Who else is scared of USC?

[ndomer4 532]

It is well documented that many players did not like Kiffin, this causes major problems within teams when this is the case. I expect them to beat Arizona and gain some big momentum with their new coach. I also expect their team to take on a new identity and gain some new interest in their season. I don't need to get into the rivalry thing but the Kiffin firing is huge for USC.

 

Next as sloppy and terrible as USC has looked, they are one of the few teams who can win on talent alone. Tommy's lack of escapability will get exposed bigtim with the speed USC has on defense. This will cause more bad passes, sacks, and interceptions. The picks that have been dropped the last few weeks won't be drops against USC.

 

On defense I am frightened by the likes of Lee and Agholor running wild in the seconary. I can see Farley and Collingsworth getting burned and Jackson not turning his head. I've seen USC fans claiming the woes were too be blamed on Kiffin which could be half true. They have talent everywhere, and our defense isn't the fastest.

 

This game sets up really nice for USC in my eyes. They can basically spoil our season and they can beat us on speed alone which is always scary. Kelly has two weeks to prepare and if he lays an egg on this one many more will start to question him.

[JTennant 290]

Given the fact that we've played two tight games with USC in our wins while USC was relying on a backup has me scared, regardless of who their coach is.

[Soko 135]

They have roughly 60 healthy scholarships players, no QB and maybe not even Marqise Lee.

 

We should beat them by 10+.

[JTennant 290]

They have roughly 60 healthy scholarships players, no QB and maybe not even Marqise Lee.

 

We should beat them by 10+.

 

Even if they do get Marqise Lee back, I'd bet that he has pretty much shut it down to protect his NFL career.

[ndomer4 532]

They have roughly 60 healthy scholarships players, no QB and maybe not even Marqise Lee.

 

We should beat them by 10+.

 

We should have beat ASU, Purdue, and MSU by ten plus but we didn't. Anything is possible with this staff, they're getting a break from that very fortunate year last season.

 

If Kelly can't beat a USC team on sactions, a team filled with injuries, and maybe not as talented as they usually are by more than ten, then we have problems. He has two weeks, if he struggles or loses this game then I'd question if he's the right man for the job.

 

He always talked about getting his guys and system in place, well it's year 4 time to put up or shutup.

[OklahomaIrish 0]

Most of USC's injuries are short termed. They could be very healthy for us. Last year they had a lot more injuries. Still, they gave up 62 points to the team we just beat.

[corysold 0]

If ND loses to USC, Kelly goes on the hot seat.

[Parseghians theorem 0]

If ND loses to USC, Kelly goes on the hot seat.

 

sorry, cory. he isnt even close.

ND will beat USC if it doesnt turn the ball over.

and if SC wins, Swarbrick sees long term success in a guy who just signed a new contract. He wont overreact.

Besides, this BK hot seat stuff is completely ridiculous.

[IrishFan33 0]

sorry, cory. he isnt even close.

ND will beat USC if it doesnt turn the ball over.

and if SC wins, Swarbrick sees long term success in a guy who just signed a new contract. He wont overreact.

Besides, this BK hot seat stuff is completely ridiculous.

 

I agree with this... If we lose it will be crushing but BK won't even be on a warm seat.

[corysold 0]

sorry, cory. he isnt even close.

ND will beat USC if it doesnt turn the ball over.

and if SC wins, Swarbrick sees long term success in a guy who just signed a new contract. He wont overreact.

Besides, this BK hot seat stuff is completely ridiculous.

 

I didn't say he should be fired, I said it might start him down that path.

 

So far, his record of developing "diamonds on the rough", which he was supposed to be great at us poor.

 

His record of big games and his team playing well in them is poor, OU last year the exception.

 

His offensive production has been average at best.

 

He hasn't shown an ability to develop QBs which he was dupposed to be great at.

 

He's failed to keep the elite players he has recruited.

 

That resume has a lot of holes. Losing to a depleted rival who just fired their coach won't look good.

 

Now, maybe this all changes with Golson back, but maybe it doesn't.

 

If you think 8-9 wins against mediocre team is sufficient, them Kelly will be here a long time. I think ND should compete with the best and in year 4, they currently aren't close.

 

Again, a loss won't get Kelly fired, but it will add to an already sketchy resume, minus one somewhat magical season.

 

The question is, which is the norm, the three 8-9 win seasons, or the one 12 win seasons. 8-9 win years don't cut it long at ND.

[Parseghians theorem 0]

It'll be tough. They definitely have talent and they will definitely come to play for the rivalry. I think it's the same story for us as every week. If we commit and stick to the run we win. If Rees throws more than 28-30 times, we lose.

 

dont think you committ the pass to run ration on us winning or losing.

tommy threw 38 times vs ASU and we wom.

he threw 24 times vs OU and we lost.

 

whether we run or pass we have to execute well no matter the ratio.

and ND has to play much more mistake free. penalties, interceptions, failed third and shorts, etc.

 

turnovers and consistency is why we arent 6-0.

[Parseghians theorem 0]

I didn't say he should be fired, I said it might start him down that path.

 

So far, his record of developing "diamonds on the rough", which he was supposed to be great at us poor.

 

His record of big games and his team playing well in them is poor, OU last year the exception.

 

His offensive production has been average at best.

 

He hasn't shown an ability to develop QBs which he was dupposed to be great at.

 

He's failed to keep the elite players he has recruited.

 

That resume has a lot of holes. Losing to a depleted rival who just fired their coach won't look good.

 

Now, maybe this all changes with Golson back, but maybe it doesn't.

 

If you think 8-9 wins against mediocre team is sufficient, them Kelly will be here a long time. I think ND should compete with the best and in year 4, they currently aren't close.

 

Again, a loss won't get Kelly fired, but it will add to an already sketchy resume, minus one somewhat magical season.

 

The question is, which is the norm, the three 8-9 win seasons, or the one 12 win seasons. 8-9 win years don't cut it long at ND.

 

cory, u did say a loss puts him on the hot seat.

you didnt orignally say it starts him down that path.

if team lost to usc and went 6-6, that would turn the temp up. and we would see what happened the following year.

 

agree with you a bit here. but the 12-1 finish and top 3 national ranking at end of year makes the first two years go away. it just does.

 

this ND team is really strong and more need to see that. tommy is limited with his talent ceiling so there is only so much to develop there. we are 4-2 and have played the 9th toughest sked in nation. if we played FCS schools to start season, we could be 6-0. there are plemt of teams in the top 25 we can beat.

 

we lost an upset to Meatchicken, and fell into an early crazy hole against OU.

would LOVE to be 6-0 but we are still a strong 4-2 team.

[corysold 0]

cory, u did say a loss puts him on the hot seat.

you didnt orignally say it starts him down that path.

if team lost to usc and went 6-6, that would turn the temp up. and we would see what happened the following year.

 

agree with you a bit here. but the 12-1 finish and top 3 national ranking at end of year makes the first two years go away. it just does.

 

this ND team is really strong and more need to see that. tommy is limited with his talent ceiling so there is only so much to develop there. we are 4-2 and have played the 9th toughest sked in nation. if we played FCS schools to start season, we could be 6-0. there are plemt of teams in the top 25 we can beat.

 

we lost an upset to Meatchicken, and fell into an early crazy hole against OU.

would LOVE to be 6-0 but we are still a strong 4-2 team.

 

To me "hot seat" implies the same results in the future will get you fired. I think ND at 4-3 isn't good enough.

 

Yes, last year buys him some time, but an 7 or 8 win year uses up a lot of that. I understand Tommy is the issue, but Dayne was the issue, Hendtix isn't ready after 4 years, Tommy is the same player he has been. That all falls on a coach. If we need to wait for a Heisman winner at QB, why pay a coach?

 

Last year was great and showed a lot of promise. But it also showed how far ND is from the title, which is the goal. Being a top 25 team isn't the standard at ND. Kelly needs to close the gap and this year has been a step back. That is a concern.

[IrishFan33 0]

I'm gonna lay off Kelly for the rest of this season because we know exactly who we are now and this team is not going to change and neither is Kelly.

 

Next year is put up or shut time, Hopefully will have Golson back and MZ will have 2 seasons of College training under his belt...

 

If he can't get 10 wins next season he's not the guy, way way to much talent on the roster for this team not to get at least 10 wins next season.

 

If i were in Kelly's shoes, if this defense does not improve by seasons end, i would think about replaceing Diaco.

[IrishFan33 0]

To me "hot seat" implies the same results in the future will get you fired. I think ND at 4-3 isn't good enough.

 

Yes, last year buys him some time, but an 7 or 8 win year uses up a lot of that. I understand Tommy is the issue, but Dayne was the issue, Hendtix isn't ready after 4 years, Tommy is the same player he has been. That all falls on a coach. If we need to wait for a Heisman winner at QB, why pay a coach?

 

Last year was great and showed a lot of promise. But it also showed how far ND is from the title, which is the goal. Being a top 25 team isn't the standard at ND. Kelly needs to close the gap and this year has been a step back. That is a concern.

 

you make some excellent points aswell

[Parseghians theorem 0]

every year we will play three to five teams with the talent to beat us.

we play a tough schedule. it is what it is.

but we do have to win those games. and turnovers hurts anyone's chances in games. it is really how upsets happens.

 

last year showed ND is one win away from a title. if KSU plays ND we win and everyone is balls crazy about ND (but alas I know that didnt happen. however Alabama last year was really freaking good. and alabama this year isnt as good as last year though still very strong).

and i still maintain that Bama played amazing that night. they arent 28 points better. we did so many uncharactertic things that night.

and we didnt get a couple early calls that could jave changed the entire game, IMO.

Edited October 9, 2013 by Parseghian's theorem

[piratey 6]

To me "hot seat" implies the same results in the future will get you fired. I think ND at 4-3 isn't good enough.

 

Yes, last year buys him some time, but an 7 or 8 win year uses up a lot of that. I understand Tommy is the issue, but Dayne was the issue, Hendtix isn't ready after 4 years, Tommy is the same player he has been. That all falls on a coach. If we need to wait for a Heisman winner at QB, why pay a coach?

 

Last year was great and showed a lot of promise. But it also showed how far ND is from the title, which is the goal. Being a top 25 team isn't the standard at ND. Kelly needs to close the gap and this year has been a step back. That is a concern.

 

Case in point. Look at what Oregon has done since Dennis Dixon. It went Dixon. Then Masoli. Then Darron Thomas. And now Marcus Mariota. They lose a kid a seem replace him with one that's even better. Dixon was high 4*, Masoli was a 3* , Thomas a low 4* and Mariota was a 3*. It's not like they are rolling with 5* kids at the position.... The offensive production never drops off, they keep on averaging at or around 40ppg

[corysold 0]

Case in point. Look at what Oregon has done since Dennis Dixon. It went Dixon. Then Masoli. Then Darron Thomas. And now Marcus Mariota. They lose a kid a seem replace him with one that's even better. Dixon was high 4*, Masoli was a 3* , Thomas a low 4* and Mariota was a 3*. It's not like they are rolling with 5* kids at the position.... The offensive production never drops off, they keep on averaging at or around 40ppg

 

Exactly. Manziel was a 3*. This kid at Baylor was a 3*. Conor Shaw was a 3*. Stephen Morris was a 3*. CJ Brown was a 3*. Keith Price was a 3*. Kevin Hogan was a 3*. Blake Bortles was a 3*. Nate Sudfeld was a 3*.

 

Those are 10 3* QB's who are all currently in the top 20 in the nation in passer rating, this season, most playing in BCS conferences.

 

Yet, Kelly hasn't been able to turn a 5* (Crist), 4* (Hendrix) or 3* (Rees) into anything productive as of yet in 4 seasons.

[Parseghians theorem 0]

Exactly. Manziel was a 3*. This kid at Baylor was a 3*. Conor Shaw was a 3*. Stephen Morris was a 3*. CJ Brown was a 3*. Keith Price was a 3*. Kevin Hogan was a 3*. Blake Bortles was a 3*. Nate Sudfeld was a 3*.

 

Those are 10 3* QB's who are all currently in the top 20 in the nation in passer rating, this season, most playing in BCS conferences.

 

Yet, Kelly hasn't been able to turn a 5* (Crist), 4* (Hendrix) or 3* (Rees) into anything productive as of yet in 4 seasons.

 

crist wasnt rated properly.

tommy has no scrambling ability.

CJ brown maryland team sucks

 

i think kelly is getting his QBs for the future.

manziel was underrated

[el senor domer 0]

Exactly. Manziel was a 3*. This kid at Baylor was a 3*. Conor Shaw was a 3*. Stephen Morris was a 3*. CJ Brown was a 3*. Keith Price was a 3*. Kevin Hogan was a 3*. Blake Bortles was a 3*. Nate Sudfeld was a 3*.

 

Those are 10 3* QB's who are all currently in the top 20 in the nation in passer rating, this season, most playing in BCS conferences.

 

Yet, Kelly hasn't been able to turn a 5* (Crist), 4* (Hendrix) or 3* (Rees) into anything productive as of yet in 4 seasons.

 

Kally's QB's are Golson and Zaire...he will produce with them!!!

[hawaiiirish 62]

This is unfortunately an ENDEMIC problem at ND---we have underperformed per ratings through a bevy of coaches and at most ALL POSITIONS not just QB.--- TE may be the only TRUE exception where players have consistently risen to or exceeded their recruiting rankings----OLINE maybe the worst--so many high ranked OLINE players and only a few going on to play on Sunday.

 

Case in point NORTHWESTERN--fielding a pretty damn good team that gave OSU all it wanted and will be a factor in the big ten---

 

They are NOT underachievers they like so many top 25 teams are OVERACHIEVERS at least as it relates to the RECRUITING RANKINGS---

 

NORTHWESTERN has THREE that's THREE 4 star players---- on its entire roster and yet is producing good results.

 

We are UNDERACHIEVERS for a long list of complicated and confusing reasons and have been for many years under many coaches.

 

Are all our recruits OVERRATED??

Are all our coaches unable to develop talent?

Does our scheduling make it impossible to sustain high win rates??

 

So many questions--so few satisfactory answers.

 

aloha's

Edited October 9, 2013 by hawaiiirish

[corysold 0]

Kally's QB's are Golson and Zaire...he will produce with them!!!

 

Kelly wanted Hendrix at Cincy and got him at ND.

[corysold 0]

This is unfortunately an ENDEMIC problem at ND---we have underperformed per ratings through a bevy of coaches and at most ALL POSITIONS not just QB.

 

Case in point NORTHWESTERN--fielding a pretty damn good team that gave OSU all it wanted and will be a factor in the big ten---

 

They are NOT underachievers they like so many top 25 teams are OVERACHIEVERS at least as it relates to the RECRUITING RANKINGS---

 

NORTHWESTERN has THREE that's THREE 4 star players---- on its entire roster and yet is producing good results.

 

We are UNDERACHIEVERS for a long list of complicated and confusing reasons and have been for many years under many coaches.

 

Are all our recruits OVERRATED??

Are all our coaches unable to develop talent?

Does our scheduling make it impossible to sustain high win rates??

 

So many questions--so few satisfactory answers.

 

aloha's

 

Damn. That makes ND currently the third best "smart school" in the nation.

[el senor domer 0]

Kelly wanted Hendrix at Cincy and got him at ND.

 

You win some and you lose some. That is why you recruit mulipples at each position.

[dangeruss 6]

they have a pretty good run game other than that im not all that worried.