Tailgate Approved

That was dominant. Don't let the garbage time bring you down. The defense is elite. The offense can be very good. Let's enjoy a run.

This is the thing. I've said it elsewhere, but I think recruiting will be even more important next year and beyond (with the COVID eligibility finally ending). Talent doesn't trump everything, but it is the best base. (This is why the blue chip ratio is so important.) With so much experience leaving, talent becomes a bigger competitive advantage.

Thanks for the explanation. I understand your perspective. I am intrigued by Carr, too.

I've seen a few suggest that it would be better to play Carr, take the lumps, and hope it helps next year, rather than maximize the chances of winning the most games this year (e g., playing Leonard).

At the risk of being pollyannish, I think you're all selling off this season too quickly. I wish QB1 for ND would light the world on fire, but that's not going to happen right now. In the meantime, this team could absolutely win out and make the playoffs. The defense is that good. If the offense can find an identity (and their footing), this team can even win in the playoffs. They don't look like National Champions, but making the tournament is better than not. The coaching staff isn't looking to next year, and neither am I.

Welcome to DD. I don't know if I'm in the minority, but I don't think there's any reason for people to give up on Freeman. The loss to NIU hurt. However, the reason it hurt so bad was because the expectations have grown. Freeman is the main reason for the increased expectations. He's improved the overall talent level, he's won big games, and he is a great representative for the university and program. As the COVID eligibilities expire, I think the chances of upsets by less talented but highly experienced teams will drop. Being the more talented team will be even more important, and having a great recruiter will be crucial.

I don't have any tickets, so I can't help there. Regarding recommendations, there was a similar thread a couple years back that you could mine for done inspiration:

I'm easy to please. I just want to see the clear, steady progress continue. Clean up the coaching mistakes (especially late in games), help the players show how talented they are, hit explosive plays on offense, and the results should take care of themselves. I think the team is likeable. If they can be entertaining from start to finish, I'll consider the season a success.

I always seem to root for linebackers as "my guys." Ausberry was someone I thought highly of from my first look. In general, I think this team goes deep from a likability perspective.

It went right over my head, but that's a "me" problem.

I admire your optimism. I disagree that any of those coaches would be interested in wading into CFB for ND, but it would be interesting if they would.

On balance, it's probably more helpful. Saban was 1/1. No longer competing with him makes things a bit easier for everyone. If another top coach (say, Dabo) goes there, he will probably struggle to handle the situation, and his previous employer (Clemson) would likely suffer a dip, too. So, that would make two weakened competitors (in theory). If they take Freeman, it hurts big. I believe in what Freeman is building, but I don't think it would survive his leaving without taking a big hit.

And now, this:

As I was reviewing the list of signed commits, I was reminded of this conversation we had almost a year ago. I'm sure our past selves would be very pleased to see ND ended up getting both Lambert and Prescod!

I think it's worth noting that entering the portal does not necessarily mean they'll transfer. For example, Houston Griffith ended up staying a couple years ago.