So Who Are the 2017 Irish?

[IRISHJD98]

When Kelly first took the job at Notre Dame, he gave his "all in" speech. At time is was about being fully committed - the emphasis was on the "in". And it was a smart message, because when there's a coaching change you want guys to buy into the new program. But five years into the Kelly program, I - like other - grew more and more concerned that Kelly's teams lack both a core identity and consistent progress over the course of the season. I tend not to dwell on that here because many others are more than willing to, and I'm sure if we were to do something like lose back to back games to USC and NC State that the board would go back to being a cesspool of despair.

But for now with half the season finished - admittedly the easy half - I feel like this team is different. I think it has a core identity and I think they've shown consistent week to week progress. But when my son asked me to describe the Irish he has yet to see because he's been floating around on a boat playing Marine, I had a tougher time describing them than I thought I would. Ultimately, here's what I came up with:

1) They are physically tough;
2) They are mentally tough;
3) They are disciplined; and
4) They play like they trust each other.

When he asked me who the stars were, I hesitated and said, "Its not that kinda of team. They're ALL in."

So I'm curious, how would you guys describe, in a nutshell, the 2017 Irish to some who had not watched any college football this year?

 

[Chitownrealist]

I would describe this team as more old school than teams we have seen for the past decade. 2012 was a tough team and talented, but not like this team. These guys are more similar to the teams we saw for ages. Being from Chicago there were an abundance of kids that grew up wanting to play for ND from the Catholic League and every league. Zibikowski type kids. Not prima donas and probably not even NFL, but really good tough athletes - accustomed to winning and who hate to lose. We all know those kids and many of us were/are those kids. Smart but not geniuses, superstars in high school but maybe not professionals. Forever, ND was blessed with those types of kids at every position. For whatever reason (and there are a lot of theories on why) ND's pipeline of those type of kids dwindled. This group is rich with them. Maybe some fledgling superstars, or maybe just a bunch of winners. I like winners. GO IRISH !!!!

 

[TOMMY_23]

The real season starts tomorrow and we'll find out.

 

[Bodizephax]

I would describe this team as more old school than teams we have seen for the past decade. 2012 was a tough team and talented, but not like this team. These guys are more similar to the teams we saw for ages. Being from Chicago there were an abundance of kids that grew up wanting to play for ND from the Catholic League and every league. Zibikowski type kids. Not prima donas and probably not even NFL, but really good tough athletes - accustomed to winning and who hate to lose. We all know those kids and many of us were/are those kids. Smart but not geniuses, superstars in high school but maybe not professionals. Forever, ND was blessed with those types of kids at every position. For whatever reason (and there are a lot of theories on why) ND's pipeline of those type of kids dwindled. This group is rich with them. Maybe some fledgling superstars, or maybe just a bunch of winners. I like winners. GO IRISH !!!!

Like Drue Tranquill.. That guy is the spirit of the defense..

 

[TAN1973]

The real season starts tomorrow and we'll find out.

The actual play offs .... kinda start tmrw... it’s very much a knock out game..

 

[gautrp]

The actual play offs .... kinda start tmrw... it’s very much a knock out game..

The playoffs are already locked down with the four teams that they want in.

 

[gautrp]

When Kelly first took the job at Notre Dame, he gave his "all in" speech. At time is was about being fully committed - the emphasis was on the "in". And it was a smart message, because when there's a coaching change you want guys to buy into the new program. But five years into the Kelly program, I - like other - grew more and more concerned that Kelly's teams lack both a core identity and consistent progress over the course of the season. I tend not to dwell on that here because many others are more than willing to, and I'm sure if we were to do something like lose back to back games to USC and NC State that the board would go back to being a cesspool of despair.

But for now with half the season finished - admittedly the easy half - I feel like this team is different. I think it has a core identity and I think they've shown consistent week to week progress. But when my son asked me to describe the Irish he has yet to see because he's been floating around on a boat playing Marine, I had a tougher time describing them than I thought I would. Ultimately, here's what I came up with:

1) They are physically tough;
2) They are mentally tough;
3) They are disciplined; and
4) They play like they trust each other.

When he asked me who the stars were, I hesitated and said, "Its not that kinda of team. They're ALL in."

So I'm curious, how would you guys describe, in a nutshell, the 2017 Irish to some who had not watched any college football this year?

For me, all four have yet to be determined.

 

[Telx1]

IrishJD...thought you did just fine with what you listed. I liked reading last Spring how the returning players were embarrassed with last season, how they were committed to turning things around; and what I liked most, was holding themselves and each other to account both on and off the field. This newfound commitment aside, none of this would have been possible without The new coaches and S&C staff.

 

[Irish Grandeur]

I would say these kids play blue-collar grit football.

BK seems to have tapped into their mentality with his pregame speeches. He talks tough...he talks DOMINATE...he's fiery with his emotions. I can remember cringing watching previous years pregame talks from Kelly; they were like a college lecture.