ndomer4

It all depends on the personnel. Notre Dame ran the ball so well in 2017, primarily because Wimbush always held that linebacker or end for a split second with the threat of him running. ND has ran the ball pretty well the last decade plus, but you could argue we had our most success in the spread with a mobile qb. I’m all for a good mix of under centre and shotgun.

Let’s be real, I don’t think anyone came or was coming to ND because of Tommy Rees. Rees was not Saban’s first choice and I’ve read he has ties to Tommy’s dad, which could have played into it. You come to ND because of ND. I don’t think Tommy was all that great of an OC. I mean, it was commendable what he did with Drew Pyne. However, this offence was horrendous to start the year and I don’t think I watched many games and came away thinking we won that game because of a brilliant offensive game plan (outside of maybe the bowl game off the top of my head). This team is loaded at basically every position, especially offensive line. For the talent ND had, I still think they underperformed under Rees.

Scott Frost?

That is not going to fly with Marcus. Probably safe to cross him off the list if true.

What about Joe Brady? That LSU offence was electric in 2019, but was his success more a product of that insanely stacked offence? Either way, he would be a solid hire, but far from a home run.

DL is definitely thin but has loads of talent and many unknowns. I’m calling it now, Botelho is going to be an All American. The amount of sacks and pressures he had with such a limited amount of snaps is impressive. He’s also 6’3 250lbs and is one tough SOB. The OSU transfer had like 6 sacks in limited time and is like 6’6 250 lbs. Ford is 6’4 275 and was a top 100 guy. Burnham was a top 100 guy and Gobaira was just outside the top 100. Mills, Rubio and Cross are all capable in the middle and I’d expect one or two to take another step. Keanaaina provides some size we are sorely lacking. Jason Onye and Ehrensberher are both big bodies who provide depth. I haven’t even mentioned Osafa Mensah. ND just needs two of the unknown guys to hit and the d line might end up being the surprise strength of this team like defensive back was in 2022. If there should be any concern it’s with the linebacking core. If Kollie and Sneed cannot overtake Marist and Kiser, it’s going to be a LONG season.

We have a lot of young guys with size, but who are complete unknowns: Jason Onye- 6'4.5, 285 lbs Alex Ehrenberger- 6'7, 270 lbs Aidan Gobaira- 6'5, 240 lbs Tyson Ford- 6'4, 275 lbs We have a solid rotation of Mills, Rubio, Cross and Keanaaina in the middle. Hinish might get reps as well. If I had to pick two guys from the group above, it would be One or Ehrensberger in the middle. Gobaira is too small and Ford just has too much potential as a pass rusher on the outside.

I really thought those back to back elite eight runs would have catapulted this program. One gripe I’ve heard about Brey is that he is a lazy recruiter. He missed a golden opportunity after all that exposure through the tourney… he was just never able to attract enough talent to South Bend to replicate that success. I don’t watch a ton of ball, but when I did follow ND closely, I remember the analysts routinely pointing out our lack of a bench in comparison to the opposition. It is definitely time for him to retire, unfortunately I think it will have to come from the university.

It’s only going to get worse unfortunately. Based on their history, I can’t see how anyone is confident in the NCAA regulating this. NIL is the big one. It’s not going anywhere and it’s going to be the difference maker, especially for kids coming from poverty. ND can compete with any school in this regard, however I’m not sure they’re willing to go all in. I don’t see an effective way of governing NIL. Cap transfers at 2 and the second one requires you to sit a year. Get rid of the mental health exemption. Almost everyone is dealing with mental health struggles. This puts pressure on kids to be more intentional with their transfers. It’s really not teaching kids a good lesson…when things don’t go your way, quit and look for the path of least resistance. Terrible…. I’ve never understood the NCAA. I’ve seen schools get away with bloody murder (bogus classes) and they receive a slap on the wrist. ND self reports a tutor helping students (might be wrong on this) with assignments and we vacate an entire years worth of wins? I know it doesn’t matter, there’s just no consistency.

I like Barnes or Riley moving over. Barnes has great size and length. I was also impressed with him in practice clips and I know he cross trained. Riley is another candidate, however I have not seen or heard a peep about him since he stepped on campus.

Jean-baptiste is a huge get. Get another safety and nose tackle, then this is a playoff team. If we don’t get a safety, I expect us to move a corner like Barnes over.

Let’s just hope the coaches feel the same way. The truth is, this team cannot make the playoffs if Marist and Kiser are taking the majority of snaps. I’m sure they’re great kids, they’re just not great football players. If ND wants to take the next step, they need to get their superior athletes on the football field. Get these guys ready Marcus.

TCU snatches our throne for the most embarrassing National Championship game appearance. Heck, UGA’s second string wins this game going away. The Big 12 never fails to disappoint.

Posted on his Instagram. This will be great for depth, but he’s far from a difference maker. Maybe another year under Balis and he breaks out, but ND can’t be a playoff team if he’s starting next year and producing like he has the past two seasons.

I really hope this guy returns kicks and gets a few touches on offence. It would be a shame if we didn't fully utilize that speed.

Crist and Gunner Kiel.

Watching the All American bowl has me thinking about just how good this recruiting class is. While I think lots were discouraged with losing Keeley and Bowen (me included), we still have a ton of high end players who are going to be difference makers. I think we all get caught up in the star rankings, but we have a few guys who I could argue should be ranked as 5 star recruits (Bowen, Vernon, Love and Jagusah). Who do you guys think provides the biggest impact as a freshman, on offence and defence? Offense- Greathouse: This guy isn't the fastest, but his route running is disgusting and he's a really good run blocker. ND has signed better athletes at receiver, but no-one with his route running ability. This guy is going to be WIDE open a lot, expect Hartman to get him the ball often. Honorable mention for Love, I think he could emerge as the lead back, that's how good I think he is. Defence- Vernon: The best talent we've signed on the defensive line since Foskey. His size, speed, quickness and toughness is at another level. With Botelho being the only true pass rushing threat who's produced on the college level, there is an opportunity for him. Tyson Ford is very talented, but I haven't heard a peep about him since stepping on campus. Also, how about the linebacker class? Bowen and Ausberry are the best one two bunch we've signed since who knows when? I don't see them making an impact due to the upper class men ahead of them, but who knows? Corner also went from a weakness to arguably our strongest position group. Gray, Bell, Morrisson, Hart and Mickey is the best group ND has had, by far, since I became a fan (2004). Freeman has brought in our best haul from the portal and hopefully brings a few more in on the defensive line. When you take into account Hartman and potentially a guy like Lucas, this is a top 5 class IMO.

No one is acting like we won a national title, but I think as fans here, the majority are choosing to enjoy this win instead of shitting on it like you are. Life is hard man, ND won an exciting game… try and enjoy the positives while you can.

Honestly, we need to do whatever we can get to Lucas, the Arkansas safety and another defensive lineman. With those pieces, this roster can compete for a playoff spot next year. If teams are paying up, we need to outbid them.

We are fine at receiver… Merriweather, Styles, Colzie, Thomas, Smith, Greathouse, James, etc… there is more than enough talent here. Get two defensive linemen (preferably Lucas and another 4 star caliber guy) and the Arkansas Safety, then this is a playoff caliber team. Hartman’s season will tell us a lot about Rees and his potential or lack thereof.

I don’t think anyone here is pounding the table for Buchner to start next year. You diminished the bowl win based on the opponents opt outs, yet ND had two All Americans opt out. You don’t think Mayer would have helped Buchner? Every team deals with opt outs during bowl games, it’s next man up in this day and age and if you don’t have the depth, then you lose the game, no ifs ands or buts. And all this crying about a non New Year six bowl… lol. We absolutely smashed Clemson and South Carolina can say the same for Tennessee. This team lacked consistency week to week and obviously didn’t have a competent QB. To me it looks like you want to argue for the sake of arguing. I think most fans here were happy with the win considering what I previously mentioned, plus a first year coach learning on the job. ND is still a ways away from Bama and Georgia. Enjoy the games man, the sooner you lower your expectations the better off you’ll be.

If you don’t mind, could you please inform us who the two consensus All American’s were who opted out for South Carolina? Oh wait…

Who was bragging? According to you, there was no point in playing the game because Buchner is trash. The same South Carolina team that beat two top ten teams back to back? Clemson and Tennessee were both in the hunt for playoff spots and still lost those games. South Carolina must be garbage too though right? I mean, Tyler Buchner was able to beat them after all.

Using that logic, ND should have just forfeited the Gator Bowl hey? Somehow ND has had bum after bum at QB, yet has been a perennial top ten team for the past 6 seasons. No one is forcing you to watch the games...

My biggest takeaway is Botelho’s production (4.5 sacks and 6.5 Tfls) on only 79 snaps. Foskey for comparison, had 11 sacks and 14 tfls on 563 snaps. Botelho is going to be an AA next year, you heard it here first.