Saturday’s 55-31 blowout loss to Arizona State did more than knock Notre Dame completely out of the college football playoff picture and plummet the Fighting Irish seven spots to No. 15 in the AP Poll. It left Notre Dame with a painful question to ponder: Where do we go from here?
What can be said about yet another offensive performance from starting quarterback Everett Golson that led to five turnovers, raising the turnover tally to seventeen in five games? What can be done about a quarterback who can outplay a defending Heisman trophy winner and a defending national championship team one week and then look incapable of even recognizing a blitz, let alone effectively countering it, the following week? Notre Dame had been playing with fire by not finding an answer to its offensive miscues, and it was only a matter of time before encountering a program ready to exploit the mistakes.
So, what’s the plan?
“I don’t know what else to do,” head coach Brian Kelly said to the media regarding Golson’s mistakes after the self-proclaimed “debacle in the desert.”
“Sooner or later he’s [Golson] got to take it on himself to take care of the football.”
The situation with Everett Golson has left Kelly in quite a conundrum. Despite the insistence during the summer that backup quarterback Malik Zaire was in the mix for the starting position – which was more than likely coach-speak to keep Zaire focused and to force Golson to keep an eye on what’s behind him – Golson gives the Irish the best chance to win despite his alarming turnover rate. But seventeen turnovers in five games is simply not sustainable, and it cannot go ignored.
If Kelly has done all that he can to reach Golson with no discernible results, it’s time to enforce some accountability. The quarterback position does not have to be an all-or-nothing proposition, and Kelly, with his history of multiple quarterbacks playing in one season, knows that. How many times was the freshman Golson temporarily benched in favor of Tommy Rees for being too wide-eyed as a freshman in 2012? If Everett is unable or unwilling to translate what he is being taught onto the field, bringing in Zaire for one series to see what he can do – as well as sending a message to Golson – might be just the spark the Irish offense needs. Golson, with his experience in big games and high winning percentage, still gives Notre Dame the best chance to win, but sitting him a series or two to remind him there are consequences for continuing to make the same mistakes not only makes sense but has a history of getting through to him. Luckily for Notre Dame, Northwestern, the next opponent up, is the perfect program to test such a theory.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s Northwestern team is currently on a four-game losing skid that includes a blowout loss to Iowa and a soul-crushing 10-9 defeat against Michigan last week, where Northwestern tried and failed to convert a two-point conversion. The Wildcats boast one of the worst offenses in all of college football, ranking 119th in scoring offense and averaging only 18 points per game. Northwestern’s defensive squad isn’t much better, surrendering 38-points to Nebraska three weeks ago and 48-points the following week to Iowa. Fitzgerald’s team serves as the perfect sacrificial lamb for Notre Dame to regain its composure as well as work on the finer details of Golson’s game, and perhaps get Zaire some meaningful playing time.
The answer to where Notre Dame goes from here is up to the team. At the start of this season, a 10-2 regular season record with blemishes against only top ten competition would have been considered a successful year. While the allure of making the first ever college football playoff one year ahead of schedule grew stronger after victories over Michigan and Stanford – as well as a close defeat at the hands of Florida State – the fact is Notre Dame is on track for what it needed to do in 2014, which is post a 10-plus win season for the second time in three years and defeat a quality opponent in a bowl game. While it may not be as prestigious as Irish fans would like, if the season ended today the Fighting Irish would likely land in the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando against Kansas State, a program whose only losses were to No. 9 Auburn and No. 5 TCU. A victory over a well-coached and respected Kansas State program would more than place Notre Dame in the playoff conversation for 2015.
The loss to Arizona State was difficult but Notre Dame still has a lot riding on this season. The Kelly-led Irish need to establish themselves as a consistent winner, and the best way to do that is to tally the second double digit victory season in three years. With three talented opponents left on the schedule, Notre Dame’s 2014 season could still go either way. In the next several weeks we’ll find out which way Notre Dame’s program is trending.
Scott Janssen is a blogger for the Huffington Post and has authored several nationally-featured articles, including an appearance on MSNBC as a sports contributor. He talks football 24 hours a day, much to the chagrin of his wife and those around him. Scott can be reached at scottjanssenhp@gmail.com.
I’m really glad I didn’t watch more than 6 minutes of the game. I had a feeling that the Irish were just gonna piss me off by barely winning to a cellar-dwelling B1G team, but instead they lost to them. Super pissed, but at least I didn’t waste my Saturday screaming at the TV. I think it’s time for everyone that has been defending “Give-away” Golson to start looking at things more objectively and realize that he doesn’t give us the best chance to win right now because he’s turning the ball over worse than Tommy Reese could have ever imagined. It’s time for some accountability. Plus, we need to get some positive momentum for 2015 going now, and Zaire deserves to show everyone that he can be our QB. I really like Golson, but he’s earned the above nick-name. In fact, it’s time to bring in several reserves during meaningful minutes because Golson clearly isn’t the only problem (i.e. offensive line)
Hey look the sun is coming up. All is ok. They’ll be ready next week.
oh my you may have reacted just a bit too much
After Northwestern Golson and a few others should go to the bench. What happened to VanGorter’s defense. Talk about a mess! The offense can’t hold onto the ball and the defense can’t stop anyone. It looks like this could be another one of Kellys 8-4 seasons. Other then the 12-0 year, the rest of his stay at ND has been rather pedestrian, at best. But back to Golson President of Turnover city. He looks like a scared rabbit, plain and simple. Give Malik a chance. The Irish will be playing in some obscure bowl and even if they win the last few as much as I love the Irish they should be in a frontrow bowl game. maybe they can play Rutgers or Maryland or some other secondrow team because they certainly can’t beat any team that is any good, even Northwestern! Choke City…..South Bend!
The fault lies on the offense IMHO. This defense can not handle defending against 4 turn overs per game. Hell. There isn’t many defensive units that could.
All of this is on the offense and special teams and coaching decisions.
The defense….again IMHO is very far down the list:
My beat the dead horse comment that I’ve been making for several years.
Until Kelly can resist the overwhelming urge to throw the football 65% of the time and hope like hell that the running game can breath life into game midway through the 3rd quarter….to stop the bleeding…..I fully expect to see more of this.
It’s been especially painful this year it seems. Makes me sick that folston isn’t one of the leading all purpose rb’s in the country. And I do believe the fuller could still have the kind of season he’s having. Take the presure of of EG for shits sake.
The turnovers. Good grief. Makes my heard hurt
The defense NEEDS that offense to be in control of the game and knocking down 10 play drives.
Anyways. What I want will not happen. Lol I’ll just continue to bitch about it. Over. And. Over.
Irish Can:
You are right over and over and over and over.
and over and over—
every word on this post especially above post–
throw throw throw the ball
65%?
Why because “everybody is doing it?”
Running game isn’t flashy
but losing isn’t trashy
Bring back the 20-3 victories
the 21-6 games
the 29-20 games
the 37-10 games
It used to be ND could WIN any game in a pinch
and now when the pinching comes
ND can lose any game
Uggghhh
time for some Walt Disney with the kids—
at least it will be a positive ending!
PATHETIC IS THE WORD – ALL ASPECTS OF THE GAME – ALLOWING THE NW OFFENSE TO DO WHAT IT DID IS JUST RIDICULOUS – NO OTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE – COACHING MISTAKES HERE TO – WHY GO FOR THE TWO – MADE NO SENSE TO ANYONE – KELLY HAS TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR FOR SOME OF THE PROBLEM – THE DEFENSE HAS BECOME A JOKE – RUN THE GD BALL
I AM SEEING TWO MORE LOSSES HERE
VG HAS TO REALLY GET A GRIP ON THE DEFENSE – FIVE LOSSES ON THE YEAR
These kids and Coaches better do some soul searching, I know it’s just a game but how do you lose this game.
“Relax” famous last words, SYC!
ND will now go on to show what it’s made of. This program is at a crossroads. There are questions about all aspects of this team from the HC down.
I just don’t know if ND will ever be what it was.
How many games like this must we endure. Pitt, Syracuse, Tulsa, Navy, etc. So many bad defeats at home over the years.
Tough loss. Reminiscent of Tulsa a few years ago. However, they are far from gutless. I resent the term to describe our guys.
Pathetic is the right word. Collective choke. Loser mentality.
Ron–
You may have overreacted a bit too much
Like I’ve been saying, these types of games have come to define ND in the era of mediocrity.
The era of mediocrity is never-ending for ND, the new Chicago Cubs!
I’m physically ill with what I just watched.
Northwestern game going into overtime right now …4 weeks of Kelly being out coached and Irish out hustled…where’s the fight in the fighting Irish?
Not even one yard!
ND deserves to get beat!
We won’t win in OT. We will turn it over and do something stupid and we cannot stop them. Oh yeah, the can kick a field goal as well and we can’t.
What a terrible, terrible loss. May be the worst one I have ever seen.
Three damn passes
yep–
Ive’ been saying that ALL Season long
pass pass freaking pass
( FSU game with 248 to go–running it would have won it )
but NO we have to make 90% pass–
I would have 446 yards too if I threw 959 times
Time to turn this ship around for Senior Day —-
and SYC Louisville isn’t Northwestern
Cardinals are vicious–
With 2:48 to go they marched down the field and basically scored to win the game with no time left. How would running it at that point have been any better?
you may have overreacted just a touch—
SYC,
I’ve seen this game before!
Tie game. Way to go Kelly. Why didn’t we take a knee before Cam’s turnover? NW had no timeouts. I can’t describe how bad this is to watch. They will not win another game this year. Will finish 7-6.
Relax will still win, but Kelly is an Ass for that move.
Now we get beat in OT by a dog crap team because BK can’t add!
Programming changing defeat. This may well end up defining the BK era.
Unbelievable!!!
Can’t even get an easy fumble!
For Christ sakes! A fing fumble in the last 1:50 sec?!?!
What do you mean? The NW QB isn’t a Heisman candidate? NW isn’t Bama? Are you sure?
Here we go?
Still think Irish will win, Chan? Let’s hope so!
I want to hear Kelly explain why he went for two even if we win this game.
This season has been a roller coaster. I had very mild expectations of them this year….far from shooting for the moon.
How do they come out of the gate? They DAZZLE! A young defense plays with heart and electricity. The offense showed the want to put points on the board.
Then…..on the road in Tallahassee they still my heart and more like a suave boy on prom night. By punching that team in mouth and nearly defeating them.
And then…..
He says he’s gonna call but turns the ball over 20 fing times to shit ball clubs.
Don’t get too hyped about the FSU game. They’re not even that good. They might lose tonight to Miami.
Another TO! Brain dead team all around. How do you fumble there Cam?!
ND will now go on to lose this game. I’ve been sensing this all game.
I’ve seen this game before!
Well, I’d say that as the season has progressed, DC’s have figured out how to exploit the D’s youth…Up Tempo. Since the UNC game, it’s been a high speed free for all. Losing Schmidt just compounds this because they can’t maintain pressure without a LB to make the reads on the fly.
Golson can’t make his reads, or run the read option.
But, now Brindza can’t kick. Kelly can’t do math.
Louisville and USC are going to be twice the team, with more footage to design from.
Brutal Loss.
Wouldn’t it be nice to be up 41-37 but instead we go for 2 earlier, don’t get it, and we’re only up by 3. We can’t get out of our own way. What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon – watching the Fighting Irish stink up the place. We make every quarterback we play look like a Heisman trophy winner!!!!
Great D, Irish!
One more time: Gutless! Pathetic!
Brindza?!
BK?!
BVG?!
You name it…. Questions everywhere! Everywhere!!!
Brain dead!!!
Why pick it up?!!!
Brain f-ing dead team!!!
Brain dead team all around!
NW will make this a game to the end.
Watch out, Irish fans. I’ve said once I’ll say it again: I’ve seen this game too many times before.
Gutless performance no matter what!
Kelly can’t add.
Why go for 2? Now a FG and 2 point conversion ties the game. 12 or 13 point is the same at this point. It means NW would’ve needed 2 TDs either way.
Where’s Cam down at the goal line, this team just makes it harder then it should be.
Another RZ TO!!!
Gutless!!!
ND football is just pathetic right now.
Here we go, Chan!!!
Keep the faith brother. ND will win a very f’ing ugly football game.
This is utterly unbelievable! Fumble at the goal line! They are too damn stupid to win today or any other day.
ND will win? Oh, I have my doubts for sure. But I hope you’re right.
I knew the D would allow NW to march right down the field. That’s what this D has done of late. Can’t shut team down when it counts.
That team is gone, Chan. It’s long gone!
ND will win. I don’t have doubts about that. I’m just want the Irish team who shut out Michigan and punched Florida St in the mouth back.
They should be able to run on this team all day, but Kelly feels the need to pass all the time.
Everyone’s STs is better than ND’s.
When will BK figure out he needs a real STs coach?! I’m so tired of seeing our punt returns and KOs go nowhere.
Notice how quiet our excuse makers are? They’re waiting for ND to squeak one out, hopefully. Then they’ll come out of their closets.
Get used to it SYC. This is a favorite of our excuse makers. Next year it will be they’re too old.
Another EG TO! More points left off the scoreboard. I’m telling you. I’ve seen all this before. Groundhog day, anyone?!
Pathetic performance!
I’m tired about hearing all the time about us being too young.
Mske that NW 26 points and counting. But don’t worry our excuse makers will somehow find a way to convince us the D is the second coming of the 85 Bears if it weren’t for this or that.
BK is too smart for his own good at times.
I just have a feeling I’ve seen this game before too many times. And it doesn’t end well either.
This hasn’t played for shit sense the loss to Florida St. I’m stunned that northwestern has us in a 27-23 ball game.
Kelly, god love him loves to throw that football. It’s true commitment. I just for the life me (5 years now) do NOT understand his lack of desire to establish a run game. Even…..after watching how it allows the offense to gain “control” of the game.
RUN RUN RUN
Amen CHAN
we used to be KNOWN for the running game–
it’s not flashy
but its not trashy
RUNNING GAME
Amen Chan
If ND gets beat today, watch out! They could well lose the next 4 games. If that happens, many wavering ND recruits will bail.
I’ve said it before, BK’s at the crossroads oh is ND career. Let’s see what happens. But I continue to be unimpressed. Under BK the Irish can’t win consistently against ranked teams and scrap against too many weak teams.
This is just a mentally and physically weak team right now.
Unbelievable! Defensively, Notre Dame doesn’t have a clue – they are absolutely lost! We make everyone look like a Heisman contender. How many big plays does Northwestern have in the first half? And they have dropped about 5 more big plays. I know they are young but this is the 10th game of the year and they look horrible. Offensively, NW has no answer for ND – however we see yet another poor decision from Golson that almost resulted in another pick 6. What is the D1 record for turnovers from a quarterback during a season? Golson must be getting close.
I keep thinking Notre Dame will wake up and play well. I don’t think that’s going to happen. They have regressed and are, flat out, not a very good football team. They are horrible defensively and, for all their talent offensively, they shoot themselves in the foot time and time again with turnovers. End result, they may lose today, they will most definitely lose next week (Louisville) and the following week (USC) and then they will lose again in the Toilet Bowl against whoever they play. Disgusted with the whole thing.
I haven’t even mentioned the fact that they can’t hold a damn snap for the placekicker.
Well Said Irish Eyes–
I sat on the couch and the family just looked at me and I looked at them and without saying a word, we went out to dinner and didn’t talk about it
Got in the house and I told my crew–the sun rises tomorrow–but even brighter in Evanston.
Let’s watch the DVR movies and screw the SCUM THUG Fest in Florida with canes and noles–
life moved on
but Irish alum and fan for life makes me wonder–
EVERYTHING You are thinking–
spot on–
at this point we go to the Emerald Bowl in San Fran or Pinstripe again on Dec. 27 and play Kent State and win 20- 19
Did you just compliment yourself?
I can’t seem to recall whether or not you claim to be an alum, oh wait you put it in every post to “remind” us.
Just to clarify, do we win the Emerald or Pinstripe Bowl over Kent St.
This is about as gutless a first half since, well, last week….
Why not go for it on 4th? Brindza is horrible from that range. Look at his stats, excuse makers and stat quoters! Gutless settling for a FG attempt there.
We’ve seen this game before too many times over the years in that stadium. I’m just expecting for something bad to happen and ND gets beat.
I hop ND blows out NW in the 2nd half but I doubt it. I hope I’m wrong.
This D is just bad. If it weren’t for NW’s drops ND would be down at HT.
God forbid ND lose this game and this what you’ll hear from our endless excuse makers: this is NW’s bowl game, Joe Schmidt is gone, it was too cold, BVG has halitosis….
AMen Steel -AMEN
This is incredible!
Lose this game and BK needs to do some serious soul searching.
Where is the heart? No guts either!
Best ND = NW WRs!
There’s a reason BVG has been fired from every job, I guess.
Pathetic defense, but according to many ND has killer depth. One LB goes out and the D goes to shit. Freshman has no clue.
Let the excuses for the D begin!
Pathetic start!!!
Steel Fan:
Missed you dude.
You are spot on with every statement!
What The HELL is wrong with this team?
Is it talent?
NO
Is it that ND has lowered the bar for admissions?
NO
Is it that we
don’t have enough of a running game, don’t protect the ball, throw WAY too much,
could have won the FSU game with 248 left and we throw, throw and throw instead of run, eating clock, control tempo or take control
special teams
covering the ball, protecting the ball,
sounds like bad play calling to me–
Houston we have a problem
and it ain’t the talent
it’s the talent UNREALIZED
Potential UNFULFILLED
Take Care Steel Fan
We let N. Western hang with us
Arizona State RUN from us–
still using the same play calls which gave the ball away in the first place
there is no plan b–
this is a run on sentence
and
We are all watching our beloved Irish go from 6-0 to outplaying the thugs of Tallahassee to playing not to lose—
North Carolina was a BIG eye opener, Navy–more of the same
ASY bit us in the ass and
N. Western–congrats –you did it—
and deserved it.
Love the Irish—always will.
Something has to give so that ALL THIS TALENT REALIZES THE POTENTIAL WHICH IS THERE!
Good Night Men
Good to hear from you, irisheye62!
It’s not that I’m a genius. It’s simply a matter of having lived this nightmare before. I almost knew after the blocked XP for 2 points for NW that ND was in trouble.
How many times have we seen this game in that stadium over the last twenty years?! ND finding a way to get beat by a bad team. Yet again. Pathetic! That’s thee right word for ND football right now.
I could swear that I had flashbacks of BC’s David Gordon seeing NW’s FG kicker.
I just can’t believe how this team literally gave this game away. Cam fumbling?! Incredible! But even after that the ND D forces a fumble. 3 defenders are around the ball and all they managed to do was knock it out of bounds. Incredible!
The oldest truism in sports is winners find ways to win (Bama), losers find ways to lose (ND). Pathetic!
Now we wait for duranko’s ad hominem attack against me as subterfuge and deflection from the inadequacies of ND football. We’ll have to endure more biblical eisegesis to boot.
OK, I’m beginning to believe that ND keeps games close on purpose for ratings points.
This is unbelievable. Why doesn’t Zaire just pick up the ball and try to make a play with his feet or arm? Is ND’s so bad they don’t have a drill for that situation?
Great D, Irish!
NW is unstoppable, I guess.
RUNNING GAME–
RUNNING GAME —RUNNING GAME
Should and could have been done in the last 2: 48 against Tallahassee.
Should and could have been done to slow the pace against ASU in the Desert.
Live by the pass–die by the pass.
Running Game.
Establish it–mix it—
Everything is not a Roller Coaster ride Moment–
Flashy it may not be–
but run–eat clock–control–
some basic fundamentals boys —
and you have Irish football–
changes in the game be damned —
Some things are timeless.
LOL ^^^
lose the profanity
lose the infantilism
lose the prepubescent self-absorbed egocentric failed attempts at humor
You are not of Notre Dame
You are an emotional dwarf
You are not funny in the least
You do not have game.
You know who you are, I am addressing an audience of one.
Mr halitosis,
Allow me to introduce you to the one, the only, a man who needs no introduction; duranko. You will no doubt enjoy the banter the two of you will share. I will warn you; however, brush up on your theology, bad war references and by all means never make a prediction. And come armed with a thesaurus or google to understand/translate his tirades.
Although, I must admit I agree with the above statements. You are obnoxious. Believe me, I fully see the irony in this statement coming from me.
wow
you may have over reacted just a touch
This is a cute attempt you’ve got going on here brown eye but just as a reminder, here is your overreaction:
irisheye62 replied on November 15th, 2014 at 3:56 pm
Michael–
you are no Archangel
and YOU are disturbed.
I hope that folks don’t respond to you.
I feel sorry for your toxic tone.
Name sounds more like fallen angel to me—and has for some time.
Cynical, bitter, can’t agree to disagree and your insight on Irish football makes you sound like the biggest USC or SEC fan out there.
I honestly feel sorry for you.
It is folks like you that ruin the boards on the internet.
Say hello to Lucifer and enjoy your eternal hot tea you sick twisted scum.
Mr. Bad Breath: what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Digging deep with the Billy Madison quote huh? You dish some weak sauce aroud this jount Burgundy. Nonetheless, it’s good to see you back in character.
Each year roughly 2700 players pick D-1 schools other than Notre Dame.
Further, this may come to pass. Juwan may come to pass-and run a bit too.
2016 No. 1 Pro-Style QB Henry Picks FSU Over ND
You do realize we all have access to the internet an have known about this since yesterday.
I don’t know why everyone is so upset about Everett Cutler’s turnovers. Obviously Cutler gives us our best chance to win. Wow, Notre Dame and the Bears are starting to sound an awful lot alike these days.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-notre-dame-qb-everett-golson-on-correcting-turnovers-20141112-premium
Here’s what Golson says about his turnovers.
sorry for the bad link
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-notre-dame-qb-everett-golson-on-correcting-turnovers-20141112-premiumvideo.html
BK said in his press conference the only real blocking problems were the running backs and tight ends. When you are a 6 foot quarterback you need to know how to place yourself in passing lanes..much like Drew Brees has done his whole life.(even when he played with mediocre offensive lines)
The turnovers are not just a product of the ASU game, this has been happening ALL season long and no real sign of improvement. I think Golson is a good quarterback that shows signs of greatness but great quarterbacks control the game not send it out of control with constant turnovers.
How about letting Zaire play and then if Golson is so great BK can insert him like he did Tommy Reese. Just remember some of those games attributed to a win for Golson were games where Reese came in and saved the day.
I’m totally amazed at how many clueless people are posting here. Look beyond the turnover number and see what actually happened on each play before you say they’re all on Golson. 1 fumble (when he was being sacked), another that we recovered (when he was being sacked) 2passes tipped at the line because our 2 tackles didn’t executed the cut blocks, leaving the DE’s standing straight up, 1 tipped pass off Robinson on a pass that hit him in the chest, one pass int at the goal line when Koyak just waved at the guy he was supposed to block then watched him hit Golson in the back as he was throwing.
Any of you imbeciles calling for EG to be benched understand anything you were watching? I’d say the fumbles were on EG, despite the sacks, the int’s not.
Tucsonfan,
The fumbles were on EG, the reads on the blitzes are on EG, the lack of protection for EG is on BK. This thread is not dominated by discussion of the INTs, but of all the issues named above, including the poor O line coaching and communication. And, like it or not, even if they are not his fault, in many cases a coach will put in a backup when a starting QB becomes turnover happy – if only to change the momentum of the game. None of that happened. It was not until the second half that McDaniel was put in for pass protection and blitz recognition, which EG clearly needed his help in.
Well maybe if we crushed the teams we are supposed to, like Navy, Purdue, Syracuse, NORTHWESTERN….Then Zaire can get some playing time. I don’t need to see him against Arizona St. on the road in his first real game time.
Exactly and you can’t crush anyone when you consistently turn the ball over. It keeps mediocre teams in the game and results in losses against good teams.
I don’t buy Zaire is not ready. One of the ND coaches said when Golson cramped up during the FSU game Zaire warmed up on the sidelines and wasn’t awed by the crowd or the opponent. He said Zaire was ready to take over.
Some people have remarked that Golson looks distraught on the sidelines. maybe it’s because he knows Malik can come in and has a good chance to take the QB job if he can control the ball.
I say the next turnover resulting from careless ball handling, BK should yank Golson even if just temporary and let him sit and think about it. Otherwise we’ll be talking about this the rest of the year, and next year and on and on.
All I want for Christmas is a 10 win season. Please not another 8-4 , 9-3 season. That’s like getting a pair a socks again from my Aunt Veronica.
Veronica Corningstone??
I banged her…but my flute smelled funny for months.
I do think 10-2 with a quality bowl win will go a long way. At the beginning of the season, a playoff spot seemed a long shot. It appears the “experts” had it right. They need to get more consistent on defense. Losing Schmidt was a big blow, esp. a week before facing a team like ASU. I’ve seen some things I liked this year from our defense, and some things I didn’t like. BK is hauling in the kids they need on defense and the O-line. That is where football games are won, in the trenches.
I agree, giving Zaire some playing time may be jolt EG needs to get out of his funk. He has the talent, but taking care of the football is top priority. I don’t really care about his feelings getting hurt. He’s a QB in a big program. He can take it. If there’s one thing we learned in 2012 is being pulled makes him more determined, not less.
BK’s top priority is to win football games. He needs to do whatever it takes to win games (as far as what plays to call and who to play that is).
I know some disillusioned fans are ready to pull the plug on BK. But progress is being made. Slow, yes, but progress nonetheless. Under Willingham and Weis, the program was regressing steadily. I don’t think we can honestly say that now. There are hiccups, but all the pieces are almost in place.
And really, fire BK when most of the country feels ND is better today than it was in 2009, just who do you think you’re going to get to coach at ND.
When Weis was fired, there were fundamental problems with ND football. The foundation was a crumbling mess. BK and Swarbick have been steadily rebuilding that foundation. I still think we are almost out of the hole 3 mediocre coaches have put us in. Yes, there are some things BK needs to do (improved run game and more consistent defense), but I see things as fixable.
SOME GREAT POINTS, DAVID. I PREVIOUSLY STATED THE SAME THING. KELLY’S GAME PLAN FOR A BLITZING, AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE, WAS TERRIBLE. HE LOOKED CLUELESS. AS FOR THE DEFENSE, THEY ARE YOUNG, AND BANGED UP. WHAT EVERYONE FAILS TO REALIZE IS THAT RECRUITING MAKES A GREAT PROGRAM. SABAN IS A GREAT COACH, BUT HE HAS HAD THE TOP RECRUITING CLASS FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, F.S.U. WAS DORMANT UNTIL 2 YEARS AGO WHEN THEY GOT GREAT RECRUITING CLASSES, BACK TO BACK. NOTRE DAME HAS ACADEMIC RESTRICTIONS WHICH WILL MAKE IT HARD TO COMPETE WITH THE FOOTBALL FACTORIES, WHO HAVE NONE. I HAVE BEEN AN AVID IRISH FAN FOR 50 YEARS TOO, RON. UNFORTUNATELY THE HALCYON DAYS OF ARA , AND LOU ARE GONE. IF YOU READ MY PREVIOUS COMMENTS YOU WOULD SEE THAT I AM NOT WHINING ABOUT THE PLAYOFF. THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH, YET. E.G. IS NOT GETTING ANY HELP FROM A RUNNING GAME, AND KELLY’S PLAY CALLING. ZAIRE SHOULD GET SOME PLAYING TIME THIS YEAR, AND AN OPEN Q.B. COMPETITION NEXT YEAR MIGHT BE THE WAY TO GO. THEY ALSO PICKED UP BRANDON WINBUSH, WHO IS A BIGGER, FASTER VERSION OF GOLSON. I HAVE SEEN THIS KID PLAY. HE IS THE BEST PLAYER IN NEW JERSEY AND MIGHT BE ABLE TO COMPETE FOR THE STARTING JOB NEXT YEAR. LETS SEE HOW THE REST OF THE YEAR PLAYS OUT. WIN OUT AND THE YEAR WOULD BE A SUCCESS. NEXT YEAR, THE NUCLEUS FOR A TOP 5 TEAM IS THERE.
Something puzzles me, BK took Folston out because he was missing blocking assignments and he replaced him with Cam.
Why is nobody upset with that, after all Folston has been churning out the yards and giving us the best chance to win from the RB position.
Why does Golson get a pass and other position players don’t?
Another thing, it’s not just the fumbles and interceptions, it’s also the sacks that Golson keeps taking because he won’t just get rid of the ball when there’s nothing there.
Success in football is based on wins and losses. 446 yards passing means nothing when you turn the ball over to the tune of 21 points.
That is a great observation. Plus some better decision making by Golson could have prevented being in the position to commit turnovers. On one of his fumbles, when he decides to vacate the pocket, he spins to the side that the blitz came from and that is a no no. So in an effort to escape the defender, he ends up fumbling.
I’ve written too much about this likely, but nonetheless…McDaniels was in to make the reads on blitzes because Golson couldn’t. Folston lacks the seniority to do so even if he knows how. So, we have McDaniels in to do half the QB’s job, or Polston in to be a great runningback, but accept poor QB play.
Listen, I’m upset we lost, but you act like Golson played horrible. What if the ball doesn’t go right into the hands of the defense on the 2 tipped passes? What if Corey Robinson catches the ball and it doesn’t end up being a pick six?
In my opinion, the O line is more to blame for the loss. We didn’t block anyone and couldn’t run the ball. What a surprise. We are never able to run the ball
I know I’m going to get kiled for saying Golson didn’t play horrible. He played pretty bad…but he did throw for 446 lol
Now or never. Always is, always has been.
Kelly is great as a team CEO. He gets to cerebral and polished with his schemes and play calling both sides of the ball. Not to mention predictable. ” A State” new what was going to be called all game long. Football is a contact sport and we try and finesse way to much. Defenses play well early in the season partly because they have the advantage. Offenses take longer to install then fair better as season progresses. Ours however become to complex and intricate. Relying way to much on the QB. How about we just get back to being more physical and use our speed. Again, both sides of the ball. Once that’s established, then mix in the finesse game. Lastly, how is it we can’t block on punt returns. It’s not just the gunners, most of the interior line is making down the center of the field beating the gunners to the ball. Kelly is a great coach and team builder. He is almost there. He is just getting in his own way. So now he has built a team. It is easier to “build” than it is to “sustain”. Quit waiting for “next years”.
There is nobody better than Golson when he has enough protection to make plays. His style will not change. Kelly needs to accept that and install protection schemes that gives Golson the chance to do what he does. Let’s face it may of his scores this year were broken plays. So instead of trying to change him work with his style and give him maximum protection. First thing is to get the running game going. Do more screens and stacks out wide and in tight and more two tight end formations and some roll outs. Kelly went into the ASU game against a good team that blitzes a ton and no apparent plan to counter their blitz packages and knowing that his QB does not deal well with pressure. Also, the defense didn’t get stops at critical times. VanGorder needs to do a better job f disguising his blitzes and blitz more strategically. Lastly Jaylon Smith should have been moved to the middle.
Agree with much of what you posted.
Without being too picky though, you said,”(BK knows) that his QB does not deal well with pressure”. Nor does any QB. Allowing for a moving pocket to allow Everett to rollout and showcase what EG does best (which would also minimize EG’s 6′ height from being as much a detriment as it was with two tipped passes turned into INTs), might help, and, as you noted ND becoming less one-dimensional by actually sustaining a run scheme, would all help to neutralize blitz schemes.
When I was taught to pass block, we would never pass up a chance to engage and pancake a DL, maximizing protection by better sustaining blocks instead of giving their DL the chance to stay separated and swat at passes. Again, the two batted passes and the bobbled reception led to 21 points, and added three TOs to EG’s #s that weren’t all on him at all. Our offense have more problems to fix than EG’s sloppiness.
David D,
You make an excellent point.
A QB is only as good as the protection he gets.
ND currently ranks 89th in the nation sacks allowed. 89TH!
(Duke is #1 giving up just 4 sacks in 9 games for a minus -21 yards)
And like you say, that’s with a QB that can run, scramble, and throw on the move.
It appears to me that in pass protection, the ND O-line is particularly vulnerable up the middle (at Center)
That makes very it hard to set up, to step up when forced, and have the needed time to read the defense.
In going with Cam over Folston I think Kelly was willing to give up some offense in the run game for better pass protection for Golson.
But when you fall behind 31-3, running the ball 45 times only serves to eat up time that ND no longer had.
On the defensive side, I don’t think ND did a terrible job.
They gave up 188 yards rushing and 224 passing. (Not great, but not terrible)
And were constantly trying to defend a short field.
They did hold ASU to just 5 of 15 on third down (33%) and also forced them to punt 6 times.
I think VanGorder has done a pretty good job on the season in getting critical stops.
Just not in this game.
Shaz,
One point on protection is that the QB is responsible for rotating coverage and making line calls to the center. Is Golson not making the right line calls? That is something that I would have to delve into the coaches film and know the protections and I work a job for a living. I think the coaching staff needs to review this film and see what they can do.
Jack and David,
The protection issues stem largely from EG’s inability to make his adjustments, and his inability to settle or step into a pocket. It’s just not fair to blame the OL, when Golson is flushing randomly and unresaonably. No OL could defend that type of QB play. Which speaks to his style. His style is jungleball. He’s used to just making it up with his athleticism and instincts. To the average watcher this looks like a playmaker when the gambit works out occasionally, but to a coach, it’s the most frustrating goddamn thing imaginable. Christ lacked the IQ to make his reads and checkdowns, but also lacked the instincts and athleticism. He had the same issues without the TD’s. No one lamented his ejection. Zaire is very new to a complicated system, but certainly isn’t lacking in athleticism or competitive desire. If Kelly could play him he would.
On his side, he runs a zone offense. He can’t run the read option because Golson can’t read the DE/OL. He actually tried it again against ASU, and astonishingly, Golson kept the ball…when he should have given to Folston. The run game can’t be established without the defense spreading wide and zones developing.
All of this is dependent upon the QB making a few simple, but essential reads. Golson’s inability to do this was made obvious the second half against ASU.
Reese was in because he could read a defense. McDaniel is in because he can read the defense. Watch the second half of the ASU game. It’s abundantly clear that Cam is running the show.
I’d imagine Kelly has done everything concievable to aid Golson. Why wouldn’t he? The kid has the raw talent to be a Heisman player, but lacks the essentials to get there. It’s a sad story, but so is leprosy.
I’d agree with others that Kelly shouldn’t be playcalling and HC at once. That’s tough as hell. But for obvious reasons, that’s where they’re at now.
I am merely making the observation that based on how BK coached at Cincy and how he coaches now – he seems more in love with the position than the job of being football coach at the University of Notre Dame. It isnt the yelling I was referring to but rather the fire he had and the willingness to really trust and believe in his mantra of next man which definitely affected his team and instilled a tough ass attitude in them. It made lessor talent better by confidence and a knowing they may have to perform at anytime. He has since his first year here become a conservative CEO or manager of the program rather than the aggressive coach and teacher he exemplified at Cincy and the guy that was hired.
Aint no reason Malik shouldnt have gotten a shot in the end of the first half based on Golsons play. That would have happened at Cincy for sure and it would have spoke volumes of the respect and trust he professes to have in ALL of his players. Not dumping on Golson but he is in a funk and has fumble fever – in my mind AZ St was too big of a game waiting for Golson to wake up and the turnovers kept coming although the one to Robinson wasnt his fault. Allowing Malik the remaining 42 seconds of the 4th quarter in mop up doesnt bode well for him or for us fans.
Wait, I’m confused. A couple weeks ago ND football was “back” but now we’re trying to figure out where to go from here?
All I know is George Whitfield is a fraud.
George,
It is a week to week proposition. ND has the chance to go back look at the film and become a better team. End the season at 10-2 and go to a bowl. Whitfield is not a fraud and Golson needs to finally listen and protect the football. If these things are done the ASU game will be looked at as a bad day and not a trend, but the trend in the offensive play on Saturday has been there since Syracuse and need to be fixed.
Before the start of the season, I predicted to all my friends, that ND would probably wind up with an 8-4 record this year! the could conceivably end up at 9-3, now, as both Louisville and USC are capable of beating them!!!!
Kelly should give Malik the ball against Northwestern, and see how it pans out, give Golson something to think about!!!! I fault Kelly for not giving Malik playing time in some of the games where the out come was never in doubt!!!!
I really like Everett because he shakes things off and goes about his business in the next series. The INTs can happen. It’s protecting the ball when he KNOWS he’s going to get hit that I just don’t understand. You learn as a QB/RB to protect the ball when you’re 8 years old. It’s almost inexplicable at the collegiate level.
BK screwing with juggling positions on the O line for the first 3-4 games certainly didnt help foster any consistency.
If BK was still at Cincy, Golson would have been on the bench after 2 turnovers period. I truly believe Malik should have been put in before the half. He is talented enough to run the offense and it would have allowed Golson to rethink / regain his composure. Even at the end of the game Golson was hanging the ball out there for anyone to swat and still not protecting it! Regardless of that – the defense was awful all game and they were depleted.
Bottomline, in the past 3 years, I believe BK has seemingly ascended to a CEO stature of the football team and has jettisoned the coaching fire he had at Cincy before he was hired at ND. Previously he would never have tolerated the sloppy play of his QB or anybodys play in that last game. Now it is all about the odds and who statistically gives them the best chance based on experience even when your QB is having another melt down on the field. He lost his fire after the first year of being hired – he is really unrecognizable now as a coach vs when he was at Cincy.
Probably because he gets scolded for yelling at his players.
@ George:
BK’s yelling and fury adds fire and improves execution, or does it merely release steam? Does it improve the players’ performance or help BK relieve his frustration? Like it or not, not all players respond positively to a public shaming, especially when it’s everytime. When games go wrong, BK seems to always have to prove it was somebody else’s fault. That insecurity is unnecessary. His success speaks for itself. Quit trying to prove you belong by blaming individuals, calling them out too often by name. Hollering and screaming in reaction to every miscue becomes less effective than timely releases. Ask anyone who’s ever coached or taught kids. Some respond better to a coach’s private criticism than to a public rant, especially right after a loss. No need to coddle-but maintaining control of your frustration is usually more effective if the next play is truly the most important one.
I agree and disagree. Kelly is stuck in the position of OC, to instruct and inform; and HC, which is to criticize and motivate. I did this for a few years at the slightly less elevated level of 9’s and 10’s, and it was hell. Kelly knows this as well, hence the lack of wrath directed towards EG,(who at times looks to yell at, and dismiss his Kelly), though his abysmal play certainly deserves it.
As well, I think Kelly calls names in order to shape the criticism before everyone else does…And Notre Dame prides itself on accountability.
Hey guys look, mr bad breath was a pop warner coach. Congrats fella.
Now Ron, insulting me for what I already self effaced about looks foolish. When I wrote “slightly less elevated”; that was the clue. I’m using sarcasm there to downplay my own commentary. When you insult someone who does that, you’re unintentionally showcasing deep seated insecurities.
Now I’m no Freud, (Did you get that Ron?), or as Duranko might say, I’m no psychological von Blucher pissin’ up a corn stalk, (That part right there.), but I think you may be unnerved by some of my criticisms; of which I’m happy to stop. All you have to do is ask nicely.
The only thing you are slightly less elevated than is the brown stain that ran down the crack of your mommas arse.
Thanks, veterans. It’s November 11th.
We honor your service.
But, with all due respect, to future veterans and these future officers.
Please! After 88 years, especially the last several,
with all the injuries, letdowns, and with nothing to gain-
Enough of Navy, already. One-sided relationships favoring only one partner eventually play out and end.
Time to pull up anchor and let it drift away into a memory.
Sail away, Navy football, the sooner the better.
You’ll remain forever in our appreciative hearts, but, at least, not every year on a football field.
Especially since Navy has now joined a conference! I see no benefit in playing them and I am a Navy veteran.
If I am not mistaking BK said our goal is to make the college football playoff every year! This year is no exception just because it’s the first year. If your team is losing games because of the quarterback then you need to help him correct his issues. Like BK has been trying to do since Syracuse. Now 5 games later, it is not working. The time has come to inform Golson his is on a short leash and Zaire will play if he has another turnover. We cannot fall in the ‘wait til next year’ trap. We have to win every year, because the next year will have it’s own set of unforseen problems!
I’m not excusing Golson but the O-Line has been a disappointment this year. This Hiestand came highly touted. The talent and depth at the O-Line is the best of any unit for ND. They have talented RB’s behind them. And yet they can’t run the ball consistently and they can’t pick up a blitz. I don’t get it.
Thank-you for pointing this out!!! I was beginning to think I was the only one who noticed!
Ditto and thank you
Agreed; two of the picks were on tipped balls that were O line mistakes in not getting the DE’s to the ground.
Well we obviously hold our players to higher standards considering if we have Kevaire Russell and Davaris Daniels we probably beat FSU…..
The kid from Arizona St. had a DUI like 10 days ago and played in the game.
I understand what Brian Kelly was brought here to do, but before the season were you all expecting us to go undefeated or something? Let’s cry about it some more.
And when Rees replaced Golson, Rees was a Junior and Golson was a FRESHMAN. Not the same….
To be fair Floyd had a DUI and didn’t miss a game.
Floyd was suspended from school for a semester. If he would have gotten one during the season he would have been suspended. Look at Will Yeatman.
Brandon,
BK himself stated he expected to win every game he played. I wasn’t expecting them to win every game, but I didn’t expect them to get destroyed on offense like they did against an ASU team that hasn’t had a top ten recruiting class. ND lost by over 21 points and that is unacceptable. I didn’t expect them to beat FSU based on the talent difference and the suspensions, but to get blown out for a majority of the game against a defense which gave up 62 to UCLA, if you not disappointed, I don’t know what to tell you.
I love the guys on this board that are unicorns and rainbows. Brian Kelly was hired at ND to bring a National Championship period. ND doesn’t play in a conference so 10-2 or 11-1 doesn’t mean squat. That is what being an independent means. If your in a conference you want to win the conference, ND isn’t in a conference so their goal every year is to make the playoffs, BCS or National Championship game.
Also, the goal of ND football is to be a top 10 program. My question to people on this board is are they a top ten team? I don’t think they are and there are glaring weaknesses in the team.
1. Offensive line has been horrible at times. Inconsistent would be a word I would use.
2. Defense has been porous at times.
3. QB needs to learn ball security. He needs to watch QB’s like Russel Wilson and Drew Brees who are short but find throwing lanes and protect the football.
4. QB needs pressure taken off of him by the rest of the team. The rest of the team needs to step up and understand that Everett is trying to make the great play instead of the right play.
I think people on this board are sick of hearing next year is ND’s year. I think they see programs like Alabama, LSU, Oregon, USC under Carroll and expect ND to be good year in and year out. Depth is an issue at ND even with the recent suspensions and injuries on defense and offense, but Alabama loses 10 players a year to the NFL and don’t miss a beat and ND fans expect the same from ND. Now if you think it is unfair to compare ND to Alabama, many fans from the 70’s will point out ND’s dominance of the SEC teams in the 70’s. It’s not unfair to expect greatness from ND and excuses like Academics, the inability to recruit kids due to rigorous standards and any other excuse you want to throw out there is just that an excuse. I have said it before and I will say it again, the administration needs to get it’s head out of it’s rear end and pay more attention to the thing that brings all that money into the University because it is slipping into mediocrity right in front of our eyes.
Oh and to answer your question ND should stomp Northwestern because they have better players that are more athletic and I and everyone else on this board expects ND to either win every game they play or at least not get beat by more than two touchdowns. Shaz the only stat at the end of the day that matters is wins and loses. By the way ASU played 9 true freshman, there not waiting until next year.
To say: “the only stat at the end of the day that matters is wins and loses”
That is not a fact.
Nor is it a stat.
that my friend, is an opinion.
….to which you are most certainly entitled.
Shaz,
I measure a program by three criteria:
1. Graduation rate
2. Do players grow into adults through the program
3. wins and loses.
I expect that the school makes all three a priority. One of the proudest moments as a ND fan was to have them ranked #1 in the nation in graduation rate and #1 in the nation as a football team. They were the first to do it and it’s the mission of the University. I really don’t care where they are ranked in offensive or defensive categories. Those three are the only three that matter and I think 98% of this board would agree. That is what sets ND apart from Alabama and other football factories the fact that being a student matters and having excellence on the field matters. Right now they have 2 of the three but are missing the wins and loses. Look at Ara and Lou’s winning percentage against top 10 teams and compare it to BK. People on this board measure you against those coaches, just like Saban gets measured against the Bear.
Jack,
According to the AP poll, there are only 7 “current”(active) major college coaches who have winning records against top 25 teams.
1)Bob Stoops 50-26
2)Nick Saban 50-36
3)Urban Meyer 26-12
t4)Steve Spurrier 63-54-1
t4)Les Miles 42-33
5)Mark Richt 36-32
6)Brian Kelly 16-13
I would say that’s some pretty good company.
This is the rule that I use to measure.
Now factor in those things you mentioned like graduation rate, admission standards,recruiting policies, Junior College Transfers, and varing policies on codes of conduct.
I really can’t compare Brian Kelly to Ara or Lou until his time at ND is fully completed.
*correction: Nick Saban is 52-36 against top 25 teams
Shaz,
What was Hotlz and Ara’s record. That was my quote. I also said that all coaches are measured against there predecessors and their peers. Kelly is actually almost a 500 coach. Look at Saban and Meyer’s record. I don’t want to sound like bj, but you just made my point.
One other thing ND administration expect a coach to have the records of Meyer and Saban plus the graduation rate. Has Kelly turned the program around, Yes. Is this a top ten program yet as far as product on the field, No.
Jack,
Lou Holtz coach his last ND game in 1996… 18 years ago!
Ara coached his last ND game in 1974…40 years ago!
And we’re to believe nothing in college has changed during that time?
Good luck with that one.
Maybe you can bj to back you up?
So ND should go undefeated every single year. Got it.
No kidding ND has better players than Northwestern, but when has that ever mattered before?
George,
If ND doesn’t go undefeated or a one loss season they will have no shot in the current system of playing for the NC. As far as Northwestern there is no reason why ND shouldn’t beat them by two touchdowns.
That’s probably what Wisconsin said too.
I love how everyone just assumes ND will beat the tar out of Northwestern.
Indeed, George. Momentous losses can propel you to a furious effort the next time you take the field (which will lead to a comfortable win for ND), or a sluggish tentative effort, which could lead to keeping NW in the game. This might be the most crucial week of coaching BK and staff have faced.You still have to execute and refocus. That’s on the players and coaches.We’ll soon see.
I was hoping for a furious effort against Navy. Guess I was a little off base to say the least
I understand you are all fans and we have high HOPES, but it seems like everyone here is all like “we must go undefeated or else the season is a failure”. Are any of you realists? You’re acting like someone just curbstomped your puppy.
We’re on to Northwestern…
BK always put in Reece. Zaire is not better than Reece? There is several
times this season for various reasons Zaire should have been put in. I have
seen this before with running backs when BK doesnt like you there is no
chance. Lets hope Zaire doesnt transfer for getting no chances.
I’d presume that Reese came in because while he lacked the athleticism to be an elite quarterback, he knew the offense and could make the adjustments necessary to overcome defensive scheming. Golson is the opposite player. So, Zaire not being in would insinuate that his mental ability to run the offense isn’t conspicuously superior to Golson’s…at least not prior to the last game. Now, you know Kelly’s mulling it over. Northwestern should be a pretty forgiving game. I’d love to see Zaire start.
Who gives a flip if he transfers? If he transfers he sits out a year and then starts playing at exactly the same time he would at ND. What is the fascination with you dolts about the back up QB’s. First it was Crist, then Hendrix and now Zaire.
What do you propose, only have one QB every 4 years on the roster? One guy starts the other guy sits. Get over it. This was the same argument with Rees. Do you think this is another conspiracy where BK intentionally leaves a Peyton Manning clone on the bench? What would the rationale be? Jeopardize a multi million dollar a year career to what, piss you idiots off.
I’m not sure what that post is supposed to mean. Have you been huffing your Sex Panther?
For the first time in a long time recruiting has been strong with enough duration that a “Program” could be built. Zaire is a top recruit. One that judging from footage, has great talent, charisma, and smarts. Crist was an idiot. Reese, very bright, but lacked the physical prowess. Hendrix was a small, slow runningback.
We have a great potential QB in Zaire. An experiment in Kizer. Another hopefull great talent in Wimbush.
What are you delusing about Ron?
Do we need to slow it down for you?
The post I replied to was Jerry’s. If you follow along you will notice he is in perpetual fear of players transferring. If you also pay attention you will notice the site is in constant love with back up qb around here.
I love a witty sarcastic comment as much or more as the next guy but please compose yourself long enough to understand what the reply is referring to.
Much like the film, each poster has a tendency on here.
I’m with you Ron, and feel like you’re slower than I like. But, I think my sense of your error lies in your, and many others, presumtion that their frustration with repetitive reasoning is equivalent to illogical thinking. Jerry has a valid concern. Maybe it’s more redundent than you like, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Just as comparing the current conversation at QB to those of others is a false equivalency, so is the tendencies of posters concerning a set argument. It’s a sign of a larger ignorance to generalize where specific comparison is required.
Fear of a painful transfer is a reality at ND. It hampers recruiting and creates frustration with everyone involved who seek football factory results while demanding higher ethical practices.
Wow Ron –You may have overreacted just a touch
Would Zaire have led us to a touchdown right before the half to gain momentum? Would Zaire have gotten us to within 3 points with 6 minutes left? At that point in the game, it wasn’t Golson’s fault. The pick 6 was on Corey Robinson for not catching the ball.
Golson will be fine. What were all of your expectations before the season? Were you all saying we would go 11-1 or 12-0? NO, just stop being unrealistic. We have a ton of YOUNG talent. Next year if we are worse than 10-2 then come talk to me.
Peace be with you
You act like the season is over and ND finished 11-2. If that does in fact happen, I would take it based on the loses we’ve had on defense and the below average offensive line. However in reality, we could be looking at another loss or two EASILY, counting the bowl game
Brandon
We do, but a prepared team has a backup quarterback who has had game action so he is ready should the starter struggle. Kelly must take some responsibility for being trapped into only having the Golson option because Zaire has never been given reps.
bj my man I truly believe you’re right. Let us pray!
Back off, Ron and bj. As Coach Graham reminded us in his first comment after the game, our “Lord and Savior” has a “hand” on his team, so praying obviously wouldn’t have worked vs. Az.St. But He couldn’t possibly be guiding the likes of Petrino or $C, right? So commence your praying, even though all those “Hail Marys” Faust used to mumble while roving our sidelines 30 years ago (accoording to Duerson, may he R.I.P.) didn’t seem to help much.
Michael–
you are no Archangel
and YOU are disturbed.
I hope that folks don’t respond to you.
I feel sorry for your toxic tone.
Name sounds more like fallen angel to me—and has for some time.
Cynical, bitter, can’t agree to disagree and your insight on Irish football makes you sound like the biggest USC or SEC fan out there.
I honestly feel sorry for you.
It is folks like you that ruin the boards on the internet.
Say hello to Lucifer and enjoy your eternal hot tea you sick twisted scum.
Wow, may have overreacted just a touch.
its clear we wont win a national championship under kelly
he just cant inspire these kids to play over their heads
or teach them the basic skills to win?
he refuses to address or think outside his box about every flaw we all see?
no special teams effort?
an offensive line disaster?
a defense that gives up 41.5 pts in the last four games?
a quaterback that has not been schooled in not giving up the ball instead of going for the long shot?
the lizzy seeberg thing?
five guys kicked off for cheating this year?
a quarterback that gets kicked off for a year for cheating last year?
we either have the wrong players?
or the wrong coaches?
how do you go from beating fsu to losing to asu in such a total breakdown three weeks later?
totally perplexed
perhaps only prayer will help
god protect us
I’m just stating some facts here.
(Food for thought if you will)
-Golson is still 18-3 as a starter. Turnovers and all.
-The ND offense currently ranks 34th in the nation with a total of 4153 yards to date.
-ND has a per game average of 461 yards.
-ND… At least mathmaticlly, still has the oppertunity to finish 11-2.
-ND…. At least at this time, still has the oppertunity to play in a major bowl game outside of the 4 team playoff, and one that will still pay several millions of dollars.
-Red Shirt Sophmore QB Malik Zaire has never thrown a pass at the college level.
The majority of Golson’s turnovers happen in the first half of games.
As of this posting, outside of those players already listed as out for the season because of acedemic suspension, or season ending injury, no new players were added to this weeks list, and has one remaing player listed as questionalable for Saturday’s game (Austin Collinsworth)
Those facts are “excuses”, Shaz.
They offer hope, which is labeled excuses here. Despair and blame are the order of the day. Many who post here prefer to wallow in the loss. They’ve never underachieved or failed big time ever once in their lifetimes, so they have every right to demean, attack and diminish.Everything Golson has done no longer matters after this game.
Your facts above only matter if ND never loses. Fortuitous bounces are excuses. No matter that they directly led to 21 points. Comebacks show nothing if you end up losing. All is lost. Woe is ND. The end is near. It doesn’t matter that they’re young, depleted with suspensions and injuries. Just more “excuses.” How am I doing, posters? I know! Just another blind excuse-maker, right? Now everyone head to the medicine cabinet and go swallow that valium the size of a hockey puck.
Hope is good…But actually, my intention wasn’t to post them as a source of hope.
The term “Food for thought” expresses a desire to help expand one’s knowledge.
A lot of good comments here and I can see both sides. My take on this is that right now Golson does give us the best chance to win and Kelly knows that, otherwise, Zaire would be playing. HOWEVER, it’s time to give Zaire a chance to grow, particularly against a team like Northwestern. Golson should start, ND ‘should’ build a comfortable lead and we need to get Zaire in there ASAP to see what he can do. If nothing else you’re giving this kid the game experience he needs to legitimately have a QB competition next year. He needs to see / read defenses to develop. At this point we know what a great athlete Golson is, but we can’t assume he can lead us to a Natl Championship game next year given these turnover issues. I might even script this Noerthwestern game as Golson plays the first half, Zaire the second and both QBs know this ahead of time. If Zaire has some issues and only if there’s a threat that we lose we bring Golson back in in the 2nd half. Net, we need to start developing Zaire in live game situations. as someone aptly pointed out look what Barrett has done this year.
Good advice JD. People keep saying that Zaire is not ready. This is his second year and he’s barely seen the field. How will he ever be game ready if he doesn’t get some time in an actual game?
Bingo Brad!
Yup.
Let’s look at the QB’s that have played for Kelly the QB Guru:
Dayne Crist: Benched for being turnover prone
Tommy Rees: Turned the ball over in the redzone and at the wrong time
Everett Golson: Turns the ball over like it’s his job
Quote BK “turnovers are inherent in our scheme, but carelessness with the football can not be tolerated”
BK’s spread is pass heavy not run heavy, if the QB has a bad game the offense has a bad game. Golson is not a pro prospect QB and will not be drafted. He is inconsistent and is fundamentally flawed at times. It starts with simple stuff “LIKE HOLDING THE DAM BALL WITH THE LACES”. If he can’t complete simple tasks how will he be able to handle the complex. BK if you hook your cart up to this horse it better win. The next three games we will see what coach BK truly will become.
BK’s unconditional loyalty to Golson is unfounded and baffling.
Zaire is not ready ? His time is next year ? If Golson goes down with injury , Malik takes over. During that turnover debacle in first half , Golson could have been benched for a series. Just to get settled down. In between halves in locker room seems he got focused. He came out and was amazing in second half. As far as the blitz , designed quarterback runs can off set that. Either right from the snap or a 3 step drop back–then follow the blocks. Of course O line has to be in sync. I thought EG was recruited as duo/athletic QB not a Pro style type. He’s not super fast , but fast enough to juke and jive for good yardage.
17 turnovers in 5 games?
The opposing coaches are getting Golson’s number on how to defend him along with understanding Kelly’s play calling tendencies.
Kelly says ASU didn’t do anything on Saturday that they didn’t plan or practice for throughout the week. That offense didn’t look like it had a clue how they were supposed to blunt ASU’s blitz schemes. Not a freaking clue. I just don’t buy what Kelly’s selling.
You can say that again David. If there was a game plan it was invisible.
david,
Exactly. How does Kelly explain how his team, his coaches, his players all failed to execute against what they expected?
Being competitive against top 10 teams is not good enough. Winning consistently against top 10 teams is expected. SFR and Ron have a point. Kelly has yet to win a single game of significance except maybe Oklahoma in 2012. Five years, one victory. That is a Boston College narrative, not an ND one.
Hey Mr Robinson, if you can’t stand the heat stay out of the kitchen. I feel the same way SFR feels. You are one of the excuse makers that makes everything so cozy. In case you don’t know this is Brian Kelly’s 5th year and the only reason we have a decent record is because we haven’t played anyone. Why don’t you mind your own business you moron!
HEY, RON. WHY DON’T YOU COMMENT ON YOUR REAL TEAM’S WEBSITE? YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS ASSURE ME THAT YOU ARE NOT REALLY AN IRISH FAN. IT IS GETTING OLD,RON!
One more thing Mr Robinson, I’ve been an Irish fan for over 50 years. That’s right 50. We all know this week when we beat the hell out of Northwestern which is one of the worst teams in football people like you will say we deserve to be in the playoff. Bias and everyone is against us.
Crying like a little girl again is you Mr Robinson.
Whoa! Whoa!
Whoa.
So many feelings on this stream fellas. Rick is yelling. Ron is trying to make sense of his rightful frustrations, but ends up aggressive instead…Are you two really married?
RICKY BABY, I know you’re hurt, but Ron is making some valid points. As painful as the loss to ASU might have been, ND should crush Northwestern. Why not try out Zaire, who looks to be an incredibly talented kid, and see if he can rise to the occasion; while simulteneously teaching Golson a lesson…a likely futile lesson albeit, considering I don’t think that he can fix the flaws in his game, but still. This is the only game left to season Zaire, or even try him out. I’d say start him, and see where it goes.
And Ron, if you hadn’t made that remark about RICK’s font gain lately, maybe you could get a reasonable response out of him.
Mr. Beatha
I don’t think RICKY BABY is intentionally yelling.
I seem to remember him saying that he has some type of physical impairment that causes him to have
to type with some sort of prosthetic device.
Sorry I can’t say the same for bj.
and Ron we DID NOT beat the hell out of Northwestern—
so —
Where DO we go from here?
Irish fan, Irish Grad.
Bleed Blue and Gold and Green
but we sucked on Saturday and allowd NW to hang with us-
and allowed ASU to RUN from us
Golson is a great story of a come-back-from-the-depths. Potentially. “Potential” is the key concept. Golson has had 7 games/weeks and he’s made 185 turn-overs. It seems. If Everett can’t take-care of stuff by the 7th-game of the season, it is POTENTIAL UNREALIZED. Malik has more potential at this point of the season. Feel bad for Golson, but the kid brought the discipline on himself. Malik needn’t be victim. Develop Malik. (he’s already good)
I disagree completely about benching Golson even for a series. If Kelly thought Zaire was capable of doing what you suggested we would have saw him on Saturday. I think Zaire is another year away before he is ready for this offense.
In BK offense he doesn’t have any hot routes for the QB to hit against the blitz. Instead he runs a ton of screen plays like we saw in the Syracuse game and more important its on Golson to make the free defender miss. The difference versus ASU is they simply had better defenders and were completely ready for this thanks to the Syracuse game. A couple of the picks were not on Golson but the fumbles are completely on him. Why he continues to hold the ball with just one after all these fumbles blows my mind but in BK defense he made some great adjustments at the half but the hole was to deep and the comeback failed. I am not taking any shots at BK but I was expecting something a little different given how good their defense had been playing and the crazy amount of snaps they blitz.
I don’t know what to do about Golson’s ball security but something needs to change. The only thing to do is go out and put a beating on Northwestern and run the table which will be a challenge versus Louisville and U$C but it can be done.
As you mentioned if you asked any Irish fan at the start of the season if they would take a 10-2 season in 2014 I would bet 95% would have said yes.
And just why do you think Zaire is another year away? You might have a gem on the sidelines. What a perfect time to give him some meaningful minutes. Golson needs to sit. He’s had a multitude of chances. We’re going to a crap bowl anyway.
Come on Ron you must hear the same reports as I do about Zaire. With how bad Golson played in the first half if Zaire was remotely ready to start Brian Kelly would have benched Golson but when asked if he thought about pulling Golson Kelly replied the thought never crossed his mind. Zaire is simply not ready. Zaire’s time will come but not this season.
OK Kenny M let me explain this to you. If any position player was making this many mistakes the coach would replace them. Especially at QB! In the spring BK told us Golson and Zaire were neck and neck. Golson won out with the experience. Well Golson is just a turnover machine. Just how much of this are we going to take.
Some people say well Golson gives us the best chance to win. REALLY! Being a turnover machine gives us the best chance. Let’s get serious here!
Ok so what if Golson comes out Saturday and turns the ball over two times in the first quarter. You just leave him in hope he has another miraculous comeback? The only way Golson is going to learn is to sit down. Right now it’s really no big deal he fumbles he throws a pick he gets to make amends.
I think Malik is better than many of you think. His first play from scrimmage this season was a 56 yard run.
He needs some game experience anyway..What if Golson gets hurt? If Malik is not ready to come in and play then BK has not been doing his job.
Zaire is a very talented QB but simply not ready to carry this offense. Look at the stats and what Golson means to this team. Earlier this season I read on another site where Golson was responsible for 70 plus percent of our offense. You put that much pressure on Zaire this early and I think he folds. Once again its not a knock on the kid but he is not ready.
If Golson comes out and plays like he did against ASU you leave him in but I don’t see that happening again but more important you don’t get better watching from the sidelines. Golson will shake this issue but it needs to be against live action.
biggest problem is the fact that ND’s season always seems to rest squarely on the shoulders of the QB. There is just no way to hide a QB’s bad play when every week requires a heisman like performance.
90% of all FB games rests on the shoulders of the QB. He runs the show–when he’s off, the OF is off.
I disagree. This is Golson’s SECOND season playing. Let him learn. We weren’t supposed to be great this year anyways with a lot of young players on both sides of the ball. Next year my expectations will be much higher.
That being said, when you’re down by 3 with 6 mins left and the turnover count is 5 to 1, it’s clear who the better team is….We had some fluky turnovers. Golson puts the ball down to catch himself and it pops loose. The 2 deflected interceptions, and the pick six that shouldve been a catch by Robinson for the first down. Just wasn’t meant to be our day and was one of those days.
We’re on to Northwestern….
I’m just not seeing the progress I expected this year. I fully expected the year would end with ND looking like a preseason top 5 pick. I think they’ll struggle to crack the top 10.
WCIF,
Your expectations are probably more in line for 2015. Just too many FR and SOs starting/playing on defense. That said, 3 more wins and we may crack the top ten.
You’re one of the excuse makers. ONLY second year playing. Too hot, too cold, crowd too loud. Alabama has a first year starter and so does Ohio State. Excuses excuses excuses year after year after year after year. Blah blah blah blah blah
Ron,
Next year he’ll only be a third year starter. I wonder what excuses will be made for Golson, BK, and ND next season by the Cubs, oops, I mean Irish fans?
I guess now we judge winners totally subjectively. No need to keep score any longer.
This sounds like some pee-wee baseball leagues I’ve heard where no balls, strikes, outs, or scores are kept. Kids are allowed to swing as many times as it takes until they make contact and then they’re automatically given the base.
Perhaps this PC BS is what some younger ND fans have grown up with. I don’t know, but it sure sounds like some people here what to make sure Bk and his players don’t get their feelings hurt.
So I guess your team has won 9 out of the last 10 national championships? Oh, that’s right, no team has done that. Even the team that beat ND in 2012 got to see a field goal attempt of theirs turn into a nightmare less than a year later. Bottom line: Get over yourself hater.
AMEN & AMEN. We certainly don’t want to hurt the feelings of the QB.
C’mon really? 17 turnovers one the last 5 games. The team is hemorrhaging and Golson won’t (for whatever reason) gender first aid. Something is going on with Golson and the quicker coach Kelly needs to find out.
So what does it mean when you are down by 24 when the game clock expires? You stopped the Devil’s offense in the 3rd quarter but collapsed in the 4th. Turnovers or not, you still gave up 55 points. You were giving up TD’s instead of holding them to FG’s. Heck, take away all of the points off turnovers on both sides and you still lose. The better team won that day, end of story, move on to the next game and finish out the season on a high note.
“If Kelly has done all that he can to reach Golson with no discernible results, it’s time to enforce some accountability.”- Truer words were never written.
I agree, I think Golson should start but the next bonehead turnover he makes in a game, Kelly needs to yank him for a series or two and play Malik.
Malik needs experience anyway and you could be killing two birds with one stone so to speak. Suppose Golson decides to leave after this season, it would be nice to have another quarterback that has thrown some passes in a real game at game speed.