Am a bit concerned that Notre Dame is being overrated heading into the season especially on defense. Yes, I understand that a ton of experience is back and that they now will be in the second season of learning a complex defense. Yes injuries really hurt the second half of the season and we come in with more depth with experience. But these guys are still the ones who gave up 40 points a game over the last eight games of the season. The fate of the season rests on whether the Irish defense resembles the unit from the first or the second half of the season.
Am also concerned about the relative inexperience of Malik Zaire. The rest of the offensive unit has the veteran grit you always hope for, and yes Malik has talent. But he also has a lot to learn, which will be done “under fire” at game speed. While not a true “rookie”, for all practical purposes this is his rookie season. His ability to minimize the mistakes and make tough adjustments on the fly is going to be the second factor that determines the fate of the 2015 Irish.
The schedule does honestly favor the Irish in that it is not the “gauntlet” that we frequently see in the many years. There are good teams, there will be at least one team on the schedule that is better than we expect and at least one of the teams expected to be a force to contend with is going to not quite be what they hoped for. And as with any championship season, you really do have to catch a few breaks along the way. For example, in 1973, while the Irish were undefeated, there were four other undefeated teams ahead of them in the polls late in the season. It took an improbable 10-10 tie between Michigan and Ohio State to vault ND into third place for a chance to play Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. There is no way you can count on “the breaks”. That wildcard in and of itself underscores how daunting is the task to even make the playoff – let alone win it.
Do I expect the Irish to fare well this season? To quote the old ‘magic 8 ball’ – “All Signs Point To Yes.” But I am not quite ready to drink the koolade and anoint them a playoff team until some live action on the field occurs. All I can be certain of is this season has the potential to be one helluva ride! WE ARE!
Am also concerned about the relative inexperience of Malik Zaire. The rest of the offensive unit has the veteran grit you always hope for, and yes Malik has talent. But he also has a lot to learn, which will be done “under fire” at game speed. While not a true “rookie”, for all practical purposes this is his rookie season. His ability to minimize the mistakes and make tough adjustments on the fly is going to be the second factor that determines the fate of the 2015 Irish.
The schedule does honestly favor the Irish in that it is not the “gauntlet” that we frequently see in the many years. There are good teams, there will be at least one team on the schedule that is better than we expect and at least one of the teams expected to be a force to contend with is going to not quite be what they hoped for. And as with any championship season, you really do have to catch a few breaks along the way. For example, in 1973, while the Irish were undefeated, there were four other undefeated teams ahead of them in the polls late in the season. It took an improbable 10-10 tie between Michigan and Ohio State to vault ND into third place for a chance to play Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. There is no way you can count on “the breaks”. That wildcard in and of itself underscores how daunting is the task to even make the playoff – let alone win it.
Do I expect the Irish to fare well this season? To quote the old ‘magic 8 ball’ – “All Signs Point To Yes.” But I am not quite ready to drink the koolade and anoint them a playoff team until some live action on the field occurs. All I can be certain of is this season has the potential to be one helluva ride! WE ARE!
