I tried to focus on the position groups that had new coaches on Saturday and I came away fairly impressed.
RBs:
You cannot say enough about Procise. He looks like the next Riddick.
Adams had a great debut and Williams too. I didn't see any bad protections except one QB run play where Adams went the wrong way. It seems (after 1 game its tough to tell), that they've been coached up a little bit by Denson.
DBs:
Other than the one long pass over our safeties, I don't have a single critique. The DBs had good position whenever I noticed them. I don't know if it is good enough for USC's QB, but they've got a few more weeks to learn. I hope they all end up like their coach!
DL:
Gilmore has less star power and depth than any other position group at ND. I know Texas has huge OL issues to solve, but our DL held their own and didn't allow the Texas QBs to set their feet and work through the progressions. I think we will usually need a 5th rusher to collapse the pocket, but with a very good backfield I am OK with that.
QB's/Offensive Game Plan:
Zaire was great. Kizer looked like he's actually had some reps in practice. The game plan and offensive efficiency was about as good as you can ask for against a Power 5 school. Hopefully that means Sanford is making his mark.
I came away impressed at the first look. Thoughts from any of you coaches or folks who know more about the coaching? Were there discernible differences on the field or in the players' technique?
RBs:
You cannot say enough about Procise. He looks like the next Riddick.
Adams had a great debut and Williams too. I didn't see any bad protections except one QB run play where Adams went the wrong way. It seems (after 1 game its tough to tell), that they've been coached up a little bit by Denson.
DBs:
Other than the one long pass over our safeties, I don't have a single critique. The DBs had good position whenever I noticed them. I don't know if it is good enough for USC's QB, but they've got a few more weeks to learn. I hope they all end up like their coach!
DL:
Gilmore has less star power and depth than any other position group at ND. I know Texas has huge OL issues to solve, but our DL held their own and didn't allow the Texas QBs to set their feet and work through the progressions. I think we will usually need a 5th rusher to collapse the pocket, but with a very good backfield I am OK with that.
QB's/Offensive Game Plan:
Zaire was great. Kizer looked like he's actually had some reps in practice. The game plan and offensive efficiency was about as good as you can ask for against a Power 5 school. Hopefully that means Sanford is making his mark.
I came away impressed at the first look. Thoughts from any of you coaches or folks who know more about the coaching? Were there discernible differences on the field or in the players' technique?
