I was at the game on Saturday, my first game since the Crossroads project was completed, and I had a great time. I caught two hockey games and then the NC State game. BTW, Compton is one of the best college hockey arenas in the country. The stadium was a bit chilly, but I checked out @Rich Starkey 's Official Weather Thread and dressed appropriately. There was a lot of energy in the and the place was rocking, particularly in that 3rd quarter. I’ve said over the past several weeks that there is nobody on this schedule we can’t beat, and this was, IMO, one of the best teams we’ll face all year, which makes this win all the more impressive.
Pre-Game Post of the Day- We’ll Soon Know…
Yes we will, Unclemikey. I’ll let you sum up what we found out.
Sometimes You Win by Losing- Last year against NC State, in a hurricane, ND attempted 26 passes and only completed 9. This year, ND only attempted 19 passes in very good weather. On Saturday, we saw what could have been when you commit to the run. If we could had done more of it last year we would have won at NC State. Had we won that game and one or two more, maybe BK just looks at last year as an aberration and he stays the course. Instead, the 4-6 campaign spurs him to make the changes that have given us this year’s beast.
Retro Quote- Sorry for quoting myself, but I looked back at my post on last year’s NC State game and found this.
Class- This week and last week, BK had an opportunity to punch in one final TD and really run up the score but chose not to.
Post of the Game-
OL- Another great game, although it didn’t start out that way. The first 5 or so minutes weren’t so great, but football is all about adjustments, and that’s what the OL did, opening up huge holes that allowed ND to amass 319 rushing yards against a very good NC State DL. Very impressive. Does anyone else remember when Harry Heistand wasn’t a good coach for rushing offense? Someone made an in-game post about the OL getting manhandled and proceeded to get manhandled himself. Best to keep the impulsive comments in the Game Thread. Less abuse. After he threatened to beat up @dhighducheck , the Duck went into witness protection at @cheta41 ‘s rest home. Duck and Cheats have been playing shuffleboard and cribbage together.
Offense- Another thing I saw that I miss on TV is it appears the receivers are getting separation from the D and getting open. Some missed opportunities in the passing game, but Josh Adams and crew are running the ball so damn well you have to stick with them. Brandon Wimbush is like a conductor on offense. He might not be making huge plays on his own, but he makes everything work together.
I’ll Take his Word for It-
Defense- You really miss so much of the great things that this D is doing when you watch the game on TV. First I’ll say, State has some big guys on their OL, which makes what I saw from the DL that much more impressive. Across the entire DL there was push and penetration that I’ve missed watching on TV. They kept Ryan Finley on the move all night. Add on to that, the LB’s were playing great behind the line and preventing big plays. Geek Stat- Coney, Morgan and Tranquill had 22 tackles between the 3 of them. Coleman, Crawford, Love, Pride, Watkins… I don’t think I’ve seen a ND game with so many pass attempts where the ND defender got a hand in there and knocked the ball away. Impressive.
All You Need is Love- When Julian Love picked off Finley and ran it to the house, the stadium erupted, urging him forward. It was awesome seeing him guide his blocker forward as he tip toed along the line. Aside from the pick 6, he had a hell of a game.
All Good Geek Stats Must Come to an End- Prior to the Love interception, Finley had made 339 consecutive pass attempts dating back to last year without an interception, including 274 attempts this year. That ends at the hands of Love and the ND defense.
I Love Obscure Geek Stats- Particularly when someone else help’s me out with them.
Yes. NC State was 0-2 on 4th down, with Coney and MTA making a big 4th down stop in the red zone. Oh, and preseason, many said the two best QBs in the country were Sam Darnold and Finley. In consecutive weeks, their QB Ratings against the ND defense were 53.0 and 26.1, respectively, with each throwing a game-crushing interception.
It Was Over When- Adams broke off on that 77 yard TD run in the 3rdQ. I was sitting facing the NC State sideline and you could tell they were gassed and dejected. ND on the other hand still looked fresh and ready which brings me to the next point:
He Said it best- Strength and Conditioning…
Player Walk- I was standing by the sidewalk watching the players walk to the stadium. The OL led the way and they were all business, particularly Q. Nelson. I won’t put the kid in the Hall of Fame yet, but believe me when I tell you, he’s going to be one of the best players of his generation at his position. Brandon Wimbush looked like a guy that feels no pressure and just enjoys being there, great qualities for your starting QB. Not really my thing, but the players were high-fiving fans so I put my hand up and slapped a few. Nico Fertitta high-fived me and, seriously, knocked my arm back he hit me so hard. He’s a 100%er with only one speed.
Barton Simmons- I never heard of him before but he works for CBS. He was lauding ND on the radio tonight and has them at #3 on his Playoff ranking. He said that college football was better when ND was good and it’s even better when ND is good like this, a hard-nosed, smash mouth team that can hang with anyone. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that. Keep winning and we're in.
Good Post Game Thoughts-
Trumpets Under the Dome- @chamgel told me I had to see this. I’d never done it before, but was I glad I did. It was very moving. Thanks for the tip, chamgel!
Mass- After the game I hit the services at the Basilica, standing room only. I need all the help I can get!
Have a great week everyone. Beat Wake Forest.
Pre-Game Post of the Day- We’ll Soon Know…
Yes we will, Unclemikey. I’ll let you sum up what we found out.
Sometimes You Win by Losing- Last year against NC State, in a hurricane, ND attempted 26 passes and only completed 9. This year, ND only attempted 19 passes in very good weather. On Saturday, we saw what could have been when you commit to the run. If we could had done more of it last year we would have won at NC State. Had we won that game and one or two more, maybe BK just looks at last year as an aberration and he stays the course. Instead, the 4-6 campaign spurs him to make the changes that have given us this year’s beast.
Retro Quote- Sorry for quoting myself, but I looked back at my post on last year’s NC State game and found this.
My how things have changed in a year. BK reinvented himself and, as a result, reinvented ND football. Doing things different and getting different results.
Class- This week and last week, BK had an opportunity to punch in one final TD and really run up the score but chose not to.
Post of the Game-
I thought the same thing. Whether catching or blocking, he had one heck of a game. @bryan_driskell made mention that Smythe made himself some money this weekend. I was also very partial to SMC’s other post in response to a poster’s misogynistic post in the Game Chat:
I got a good laugh at that. Strong work on a number of topics throughout that thread, SMC. You’re like the Game Chat BOSS!
OL- Another great game, although it didn’t start out that way. The first 5 or so minutes weren’t so great, but football is all about adjustments, and that’s what the OL did, opening up huge holes that allowed ND to amass 319 rushing yards against a very good NC State DL. Very impressive. Does anyone else remember when Harry Heistand wasn’t a good coach for rushing offense? Someone made an in-game post about the OL getting manhandled and proceeded to get manhandled himself. Best to keep the impulsive comments in the Game Thread. Less abuse. After he threatened to beat up @dhighducheck , the Duck went into witness protection at @cheta41 ‘s rest home. Duck and Cheats have been playing shuffleboard and cribbage together.
Offense- Another thing I saw that I miss on TV is it appears the receivers are getting separation from the D and getting open. Some missed opportunities in the passing game, but Josh Adams and crew are running the ball so damn well you have to stick with them. Brandon Wimbush is like a conductor on offense. He might not be making huge plays on his own, but he makes everything work together.
I’ll Take his Word for It-
Defense- You really miss so much of the great things that this D is doing when you watch the game on TV. First I’ll say, State has some big guys on their OL, which makes what I saw from the DL that much more impressive. Across the entire DL there was push and penetration that I’ve missed watching on TV. They kept Ryan Finley on the move all night. Add on to that, the LB’s were playing great behind the line and preventing big plays. Geek Stat- Coney, Morgan and Tranquill had 22 tackles between the 3 of them. Coleman, Crawford, Love, Pride, Watkins… I don’t think I’ve seen a ND game with so many pass attempts where the ND defender got a hand in there and knocked the ball away. Impressive.
All You Need is Love- When Julian Love picked off Finley and ran it to the house, the stadium erupted, urging him forward. It was awesome seeing him guide his blocker forward as he tip toed along the line. Aside from the pick 6, he had a hell of a game.
All Good Geek Stats Must Come to an End- Prior to the Love interception, Finley had made 339 consecutive pass attempts dating back to last year without an interception, including 274 attempts this year. That ends at the hands of Love and the ND defense.
I Love Obscure Geek Stats- Particularly when someone else help’s me out with them.
Yes. NC State was 0-2 on 4th down, with Coney and MTA making a big 4th down stop in the red zone. Oh, and preseason, many said the two best QBs in the country were Sam Darnold and Finley. In consecutive weeks, their QB Ratings against the ND defense were 53.0 and 26.1, respectively, with each throwing a game-crushing interception.
It Was Over When- Adams broke off on that 77 yard TD run in the 3rdQ. I was sitting facing the NC State sideline and you could tell they were gassed and dejected. ND on the other hand still looked fresh and ready which brings me to the next point:
He Said it best- Strength and Conditioning…
Again, this was something you just miss on TV. NC State was physically worn down by ND in the 3rdQ.
Player Walk- I was standing by the sidewalk watching the players walk to the stadium. The OL led the way and they were all business, particularly Q. Nelson. I won’t put the kid in the Hall of Fame yet, but believe me when I tell you, he’s going to be one of the best players of his generation at his position. Brandon Wimbush looked like a guy that feels no pressure and just enjoys being there, great qualities for your starting QB. Not really my thing, but the players were high-fiving fans so I put my hand up and slapped a few. Nico Fertitta high-fived me and, seriously, knocked my arm back he hit me so hard. He’s a 100%er with only one speed.
Barton Simmons- I never heard of him before but he works for CBS. He was lauding ND on the radio tonight and has them at #3 on his Playoff ranking. He said that college football was better when ND was good and it’s even better when ND is good like this, a hard-nosed, smash mouth team that can hang with anyone. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that. Keep winning and we're in.
Good Post Game Thoughts-
Trumpets Under the Dome- @chamgel told me I had to see this. I’d never done it before, but was I glad I did. It was very moving. Thanks for the tip, chamgel!
Mass- After the game I hit the services at the Basilica, standing room only. I need all the help I can get!
Have a great week everyone. Beat Wake Forest.
