Beach...your opinion

[Telx1]

Good morning Beach. I’m watching USC weekly, and I don’t get Tee Martin’s (OC) play calling. Darnold seems to excel at quick outs and crossing patterns, and your receivers are excellent at running both, and dangerous after the crossing catch. Darnold has been reckless and erratic on longer throws, but seems to be much more accurate and dangerous on broken plays where he is scrambling out of the pocket. Why the hell doesn’t Martin get Darnold into a rhythm with shorter passes, and why doesn’t he roll the pocket to give him more time and to pressure the defense with the possibility of Darnold running? What’s your opinion?

 

[justified1]

Tee Martin is the offensive equivalent of BVG.

 

[beachcardinal]

Good morning Beach. I’m watching USC weekly, and I don’t get Tee Martin’s (OC) play calling. Darnold seems to excel at quick outs and crossing patterns, and your receivers are excellent at running both, and dangerous after the crossing catch. Darnold has been reckless and erratic on longer throws, but seems to be much more accurate and dangerous on broken plays where he is scrambling out of the pocket. Why the hell doesn’t Martin get Darnold into a rhythm with shorter passes, and why doesn’t he roll the pocket to give him more time and to pressure the defense with the possibility of Darnold running? What’s your opinion?

My opinion is you are are exactly right. This week Sam, who is a great kid, criticized the coaches for being so predictable. Tee actually said he slows down putting in plays so that the offense takes time and the D gets rest. Really. No thought about the affect on rhythm or giving the D more time to plan. Our coaches are a disaster. This may be me being a homer, but I think we have more talent than you. But our coaches are so bad I expect ND to win by 14.

 

[Telx1]

My opinion is you are are exactly right. This week Sam, who is a great kid, criticized the coaches for being so predictable. Tee actually said he slows down putting in plays so that the offense takes time and the D gets rest. Really. No thought about the affect on rhythm or giving the D more time to plan. Our coaches are a disaster. This may be me being a homer, but I think we have more talent than you. But our coaches are so bad I expect ND to win by 14.

Thanks Beach...and no homer on your part. I’ve been saying all year you guys are Loaded with elite talent, which is what is so damn strange to see the team struggle against far less talent. As to your point about Martin dictating pace, the announcers last night were all over the slow paced checking the sideline every play when the defense wasn’t showing any different alignments. Hope your 14 pt differential materializes, but I expect a really difficult competitive game. The USC game is my NC game in terms of interest and emotions, so looking forward to a great game and hope it is well played with zero injuries.

 

[beachcardinal]

Thanks Beach...and no homer on your part. I’ve been saying all year you guys are Loaded with elite talent, which is what is so damn strange to see the team struggle against far less talent. As to your point about Martin dictating pace, the announcers last night were all over the slow paced checking the sideline every play when the defense wasn’t showing any different alignments. Hope your 14 pt differential materializes, but I expect a really difficult competitive game. The USC game is my NC game in terms of interest and emotions, so looking forward to a great game and hope it is well played with zero injuries.

Me too

 

[Pennick44]

Me too

Are you guys still missing starters on the offensive line?

 

[justified1]

Beachcardinal

Week after week ND fans witnessed the BVG defenses turn in just inept and pathetic performances.
Each week the statements were that adjustments were forth coming and be patient.
But things just got worse.

I think SC fans are in much the same cycle with Tee Martin. He has turned Super Sam into Stupor Sam.
Sam has gone full Hackenberg.

 

[Irish Grandeur]

My opinion is you are are exactly right. This week Sam, who is a great kid, criticized the coaches for being so predictable. Tee actually said he slows down putting in plays so that the offense takes time and the D gets rest. Really. No thought about the affect on rhythm or giving the D more time to plan. Our coaches are a disaster. This may be me being a homer, but I think we have more talent than you. But our coaches are so bad I expect ND to win by 14.

I've noticed SC wins games in the 4th quarter this year which bodes well for their athleticism. However, ND has made big strides in finishing out games. And, I expect this game to be won in the fourth. It's my opinion that if ND sticks to their running game and pounds SC with relentless physicality then ND wins. If ND tries to match throw for throw with SC then I can see ND losing.

 

[beachcardinal]

C

I've noticed SC wins games in the 4th quarter this year which bodes well for their athleticism. However, ND has made big strides in finishing out games. And, I expect this game to be won in the fourth. It's my opinion that if ND sticks to their running game and pounds SC with relentless physicality then ND wins. If ND tries to match throw for throw with SC then I can see ND losing.

Can't see you losing this one without turnovers

 

[justified1]

C


Can't see you losing this one without turnovers

Well, in the case of USC, turnovers is maybe the wrong terminology. More appropriate would be giveaways.

Tee Martin said he slows down sending in plays so the defense can rest! Which defense is he referring to?

 

[beachcardinal]

ESPN predictor has you to win 78% of the time.

 

[Irish Grandeur]

ESPN predictor has you to win 78% of the time.

ND is coming off a 4-8 season. USC made big strides last year. Honestly, I think ND wins this game but, in reality, they should drop it to SC.

 

[faviles15]

While SC is struggling offensively, they are still 6-1 and as dangerous as any team we will face this year. I don't know if any of their offensive line injuries are healed up but I do think we win with a 28-24 type score.

 

[FernCreekCat67]

This game's a toss-up. Will most likely be decided by turnovers and explosive plays. Very similar to the Georgia game where it could have gone either way. Hopefully ND is on the receiving end of some good fortune this week, because NC State will be a stout challenge the week after.

 

[88ND]

Tee Martin is the offensive equivalent of BVG.

Funniest thing all month. Maybe even the week.

 

[Ara64]

It's going to be fun watching USC's big men squeeze out that narrow tunnel. The visitor's locker room looks nice and comfortable.

Visitor's Tunnel.

Visitor's Locker room.

 

[SiberianKnightmare]

I don't think SC has a talent advantage at any position but wide receiver. And it's a significant advantage. I think the rest of the positions are close.

I think ND has a coaching advantage in the coordinator positions, which will be the difference in the game.

 

[justified1]

I don't think SC has a talent advantage at any position but wide receiver. And it's a significant advantage. I think the rest of the positions are close.

I think ND has a coaching advantage in the coordinator positions, which will be the difference in the game.

QB?
So, you think that the ND QB in his 5th career start is the equal to the QB Kiper and McShay stated as late as last week was still the top QB in the draft? Really? (remember the is pre game talk)
SC has 4-5 potential Rd 1 picks. (1out for season). And none are at the WR position you mention.
The advantages that matter are Balis over the USC S&C coach, that USC has Tee Martin, and that USC has Helton.

 

[1Redrum]

QB?
So, you think that the ND QB in his 5th career start is the equal to the QB Kiper and McShay stated as late as last week was still the top QB in the draft? Really? (remember the is pre game talk)
SC has 4-5 potential Rd 1 picks. (1out for season). And none are at the WR position you mention.
The advantages that matter are Balis over the USC S&C coach, that USC has Tee Martin, and that USC has Helton.

The advantage is ND has two potential top 10 or even top 5 in this year's draft Offensive Lineman and an improved defence. Need to run the ball, make some plays and ND will win this game.

 

[South Bender]

I think the shine is starting to wear off of Helton. The wheels are just beginning to fall off, so lets see if he can get it straightened out and keep the team playing at a high level in spite of all the injuries.

It will be interesting to see what he does this offseason as far as staff changes, if any. Also his true worth will be measured next season when Darnold is gone.

 

[Irishjohn68]

Sam Darnold is a turn over waiting to happen. He has what 10 fumbles already this season.

 

[justified1]

only 3 teams have more turnovers
Martin has plays that Sam is just not the QB for. And then he insists on running them.
Sam is very frustrated and voiced that opinion of playcalling to coaches.
Then Sam apologized.

 

[Quest4Twelve]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Sam Donald is suffering from DeShone Kizerism. After having a break out first season everyone expects the same performance and the coaches have put it on his shoulders to win the games. Ronald Jones III is a good accessory but they don't feed him enough imo.

ND needs to get consistent pressure on Donald and if they don't get home bat balls down.

 

[justified1]

Reading the SC 247 board, the posts about Helton/Tee Martin are erily similar the the posts on the ND boards about Kelly/BVG. Also what we have seen with ND and the metamorphosis of the team, one weak link or character can affect the entire team whether offense or defense or ST.
Helton either has a problem, or Helton is the problem.

 

[TDIrish27]

ND needs to run the football and keep it away from USC and their explosive playmakers offensively.

Win the TO battle and no gaffes in the kicking game.

 

[HDK]

I am imagining a game much like 2015, in which ND plays well early, but USC refuses to fold. I think it will come down to the fourth quarter. Our respected visitor, Beach Cardinal, has predicted a 2-TD ND win, but he also predicted a similar outcome against Georgia. I think this is just as big a game for USC as it is for us, so I expect them to play to the top of their game.

My best hope is for ND to control the clock through the fourth quarter, just rushing for 4 or 5 yards at a clip, grinding out first downs and keeping their explosive offense of the field.

 

[stu4don]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Sam Donald is suffering from DeShone Kizerism. After having a break out first season everyone expects the same performance and the coaches have put it on his shoulders to win the games. Ronald Jones III is a good accessory but they don't feed him enough imo.

ND needs to get consistent pressure on Donald and if they don't get home bat balls down.

Yet Sam has his team at 5-1 with solid wins against Stanford, Texas, Utah and Cal. Only loss by 3 to Wash St. Most have been close but Sam has a way of pulling the game out of the fire. This is gonna be a tough one. We'll need to be ready.

 

[faviles15]

Yet Sam has his team at 5-1 with solid wins against Stanford, Texas, Utah and Cal. Only loss by 3 to Wash St. Most have been close but Sam has a way of pulling the game out of the fire. This is gonna be a tough one. We'll need to be ready.

I agree with you. Obviously SC had lofty expectations at the beginning of the year and they are still 6-1. Have they played up to those expectations? Probably not but they have found a way to win most of the time and Darnold has proven to be a gamer. I'm always nervous against SC...

 

[mbd11]

How is your D against the run? Because that's obviously the strong point of our offense. We're 5th in the nation with 308 rushing ypg, and 3 of the teams ahead of us run the triple option.

 

[deadirishpoet]

Thanks Beach...and no homer on your part. I’ve been saying all year you guys are Loaded with elite talent, which is what is so damn strange to see the team struggle against far less talent. As to your point about Martin dictating pace, the announcers last night were all over the slow paced checking the sideline every play when the defense wasn’t showing any different alignments. Hope your 14 pt differential materializes, but I expect a really difficult competitive game. The USC game is my NC game in terms of interest and emotions, so looking forward to a great game and hope it is well played with zero injuries.

Yes he is a Homer........... That's not a criticism and no offense beach

 

[deadirishpoet]

I agree with you. Obviously SC had lofty expectations at the beginning of the year and they are still 6-1. Have they played up to those expectations? Probably not but they have found a way to win most of the time and Darnold has proven to be a gamer. I'm always nervous against SC...

Being 6-1 with the attrition they are facing
and the way they came back against a very good Utah team certainly will help them come in motivated against an Irish team that still has questions in their passing .game
Looking forward to this game

 

[Quest4Twelve]

Yet Sam has his team at 5-1 with solid wins against Stanford, Texas, Utah and Cal. Only loss by 3 to Wash St. Most have been close but Sam has a way of pulling the game out of the fire. This is gonna be a tough one. We'll need to be ready.

Also struggled against WMU. The only game they looked like SC was the Stanford game.

 

[SiberianKnightmare]

QB?
So, you think that the ND QB in his 5th career start is the equal to the QB Kiper and McShay stated as late as last week was still the top QB in the draft? Really? (remember the is pre game talk)

Yes. Really. Why? Because I don't care what Todd McShay or Mel Kiper think. Darnold was the September Heisman winner and now he's nowhere in the conversation. That's media hype. "Potential First Rounders"?? More subjective media hype.

We're kicking the crap out of teams and they often aren't. So it's either talent or coaching. Or both.

Who knows how this game will go? I'm just not buying this same story we've heard for 5 years about SC's extreme talent advantages they've had that haven't yielded substantial success. Obviously, I could be wrong. I'm not Todd McShay.

 

[deadirishpoet]

Also struggled against WMU. The only game they looked like SC was the Stanford game.

Seems like they sure picked a good time to play Stanford at that

 

[Syd4ND]

Being 6-1 with the attrition they are facing
and the way they came back against a very good Utah team certainly will help them come in motivated against an Irish team that still has questions in their passing .game
Looking forward to this game

I'm not sure how good Utah is. I think they're decent. But I think they might end up 8-4. But the PAC 12 South is not good this year. Very top heavy. Time will tell. When you look at their schedule the 4 wins are against Bad teams. And its another level of bad. San Jose really should consider dropping to FCS. Even North Dakota is an average FCS team. Not an NDSU or Villanova type at all.

 

[Syd4ND]

Seems like they sure picked a good time to play Stanford at that

That's the truth. Just like last year. If USC played Stanford in November they would have beat them. I think the same thing holds true here. If they played now it would be a 4 quarter/last possession game. Stanford has found a groove.

 

[deadirishpoet]

I'm not sure how good Utah is. I think they're decent. But I think they might end up 8-4. But the PAC 12 South is not good this year. Very top heavy. Time will tell. When you look at their schedule the 4 wins are against Bad teams. And its another level of bad. San Jose really should consider dropping to FCS. Even North Dakota is an average FCS team. Not an NDSU or Villanova type at all.

This is true I'm not sure what to make of Utah but I received they were very good when they are playing at sea

 

[deadirishpoet]

That's the truth. Just like last year. If USC played Stanford in November they would have beat them. I think the same thing holds true here. If they played now it would be a 4 quarter/last possession game. Stanford has found a groove.

Love is he man, but they are still juggling QBs

 

[rgc7]

I see both teams coming into this game sky high. USC has the talent to
Make big plays and quick scores, and ND offense is also very capable of putting up points. Of course ,
If one team has a number of turnovers, that can be hugh, but if both offenses avoid turnovers,
The team with the best defense will win this game !
Tough game to pick, but I think ND wins this game on defense ?

 

[deadirishpoet]

I see both teams coming into this game sky high. USC has the talent to
Make big plays and quick scores, and ND offense is also very capable of putting up points. Of course ,
If one team has a number of turnovers, that can be hugh, but if both offenses avoid turnovers,
The team with the best defense will win this game !
Tough game to pick, but I think ND wins this game on defense ?

A week off can help..it can hurt.....we will see, but I like the Irish chances......I know beach I'm a Homer also.....as we should be.