Notre Dame 2020

[Whiting89]

5 minutes ago, DE said:

Huge realistic ND fan here, but your post is awful. 
 

 

Facts. 

Maybe add VU to your list too. 

I’m a Illinois and college football fan it’s just awful these playoff games are lopsided and embarrassing.

[Coach Nowlin]

45 minutes ago, Whiting89 said:

I’m a Illinois and college football fan it’s just awful these playoff games are lopsided and embarrassing.

I just turned on this game... I think its a playoff game... some buckeye team and an orange team.....

it is tied 14-14 and this team with all these nut stickers is driving to score again on the orange team with white stickers

make that 21-14 

(2 mins after posting above) 

 

[DE]

49 minutes ago, Whiting89 said:

I’m a Illinois and college football fan it’s just awful these playoff games are lopsided and embarrassing.

I agree w the lopsided scores but that does NOT mean ND wasn’t deserving of making the cfp. 

1 hour ago, PHJIrish said:

I see nothing wrong with today's Irish effort.  It was a whole lot better than the last Clemson debacle.  The talent difference is enormous!

Clemson will clean 'Bama's clock!  Bet the farm!

Does Clemson have to win their semifinals? Asking for the team beating them by 7 in Q2. 

[southend]

2 hours ago, Irishman said: Bama was never threatened in this game, so ND has some catching up to do. As I said before,This is more about the gap between both Bama and Clemson and the rest of the field. 

Have you been watching the sugar bowl?

[Irishman]

Just now, southend said:

Have you been watching the sugar bowl?

I NEVER expected to see this. It is an impressive game for OSU. 

[southend]

2 minutes ago, southend said:

So? I don’t think the gap is between two schools.  

[Irishman]

3 minutes ago, southend said:

So? I don’t think the gap is between two schools.  

Ok 3.....I could not fully respond to that because I could not see what you quoted me saying. The top 3 has been mentioned before though, and the gap between them and the rest. 

[southend]

3 minutes ago, Irishman said:

Ok 3.....I could not fully respond to that because I could not see what you quoted me saying. The top 3 has been mentioned before though, and the gap between them and the rest. 

Agreed, A&M Oklahoma ND have a lot of ground to make up , to be mentioned. 
 

Clemson doesn’t have as good of defense as Indiana 

[BTF]

2 hours ago, PHJIrish said:

Clemson will clean 'Bama's clock!  Bet the farm!

Glad I didn't take your advice.

[DE]

11 minutes ago, Irishman said:

Ok 3.....I could not fully respond to that because I could not see what you quoted me saying. The top 3 has been mentioned before though, and the gap between them and the rest. 

@southendto Irish’s defense, I was the one saying the drop off happened after bama and Clemson. 

[Staxawax]

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2021/01/01/notre-dame-loses-alabama-another-college-football-elite-bowl-game/4109590001/
 

A scathing story by this USA Today reporter on ND and their unique independent status and the bowl money they collect.

[PHJIrish]

49 minutes ago, BTF said:

Glad I didn't take your advice.

You should know better than to take my advice.  That's why I very seldom make predictions.  I don't know where this Ohio  State team came from.  They look like the Buckeyes of Urban Meyer days!  They sure didn't play like this against Northwestern.

[Irishman]

27 minutes ago, Staxawax said:

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2021/01/01/notre-dame-loses-alabama-another-college-football-elite-bowl-game/4109590001/
 

A scathing story by this USA Today reporter on ND and their unique independent status and the bowl money they collect.

I think he is being overly dramatic. While Bama controlled the game, I would not use the word “demolish” to describe the game result. Clemson is actually getting beat worse than ND did. Just like when Clemson beat ND in the semifinal a couple years ago, they beat Bama worse than they did ND. 
I think ND is on the brink. They are just one or two players away now. I was surprised Book played as well this year as he did. I was NOT confident in his ability. He showed some of his old habits at times this year, but he is not a game changer. I am told that they have a QB commit that could be....we will see. I think they need to build up the secondary on defense. The strengths are the O Line is deep. They are deep at TE. The D Line is deep too, and they have steadily improved their run defense. 
As far as the money that ND rakes in....we can see that most of it goes toward the school itself. 

[Whiting89]

After today maybe the acc will be excluded like the pac 12 has been from the playoffs 

[PHJIrish]

If it's Alabama vs. tOSU there will be two Cathedral grads starting in the Championship Game.  OL #55 Emil Ekiyor for Alabama,  and LB #20 Pete Werner for tOSU.😎

Edited January 2, 2021 by PHJIrish

[Irishman]

Jeff George Jr is a grad transfer at Alabama as well. I am not sure where he is on the depth chart, but pretty cool experience for him. 

[DE]

38 minutes ago, Irishman said:

Jeff George Jr is a grad transfer at Alabama as well. I am not sure where he is on the depth chart, but pretty cool experience for him. 

I thought I read that he is the back up cup holder to Coach Saban. Now that guy has the BEST gig in college football. Been there for years. Follows Saban around. Gets rings. Gets paid. Nice. Maybe when he retires, JGJ will rise up to head cup holder. 

 

I jest. I jest. Silly things like that guy shadowing Saban for years, Patterson’s personal water girl every year. Kirby’s and Venables personal get back/ belt holder coach, Brian Kelly Xanax dispenser Coach, etc all make shake my head. 

[BTF]

6 hours ago, Irishman said:

While Bama controlled the game, I would not use the word “demolish” to describe the game result. 

Demolish is a good word to use if you are describing the first half of the first quarter. That's just 1/8 of the the game. What I saw was a Notre Dame team that fought hard and held Alabama to their lowest scoring output of the season. But the media wont mention that, it doesn't fit their narrative. I also saw a ND touchdown get called back on the same drive that stalled at the 10 yard line. I saw a missed field goal opportunity. I'm seeing a score that could potentially have been 31-24. But what fun is that? It's easier to just say that ND got "demolished" and did not belong...............even though the first ten games of the season suggest otherwise. 

Here's the thing. The only teams that are remembered year after year are the teams that make the playoffs. ND will go down as a team that had an opportunity to play for a national title for the third time in nine years. That's once every three years. Not bad for a program that does things right and continues to put the student in front of the athlete. Notre Dame is relevant on a national scale, they will be remembered in 2020, and they'll be back next year. Unfortunately, that will bother some.

[BTF]

6 hours ago, PHJIrish said:

You should know better than to take my advice.  That's why I very seldom make predictions.  I don't know where this Ohio  State team came from.  They look like the Buckeyes of Urban Meyer days!  They sure didn't play like this against Northwestern.

It's ok, I would have taken Clemson to cover. I would be homeless if I relied on sports betting as my primary income. 

Lots of money lost last night. Seventy percent took Clemson to cover and 67% took Alabama. 

[Bobref]

8 hours ago, Irishman said:

I think ND is on the brink. They are just one or two players away now. I was surprised Book played as well this year as he did. I was NOT confident in his ability. He showed some of his old habits at times this year, but he is not a game changer. I am told that they have a QB commit that could be....we will see.

Tyler Buchner, IMO, is The Chosen One who will lead us to the promised land. https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/tyler-buchner-207639
 

I agree that in the last 4 yrs. or so, the Irish have closed the gap. They finally have a defense that can play. Their o-line is the best in the country. Solid skill position players ... except for a game-changer at the QB position. If he lives up to his billing, this kid could be the one. 

[BTF]

50 minutes ago, Bobref said:

Tyler Buchner, IMO, is The Chosen One who will lead us to the promised land. https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/tyler-buchner-207639
 

I agree that in the last 4 yrs. or so, the Irish have closed the gap. They finally have a defense that can play. Their o-line is the best in the country. Solid skill position players ... except for a game-changer at the QB position. If he lives up to his billing, this kid could be the one. 

Notre Dame doesn't need 10 five star guys like the other teams have. They just need a game breaking QB and WR. They are on the brink. I like Ian Book, but he was really nothing more than a very good qb capable of leading the cast surrounding him. His quality of play represents a team in the top ten, not that of a national champion.  Outstanding career for a 3-star though. 

[DE]

5 hours ago, BTF said:

Demolish is a good word to use if you are describing the first half of the first quarter. That's just 1/8 of the the game. What I saw was a Notre Dame team that fought hard and held Alabama to their lowest scoring output of the season. But the media wont mention that, it doesn't fit their narrative. I also saw a ND touchdown get called back on the same drive that stalled at the 10 yard line. I saw a missed field goal opportunity. I'm seeing a score that could potentially have been 31-24. But what fun is that? It's easier to just say that ND got "demolished" and did not belong...............even though the first ten games of the season suggest otherwise. 

Here's the thing. The only teams that are remembered year after year are the teams that make the playoffs. ND will go down as a team that had an opportunity to play for a national title for the third time in nine years. That's once every three years. Not bad for a program that does things right and continues to put the student in front of the athlete. Notre Dame is relevant on a national scale, they will be remembered in 2020, and they'll be back next year. Unfortunately, that will bother some.

I posted about the stalled drive. Imsc, the officials bungled that one. 

3 hours ago, Bobref said:

Tyler Buchner, IMO, is The Chosen One who will lead us to the promised land. https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/tyler-buchner-207639
 

I agree that in the last 4 yrs. or so, the Irish have closed the gap. They finally have a defense that can play. Their o-line is the best in the country. Solid skill position players ... except for a game-changer at the QB position. If he lives up to his billing, this kid could be the one. 

His middle name is Moses, for those of you keeping score at home. 😉 

[Bobref]

Kelly scores big, getting exactly the guy he targeted as the new defensive coordinator.

https://und.com/marcus-freeman-to-join-notre-dame-as-bob-hinton-defensive-coordinator-linebackers-coach/

NOTRE DAME, Indiana — University of Notre Dame Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Brian Kelly announced the addition of Marcus Freeman to his coaching staff Friday. Freeman will serve as the Bob Hinton Defensive Coordinator, and will work directly with the Irish linebackers. The hiring will be effective at the conclusion of the University’s standard employment process.

“As we looked into finding someone to run our defense, it was important to find the right fit for our program and Marcus and his family are just that,” said Kelly. “He has had great success on the field, both running a defense and in his direct work with his linebackers. Additionally, he is considered among the elite recruiters in the coaching ranks. 

“The work Marcus has done elevating the programs he has been a part of speaks for itself, but equally as important is the exceptional work he has done in building relationships with his staff and players. Marcus was our top choice to become our next defensive coordinator, and we are pleased he and his family will be joining us at Notre Dame.” 

Freeman comes to South Bend from his former post as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Cincinnati, a position he held beginning in January 2017. 

The Bearcats (9-1) made national noise in 2020-21, entering bowl season as the No. 8-ranked team in the nation and winning the American Athletic Conference Championship, the program’s first outright league title since 2009, when Kelly served as Cincinnati’s head coach. Cincinnati made an appearance in the Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl, falling by a narrow margin to No. 9 Georgia, after an undefeated regular season. 

Cincinnati’s defense ranked in the Top 20 nationally in several categories for 2020-21, including being ranked 13th in total defense (324.6 yards per game) and eighth in scoring defense (16.8 points per game) among all FBS teams. In addition, the Bearcats were third in team passing efficiency defense (101.25), 14th in rushing defense (111.1 yards per game), 15th in red zone defense (0.735 rate), 17th in fourth down defense (0.375 rate), 16th in team sacks (3.0 per game) and 10th in turnovers gained (21).

Standout Bearcat cornerback Ahmad Gardner garnered multiple All-America selections, being named to the FWAA and USA TODAY first teams, in addition to the Associated Press, AFCA and The Athletic second teams. He was also named first-team All-AAC. 

Prior to his 2020 success, Freeman has been part of a UC staff which coached the Bearcats to back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2018 and 2019, the 2019 American Athletic Conference East Division Championship and consecutive bowl-game wins in the 2018 Military Bowl and 2019 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl.

The Bearcats finished atop the 2019 AAC ranks in scoring defense for the second-straight season and ranked among the league’s top three in rushing and total defense. In 2018, Cincinnati led the American in rushing defense, scoring defense and total defense and ranked among the Top-15 in the NCAA FBS in all three categories. 

Prior to Cincinnati, Freeman spent four years at Purdue, where he coached linebackers all four seasons and served as the Boilermakers co-defensive coordinator in 2015. He is credited with transforming the Purdue linebacking corps into a strength with multiple notable disciples, including: Markus Bailey, 2016 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection and leader of the Boilermaker defense with 97 tackles; Jimmy Herman, winner of Purdue’s Guy “Red” Mackey Award and the Noble E. Kizer Award, for exemplifying the overall success of the University’s intercollegiate athletics program and earning the highest GPA among football players over the 2016 calendar year; and Ja’Whaun Bentley, a USA Today Freshman All-American in 2014 and voted a captain by his teammates prior to the 2015 season. 

Freeman coached linebackers at Kent State from 2011-12, where he guided inside linebacker Luke Batton to second team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2012 after finishing with 143 total tackles, including 80 solo stops. Outside linebacker C.J. Malauulu was a third team all-conference selection in 2012, recording 72 total tackles. 

Freeman started his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Ohio State, in 2010, as the Buckeyes went 12-1 with a victory in the Sugar Bowl. 

A four-year letterwinner for the Buckeyes from 2004-08, Freeman earned second team All-Big Ten honors in 2008, while helping lead Ohio State to four conference titles, three BCS bowls and two trips to the national title game during his career. He played in the 2009 Senior Bowl and was a fifth-round NFL Draft pick of the Chicago Bears, spending time with the Bears, Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans before a medical condition ended his playing career.

A 2007 Ohio State graduate, Freeman earned Academic All-Big Ten and academic all-district honors. In 2011, he earned a master’s degree in sports management from Ohio State. He graduated from Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio, and was a Parade All-American.

Freeman has a daughter, Bria, and he and his wife, Joanna, have six children: Vinny, Siena, Gino, Nico, Capri and Rocco.

[Bobref]

The Chosen One has arrived! 

https://247sports.com/college/notre-dame/ContentGallery/Tyler-Buchner-Notre-Dame-Football-In-Depth-With-Notre-Dame-Quarterback-Signee-159902915/#159902915_5

In-Depth With Notre Dame Quarterback Signee Tyler Buchner

In only a few more days, La Jolla (Calif.) Helix high school four-star quarterback Tyler Buchner will arrive on campus at Notre Dame and officially become a student-athlete in South Bend. The 6-2, 207-pounder has been committed to the Fighting Irish since March 8, 2019 and has never wavered on that commitment he made to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees, as well as head coach Brian Kelly.

Prior to his arrival on campus, Irish Illustrated caught up with Buchner for a detailed look at what he’s been up to, his excitement level regarding his future at Notre Dame, and much more.

ON HIS EMOTIONS KNOWING THAT HIS TIME AT NOTRE DAME STARS THIS WEEKEND

"So, we're moving in this weekend. I couldn't be more excited to go to Notre Dame as a student and also as a football player. I can't wait for the next three or four years at Notre Dame and I'm excited to kick things off," said Buchner. "It's been a long time coming and couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to go to a prestigious school like Notre Dame and then for the fact that it's actually coming and I'm gonna be there next week, it's crazy. Leaving home and all that stuff is not always fun, but I couldn't be more excited for the next chapter in my life."

ON WHAT HE’S BEEN WORKING ON OVER THESE PAST FEW MONTHS TO PREPARE FOR NOTRE DAME

"A multitude of things," said Buchner, when asked what he's doing to prepare to join the Notre Dame football team. "I've been watching a lot of film, learning the playbook for the mental side of things, been running, lifting, throwing as much as I can and just staying as busy as possible. All my friends are still in school, so I'm the only one who's off. All my buddies who go to college are all at school, so I'm pretty much home here on my own. Everyday I got 10 hours to get work in, so I try my best to take full use of each day."

ON THE ADDITION OF WISCONSIN GRADUATE TRANSFER QB JACK COAN TO THE NOTRE DAME ROSTER

"I remember my dad had mentioned something like, 'Hey, you should probably expect them to bring in a grad transfer.' He brought it up a while ago, like months ago, and I sort of figured they'd do something like that. I couldn't be more excited to have Jack in the quarterback room. I know he's super experienced and knows a lot about the game, and I can't wait to play beside him and obviously learn a lot from him. I'm really excited to have him as part of Notre Dame and to play with him. It's going to be a lot of fun."

ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND QUARTERBACKS COACH TOMMY REES

"We've always got along since day one and it's only gone up from there. He's obviously a great coach and the offense looked really good this year. I'm excited to get there and really get things rolling. I think that's kind of just the mood right now between us. We're both like, 'Alright, let's get it going.’”

ON HIS GOALS FOR HIS FIRST YEAR AT NOTRE DAME

"I think among those goals are to enjoy my freshman year. That's one of them. I want to have fun. I want to get to know everyone at school, make friends, and enjoy being a freshman. Also, I have goals on the football field. I want to be the best, obviously. Everyday you want to be the best, right? Everyone has that goal. That's one of my goals. I want to work as hard as possible and I want to get better. I think those three things are my main goals and will always be my goals. Get better, work hard, and things will work out. I'm excited to really get to work and the only expectation I have of myself are to just keep working."

ON THE DISCUSSION SURROUNDING HIS LACK OF STARTING QB EXPERIENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL

"Everyone who says that has a pretty legitimate argument in my opinion. I think they're right," said Buchner, when asked about the critics regarding his lack of playing time throughout high school. "I didn't have a senior year. I was hurt my sophomore year. They have a legit — it's not like they're making stuff up. Those are all facts. I think they have a legitimate argument, but I know myself better than anyone knows me and I know what I'm capable of. I know how hard I've been working these past couple of months. I feel like I'm in the best spot I've been, so I feel great. I think to all the people who don't think that, I think it's fine. They have a great argument and I'm not going to counter it, because I haven't done anything yet."

ON NOTRE DAME BRINGING IN ARGUABLY THE NATION’S TOP OFFENSIVE LINE CLASS

"I can't wait. Blake, Rocco. Pat, Caleb, Joe, all those guys are studs. They're all studs and I can't wait to play behind them. I think Notre Dame has done an exceptional job of recruiting and developing offensive linemen over the past couple of years and I know we'll do great things together. They know that I'm excited. They're great guys and great people. I'm excited to spend the next couple of years with them."

 

[DE]

The Chosen One, huh?

Can't wait to see this play out.