or more years–plenty of time for him and just maybe he can compete with guys in his class. Not much expected of him and— I actually thought he was more of a running QB.

His nightmare starts with Crist injury but somehow he wins 4 games as a fill in–maybe I can play this game. So he comes out for 2011 season competing against Hendrix and Massa and Golson for 2nd spot–Dayne’s the guy–senior, leader and all around great guy–teammates love him and he takes me under his wing to help me be a better QB–sorta like the All American big brother.

1st game 2011–half time–Kelly yanks Crist and benches him for the season.
All hell breaks out on the team and Rees right in middle of a schism that is still festering—Dayne leaves team and won’t be at Bowl Game.

While all that going on in-house Rees is blistered on game reviews everywhere–5 yard Tommy etc

How the hell would you like to be in this kid’s shoes?

STANFORD 28 ND 14

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Not ready, sloppy, low intensity by the ND offensive line contributed to a flame out in the first half and down 21 to zip no way to beat Stanford.

This team, especially the offense in facing quality opponents falls flat and almost looks like they are not only confused but that they expect to lose.

The OL was atrocious against a Stanford defense not known for brutalizing opponents. Sure Cave was out but it was the entire line that got punked.

A depleted defense made a valiant effort and those young guys gives us hope for the future.

Turning again to the OL we lose at least 2 starters but I do not recall any 2nd teamer getting any significant playing time–that is not how you produce effective depth.

Rees lack of any mobility almost got him killed. Going to Hendrix provided a spark and he should start in Bowl game.

Unfortunately it was also a final dis to Crist.

Wait til you see the Fla State pass rush–that could get real ugly.

For some reason this offensive team does not look prepared ag. good teams nor does there appear much effort or intensity.

Kelly and the offensive coaches have to do a much better job in all phases of the game prep.

Keep recruiting both OL and DL men but they have to play at least a little so they are ready when some one goes down.

Rarely do you have a talent like Mike Floyd and not play someone who can actually pass.

This team better in Sept than Nov.– called regression.

Lastly–get Gunner Kiel

Few thoughts on BC game

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Wish BC #40 Kuechley played for us–he wanted to come to ND–can you imagine ILB’s Teo & Kuechley.

Losing Gray a big big hit, field position and flu had big impact. I thought team always got flu shots–at least they used to.

ND fans really need to back off on Rees–what’s he supposed to tell Kelly-“play some other guy”

ND spoiled by a once in every 25 yrs QB–Çlaussen and can’t get it thru there heads no QB on team now is anywhere near Jimmy.

Knock off Stanford in prime time and win Bowl game–turn the defense loose.

ND 16 BC 14

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Escaped with a win to go 8-3.

BC had a good defensive game plan dropping 8–many times Rees had no play but threw it anyway–should have been 3 pics for BC.

Sure do miss Cave–chemistry just not there yet.

Jonas Gray–devastating loss with knee–looks like he’s done–last year it was hamstrings and this year acl’s.

Tuitt did not play but glad to see Niclas at DE position think that is where he will end up in 2012.

Toma continues to impress and he and Ruffer along with Gray MVP’s for this game.

I don’t get Diaco at all.

Aaron Lynch frustration showing he’s held almost every play yet no calls.

Give BC credit–good game plan.

Truly hope Kelly just holding back or we are in deep trouble next week especially without Gray.

If Gunner Kiel was at this game–just commit now–you’ll play early.

ND 45 MARYLAND 21

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What’s not to like in a blowout game. Kudos to all the players in one of the best efforts of the year.

Jonas–where were you for past 3 years? wish you had a 5th.

Roby Toma–finally gets playing time and shines.

Lo Wood gets a pic 6–confidence booster going ahead.

Tommy Rees–great game just wish you could move–just a little bit and throw long.

MVP Offense—Toma

MVP Defense–Lo Wood–hey why not.

Oregon just showed ND how to beat Stanford.

Now let’s hang 50 on BC and shut them out.

Monkey Off our Backs ND 56 Navy 14

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Notre Dame clearly shrugged off an embarrassing loss to USC and a ridiculous Twitter controversy to just absolutely manhandle a Navy team who at the time of the game was 3rd in rushing in the nation. Fired up from the get go Tommy Rees led the Irish to fast scores and the defense completely shut down Navy led by Manti Teo. Rees finally connected a long ball throw to Floyd who scampered away into the endzone. Good play by everyone all around especially the freshman on defense (Lych, Tuitt, etc.). It was great revenge against a tough Navy team that has had our number for the last two years. Here’s to never losing to another service academy team ever again.

My only gripe with this game was where were these guys last week against USC?
Hopefully we have turned the corner and now we can win out. This team can beat anyone in the country if they get it together. I think they can beat Stanford if they come in hyped with wins over Wake, BC, and Maryland.

Random Thoughts USC Game

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The extravaganza Kelly set up flopped.

ND does not have an elite QB–and if you want to compete with the studs –you need one.

Freshman Lynch and Tuitt got schooled and worn out by a mediocre USC OL.

ND–entire team played way too tight–see extravaganza above.

Monte Kiffen ate Kelly alive.

Both OL & DL got beaten up by a subpar USC team.

USC tweets–ND quit!!

Kelly way too defensive about bye week–you get 2 wks to prepare–let the injured off not the rest of team with so much riding on this game.

As opposed to everyone else I would start Crist against Navy. Why–Rees a little hobbled and he has to be eased out to make room for Hendrix.

Alternate series if need be — Crist & Hendrix.

I do not want Crist to end his career with that fumble. Give this guy a final chance–he deserves it.

Bob Diaco has to start thinking — 1 year to think Navy — didn’t show vs. Air Force — way too soft and confused — SC knew and ran and passed all over the field — imagination!!!!

QB switch — why? Michael Floyd bored — super player but you get him the ball deep with a better QB.

Kelly and entire staff — Stanford waiting and Rees’s limitations will lose that game.

Long hair and tats only look good if you back it up.