In Search of Wow

(NDNation.com) After a year and a half in purgatory, it's clear to all but the Ostriches that the Notre Dame offense will be a force for the next two years at least.

Clausen will be at least as good as Brady Quinn and has started to blossom (I hate that word) now that we can finally pass block with some success, but right now we can't run with consistency and we're missing the Wow.

The Wow : A player who makes the defense hesitate by creating a moment of indecision that allows for big plays and breaks open the field.

Wow players like Rocket, Tim Brown or Reggie Bush (coincidence that SC has no titles without him?) changed game plans. When they were on the field, defenses had to think about more than just their assignment and always had to account for "that guy." They were players who put you back on your haunches and kept you honest because you knew if you didn't, on mistake could mean a long run or a touchdown. They open up the field and change the game through fear. Many forget that Reggie Brooks developed into a Wow before he left South Bend.

We've got some very good players who have speed and skill, but right now there's no lightning strike. Golden Tate has shown speed, but even better ball skills and hasn't been that dynamic with the ball in his hands. Michael Floyd is a great receiver already (some pups bite ya early,) but hasn't shown the ability to generate significant yards after the catch. Armando Allen has a great burst, but still hasn't broken any really long runs despite many touches.

So all of this has Irish fans wondering if Cierre Wood will be the next Wow. Wood ran for 20 yards a carry on nine carries and 180 yards last weekend giving him 62 carries for 969 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. You do the math.

This offense will be productive and score enough points for the Irish to win a lot of games the next two seasons (and given our defense we have to,) but if ND can add the Wow we could see an historically great Irish offense.

Here's a new Youtube clip of Cierre (old runs - turn the volume down.)