Linebacker

[HRC08]

Good enough to beat 10 out of 12 opponents but not good enough to beat Clemson, Bama and perhaps Stanford. If the only goal (BK's words not mine) is to win the CFP, should ND spend the next 2 games taking it's lumps while getting the back ups to 38 and 17 ready for Stanford and the CFP?

Watching Derrick Henry make minced meat out of LSU's front 7 was a stark reminder that our front seven isn't nearly bulky enough to withstand the onslaught of a true ground and pound offense. ND has to get bigger at Mike and Dog linebacker to beat Stanford, Bama, Ohio State and Clemson.

 

[IRISHJD98]

Alabama controlled the ball for 39 minutes to LSU's 20 minutes, that will wear down any defense. LSU isn't balanced enough on offense to overcome Alabama aggressively killing the run. Once LSU's running game was stopped they were screwed. They don't have a plan B.

We don't have to be able to stop Alabama if we meet them, we just need to slow them down enough to outscore them There's no magic powder that will turn our defense into a shutout machine. I think we need to focus to just getting better at what we've been doing.

But as I was watching Alabama run over LSU, I was thinking "man I'd really rather play LSU."

 

[justacollegefan]

Good enough to beat 10 out of 12 opponents but not good enough to beat Clemson, Bama and perhaps Stanford. If the only goal (BK's words not mine) is to win the CFP, should ND spend the next 2 games taking it's lumps while getting the back ups to 38 and 17 ready for Stanford and the CFP?

Watching Derrick Henry make minced meat out of LSU's front 7 was a stark reminder that our front seven isn't nearly bulky enough to withstand the onslaught of a true ground and pound offense. ND has to get bigger at Mike and Dog linebacker to beat Stanford, Bama, Ohio State and Clemson.

Do you mean we need to get bigger and stronger through recruiting? Otherwise there is no magic spell that will make our defense look like Bama's. The fact is Bama has had the number 1 or 2 recruiting class over the last 6-7 years, maybe even longer in the top 3, we aren't close to that.

 

[perseverare]

well the playoff picture became clearer in just the 2nd week of rankings!

tOSU
Bama vs UF winner
Clemson
and
the 4th is from ND, Ok., Stanford (if they beat ND and USC)*

*(two factors of note: USC must beat UCLA and hope that Mora does not lie down vs Utah)

 

[HRC08]

Do you mean we need to get bigger and stronger through recruiting? Otherwise there is no magic spell that will make our defense look like Bama's. The fact is Bama has had the number 1 or 2 recruiting class over the last 6-7 years, maybe even longer in the top 3, we aren't close to that.

I'm talking about getting Morgan on the field and letting him drown a little until he learns to swim. Does anybody think he wouldn't have already passed the "drowning" period at another school? Heck I'd pass for #59 at this point. His name escapes me at the moment.

 

[HRC08]

But as I was watching Alabama run over LSU, I was thinking "man I'd really rather play LSU."

Haha.. You're not kidding brother. Alabama haunted me in my dreams last night.

 

[graceh90]

If the playoffs were played next weekend, no one is beating Bama. Best run stopping defense bar none. Best balance by far. Only weakness=Kiffin.

 

[perseverare]

^ very honest (and very correct!)

worst case scenario for ND

a NC game vs Alabama and Tom Caughlin retires !

 

[88ND]

Good enough to beat 10 out of 12 opponents but not good enough to beat Clemson, Bama and perhaps Stanford. If the only goal (BK's words not mine) is to win the CFP, should ND spend the next 2 games taking it's lumps while getting the back ups to 38 and 17 ready for Stanford and the CFP?

Watching Derrick Henry make minced meat out of LSU's front 7 was a stark reminder that our front seven isn't nearly bulky enough to withstand the onslaught of a true ground and pound offense. ND has to get bigger at Mike and Dog linebacker to beat Stanford, Bama, Ohio State and Clemson.

LSU is still one dimensional. Just as they were against us in the bowl game they can't pass with any consistency instead of being lucky once in a while.

Bama can run for sure. But lets not get all giddy just yet because just because LSU has HAD some nice material on the d line in the past doesn't make it ****ing so now.

They allowed 28 points to a very offensively challenged Florida team. The same team vandy just held to 6 points for 57 plus minutes.

The bama win wasn't as impressive to me as a lot of you folks. LSU was not that good to me as a whole....and it showed.

 

[mmboys07]

LSU is still one dimensional. Just as they were against us in the bowl game they can't pass with any consistency instead of being lucky once in a while.

Bama can run for sure. But lets not get all giddy just yet because just because LSU has HAD some nice material on the d line in the past doesn't make it ****ing so now.

They allowed 28 points to a very offensively challenged Florida team. The same team vandy just held to 6 points for 57 plus minutes.

The bama win wasn't as impressive to me as a lot of you folks. LSU was not that good to me as a whole....and it showed.

Good point. The SEC is probably overrated. Memphis handled Mississippi and Navy handled Memphis easily.

 

[57Patrick]

FL may not get past FSU. FL's offense is bad. If FL were to lose to FSU, even if they won the SEC championship game, which they won't, they wouldn't get in over a one loss ND IMHO.

 

[perseverare]

UF is defense; win or lose on defense.

 

[88ND]

If the playoffs were played next weekend, no one is beating Bama. Best run stopping defense bar none. Best balance by far. Only weakness=Kiffin.

How so? I just love how much weight reputation carries.
What has Bama done this year to make such bold statements.
Bama sold out on the run. LSU can't throw just like last bowl game against us. LSU did not make them pay for loading the box.
What has given Bama trouble this year is the pass. LSU can't do it and it was no surprise to me they lost.

Notice how none of those SEC teams outside of Ole Miss are very good passing? Oh and btw, the very team that beat Bama was the only one that can pass and play a little defense.
You throw ...and CAN throw on Bama to open the run up.
Trouble is none of them are very prolific passing and so Bama will continue to roll.

 

[perseverare]

try to picture this: Derrick Henry breaks through the D line and only Joe is between him and the end zone?

Pass to set up the run is no better than run to set up the pass. In fact the run has less opportunity for disaster.

We been dwn this road before?

 

[88ND]

try to picture this: Derrick Henry breaks through the D line and only Joe is between him and the end zone?

Pass to set up the run is no better than run to set up the pass. In fact the run has less opportunity for disaster.

We been dwn this road before?

Against a team that is selling out against the run....why force the issue.

You're right...we have been done this bizarre road of your comprehension before.
Keep it in context chief.

If any team is selling out against the run....what do you do? Passing backs them off a bit otherwise you shred them.

I specifically said when playing Bama you have to throw. They pack the box and if you continue to try and run you will get no where. Let's see, LSU comes to mind all of 19 hours ago. They can't throw like last bowl game.

Again the one team that had success against Bama was the really only balanced offensive team in the sec.

 

[HRC08]

try to picture this: Derrick Henry breaks through the D line and only Joe is between him and the end zone?

Pass to set up the run is no better than run to set up the pass. In fact the run has less opportunity for disaster.

We been dwn this road before?

Exactly. I'd take a 12 game starter Niles Morgan in that situation though. ND had a chance to work him into the lineup and let him learn under fire but they chose not too. It was easier to settle for "just ok" instead of risking some busted plays to get Morgan ready. I also think if Morgan could have surplanted Schmidt, ND could have moved Jaylon back to his best position which is Dog LB. ND has Jaylon inside as much to cover Joe's mistakes as they do "get him in the center of the action." Even Jaylon's not great as an inside guy. Good but not great. He's great at Dog!

 

[echowaker]

Exactly. I'd take a 12 game starter Niles Morgan in that situation though. ND had a chance to work him into the lineup and let him learn under fire but they chose not too. It was easier to settle for "just ok" instead of risking some busted plays to get Morgan ready. I also think if Morgan could have surplanted Schmidt, ND could have moved Jaylon back to his best position which is Dog LB. ND has Jaylon inside as much to cover Joe's mistakes as they do "get him in the center of the action." Even Jaylon's not great as an inside guy. Good but not great. He's great at Dog!

shouldn't morgan have to "earn " playing time like everyone else ? this "throw him in there " nonsense cracks me up. if you're a coach and you want to lose your team, starting playing players who haven't earned the time during the week. fastest way to wreck a team. some of you just don't get it.

 

[HRC08]

shouldn't morgan have to "earn " playing time like everyone else ? this "throw him in there " nonsense cracks me up. if you're a coach and you want to lose your team, starting playing players who haven't earned the time during the week. fastest way to wreck a team. some of you just don't get it.

You're probably right. I'd have liked to see Morgan play with the first team early in the year though. Just hate that his only sustained playing time was when the defense was decimated with injury. I'd like to see him play with Sheldon and company in front of him. I'm a loyalty guy. I get your point but I also know that Morgan has a higher ceiling and ND will need better Linebacker play if it is matched up with Bama or Ohio State. Hell... Clemson ran the ball on ND. What do you think Zeke Elliott or Derrick Henry would do against ND?

 

[Pennick4]

Exactly. I'd take a 12 game starter Niles Morgan in that situation though. ND had a chance to work him into the lineup and let him learn under fire but they chose not too. It was easier to settle for "just ok" instead of risking some busted plays to get Morgan ready. I also think if Morgan could have surplanted Schmidt, ND could have moved Jaylon back to his best position which is Dog LB. ND has Jaylon inside as much to cover Joe's mistakes as they do "get him in the center of the action." Even Jaylon's not great as an inside guy. Good but not great. He's great at Dog!

Jaylin is more effective in the middle of the field since he can use is athletic ability to run sideline to sideline. Otherwise the opponent can just run to the opposite side of the field.

 

[TimTerrific]

A two loss Florida team will not get in ahead of a one loss ND team.

 

[South Bender]

If the playoffs were played next weekend, no one is beating Bama. Best run stopping defense bar none. Best balance by far. Only weakness=Kiffin.

Not quite.

Bama's QB is not impressive. He's inconsistent, gets rattled easily
and has played sloppy at times.

 

[perseverare]

UF needs to be 1 loss, SEC champ to get in.

 

[graceh90]

Not quite.

Bama's QB is not impressive. He's inconsistent, gets rattled easily
and has played sloppy at times.

I'm not sure they need a qb. Their running game and run defense will keep them in every game alone

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

shouldn't morgan have to "earn " playing time like everyone else ? this "throw him in there " nonsense cracks me up. if you're a coach and you want to lose your team, starting playing players who haven't earned the time during the week. fastest way to wreck a team. some of you just don't get it.

I think the bigger frustration is that Morgan isn't getting any playing time at all. I thinkbKelly was just quoted recently saying that Morgan has been working hard and is a great teammate. If that's the case isn't Morgan at least deserving of getting in on some situational downs or subbing Schmidt for a series or 2. Would the production dropoff be that bad if Morgan was in?

 

[DieHard_Irish]

I think the bigger frustration is that Morgan isn't getting any playing time at all. I thinkbKelly was just quoted recently saying that Morgan has been working hard and is a great teammate. If that's the case isn't Morgan at least deserving of getting in on some situational downs or subbing Schmidt for a series or 2. Would the production dropoff be that bad if Morgan was in?

Kelly also said he wants to get NM in the game but not at the expense of taking Joe out.

 

[South Bender]

I'm not sure they need a qb. Their running game and run defense will keep them in every game alone

Just replying to your "most balanced" team quote.

 

[IRISHJD98]

LSU is still one dimensional. Just as they were against us in the bowl game they can't pass with any consistency instead of being lucky once in a while.

Bama can run for sure. But lets not get all giddy just yet because just because LSU has HAD some nice material on the d line in the past doesn't make it ****ing so now.

They allowed 28 points to a very offensively challenged Florida team. The same team vandy just held to 6 points for 57 plus minutes.

The bama win wasn't as impressive to me as a lot of you folks. LSU was not that good to me as a whole....and it showed.

I sure hope you're right about Alabama.

 

[HRC08]

Jaylin is more effective in the middle of the field since he can use is athletic ability to run sideline to sideline. Otherwise the opponent can just run to the opposite side of the field.

I don't believe that for a second. I know BK's said as much but I don't believe that. Coaches would kill to have a team completely ignore one side of the field.

 

[HRC08]

Kelly also said he wants to get NM in the game but not at the expense of taking Joe out.

We've never seen Nyles Morgan play behind a healthy defensive line. Besides... Schmidt has Jaylon right beside him. Why can't Jaylon make all of the presnap reads if it's so complicated?

 

[graceh90]

Just replying to your "most balanced" team quote.

I stand by my most balanced team quote and the fact they don't need a qb to be it

 

[DieHard_Irish]

We've never seen Nyles Morgan play behind a healthy defensive line. Besides... Schmidt has Jaylon right beside him. Why can't Jaylon make all of the presnap reads if it's so complicated?

Why? Because in the words or our coach, JS is better, period. But if you know more than he, perhaps you should submit your resume. Lots of jobs available this time of year.

 

[justacollegefan]

How so? I just love how much weight reputation carries.
What has Bama done this year to make such bold statements.
Bama sold out on the run. LSU can't throw just like last bowl game against us. LSU did not make them pay for loading the box.
What has given Bama trouble this year is the pass. LSU can't do it and it was no surprise to me they lost.

Notice how none of those SEC teams outside of Ole Miss are very good passing? Oh and btw, the very team that beat Bama was the only one that can pass and play a little defense.
You throw ...and CAN throw on Bama to open the run up.
Trouble is none of them are very prolific passing and so Bama will continue to roll.

Sorry but the loss to Ole Miss wasn't the defenses fault as much as it was the 5 turnovers from offense (Ole Miss had none) and I think special teams, can't remember who had the fumbles. Bama still dominated that game otherwise but we all know how turnovers can hurt and when you are playing a team with talent it doesn't take much to get down fast.

Also to say Bama merely sold out against one of the best offensive lines and RB's in the country is foolish. Those d-linemen had to dominate LSU and they did that which isn't easy for 60 minutes. I don't know if any other team in the country could do that outside of Bama. Furthermore it is scary to think how good Bama would be right now with a good QB! Their starter looks very average and I am not sure they have the big time play makers on the outside like in the past but they still do good because of the running attack.

Hey I think Bama is still vulnerable because if they go up against a team with a good enough defense and solid offense they could find themselves down quickly and having to abandon their running game. Still I don't see many teams in the country like that but who knows in college football, weird things happen and Auburn may somehow beat them in that rivalry game, though I wouldn't bet on it. Ohio st. has an all around team but I still think they got lucky last year against Bama. Shoot if our kids played a great game there is no reason we couldn't beat Bama, but again it would be tough because of our defense.

 

[Pennick4]

I don't believe that for a second. I know BK's said as much but I don't believe that. Coaches would kill to have a team completely ignore one side of the field.

Actually coaches would kill to take away the opponent's best player and go the opposite side of the field.

 

[HRC08]

Dude, you can't play successful offensive football by completely ignoring one side of the field. Have you seen the ND offense ignore one side of the field at any point this season? Not to mention the fact that Jaylon had a rather successful Freshman season playing Dog Linebacker for ND.

 

[Pennick4]

Dude, you can't play successful offensive football by completely ignoring one side of the field. Have you seen the ND offense ignore one side of the field at any point this season? Not to mention the fact that Jaylon had a rather successful Freshman season playing Dog Linebacker for ND.

ND doesn't use a Dog linebacker. He has had a successful season last year and this year. He is right where he should be so he can run sideline to sideline.

 

[echowaker]

I think the bigger frustration is that Morgan isn't getting any playing time at all. I thinkbKelly was just quoted recently saying that Morgan has been working hard and is a great teammate. If that's the case isn't Morgan at least deserving of getting in on some situational downs or subbing Schmidt for a series or 2. Would the production dropoff be that bad if Morgan was in?

first off that's on vangorder. he decides who plays and when.

 

[echowaker]

Sorry but the loss to Ole Miss wasn't the defenses fault as much as it was the 5 turnovers from offense (Ole Miss had none) and I think special teams, can't remember who had the fumbles. Bama still dominated that game otherwise but we all know how turnovers can hurt and when you are playing a team with talent it doesn't take much to get down fast.

Also to say Bama merely sold out against one of the best offensive lines and RB's in the country is foolish. Those d-linemen had to dominate LSU and they did that which isn't easy for 60 minutes. I don't know if any other team in the country could do that outside of Bama. Furthermore it is scary to think how good Bama would be right now with a good QB! Their starter looks very average and I am not sure they have the big time play makers on the outside like in the past but they still do good because of the running attack.

Hey I think Bama is still vulnerable because if they go up against a team with a good enough defense and solid offense they could find themselves down quickly and having to abandon their running game. Still I don't see many teams in the country like that but who knows in college football, weird things happen and Auburn may somehow beat them in that rivalry game, though I wouldn't bet on it. Ohio st. has an all around team but I still think they got lucky last year against Bama. Shoot if our kids played a great game there is no reason we couldn't beat Bama, but again it would be tough because of our defense.

agreed. biggest difference in that game was henry was easily able to get to the second level where as fournette had trouble getting passed the line of scrimmage. bamas d line whipped lsu s o line.