[NDIrish]

Hey everyone, I know it's late in the week but I wanted to come on and say good luck tomorrow.  Not sure if anyone remembers but I have gotten in the habit the last couple of years of bouncing around on your board (usually trying to limit my presence to one or two threads) as I have discovered it is much more enjoyable to discuss the game on the other teams boards than dealing with NDs questionable fans.  Stanford week had quickly became my favorite week as far as discussions go, unfortunately though, I was asked to do my company a favor and my job duties changed this summer and won't go back to normal to Christmas.  With that, I have had very limited internet access only using my phone, not leaving much of a chance to browse forums.  So even though I'm sure you didn't miss me, I was disappointed, lol.

Anyway, to the game,  not really sure how this one will go.  NDs defense has been... let's be generous and say high school level, but they can score some points.  To be honest, I was not as high on Stanford preseason as some were, but I did not expect them to lose like they had the last 2 games.

I am sure all the info is on here spread throughout misc thread, but was hoping I could get some quick analysis on what is up with this team, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

I'm sure you guys have all done your homework on ND, do as you know. Kizer is the real deal.  Our receivers are average right now, but could mature into being pretty good.  We have some really good running backs but the line can't block for them.  Our special teams have been solid.  Our defense apparently never learned how to tackle. Honestly, I would just line up and throw the ball deep 4 times, I guarantee you will catch 1!  The team has had some injuries early in the year but despite everything they appear more united than you would think.  I believe they are starting like 7 or 8true freshman and a couple redshirts

I really believe they gotta win this one to salvage a season, but not sure the will, but I gotta stick with my team.  Nothing but respect for you guys!

ND - 34
Stanford - 28

[NDIrish]

Hey everyone, I know it's late in the week but I wanted to come on and say good luck tomorrow.  Not sure if anyone remembers but I have gotten in the habit the last couple of years of bouncing around on your board (usually trying to limit my presence to one or two threads) as I have discovered it is much more enjoyable to discuss the game on the other teams boards than dealing with NDs questionable fans.  Stanford week had quickly became my favorite week as far as discussions go, unfortunately though, I was asked to do my company a favor and my job duties changed this summer and won't go back to normal to Christmas.  With that, I have had very limited internet access only using my phone, not leaving much of a chance to browse forums.  So even though I'm sure you didn't miss me, I was disappointed, lol.

Anyway, to the game,  not really sure how this one will go.  NDs defense has been... let's be generous and say high school level, but they can score some points.  To be honest, I was not as high on Stanford preseason as some were, but I did not expect them to lose like they had the last 2 games.

I am sure all the info is on here spread throughout misc thread, but was hoping I could get some quick analysis on what is up with this team, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

I'm sure you guys have all done your homework on ND, do as you know. Kizer is the real deal.  Our receivers are average right now, but could mature into being pretty good.  We have some really good running backs but the line can't block for them.  Our special teams have been solid.  Our defense apparently never learned how to tackle. Honestly, I would just line up and throw the ball deep 4 times, I guarantee you will catch 1!  The team has had some injuries early in the year but despite everything they appear more united than you would think.  I believe they are starting like 7 or 8true freshman and a couple redshirts

I really believe they gotta win this one to salvage a season, but not sure the will, but I gotta stick with my team.  Nothing but respect for you guys!

ND - 34
Stanford - 28

[OutsiderFan]

Summing up Stanford's struggles are pretty easy for me:

1. First time starting QB who has had a big learning curve learning the WCO after running a prehistoric one in high school, doesn't see field well and misses wide open receivers

2. OL has not demonstrated dominance, and been really soft, getting pancaked and thrown around the last two weeks like I haven't seen since I can remember

3. Injuries have piled up, brutal losing both starting CBs for two games, and other key players not 100%

4. Lots of evenly talented linebackers, but not any elite ones, which has resulted in giant rotations that have prevented "true starters" from emerging

5. Schedule has been brutal - no easy game (like Nevada or Syracuse, even a Duke or maybe NCS) on schedule yet

6. Offensive scheme requires solid QB and OL to function; offense can't hide these deficiencies at all

[OutsiderFan]

Summing up Stanford's struggles are pretty easy for me:

1. First time starting QB who has had a big learning curve learning the WCO after running a prehistoric one in high school, doesn't see field well and misses wide open receivers

2. OL has not demonstrated dominance, and been really soft, getting pancaked and thrown around the last two weeks like I haven't seen since I can remember

3. Injuries have piled up, brutal losing both starting CBs for two games, and other key players not 100%

4. Lots of evenly talented linebackers, but not any elite ones, which has resulted in giant rotations that have prevented "true starters" from emerging

5. Schedule has been brutal - no easy game (like Nevada or Syracuse, even a Duke or maybe NCS) on schedule yet

6. Offensive scheme requires solid QB and OL to function; offense can't hide these deficiencies at all

[82lsju]

ND - 34
Stanford - 28

I would be pretty surprised if Stanford scores 28 points  :(

[82lsju]

ND - 34
Stanford - 28

I would be pretty surprised if Stanford scores 28 points  :(

[fullmetal]

I wonder what our hypothetical maximum scoring output against air is :(

[fullmetal]

I wonder what our hypothetical maximum scoring output against air is :(

[NDIrish]

[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175616#msg175616 date=1476462672]

ND - 34
Stanford - 28

I would be pretty surprised if Stanford scores 28 points  :(
[/quote]

Can they score 28 in 7 on 7? Lol.

[NDIrish]

[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175616#msg175616 date=1476462672]

ND - 34
Stanford - 28

I would be pretty surprised if Stanford scores 28 points  :(
[/quote]

Can they score 28 in 7 on 7? Lol.

[NDIrish]

Summing up Stanford's struggles are pretty easy for me:

1. First time starting QB who has had a big learning curve learning the WCO after running a prehistoric one in high school, doesn't see field well and misses wide open receivers

2. OL has not demonstrated dominance, and been really soft, getting pancaked and thrown around the last two weeks like I haven't seen since I can remember

3. Injuries have piled up, brutal losing both starting CBs for two games, and other key players not 100%

4. Lots of evenly talented linebackers, but not any elite ones, which has resulted in giant rotations that have prevented "true starters" from emerging

5. Schedule has been brutal - no easy game (like Nevada or Syracuse, even a Duke or maybe NCS) on schedule yet

6. Offensive scheme requires solid QB and OL to function; offense can't hide these deficiencies at all

Thanks for the info and nice way to slide in a dig at NDs schedule...

They have played some weak teams, but don't see Kansas state and Washington state as powers either, in fact it looks like almost every team Stanford has played is a .500 team with most of those wins coming against pretty bad teams.. don't get me wrong, it's better than NDs to date but they aren't crazy far apart

[NDIrish]

Summing up Stanford's struggles are pretty easy for me:

1. First time starting QB who has had a big learning curve learning the WCO after running a prehistoric one in high school, doesn't see field well and misses wide open receivers

2. OL has not demonstrated dominance, and been really soft, getting pancaked and thrown around the last two weeks like I haven't seen since I can remember

3. Injuries have piled up, brutal losing both starting CBs for two games, and other key players not 100%

4. Lots of evenly talented linebackers, but not any elite ones, which has resulted in giant rotations that have prevented "true starters" from emerging

5. Schedule has been brutal - no easy game (like Nevada or Syracuse, even a Duke or maybe NCS) on schedule yet

6. Offensive scheme requires solid QB and OL to function; offense can't hide these deficiencies at all

Thanks for the info and nice way to slide in a dig at NDs schedule...

They have played some weak teams, but don't see Kansas state and Washington state as powers either, in fact it looks like almost every team Stanford has played is a .500 team with most of those wins coming against pretty bad teams.. don't get me wrong, it's better than NDs to date but they aren't crazy far apart

[thunder_chik]

NDIrish, welcome back!  I was just wondering yesterday if we'd hear from you... ;)

[thunder_chik]

NDIrish, welcome back!  I was just wondering yesterday if we'd hear from you... ;)

[NDIrish]

I'll probably loose all credibility with that schedule comment, lol

I did check sos and stanfords was rated quite a bit higher but not sure if that was rating full schedule or games played

[NDIrish]

I'll probably loose all credibility with that schedule comment, lol

I did check sos and stanfords was rated quite a bit higher but not sure if that was rating full schedule or games played

[NDIrish]

NDIrish, welcome back!  I was just wondering yesterday if we'd hear from you... ;)

Thanks! It's been crazy busy but had to make an appearance, didn't want to give the impression that I only come around when ND is good. Lol

It would be really nice if there was an app for this forum!

[NDIrish]

NDIrish, welcome back!  I was just wondering yesterday if we'd hear from you... ;)

Thanks! It's been crazy busy but had to make an appearance, didn't want to give the impression that I only come around when ND is good. Lol

It would be really nice if there was an app for this forum!

[NDIrish]

Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

[NDIrish]

Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

[JohnR34231]

Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

[JohnR34231]

Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]

[BostonCard]

You are talking about a coach who has been to three Rose Bowls in four years and five BCS caliber bowls in his tenure and never had a losing season.  He has more goodwill accumulated than Santa and the Tooth Fairy combined.

It's hard to remember, because the last two games have been so awful, but we still have a winning record after having gone through the hardest portion of our schedule.

Not to say that we shouldn't be playing better.  But David Shaw's seat is colder than Elsa's ice castle in Frozen.

What's the feeling in South Bend these days (among the sane people; I am sure there are people who call for Kelly's head after every loss)?  The ND faithful tends to have a bit more of a "what have you done for me lately?" attitude than we do, but he has never done worse than 8-5, and has a 12-1 season with a trip to the  National Championship in his back pocket.  And he has a better record than anyone since Lou Holtz (though that kind of ignores the fact that both Willingham and Weiss were fired).

BC

[BostonCard]

You are talking about a coach who has been to three Rose Bowls in four years and five BCS caliber bowls in his tenure and never had a losing season.  He has more goodwill accumulated than Santa and the Tooth Fairy combined.

It's hard to remember, because the last two games have been so awful, but we still have a winning record after having gone through the hardest portion of our schedule.

Not to say that we shouldn't be playing better.  But David Shaw's seat is colder than Elsa's ice castle in Frozen.

What's the feeling in South Bend these days (among the sane people; I am sure there are people who call for Kelly's head after every loss)?  The ND faithful tends to have a bit more of a "what have you done for me lately?" attitude than we do, but he has never done worse than 8-5, and has a 12-1 season with a trip to the  National Championship in his back pocket.  And he has a better record than anyone since Lou Holtz (though that kind of ignores the fact that both Willingham and Weiss were fired).

BC

[NDIrish]

[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175628#msg175628 date=1476466903]
[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I like to hear that! Because despite their faults, I do think this offense can score.

[NDIrish]

[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175628#msg175628 date=1476466903]
[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I like to hear that! Because despite their faults, I do think this offense can score.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175629#msg175629 date=1476467125]
[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175628#msg175628 date=1476466903]
[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I like to hear that! Because despite their faults, I do think this offense can score.
[/quote]

I hate to be so cynical, but you have to remember that our total offensive production over the last three weeks is three touchdowns, two of which came when the games were out of reach.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175629#msg175629 date=1476467125]
[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175628#msg175628 date=1476466903]
[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I like to hear that! Because despite their faults, I do think this offense can score.
[/quote]

I hate to be so cynical, but you have to remember that our total offensive production over the last three weeks is three touchdowns, two of which came when the games were out of reach.

[NDIrish]

[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175632#msg175632 date=1476467833]
[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175629#msg175629 date=1476467125]
[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175628#msg175628 date=1476466903]
[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I like to hear that! Because despite their faults, I do think this offense can score.
[/quote]

I hate to be so cynical, but you have to remember that our total offensive production over the last three weeks is three touchdowns, two of which came when the games were out of reach.
[/quote]

Yeah, but this defense is bad...1 sack going into nc state... seriously tell Shaw to just keep throwing it deep, they can't cover

[NDIrish]

[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175632#msg175632 date=1476467833]
[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175629#msg175629 date=1476467125]
[quote author=JPRI link=topic=15906.msg175628#msg175628 date=1476466903]
[quote author=NDIrish link=topic=15906.msg175627#msg175627 date=1476466557]
Is there really any truth to shaws seat getting warm at Stanford? Or is that just news crap

The latter.

BTW I will also be pleasantly surprised if we score 28 points.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I like to hear that! Because despite their faults, I do think this offense can score.
[/quote]

I hate to be so cynical, but you have to remember that our total offensive production over the last three weeks is three touchdowns, two of which came when the games were out of reach.
[/quote]

Yeah, but this defense is bad...1 sack going into nc state... seriously tell Shaw to just keep throwing it deep, they can't cover

[NDIrish]

You are talking about a coach who has been to three Rose Bowls in four years and five BCS caliber bowls in his tenure and never had a losing season.  He has more goodwill accumulated than Santa and the Tooth Fairy combined.

It's hard to remember, because the last two games have been so awful, but we still have a winning record after having gone through the hardest portion of our schedule.

Not to say that we shouldn't be playing better.  But David Shaw's seat is colder than Elsa's ice castle in Frozen.

What's the feeling in South Bend these days (among the sane people; I am sure there are people who call for Kelly's head after every loss)?  The ND faithful tends to have a bit more of a "what have you done for me lately?" attitude than we do, but he has never done worse than 8-5, and has a 12-1 season with a trip to the  National Championship in his back pocket.  And he has a better record than anyone since Lou Holtz (though that kind of ignores the fact that both Willingham and Weiss were fired).

BC

Find me a sane fan.... lol

There are a lot of people calling for Kelly's head, and maybe their right, it could be time for him to go, but their reasons and attitudes are wrong.  It is hard for me to read if it's just a bad year or if this job has emotionally drained him.  I think the university will give him next year regardless, but if they do ax him, I  expect him to do well wherever he goes.  Regardless ND fans should thank Kelly for what he has done for the university to date.  I think the university is struggling due to his success, they put more guys in the NFL last year than they have in a long time and for the first time in a long time they have been putting underclassman in, and they didn't have the depth to lose juniors early. 

I do think he needs to find a way or hire someone who can develop freshman faster though.  There are a lot of teams playing with freshman and they look ready to go, ours take a year to get there.

For the first time I am starting to wonder if he is a long term solution but it's not because of their record, just a lot of little things.

I have a much longer rant explaining my feelings on this but I'm not going to type it all on my phone

[NDIrish]

You are talking about a coach who has been to three Rose Bowls in four years and five BCS caliber bowls in his tenure and never had a losing season.  He has more goodwill accumulated than Santa and the Tooth Fairy combined.

It's hard to remember, because the last two games have been so awful, but we still have a winning record after having gone through the hardest portion of our schedule.

Not to say that we shouldn't be playing better.  But David Shaw's seat is colder than Elsa's ice castle in Frozen.

What's the feeling in South Bend these days (among the sane people; I am sure there are people who call for Kelly's head after every loss)?  The ND faithful tends to have a bit more of a "what have you done for me lately?" attitude than we do, but he has never done worse than 8-5, and has a 12-1 season with a trip to the  National Championship in his back pocket.  And he has a better record than anyone since Lou Holtz (though that kind of ignores the fact that both Willingham and Weiss were fired).

BC

Find me a sane fan.... lol

There are a lot of people calling for Kelly's head, and maybe their right, it could be time for him to go, but their reasons and attitudes are wrong.  It is hard for me to read if it's just a bad year or if this job has emotionally drained him.  I think the university will give him next year regardless, but if they do ax him, I  expect him to do well wherever he goes.  Regardless ND fans should thank Kelly for what he has done for the university to date.  I think the university is struggling due to his success, they put more guys in the NFL last year than they have in a long time and for the first time in a long time they have been putting underclassman in, and they didn't have the depth to lose juniors early. 

I do think he needs to find a way or hire someone who can develop freshman faster though.  There are a lot of teams playing with freshman and they look ready to go, ours take a year to get there.

For the first time I am starting to wonder if he is a long term solution but it's not because of their record, just a lot of little things.

I have a much longer rant explaining my feelings on this but I'm not going to type it all on my phone

[CornFed]

It would take me until next year's game to type on my phone the volume you have produced in this thread.  I admire your perseverance.  I am challenged by large, fat fingers.

[CornFed]

It would take me until next year's game to type on my phone the volume you have produced in this thread.  I admire your perseverance.  I am challenged by large, fat fingers.

[JohnR34231]

Football fans have always had a "what have you done lately for me; you're only as good as your last game" attitude toward coaches, but lately it seems like it is really accelerating and getting out of hand.

[JohnR34231]

Football fans have always had a "what have you done lately for me; you're only as good as your last game" attitude toward coaches, but lately it seems like it is really accelerating and getting out of hand.

[CTcard]

I'll probably loose all credibility with that schedule comment, lol

I did check sos and stanfords was rated quite a bit higher but not sure if that was rating full schedule or games played

Just to put some numbers to that.

Sagarin ranks Stanford's schedule (games played so far) as the #1 most difficult in the country with a rating of 83.05.
Roughly this means that Stanford's average opponent would be Sagarin rated as the #21 team in the country, between Florida and Baylor.

Sagarin ranks und's schedule as the #46 most difficult schedule in the country with a rating of 68.83.
Roughly, this means that und's average opponent would be Sagarin rated #69, between Duke and Army.

Sagarin says that Stanford's average opponent would beat und's average opponent by 14.2 points.

-------------------
Of course there are issues in und's favour at this point.

und has had a credible offense, whereas Stanford has not.

A couple of weeks ago, I would have said Stanford has had a good defense whereas und has not. However, over the past two weeks Stanford's defense collapsed - coinciding with the loss of our starting CBs.

und has two more losses, but the games were competitive. Stanford's losses were blowouts.


Both teams are coming limping into this game. Hard to predict a favorite under those circumstances.

[CTcard]

I'll probably loose all credibility with that schedule comment, lol

I did check sos and stanfords was rated quite a bit higher but not sure if that was rating full schedule or games played

Just to put some numbers to that.

Sagarin ranks Stanford's schedule (games played so far) as the #1 most difficult in the country with a rating of 83.05.
Roughly this means that Stanford's average opponent would be Sagarin rated as the #21 team in the country, between Florida and Baylor.

Sagarin ranks und's schedule as the #46 most difficult schedule in the country with a rating of 68.83.
Roughly, this means that und's average opponent would be Sagarin rated #69, between Duke and Army.

Sagarin says that Stanford's average opponent would beat und's average opponent by 14.2 points.

-------------------
Of course there are issues in und's favour at this point.

und has had a credible offense, whereas Stanford has not.

A couple of weeks ago, I would have said Stanford has had a good defense whereas und has not. However, over the past two weeks Stanford's defense collapsed - coinciding with the loss of our starting CBs.

und has two more losses, but the games were competitive. Stanford's losses were blowouts.


Both teams are coming limping into this game. Hard to predict a favorite under those circumstances.