1. This game really played out perfectly for ND. Three keys that led to the win-
A. Turnovers. Point blank, ND loses this game if they lose the turnover battle. Instead they were +1 and it was critical that nd had zero. Unfortunately ND didn't force any- the 1 fumble was a total gift from LSU. Hard to force TOs without DL pressure and ND didn't have it (more on that).
B. Field position. LSU was constantly in their own 30. Credit to the ground game.
C. Time of possession. ND was able to keep its D rested and hide its weakness by controlling the clock with Zaire. Folston looked great and the OL was fantastic blowing LSU off the ball.
Not sure we can count on all those things in every game next year. Controlling the clock will be important as the DL is not very inspiring.
2. Zaire. Played better than I recalled. Controlled the huddle and tempo of the game well. Threw it better than I recalled. Very confident in his ability to lead and control the offense this year. O should be, frankly, elite.
3. Procise. That hip flexor is a very scary injury as those can linger. This guy can really be huge at RB. I know that's been the talk of camp but seeing it again was impressive.
4. Defense. LSUs offense played right into our hands. Their QB was flat out terrible. We still never pressured him all day. It's startling how poor NDs pass rush is. Easily the biggest question mark for this season as most teams will not play like LSU.
A. Turnovers. Point blank, ND loses this game if they lose the turnover battle. Instead they were +1 and it was critical that nd had zero. Unfortunately ND didn't force any- the 1 fumble was a total gift from LSU. Hard to force TOs without DL pressure and ND didn't have it (more on that).
B. Field position. LSU was constantly in their own 30. Credit to the ground game.
C. Time of possession. ND was able to keep its D rested and hide its weakness by controlling the clock with Zaire. Folston looked great and the OL was fantastic blowing LSU off the ball.
Not sure we can count on all those things in every game next year. Controlling the clock will be important as the DL is not very inspiring.
2. Zaire. Played better than I recalled. Controlled the huddle and tempo of the game well. Threw it better than I recalled. Very confident in his ability to lead and control the offense this year. O should be, frankly, elite.
3. Procise. That hip flexor is a very scary injury as those can linger. This guy can really be huge at RB. I know that's been the talk of camp but seeing it again was impressive.
4. Defense. LSUs offense played right into our hands. Their QB was flat out terrible. We still never pressured him all day. It's startling how poor NDs pass rush is. Easily the biggest question mark for this season as most teams will not play like LSU.
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