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Quite a nice article really. One of the more literate ones we've been shown, at least they didn't show any clips from that damned "Rudy" movie!!

:drinking:
 
i like to read rakes of mallow. he didn't say that ND's backs were as good as WVU's or Clemson's... where in the world did you get that? he gave the stat lines of the RB's in the WVU and Clemson games, but he didnt say "the irish are as talented, if not more talented than these two teams."

cmon now.
 
instant oatmeal said:
i like to read rakes of mallow. he didn't say that ND's backs were as good as WVU's or Clemson's... where in the world did you get that? he gave the stat lines of the RB's in the WVU and Clemson games, but he didnt say "the irish are as talented, if not more talented than these two teams."

cmon now.
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True, but he mentioned those two teams to prove his point that the GT defense can be run on. I don't know how good ND's running game will be this year, but those were probably the two best running teams in the country last year, so it's probably not a good point of reference. Our rush defense was much better against the other teams we played.
 
instant oatmeal said:
i like to read rakes of mallow. he didn't say that ND's backs were as good as WVU's or Clemson's... where in the world did you get that? he gave the stat lines of the RB's in the WVU and Clemson games, but he didnt say "the irish are as talented, if not more talented than these two teams."

cmon now.
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I think it's obvious the writer is comparing this year's ND rushing capability to Clemson and WVU last year and saying ND will be able to do the same to our defense.

Granted, his level of enthusiasm doesn't quite meet yours: "5 incredible backs" that would be starting anywhere else.
 
GT Adamni said:
True, but he mentioned those two teams to prove his point that the GT defense can be run on. I don't know how good ND's running game will be this year, but those were probably the two best running teams in the country last year, so it's probably not a good point of reference. Our rush defense was much better against the other teams we played.
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GTs defense can be run on given the following circumstances:

1) You must be committed to running it - even when it's looking ineffective.
2) You need a big, pounding OL - like Clemson and WVU last year (and UVA the year before). If they hammer away at a smallish DL and LB corps, they will start loosening up late in the game.
3) It helps to have a mobile QB that can run inside of the blitz (again, like WVA or UVA the year before).

ND (potentially) has number 3 but I don't think they have 1 and 2. I don't think Weis is committed to pounding away with the run game - it doesn't fit into his "offensive genius" mentality, or does it? And their OL may be big and talented but it takes more than that - this will be their first game starting together (4 new starters?) against a quicker, confusing defense.
 
mm42 said:
I think it's obvious the writer is comparing this year's ND rushing capability to Clemson and WVU last year and saying ND will be able to do the same to our defense.
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i'm going to have to disagree. he said "if ND can run the ball..." not "since they will be able to run the ball..." i think he was pointing out the only apparent weakness in the GT defense, and then he related to how ND will try to attack it. obviously the author, as well as many ND fans, think that RB will be the strength of our squad. how strong? we don't know yet, but there is good reason for optimism.

Granted, his level of enthusiasm doesn't quite meet yours: "5 incredible backs" that would be starting anywhere else.
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a 5* back, 2 highly touted 4* backs, and the starter, TT, who has, apparently, been superior to them. then we have a 5th year, Junior Jabbie, who is on the bottom of the totem pole yet, straight from the coach's mouth: "would be able to start at other D1 schools." as i said, i relay the information that i hear. maybe i would've been more accurate in saying "4 incredible backs." i even stated in one of the last sentences that i wouldnt talk about JJ since he really excels at nothing (he's an all-around decent back).

i may be overly optomistic (hey, i'm a fan, what can i say?), but i do believe that ND has a stable of incredible backs. maybe our definition of incredible is different. i think TC is an incredible back.... obviously Slaton and Spiller are incredible backs. are the ND RB's as good as WVU, Clemson, or even GT? nope... i dont think anyone would argue against that point. but, i still think that they can be gamebreakers.


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now, back on point.... i dont think that ND will have near the success that Clemson and WVU had running the ball, but the run game will be the focus of the offensive gameplan.
 
lol, that guy is a nut. he's pretty funny because all of his predictions are like that... then he refuses to admit when we lose, usually speculating that it's a government cover-up.


my favorite irish blogs are these:

http://bluegraysky.blogspot.com/ (this is BY FAR the best blog out there.... so comprehensive and complete. they know their stuff.... if you read this, you will learn A LOT about the irish. i recommend it to everyone.... it's my favorite, and it's widely recognized as the irish standard in blogging.)

http://rakesofmallow.com/ (already been linked, but it's on my daily blogroll)

http://www.herloyalsons.com/blog/ (i really like HLS too. great blog)

http://www.irishroundtable.com// (good reports from the open practice if you are interested)

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and, if any of you want to talk football with some other domers, the best forum to do so is:
http://goldhelmet.com/forums/

of course, you will run into quite a few ultra-homers and some posters that aren't too nice to strangers. but, if you dare, it's the best forum.




and, yes, wise1, i'm a big irish fan. i came on here to have some friendly discussions with the GT fans.
 
The thing is, how is allowing the best running teams in the nations to get running yards a "weakness." I understand that he's looking for any part of GT to exploit, but he reaches too far here.

GT did not just play WVU and Clemson last year; they also played ND. ND did not have a whole lot of success last year with much more experienced line, a senior RB and a good passing game to take pressure off the running game. With most of ND's offense gone and much of GT's defense staying, the odds look extremely long for ND's offense. He may just be trying to be enthusiastic about the game, but an unbiased assessment would show that ND's offense will have a huge amount of trouble come September.
 
well, the ND OL underachieved all year last year. it gave up 31 sacks... which is horrendous for such a veteran unit. i fully expect the OL to be leaps and bounds better this year (but not in the first game). the lack of offensive success was pegged directly to the poor performance of the OL (and Tenuta's schemes). WVU and Clemson were both top 5 rushing teams last year, and ND will not come anywhere close to matching that output. however, i think ND's offense will actually have a little more success in this game than last year's game -- no evidence to prove so... but just a hunch.

your defense is going to have to plan for two QB's -- a dropback passer and a mobile athlete... the reduced reps in either case will certainly help ND's chances.
 
I have to admit this line was pretty good. While losing Johnson is obviously not a good thing (unless you're a Detroit Lion fan, and if so, why?)
 
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