First.........two points of view.
1. National point of view--the view held by fans primarily from the power 5 conferences.
2. The ND view--all of the homers and some of the graduates (Some graduates tend to be a little more realistic in their expectations than the homers that all believe ND will never lose any game ever.)
Schedule
National view--ND has an incredibly soft schedule this year.
National view--No excuses this year. ND has 2 solidly proven QB's with one being a Heisman hopeful and the other with a good solid year under his belt. And, ND has had a year to heal up and get ready for the season.
ND view--ND just always has bad luck with injuries, way more than any other schools. ND has the two best QB's in all of college football if they can just stay away from injuries.
Offense
National view--ND runs a finesse offense and relies on illegal blocks down field however, it is a fairly predictable offense, pass first and not much power running.
ND view--ND has a well balanced offense (and I wish they would run more).
Defense
National view--ND's Achilles heel. Best to run right at them and throw if needed. Weak d-line and very weak secondary.
ND view--This is the year the D will turn it all around. Coach knows what he is doing.
Coaching
National view--Brian Kelly is a so-so coach that occasionally pulls some really bone headed plays. Although he's improved somewhat he's nowhere near elite status. Hope he stays around and keeps the same D coordinator.
ND view--Brian Kelly is a top 5 coach and really deserves to be coach of the year most every year. He's also one of the best recruiters in the land and the best QB coach in the land. (Note: Some graduates would disagree vehemently!)
Bottom Line
The 2 schools of thought offer a lot of room for debate. But, one thing is for sure (well, let's say fairly certain), ND will need to be undefeated in order to have hopes of making the playoffs. Once again, without a 13th game Conference Champions will be favored. Right now that is just the way the system is set up.
1. National point of view--the view held by fans primarily from the power 5 conferences.
2. The ND view--all of the homers and some of the graduates (Some graduates tend to be a little more realistic in their expectations than the homers that all believe ND will never lose any game ever.)
Schedule
National view--ND has an incredibly soft schedule this year.
- Playing 2 service academies plus Nevada equals 3 automatic wins.
- Their 5 ACC teams just happen to be 5 of the conference weaklings primarily due to coaching changes and 3 of the 5 are at home. (The schedule completely misses FSU, Clemson, UNC and Louisville).
- Only 4 road games.
- Both Stanford and Michigan State are at home.
- USC is going through coaching changes........again.
- With an open date ND has 2 weeks to prepare for Miami.
- Navy is one of the toughest teams in the entire country.
- ND has to travel to Texas, Army and USC.
- All teams play ND like it's their most important game of the year. ACC teams can sneak up on you. (Although one poster predicts ND will beat Mark Richt and Miami by 34 points!)
National view--No excuses this year. ND has 2 solidly proven QB's with one being a Heisman hopeful and the other with a good solid year under his belt. And, ND has had a year to heal up and get ready for the season.
ND view--ND just always has bad luck with injuries, way more than any other schools. ND has the two best QB's in all of college football if they can just stay away from injuries.
Offense
National view--ND runs a finesse offense and relies on illegal blocks down field however, it is a fairly predictable offense, pass first and not much power running.
ND view--ND has a well balanced offense (and I wish they would run more).
Defense
National view--ND's Achilles heel. Best to run right at them and throw if needed. Weak d-line and very weak secondary.
ND view--This is the year the D will turn it all around. Coach knows what he is doing.
Coaching
National view--Brian Kelly is a so-so coach that occasionally pulls some really bone headed plays. Although he's improved somewhat he's nowhere near elite status. Hope he stays around and keeps the same D coordinator.
ND view--Brian Kelly is a top 5 coach and really deserves to be coach of the year most every year. He's also one of the best recruiters in the land and the best QB coach in the land. (Note: Some graduates would disagree vehemently!)
Bottom Line
The 2 schools of thought offer a lot of room for debate. But, one thing is for sure (well, let's say fairly certain), ND will need to be undefeated in order to have hopes of making the playoffs. Once again, without a 13th game Conference Champions will be favored. Right now that is just the way the system is set up.
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