Comments on: IBG: Busman’s Bye Week

By: Mike Coffey

Mike Coffey — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:14:42 +0000

In reply to JDThom. Nowhere did I say or even imply "ND should have been content to go to halftime down 4". I pointed out that, as he has so many times in the past, when he feels the slightest amount of pressure, he defaults to throwing the ball even when the situation clearly calls to run. At least two series in the fourth quarter should have bled more time off the clock, but we saw Golson going back to pass. If ND had an effective running game that could generate first downs even when the opponent knew it was coming, the defense would have been on the field less when the game should have been in hand.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:50:25 +0000

I believe the defensive strategy has been outstanding along with the adjustments with injuries. Farley has played his heart out inspite of all the preseason press and predictions. Golson’s results have been excellent but his quick to leave the pocket and run have been worry some. The offense line will play the most important piece in the next segment of the season. Go irish.

By: JDThom

JDThom — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:47:35 +0000

Wow. Disappointed that Kelly went “nintendo” with the offense when he fell behind? I used to agree with you on your very critical analysis of ND’s running game or lack thereof but lately it’s gone goo far. Earlier this week you implied that ND should have been chewing up clock when they were up 10 with 14 to go in the 4th. Now you seem to think ND should have been content to go to halftime down 4. Purdue took a 14-10 lead with 3 minutes left in the half. With only one timeout left Kelly called a pretty decent drive to get a quick TD to regain the lead before halftime and I would argue it was that drive that stabilized the team for their second half performance.
I enjoy reading this blog but lately I’m just seeing the same pat answers and phrases over and over without much analysis relating those points to the game play.
That said, I agree with you about the suspensions (hurry it up), the offensive line (needs a lot of work in the next 2 weeks) and Golson (he is playing like a Heisman contender).

By: Minooka Irish

Minooka Irish — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:34:31 +0000

Offense: Golson is best player, but I’d argue Amir Carlisle has been most valuable in terms of what he brings to the kick return and his play in the slot.

Defense: Jaylon is the best and most valuable commodity on the defensive side of the ball with honorable mention to Scmidt and the secondary at large

By: david

david — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 14:42:56 +0000

Golson….but if he ever gets hit on one of those scrambles, that ball is out.

Shumate….if he wasn’t as steady back there, we’d have been lit up by now.

By: Kevin Byrnes

Kevin Byrnes — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 14:10:08 +0000

Kinda easy, so far. Offense, Golson. Defense, Jaylon Smith, with 22 tackles, 1 for a loss and another a QB sack (with Joe Schmidt right there too, with 23 tackles and 1 INT); though you could make an argument to award MVP to the secondary as well, in which case I have to put Riggs, Redfield, and Farley into that mix.