Good Morning Everyone
Seems like the loss to Clemson in the ACCCG has carried over for the past 2 weeks on the board. Of course, playing Alabama isn't doing much for the confidence level here, and there were many threads started during that time on the elite players they have, and how many points they're going to score, and how will ND ever move the ball etc., but I took this attitude:
So what needs to happen for us offensively to put us in a position to win? Controlling the game on the ground and eating clock? Sure, that would be the way to go, but it's not realistic. ND needs to have success on first down because it's going to open up the playbook for them on second down. We don't need to gash them for 5 yards a pop in the run game, but we need to get positive yardage, and make 3rd down more manageable.
ND needs to try different things today. One thing that I'd like to see is throwing a quick out to our TE or WR and picking up 4 yards that way - sort of an extension of the run game. If their LB's are up, then hit some crossing routes and let our receivers run with it. Utilize the TE until they take it away, and mix in our backs in the screen game or releasing out of the backfield. But, ND still needs big plays, and there will be a time for it, and when it comes, they'll need to take advantage of it.
The offense needs to capitalize on every opportunity. I was watching Florida and Oklahoma the other day, and Florida was making a comeback and was down by only 4 and had the ball on the Oklahoma 40 on third down. Trask puts one right on the money for a nice gain and a first down, but his receiver dropped it. They try a 58 yard FG and missed and Oklahoma scores 4 plays later - game over. In order for ND to win they can't miss opportunities.
Defensively for ND they need to stop everything lol. However, it will be a little different than the second Clemson game. In the first game they could concentrate on stopping Etienne in the run game. Enter Lawrence in the second game and that opened things up for him because now ND needed to pay attention to 2 with the threat of the read option. Mac Jones won't be a threat in that regard, so containing Najee Harris becomes a bit easier - at least one would hope. Constant pressure is how I would approach things. ND can get to the QB, and they need to take him out of his rhythm and have him lock onto 1 receiver. That's how turnovers happen, and ND needs a couple.
YOUR GAMEDAY FORECAST
At kick-off expect temperatures to be in the high 60's with no wind and no chance of rain. Conditions will be the same in the 4th quarter. As a matter of fact, conditions will be the same from here on out.
You people need to cheer up!
I'm feeling lucky today. The Christmas tree is down, and the recliner is now in it's proper spot to watch the game. I already have the corned beef, cabbage, potatoes in the crock pot for additional good luck in this new year. ND is in the playoffs, and it may have limped in, but that's ok. They have a shot, and that's all you need. Start quick, don't fall behind early, and take advantage of your opportunities. I haven't put away the weather instruments for the season as I expect to use them one more time.
Happy New Year and Good Luck Everyone
GO IRISH!
