So what? 09.17.2009 - Shell Shocked

So what? 09.17.2009

I have transitioned to the cynical side. It will take a lot to get me back. I cannot get over the loss to Michigan this weekend. This team, not that they play for me individually, will need to do some convincing in order for me to get excited about them.

So what’s the reason for this? It is not that Charlie Weis should have ran the ball on 2nd and ten with two minutes plus remaining. That’s too simple. Armando Allen was hurt (which we didn’t know at the time) and they stacked seven in the box.

Why the long pass then? Because if he catches it, it’s a TD; if he drops it, its incomplete; if it is an interception, it is as good as a punt (actually better, the eventual punt went for 29yrds). It is an understandable criticism, but not as dumb as many may think.

Upsetting me is discovering that this team still has its youthful vulnerability that we thought left us last year. Last year it was the offense. But this year it looks to be the defense. Jimmy Clausen and his buddies drove down and put Notre Dame in position to win. The defense couldn’t hold it in place. A defense that shutdown a talented team the prior week with a similar offensive strategy. They were presented with their moment to make a statement and came up void of an answer.

Last year it was the offensive line, but this year it looks like the defensive line. I haven’t heard Ian Williams, Ethan Johnson, Kerry Neal, or Karpon Lewis-Moore mentioned in any significant way. Any notable defensive play so far has been the linebackers and secondary.

Sure enough, the DL is the youngest area on the team that has the most playing time. Not convinced? The best player so far has been John Ryan.

Tate Forcier derserves a great deal of credit. He is an exciting player to watch. He played a great game and put the responsibility on his shoulders, and carried it to victory But what is disappointing is the defense doesn’t show that type of resolve – see if you can beat me! Alright, how about this! They just give an impression of “yeah, we got the lead, but ****! Look how much time is left?”.

Darius Flemming lost his footing on the touchdown run by Forcier, otherwise he may have slowed the play long enough for Harrison Smith to adjust and make a tackle. But again, why was that? Why was he so aggressive? He was already near the offensive backfield. See what Forcier does with you there, and then react! The one criticism I do think is warranted is the defense blitzes too often. In that fourth quarter, I kept wonder what would happen if the line just hit the UM OL on shoulders, stood up and step back a yard?

I like the idea of Manti Te’o getting more reps. Face it, the kids quick and agile. Someone will need to account for him. That may result in an end or tackle getting through the line. Something like that could make a big difference.

Until another time, however I don’t see myself cheering, yelling, jumping, first pumping, etc. If the game on Saturday is 45 – 0, ND, with two seconds left, I won’t even consider it a victory until the clock is at zero in the fourth quarter. And then, I may need to read about it just to make sure.

I’m shell shocked! Untrusting. I predict Michigan State wins their seventh game at ND stadium because they just can’t hold in a closely fought game against a lesser opponent that a youthful defense cannot gut-check themselves into sustaining a lead.