The past few years have us aspiring to be seriously playing for the National Championship in the foreseeable future -- and winning it. But to do that we have to play "A" level football. In my mind "A" stands for Alabama because if we can't beat them, every year we're playing for the spot that no one remembers. We're definitely closer but the gap is still big and there are some important bridges we need to cross to get there.
1. We need an elite QB and elite QB coach that will bring the elite QB here... and then make that QB a Heisman candidate. A real one.
2. We need an elite offensive coordinator. Rees has developed nicely over the past years. Key word - 'nicely'. He's a smart guy and will do good things as his career develops. But it's time we marry an elite QB coach and offensive coordinator to bring this home. That combo will solve any woes we have at QB and WR. Kelley made the tough calls after 2008. It got us here. But we need to go to the next level if we want to win it all.
3. We need to upgrade our LBs and CBs - speed, speed and elite talent. If you're going to play aggressive defense and play for the Naty, above average isn't going to cut it.
4. Same w/our DEs. And a 3-man front is going to be risky as hell so if you get the elite/fast LBs and CBs, do 3-man front when you're in prevent.
Still thinking that a coach as talented as Freeman will adjust his personnel to what they can do. We'll see. So won't put a # on this on yet.
Also less worried long-term about our OL situation. We got caught in a shit-sandwich with exits for the NFL, a lull in recruitment (tho ND should NEVER miss a year in OL recruitment tho given we're OL and TE U) and injuries. But this would qualify as a #5. Not ready to say Quinn sucks. His track record is his track record.
These things said, if you're going to compete w/Alabama and expect to win (key is 'expect to') -- you can't have five (5) glaring issues like this sitting on your table. It can only be one or 2 - tops. At least two of these are Kelley's call. He's a very good and loyal coach. He's got one big and final aspiration left to be crowned a great coach. Win it all. When was the last time we saw ND have an offense like Alabama, Oklahoma, OSU or Oregon? Our defense has historically been more than good enough lately. Got to make the big upgrades that bring in the great talent. Tough call as the CEO... but that's why Kelley is the CEO.
1. We need an elite QB and elite QB coach that will bring the elite QB here... and then make that QB a Heisman candidate. A real one.
2. We need an elite offensive coordinator. Rees has developed nicely over the past years. Key word - 'nicely'. He's a smart guy and will do good things as his career develops. But it's time we marry an elite QB coach and offensive coordinator to bring this home. That combo will solve any woes we have at QB and WR. Kelley made the tough calls after 2008. It got us here. But we need to go to the next level if we want to win it all.
3. We need to upgrade our LBs and CBs - speed, speed and elite talent. If you're going to play aggressive defense and play for the Naty, above average isn't going to cut it.
4. Same w/our DEs. And a 3-man front is going to be risky as hell so if you get the elite/fast LBs and CBs, do 3-man front when you're in prevent.
Still thinking that a coach as talented as Freeman will adjust his personnel to what they can do. We'll see. So won't put a # on this on yet.
Also less worried long-term about our OL situation. We got caught in a shit-sandwich with exits for the NFL, a lull in recruitment (tho ND should NEVER miss a year in OL recruitment tho given we're OL and TE U) and injuries. But this would qualify as a #5. Not ready to say Quinn sucks. His track record is his track record.
These things said, if you're going to compete w/Alabama and expect to win (key is 'expect to') -- you can't have five (5) glaring issues like this sitting on your table. It can only be one or 2 - tops. At least two of these are Kelley's call. He's a very good and loyal coach. He's got one big and final aspiration left to be crowned a great coach. Win it all. When was the last time we saw ND have an offense like Alabama, Oklahoma, OSU or Oregon? Our defense has historically been more than good enough lately. Got to make the big upgrades that bring in the great talent. Tough call as the CEO... but that's why Kelley is the CEO.
