In order for ND to beat Clemson…
- Thread starter Irishjohn68
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Figure out a way to run the ball against a good run defense. Hit some deep passes and win the turnover battle. You can pretty much use this info for any game!
Outscore 'em!
No seriously though, it's such a holistic thing, so it's hard to say in a matchup like this. But I will say this, they need to get the passing game working somehow. It'll be tough, or it certainly could be, and Clemson does have a big-time DL that could seemingly keep Pyne under duress all game long, and really throw us off our stride.
So I don't know if Pyne has to have the game of his life and play out of his head, it'd probably be more about the play calling and getting the balance right, and Pyne stepping into those opportunities well enough. A number of good pass play calls that work, and keep Clemson on their toes/heels enough, if not tear up their defense. And naturally the run game has to be pretty strong.
On the other side of the ball, and this is where ND's bread is buttered, it'd be great if the defense could have the game of their life, which is something they can confidently aspire to and maybe pull off, as they've been more than solid all season long, and appear to be a very capable unit that absolutely could hold Clemson down to the low twenties on the scoreboard. And if they can do that, somehow hold them to 20 points, or 24, I think our offense can manage to make up that difference. Maybe we'll get another blocked punt....
No seriously though, it's such a holistic thing, so it's hard to say in a matchup like this. But I will say this, they need to get the passing game working somehow. It'll be tough, or it certainly could be, and Clemson does have a big-time DL that could seemingly keep Pyne under duress all game long, and really throw us off our stride.
So I don't know if Pyne has to have the game of his life and play out of his head, it'd probably be more about the play calling and getting the balance right, and Pyne stepping into those opportunities well enough. A number of good pass play calls that work, and keep Clemson on their toes/heels enough, if not tear up their defense. And naturally the run game has to be pretty strong.
On the other side of the ball, and this is where ND's bread is buttered, it'd be great if the defense could have the game of their life, which is something they can confidently aspire to and maybe pull off, as they've been more than solid all season long, and appear to be a very capable unit that absolutely could hold Clemson down to the low twenties on the scoreboard. And if they can do that, somehow hold them to 20 points, or 24, I think our offense can manage to make up that difference. Maybe we'll get another blocked punt....
True enough. Especially the part where we hit a few pass plays. I don't know how good or bad Rees should be graded for this season or not. But he needs to deliver the goods this weekend. Pull out most of the stops, and manage to make it work for us, and get us over 20 points on offense. Which is certainly not some insuperable task, but Clemson is Clemson, and they're pretty good.....
Not going to win. But if they do, Rees will have Pyne pass a lot. Short swing passes to rbs. Roll outs n options. Then run ball. U try to run ball u lose
pass the ball effectively or get some turnover breaks and bad weather to hurt the Clemson passing game. Cannot target Mayer all night. If the weather is good, it’ll take a miracle and Pyne, Merriweather, Colzie, Styles would have to have big nights in addition to Mayer. Alt and the OL will need the bet game of their lives to give Pyne the pathetically long amount of time he needs to make throws
We don't need the weather. Their passing game is average and their pass defense is average
it’s average pass game but it’s light years better than nd. Pyne cannot make plays with a rush. It boils down to Pynes inability to deliver. The OL is not going to dominate like Syracuse. Pyne has to be an average qb, but he’s not.
If there was ever a time to get other receivers involved, this is it. It would be frustrating to go down blatantly targeting MM time after time after time. Especially if we manage to keep it close....
Well, for starters, play with the aggression, passion and sense of urgency they do when on the road! 3 - 1 when playing away from ND Stadium and in each game, they played liked they wanted to play the game (and took Ohio State to the limit). 2 - 2 at home, and in each of those games (especially the losses) they looked like they would rather be somewhere else (except Nevada, but only a little). You would think being on your home surface would give you energy.
"But if they do, Rees will have Pyne pass a lot. Short swing passes to rbs. Roll outs n options"
ND88 -- don't go ballistic! lol
I like a very well choreographed and diverse short passing game and a hurry up offense. I like a blend of screens, reverses, slot routes, deep shots to Merriweather, draw plays, whatever it takes to throw the defense off and get the ball out fast. I also think pyne can throw them off by using his legs even though he’s not fast. execution is key obviously and not Pine just dropping the ball 5 yards in front of his receivers or 10 yards over their head. he can’t sit and hold onto the ball and just take sacks all night like a dip shit
Clemson O is better than ND's. ND and Clemson D's are a push. ND at home. Have to get probably two more turnovers than Clemson. And either a blocked kick or a BIG return.
I think one of the biggest things is to stay out of 2nd and 3rd and long situations. If they are in 3rd and 8 type situations most of the game , it will be tough to win. 3rd and two or three, then I like their chances.
Tommy is going to have to break tendencies and use the motion to keep the defense honest and sprinkle in some passing and deep shots.
He typically uses motion or split zone look to keep backers honest to set up the blocks on the inside zone, but I think he needs to take some shots at Clemsons d-backs off those looks.
He typically uses motion or split zone look to keep backers honest to set up the blocks on the inside zone, but I think he needs to take some shots at Clemsons d-backs off those looks.
Forecast for Saturday has rain starting in the morning and lasting until around 4:00pm. Looks to be dry and low 50's at kick-off.
