Georgia is going to attempt to run the ball down NDs throat

[NDinNJ]

4-4-3 tends to offer realistic, prudent views, so I don’t understand your criticism

4-4-3 was disingenuous with his comment
"look what happened when Mills went down" as if to suggest Indiana was able to successfully gain an edge. When in fact Mills was injured in the 3rd quarter, and the score was 27-3 until less than 2 minutes left in the game. It's a disingenuous comment to support his narrative.

 

[Irish_inPSU]

I am by no means a football genius (I'm more the Al Bundy High School jock... lol) I just speak on what I think I see during games.

I think this game absolutely comes down to both lines and who dominates or controls the LOS. Thats SEC football 101 and why UGA and Bama have been so tough to beat historically. I can only think of Ohio State and those Clemson teams that are on par with their line play. As I mentioned, depth at these line positions, particulary on defense is a striking flaw in ND when they've played these guys. Its one thing to have elite starters and play their elite... its entirely different to have to sub in for those starters with lesser talent while they sub in another 4-5 star talent for a few plays.

I'm not convinced UGA has the offensive weapons to be a huge issue for our defense. I am concerned that our lack of depth on the d line will be an issue late in the game. Even IF we'd beat UGA, thats going to be a major issue moving forward in the next round.

The only other comment is on offense. To me, our Offense and its scheme is built well for this sort of game. IF they execute and limit mistakes, they are very good at dinking and dunking their way down the field. We've seen this all year. Time consuming drives, picking up 4-5 yards a play, with some big broke plays. Its a great formula against a Georgia defense that I'm assuming will come out very aggressive. I think I said this before, but this offense feels like the old Tom Brady and New England offenses where they just wore you down with screens, short slants, the occasional tight end getting involved and every now and then stretching the field. They didn't have a great deal of vertical weapons at the time, but they won super bowls with that formula.

 

[Telx1]

A weaker DLine that struggles to put pressure on the QB, puts more pressure on the LB’s and DB’s.

And when you give a good passer more time, he’s gonna complete those passes, and that in turn aids the running game,

It will be interesting to see what the line does on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning

I think you mean Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

 

[4-4-3]

"their due" as in respect.....I get that, and I understand they beat UT twice, but not without their starting QB, and Ga's running game last I looked was the 37th worse running attack.
It's true ND hasn't played a better team, but it's also quite possible GA hasn't faced a more determined team than ND is right now.
Losing Mills is huge, but Ga's rushing game has faced a less stellar defense and produced little, So it seems to come down to NDs rushing game vs Ga's rushing defense, and whether ND defense can continue to expose Ga's lack of rushing and putting the game on a QB who's real game time experience minimal.
Kiby Smart is an excellent HC probable the top guy, and makes great second half adjustment and though Freeman has not that pedigree yet has also has adjusted well.
Imo it will be extremely important for ND to score early and often and rattle the young QB all the while keeping Ga's defense on the field do these second half adjustments by Smart will be insurmountable
I understand your usage of the all caps to bring home your point, but my point is this is a different Ga team with little time to work out the kinks in real time playing time, and I believe they caught ND at the wrong time under.
MF has an "it" quality about him now. You can feel it in the press conference, and interviews in a way that feels like he's imposed it on his players.

I'm referring to more than respect when GIVING GEORGIA IT'S DUE. I'm also including its RANK, CAPABILITIES and ABILITY TO WIN THIS GAME. Is it giving Georgia too much credit to suggest it can win? Is it giving ND too little to suggest it can lose? I DON'T THINK SO.

Given the DATA and ANALYTICS, the game is ON PAPER a TOSS-UP. Which to me means that those who are not allowing for a path to victory FOR BOTH TEAMS, are viewing the game as partisans of one side or the other. Which is something I've chosen to avoid. Rooting is one thing; assessment, another. And since I'm niether a PREDICTOR nor a BETTOR, there's NO CONFLICT.

As for Marcus Freeman now having "IT," I have no basis on which to agree OR disagree. Yes, his SIDELINE DEMEANOR HAS CHANGED, even as ND has won 11 in a row. But which is the cause and which, the effect -- I have NO IDEA.

To me, it's like saying someone has "GOOD ENERGY." But if your team can't control the LOS, WHAT'S THAT ENERGY WORTH?

There are SCORES OF SCENARIOS by which either team can win this game. And I'm CREDITING them BOTH with a REASONABLE SHOT.

The payoff for supporters?

WE'LL SEE WHICH TEAM IS BETTER.

 

[4-4-3]

I am by no means a football genius (I'm more the Al Bundy High School jock... lol) I just speak on what I think I see during games.

I think this game absolutely comes down to both lines and who dominates or controls the LOS. Thats SEC football 101 and why UGA and Bama have been so tough to beat historically. I can only think of Ohio State and those Clemson teams that are on par with their line play. As I mentioned, depth at these line positions, particulary on defense is a striking flaw in ND when they've played these guys. Its one thing to have elite starters and play their elite... its entirely different to have to sub in for those starters with lesser talent while they sub in another 4-5 star talent for a few plays.

I'm not convinced UGA has the offensive weapons to be a huge issue for our defense. I am concerned that our lack of depth on the d line will be an issue late in the game. Even IF we'd beat UGA, thats going to be a major issue moving forward in the next round.

The only other comment is on offense. To me, our Offense and its scheme is built well for this sort of game. IF they execute and limit mistakes, they are very good at dinking and dunking their way down the field. We've seen this all year. Time consuming drives, picking up 4-5 yards a play, with some big broke plays. Its a great formula against a Georgia defense that I'm assuming will come out very aggressive. I think I said this before, but this offense feels like the old Tom Brady and New England offenses where they just wore you down with screens, short slants, the occasional tight end getting involved and every now and then stretching the field. They didn't have a great deal of vertical weapons at the time, but they won super bowls with that formula.

To me, ALL GOOD POINTS.

BTW, there are no FOOTBALL GENIUSES here.

Fortunately, it's enough to be a STUDENT OF THE GAME.

 

[4-4-3]

4-4-3 tends to offer realistic, prudent views, so I don’t understand your criticism

As someone who ENJOYS A WAGER, you GET IT. But, UNDERSTANDABLY, you pick your spots.

For me, there are too many variables in sports, so I don't even PREDICT, let alone BET.

But for MANY YEARS, I made SIZEABLE BETS for a living. It was NERVE RACKING, but it taught me DISCIPLINE and how to evaluate both sides -- even when my PREFERENCE was for one or the other. To this day, I'd rather suffer a LOST OPPORTUNITY COST than an ACTUAL LOSS.

But for many, PRUDENCE isn't part of their tool kit.

 

[francade]

🤮

 

[deadirishpoet]

I'm referring to more than respect when GIVING GEORGIA IT'S DUE. I'm also including its RANK, CAPABILITIES and ABILITY TO WIN THIS GAME. Is it giving Georgia too much credit to suggest it can win? Is it giving ND too little to suggest it can lose? I DON'T THINK SO.

Given the DATA and ANALYTICS, the game is ON PAPER a TOSS-UP. Which to me means that those who are not allowing for a path to victory FOR BOTH TEAMS, are viewing the game as partisans of one side or the other. Which is something I've chosen to avoid. Rooting is one thing; assessment, another. And since I'm niether a PREDICTOR nor a BETTOR, there's NO CONFLICT.

As for Marcus Freeman now having "IT," I have no basis on which to agree OR disagree. Yes, his SIDELINE DEMEANOR HAS CHANGED, even as ND has won 11 in a row. But which is the cause and which, the effect -- I have NO IDEA.

To me, it's like saying someone has "GOOD ENERGY." But if your team can't control the LOS, WHAT'S THAT ENERGY WORTH?

There are SCORES OF SCENARIOS by which either team can win this game. And I'm CREDITING them BOTH with a REASONABLE SHOT.

The payoff for supporters?

WE'LL SEE WHICH TEAM IS BETTER.

I'm surprised you didn't put them all caps in bold lettering to even highlightyour point more decisively, I'm also surprised you're not on here stumping for Alabama giving them their dues if that's route you want to go.
If you don't have any basis on MF and how he has grown into a motivational head coach you have not been paying attention and yes his team 11 time out of 12 times have controlled the line of scrimmage.
Your post giving Georgia too much credit to suggest it can win? And your post giving ND too little to suggest it can lose? I DO THINK SO.

 

[Chubbinallday]

I'm not sure, but if GA could only get one tailback to produce then that tells you all you need to know

Ga has Etienne and Nate Frazier. Rb is not a problem. Ga raises their play in big games. Texas rushing attack that embarrassed Clemson. Ga held them to 1.1 YPC. Ga is very battle tested. They were on the road most of the season. You guys are correct this season our OL did not run block well. But as they’ve gotten healthy near the end they are playing better up front. Texas DL is full of studs they were very tough up front, when Ga needed to run ball they did.


Notre Dame is a good team. They’ve played a bunch of teams lately that they were significantly better then. They will line up against a lot of NfL talent on edges and up front for Ga. They will no longer have the advantage player against player they’ve had. Will find out what they are made of.

I expect a good close game. All hinges on the back up QB. Just a side note. He broke every Ga state record set by Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. He’s tough as nails. Don’t sleep on him.

Obviously I am a Ga fan. I have immense respect for the ND fan base. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had was coming to Notre Dame. The campus was beautiful. The stadium was iconic it was the best facilities I’ve ever been to in CFB. The fan base treated us so good. Kudos to you guys.

I expect a slobber knocker of a game. I think it’s low scoring. And it will come down to who stops the run and who runs ball and obviously turnovers.

I think it’s a 50/50 game

I will say this. Ga has yet to play a complete game. I believe if they do. They will win this game. They are due to put a complete game together. They’ve had a brutal schedule a ton of injuries. And they are finally healthy across the board.


Looking forward to a good game good luck to the Irish let’s hope for a good clean game and hopefully refs can manage to not mess up a big game for either squad.

Thank you for letting me post on the board I always love a good discussion.

Last game at ND was a fun one came down to the last play !

 

[NIN Irish]

I'm surprised you didn't put them all caps in bold lettering to even highlightyour point more decisively, I'm also surprised you're not on here stumping for Alabama giving them their dues if that's route you want to go.
If you don't have any basis on MF and how he has grown into a motivational head coach you have not been paying attention and yes his team 11 time out of 12 times have controlled the line of scrimmage.
Your post giving Georgia too much credit to suggest it can win? And your post giving ND too little to suggest it can lose? I DO THINK SO.

Definitely didn't read 4-4-3s post, but the first sentence was all it took for the like. The rest of your post is obvious, deserves likes as well though.

 

[deadirishpoet]

Ga has Etienne and Nate Frazier. Rb is not a problem. Ga raises their play in big games. Texas rushing attack that embarrassed Clemson. Ga held them to 1.1 YPC. Ga is very battle tested. They were on the road most of the season. You guys are correct this season our OL did not run block well. But as they’ve gotten healthy near the end they are playing better up front. Texas DL is full of studs they were very tough up front, when Ga needed to run ball they did.


Notre Dame is a good team. They’ve played a bunch of teams lately that they were significantly better then. They will line up against a lot of NfL talent on edges and up front for Ga. They will no longer have the advantage player against player they’ve had. Will find out what they are made of.

I expect a good close game. All hinges on the back up QB. Just a side note. He broke every Ga state record set by Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. He’s tough as nails. Don’t sleep on him.

Obviously I am a Ga fan. I have immense respect for the ND fan base. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had was coming to Notre Dame. The campus was beautiful. The stadium was iconic it was the best facilities I’ve ever been to in CFB. The fan base treated us so good. Kudos to you guys.

I expect a slobber knocker of a game. I think it’s low scoring. And it will come down to who stops the run and who runs ball and obviously turnovers.

I think it’s a 50/50 game

I will say this. Ga has yet to play a complete game. I believe if they do. They will win this game. They are due to put a complete game together. They’ve had a brutal schedule a ton of injuries. And they are finally healthy across the board.


Looking forward to a good game good luck to the Irish let’s hope for a good clean game and hopefully refs can manage to not mess up a big game for either squad.

Thank you for letting me post on the board I always love a good discussion.

Last game at ND was a fun one came down to the last play !

Welcome to the board....
"I expect a slobber knocker of a game"

As do I

 

[christophero]

I think Notre Dame wins by 2 touchdowns.

 

[Patrish]

I think you mean Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

I meant the betting line in Las Vegas

 

[Telx1]

I meant the betting line in Las Vegas

Gotcha! I literally don’t care and don’t pay any attention to the betting line…so went right over my head. And I live right outside Las Vegas!

 

[HDK]

Oh you're not wrong there. The 2012 Bama squad in particular was ridiculous. Watching our guys walk out onto that field was like watching lambs being led to slaughter.. lol. 2018 Clemson was similar. The 2020 Bama team, that was the game that I felt ND was competitive in for the most part and as I said, depth, to me, was the deciding factor. Bama eventually leaned on us long enough and wore us down, but we were right there.

As I said, its time for the Irish to put up or shut up... we REALLY need to win a game like this asap. Honestly, if we win this one, I think we match up very well against PSU (assuming they'll beat BSU) and we beat them. Its just these bloody SEC teams......

I don't think ND has much of a chance to win this game. You have already pointed out many of the reasons in earlier posts. But our defense is decimated, and Georgia is getting healthy at the right time. I also think now that Smart has his team in the playoff, he will have no trouble motivating it after getting left out of the playoff last year. Georgia has experience on this stage and knows how to win. We are still in the learning stages.

I think Georgia will be able to run on us and wear our defense down to take over the game in the fourth quarter. I don't see our offense being able to play keep away, as we need it to do, so I see a long night.

 

[Golson5]

I don't think ND has much of a chance to win this game. You have already pointed out many of the reasons in earlier posts. But our defense is decimated, and Georgia is getting healthy at the right time. I also think now that Smart has his team in the playoff, he will have no trouble motivating it after getting left out of the playoff last year. Georgia has experience on this stage and knows how to win. We are still in the learning stages.

I think Georgia will be able to run on us and wear our defense down to take over the game in the fourth quarter. I don't see our offense being able to play keep away, as we need it to do, so I see a long night.

It will be a close competitive game

 

[sjb75]

I think Notre Dame wins by 2 touchdowns.

I don't think ND has much of a chance to win this game. You have already pointed out many of the reasons in earlier posts. But our defense is decimated, and Georgia is getting healthy at the right time. I also think now that Smart has his team in the playoff, he will have no trouble motivating it after getting left out of the playoff last year. Georgia has experience on this stage and knows how to win. We are still in the learning stages.

I think Georgia will be able to run on us and wear our defense down to take over the game in the fourth quarter. I don't see our offense being able to play keep away, as we need it to do, so I see a long night.

Spectrum.

 

[4-4-3]

I'm surprised you didn't put them all caps in bold lettering to even highlightyour point more decisively, I'm also surprised you're not on here stumping for Alabama giving them their dues if that's route you want to go.
If you don't have any basis on MF and how he has grown into a motivational head coach you have not been paying attention and yes his team 11 time out of 12 times have controlled the line of scrimmage.
Your post giving Georgia too much credit to suggest it can win? And your post giving ND too little to suggest it can lose? I DO THINK SO.

My CAPS? Giving ALABAMA its due? These are your issues? They're IRRELEVANT.

I offered an ANALYSIS. You replied to it with a MINI-PAEAN to Marcus Freeman's MOTIVATIONAL ABILITIES, implying -- AS IT SEEMED TO ME -- that they would provide the CLINCHING FACTOR in ND'S BEATING GEORGIA. And if that's NOT what you meant, then what am I MISSING?

And to repeat, I'm WHOLLY UNCERTAIN to what extent Marcus Freeman has made the team more confident vs. to what extent winning has made Marcus Freeman more confident. Of course, they're INTERRELATED, but either way, I don't see Freeman as the ULTIMATE GUARANTEED KEY TO ANYTHING. Even if he does his job PERFECTLY, if the players DON'T EXECUTE SUFFICIENTLY, ND WILL LOSE. All Freeman can do is COACH.

As for your repsonse to the CREDIT ISSUE, it appears that whatever analysis you brought to this discussion was always going to GIVE WAY to a purely EMOTIONALLY DRIVEN POSITION -- namely, that ONLY ND CAN WIN THIS GAME. And that's your PREROGATIVE.

But to react so STRENUOUSLY to the MERE IDEA that OTHERS -- including as of now, Vegas -- MIGHT HAVE REASONED that ND CAN ACTUALLY LOSE THIS GAME suggests a level of INTOLERANCE that has nothing to do with any ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT of the ACTUAL PROBABILITIES.

A little OBJECTIVE HEDGING based on the FACTS can go a long way in ALLEVIATING DISAPPOINTMENT in the event the outcome turns out OTHERWISE than the only one YOU DEEM POSSIBLE.

I'm happy just seeing WHO THE BETTER TEAM IS.

 

[sjb75]

My CAPS? Giving ALABAMA its due? These are your issues? They're IRRELEVANT.

I offered an ANALYSIS. You replied to it with a MINI-PAEAN to Marcus Freeman's MOTIVATIONAL ABILITIES, implying -- AS IT SEEMED TO ME -- that they would provide the CLINCHING FACTOR in ND'S BEATING GEORGIA. And if that's NOT what you meant, then what am I MISSING?

And to repeat, I'm WHOLLY UNCERTAIN to what extent Marcus Freeman has made the team more confident vs. to what extent winning has made Marcus Freeman more confident. Of course, they're INTERRELATED, but either way, I don't see Freeman as the ULTIMATE GUARANTEED KEY TO ANYTHING. Even if he does his job PERFECTLY, if the players DON'T EXECUTE SUFFICIENTLY, ND WILL LOSE. All Freeman can do is COACH.

As for your repsonse to the CREDIT ISSUE, it appears that whatever analysis you brought to this discussion was always going to GIVE WAY to a purely EMOTIONALLY DRIVEN POSITION -- namely, that ONLY ND CAN WIN THIS GAME. And that's your PREROGATIVE.

But to react so STRENUOUSLY to the MERE IDEA that OTHERS -- including as of now, Vegas -- MIGHT HAVE REASONED that ND CAN ACTUALLY LOSE THIS GAME suggests a level of INTOLERANCE that has nothing to do with any ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT of the ACTUAL PROBABILITIES.

A little OBJECTIVE HEDGING based on the FACTS can go a long way in ALLEVIATING DISAPPOINTMENT in the event the outcome turns out OTHERWISE than the only one YOU DEEM POSSIBLE.

I'm happy just seeing WHO THE BETTER TEAM IS.

Nausea.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

I think this is an interesting match-up, as I think we'll see both offenses come in w/ a similar strategy: run, run, run. Field position, YPC, 3rd/4th down conversions and TOP is going to be critical. I don't think we're going to see many big pass plays. I do think where ND has a slight edge is the experience at QB. My hope is that Stockton's lack of experience will result in a pick or two and that will be the difference maker for ND. ND wins 20-17.

 

[christophero]

Leonard was made for this game.

 

[Fightingirish595]

Georgia has to completely change their identity. They struggled to run the ball all year. When they were in wholes (sometimes in part to becks inconsistencies) he led them back quite a bit. This Georgia team is way different than those b2b title teams

His absence shouldn’t be downplayed.

 

[deadirishpoet]

My CAPS? Giving ALABAMA its due? These are your issues? They're IRRELEVANT.

I offered an ANALYSIS. You replied to it with a MINI-PAEAN to Marcus Freeman's MOTIVATIONAL ABILITIES, implying -- AS IT SEEMED TO ME -- that they would provide the CLINCHING FACTOR in ND'S BEATING GEORGIA. And if that's NOT what you meant, then what am I MISSING?

And to repeat, I'm WHOLLY UNCERTAIN to what extent Marcus Freeman has made the team more confident vs. to what extent winning has made Marcus Freeman more confident. Of course, they're INTERRELATED, but either way, I don't see Freeman as the ULTIMATE GUARANTEED KEY TO ANYTHING. Even if he does his job PERFECTLY, if the players DON'T EXECUTE SUFFICIENTLY, ND WILL LOSE. All Freeman can do is COACH.

As for your repsonse to the CREDIT ISSUE, it appears that whatever analysis you brought to this discussion was always going to GIVE WAY to a purely EMOTIONALLY DRIVEN POSITION -- namely, that ONLY ND CAN WIN THIS GAME. And that's your PREROGATIVE.

But to react so STRENUOUSLY to the MERE IDEA that OTHERS -- including as of now, Vegas -- MIGHT HAVE REASONED that ND CAN ACTUALLY LOSE THIS GAME suggests a level of INTOLERANCE that has nothing to do with any ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT of the ACTUAL PROBABILITIES.

A little OBJECTIVE HEDGING based on the FACTS can go a long way in ALLEVIATING DISAPPOINTMENT in the event the outcome turns out OTHERWISE than the only one YOU DEEM POSSIBLE.

I'm happy just seeing WHO THE BETTER TEAM IS.

Unlike when I'm buying and sell in the stock market I'm an emotional guy when it comes to Notre Dame football.
With this the victories alway taste more sweeter, and the loses more heartbreaking than someone more measured. I can live with that.

Do you believe Lou Holtz had the ability to lift his team to victories even as his teams didn't execute sufficiently? I do. This is what I was referring to (probably poorly) shocker I know

Ga is a completely different team and Vegas hedging its bets means little to me.
No one has faced this Ga team before, and though I do respect the brand and Smarts abilities I think the strengths all favor ND at this point including MF ability to lift this team across the line

 

[Golson5]

Georgia has to completely change their identity. They struggled to run the ball all year. When they were in wholes (sometimes in part to becks inconsistencies) he led them back quite a bit. This Georgia team is way different than those b2b title teams

His absence shouldn’t be downplayed.

When they decided to power run vs Texas they looked their best

I think they go back to their original superior identity

 

[Bogie8870]

Maybe ND can use some of that deer antler spray...

 

[Kelso86]

With Mills out, more reason Georgia is going to pound the ball and run 30 plus times vs ND. I hope ND backups are ready

I think they will test ND's front 7 early and often.

I also believe Golden and staff will have these guys ready for the challenge.

 

[Irish_inPSU]

I don't think ND has much of a chance to win this game. You have already pointed out many of the reasons in earlier posts. But our defense is decimated, and Georgia is getting healthy at the right time. I also think now that Smart has his team in the playoff, he will have no trouble motivating it after getting left out of the playoff last year. Georgia has experience on this stage and knows how to win. We are still in the learning stages.

I think Georgia will be able to run on us and wear our defense down to take over the game in the fourth quarter. I don't see our offense being able to play keep away, as we need it to do, so I see a long night.

I don't quite share the same level of pessimism that you do, but I completely understand. A couple things.

One, I will be very interested to see how Freeman handles this stage. Does he have his guys ready to play and do we come out firing away, not playing scared to lose? That was Kelly's MO in big games and we almost always got embarrassed unless the game plan was perfect. I fully expect a different kind of Irish team in this game.

Leonard could very well be the X factor. I think its pretty well established the UGA struggled against mobile QB's so I expect them to exploit this through out the game. At the very least, to keep UGA honest, but we could see Leonard rack up decent yardage on the ground. Move the chains... thats the name of the game against them. I don't think we'll see us be able to run right at their defense with much success. I think spreading them out and forcing them to tackle in space is very important. This defense had some issues tackling in space.

Defensively... yeah... I think we'll be holding on for dear life unless these guys play out of their mind and surprise me. We had a phenominal defensive season but man... you can only take so many hits and lost personnel before its evident. Hope i'm wrong there.

I still see a 27-17 type win for UGA. Ha, I still have terrible PTSD from past big games like this. I was fooled into thinking past teams were good enough to play toe to toe with Bama, Clemson, etc and I was wrong... very very wrong.. lol.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

I don't quite share the same level of pessimism that you do, but I completely understand. A couple things.

One, I will be very interested to see how Freeman handles this stage. Does he have his guys ready to play and do we come out firing away, not playing scared to lose? That was Kelly's MO in big games and we almost always got embarrassed unless the game plan was perfect. I fully expect a different kind of Irish team in this game.

Leonard could very well be the X factor. I think its pretty well established the UGA struggled against mobile QB's so I expect them to exploit this through out the game. At the very least, to keep UGA honest, but we could see Leonard rack up decent yardage on the ground. Move the chains... thats the name of the game against them. I don't think we'll see us be able to run right at their defense with much success. I think spreading them out and forcing them to tackle in space is very important. This defense had some issues tackling in space.

Defensively... yeah... I think we'll be holding on for dear life unless these guys play out of their mind and surprise me. We had a phenominal defensive season but man... you can only take so many hits and lost personnel before its evident. Hope i'm wrong there.

I still see a 27-17 type win for UGA. Ha, I still have terrible PTSD from past big games like this. I was fooled into thinking past teams were good enough to play toe to toe with Bama, Clemson, etc and I was wrong... very very wrong.. lol.

Your PTSD is valid. I'm optimistic and excited, but the past is also haunting me. This is such an important game for Freeman and ND. It's time to show ND is for real.

 

[HDK]

I don't quite share the same level of pessimism that you do, but I completely understand. A couple things.

One, I will be very interested to see how Freeman handles this stage. Does he have his guys ready to play and do we come out firing away, not playing scared to lose? That was Kelly's MO in big games and we almost always got embarrassed unless the game plan was perfect. I fully expect a different kind of Irish team in this game.

Leonard could very well be the X factor. I think its pretty well established the UGA struggled against mobile QB's so I expect them to exploit this through out the game. At the very least, to keep UGA honest, but we could see Leonard rack up decent yardage on the ground. Move the chains... thats the name of the game against them. I don't think we'll see us be able to run right at their defense with much success. I think spreading them out and forcing them to tackle in space is very important. This defense had some issues tackling in space.

Defensively... yeah... I think we'll be holding on for dear life unless these guys play out of their mind and surprise me. We had a phenominal defensive season but man... you can only take so many hits and lost personnel before its evident. Hope i'm wrong there.

I still see a 27-17 type win for UGA. Ha, I still have terrible PTSD from past big games like this. I was fooled into thinking past teams were good enough to play toe to toe with Bama, Clemson, etc and I was wrong... very very wrong.. lol.

Trust me, I'd love to see ND win 42-14.

But I think my view is not that much different than yours. I see something between Georgia winning by 24-14 to maybe 27-10. I think the last 5 minutes of the first half and the last half of the 4th quarter will be very telling -- if Georgia is able to wear down our defense. Conversely, I think the third quarter will be most telling for us in terms of whether Georgia can come up with adjustments against our offense and/or whether our offense can adjust to their D.

I think Freeman will have his team playing loose, I just think our defense will not be able to stand up the whole game. I also don't see our very basic offense evolving that much where it will score enough points.

I don't call it PTSD. I call it being rational. I haven't expected ND to win a big bowl game since Weis's first season when we got beat by Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. We are trending slowly in the right direction, but still don't have the all-around depth the top teams have.

 

[4-4-3]

Unlike when I'm buying and sell in the stock market I'm an emotional guy when it comes to Notre Dame football.
With this the victories alway taste more sweeter, and the loses more heartbreaking than someone more measured. I can live with that.

Do you believe Lou Holtz had the ability to lift his team to victories even as his teams didn't execute sufficiently? I do. This is what I was referring to (probably poorly) shocker I know

Ga is a completely different team and Vegas hedging its bets means little to me.
No one has faced this Ga team before, and though I do respect the brand and Smarts abilities I think the strengths all favor ND at this point including MF ability to lift this team across the line

UNDERSTOOD.

And it's all WELL AND GOOD.

SERIOUSLY.

But I do hope you RECOGNIZE that others -- and I'm NOT speaking for myself here as I simply DON'T MAKE PREDICTIONS -- feel EQUALLY STRONGLY that the advantages lie with Georgia, and, as far as I can tell -- and I will spare you a number of telling ANALYTICAL VIDEOS -- they are REASONABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE FOLKS who are calling it as they see it.

More importantly, they have as much right to their views as anyone else and without that making them ANTI-ND or anti-Marcus Freeman.

On the other hand, there are plenty on both sides going ALL IN emotionally, looking for signs, portents and VERGING MILESTONES. Fortunately, much of that is VAPOR and will drift away in the wake of what the game actually TELLS US.

If forced to make any sort of PREDICTIVE COMMENT, the only thing I would say is that THERE'S A STRONG PROBABILITY OF MULTIPLE TURNOVERS AND INJURIES.

 

[deadirishpoet]

UNDERSTOOD.

And it's all WELL AND GOOD.

SERIOUSLY.

But I do hope you RECOGNIZE that others -- and I'm NOT speaking for myself here as I simply DON'T MAKE PREDICTIONS -- feel EQUALLY STRONGLY that the advantages lie with Georgia, and, as far as I can tell -- and I will spare you a number of telling ANALYTICAL VIDEOS -- they are REASONABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE FOLKS who are calling it as they see it.

More importantly, they have as much right to their views as anyone else and without that making them ANTI-ND or anti-Marcus Freeman.

On the other hand, there are plenty on both sides going ALL IN emotionally, looking for signs, portents and VERGING MILESTONES. Fortunately, much of that is VAPOR and will drift away in the wake of what the game actually TELLS US.

If forced to make any sort of PREDICTIVE COMMENT, the only thing I would say is that THERE'S A STRONG PROBABILITY OF MULTIPLE TURNOVERS AND INJURIES.

Great response
That you

 

[deadirishpoet]

UNDERSTOOD.

And it's all WELL AND GOOD.

SERIOUSLY.

But I do hope you RECOGNIZE that others -- and I'm NOT speaking for myself here as I simply DON'T MAKE PREDICTIONS -- feel EQUALLY STRONGLY that the advantages lie with Georgia, and, as far as I can tell -- and I will spare you a number of telling ANALYTICAL VIDEOS -- they are REASONABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE FOLKS who are calling it as they see it.

More importantly, they have as much right to their views as anyone else and without that making them ANTI-ND or anti-Marcus Freeman.

On the other hand, there are plenty on both sides going ALL IN emotionally, looking for signs, portents and VERGING MILESTONES. Fortunately, much of that is VAPOR and will drift away in the wake of what the game actually TELLS US.

If forced to make any sort of PREDICTIVE COMMENT, the only thing I would say is that THERE'S A STRONG PROBABILITY OF MULTIPLE TURNOVERS AND INJURIES.

Yes I do understand, and recognize the otherside of the coin. I am just thrilled of the possibilities of what a MF tenure can do.
I would of never thought the importance of of youthful coach could have this impact, but with the times being what they are in today's college football he's probably the right person at the right time, and I'm not naive to the possible demand for him eleswhere. ND needs to find away to lock him down until he's done with college football.
If he went back to OSU, and with their ability to sell their soul for a championship he probably could make them the most feared team on the landscape
I am also not foolish enough to take Ga lightly, but putting each team side by side and all things being equal I think MF charisma is what propels ND to the win, much like Lou Holtz seem to have the ability to do IMHO

 

[4-4-3]

Yes I do understand, and recognize the otherside of the coin. I am just thrilled of the possibilities of what a MF tenure can do.
I would of never thought the importance of of youthful coach could have this impact, but with the times being what they are in today's college football he's probably the right person at the right time, and I'm not naive to the possible demand for him eleswhere. ND needs to find away to lock him down until he's done with college football.
If he went back to OSU, and with their ability to sell their soul for a championship he probably could make them the most feared team on the landscape
I am also not foolish enough to take Ga lightly, but putting each team side by side and all things being equal I think MF charisma is what propels ND to the win, much like Lou Holtz seem to have the ability to do IMHO

Freeman has done a GREAT JOB. No one was MORE NEGATIVE over his hiring than me. Whatever he's doing, he's GETTING IT RIGHT. And I don't doubt his CHARISMA will be a POSITIVE. But for me, this game is more about PURE PHYSICS -- speed, size, force, mass, momentum and DURABILITY.

ND has not played a team like this all year. My concern is that on a POUND FOR POUND BASIS, Georgia may still hold THAT GREATER TALENT/GREATER DEPTH/SIGNATURE SEC ADVANTAGE.

Because until a Freeman ND team beats a team of Georgia's ILK, it will be impossible to know if ND has indeed TURNED THE CORNER versus that kind of TALENT.

Fortunately, we have only about 13 hours -- AS I TYPE THIS -- until GAME TIME.