ND Game 6: Defensive Showdown In A Rainy South Bend
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Quarterbacks: B-
Coach Kelly has always been a two QB guy and this season is no different. He is shaping Golson under a careful eye and bringing him further and further into a game changing QB. He was far from perfect but lets remember he is a red shirt freshman playing against a tough front 7 of Stanford in a VERY hyped game. Rees is really good at being a two minute man. If the system aint broke, don’t fix it
Running Backs: A-
Not their best game but the trio of Wood, Atkinson III and Riddick managed to have 128 yards on 30 carries on a very sloppy field against the toughest front 7 they’ve faced this season.
Wide Receivers: A
I think this was their best game yet. I know the Miami game was stats wise, but they really stepped up against the Cardinals. TJ Jones had a great game four receptions for 52 yards with a touchdown.
Tight Ends: A-
Eifert, the heart and soul of the TE squad, had a solid game surprisingly. He is a great player and often gets doubled because of it. He averaged 14.3 yards per catch (57 yards with 4 receptions). Eifert also had a huge pass into call that set up great field position for the Irish in the fourth.
Offensive Line: B
They faced a very tough challenge but somewhat held their own. Golson’s inability to read the defense and throw quickly was more of a problem rather than thier blocking.
Defensive Line: B+
They need to improve on getting to the quarterback and creating more pressure. But they did aid in stuffing the middle in OT to preserve the win.
Best line I heard came from a sign on college game day. ”Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 is Stephen Tuitt” (#6 was Stanford’s QB Josh Nunes).
Linebackers: A+
Manti Te’o coming back for the Irish this season is a God send. We will miss his ability and leadership. Great game by all of the linebackers…as usual.
Defensive Backs: A++
They really stepped up and held the passing game to nothing. Zeke Motta and the “the no fly zone” boys really played great. They will need a repeat performance in Norman in 2 weeks.
Special Teams: B+
Very tough conditions to kick, hold, and punt but Brindza and Turk were very very good. Other than a botched snap, they played well enough (although that field goal would have been huge down the stretch). They need to keep that ice running through the veins.
Coaching: B+
A win is a win and I am no judge to second guess Coach Kelly. Wasn’t easy and wasn’t pretty but the Irish brought home another W.
BYU is next up and it may be a little bit of a scare. The players have a tough test in Norman, OK and should not forget the task at hand before that.
PS – Is it just me or did it look as if Vince Vaughn rolled right out of a Chicago bar, got in a cab and went straight to the Gameday set? He had some great one liners and pretty sure he picked all the winners for the day.
GO IRISH!
