Notre Dame followed an impressive start with a familiar horrowshow of turnovers and inexplicable defensive breakdowns to hand Michigan a 35-31 victory on Saturday evening. The Irish had retaken the lead with 30 seconds remaining on a pass from Tommy Rees to Theo Riddick, but Denard Robinson moved his team 80 yards in three plays for the game-winning score with only two seconds remaining. The loss dropped Notre Dame to 0-2 and essentially put an end to the wishful thinking that this team could qualify for a BCS berth.
As predicted, the Irish started fast but let the Wolverines back into the game. Two second quarter interceptions led to a Michigan touchdown and killed a long Notre Dame drive near the Michigan goal. The Irish led by 17-7 at the half but had outgained Michigan by a three to one margin and could easily have enjoyed a 28-0 advantage.
The teams exchanged turnovers in the third quarter as sloppy play become the rule rather than the exception. Notre Dame capitalized on its opportunity, and expanded its lead to 24-7 when T.J. Jones took a Rees pass and tightroped down the sideline for a score.
Robinson, who was ineffective as a passer until this point in the game, was forced to put the ball up for grabs. Unfortunately, Irish cornerback Gary Gray and each of the safeties seemingly stood and watched as Wolverine receivers came down with the wounded ducks that Robinson was heaving into the night. Junior Hemingway grabbed a pass and completed a 77 yard play before he was caught at the Irish seven. Robinson scored three plays later when a fumble caused by Norte Dame at the goal line squirted right into his hands and he took it in for the score.
A poor Irish punt after a quick three and out offensive series set up Michigan for another touchdown to draw within 24-21. Gray was beaten badly in the end zone by Jeremy Gallon with 10:47 remaining. Notre Dame finally regrouped and drove down the field with help from a pass interference penalty. Rees teamed with Floyd and Theo Riddick to get to the Wolverine seven yard line, but a first down play fell apart when the ball slipped from Rees’ hand as he loaded up to throw it. Michigan recovered with 6:08 left, but they were 91 yards from the Irish goal.
The rollercoaster ride that was to be the last few minutes of this contest was just getting started. Robinson hit a long pass down the field, and a roughing the passer penalty against the Irish moved the ball into scoring territory. On the next play, Robinson went for the end zone but Robert Blanton picked off the floater for a touchback. The offense could not burn the clock, however, as the Irish were stuffed on the same short yardage running play for the third time in the half.
Gallon returned Notre Dame’s punt to his own 42, and Michigan needed just over a minute to complete a five play scoring drive. A screen pass to Vincent Smith capped the drive with just over a minute left as he burst through a group of lead-footed Irish defenders.
Now trailing for the first time in the game, Rees responded by covering 61 yards in four plays. The Wolverines sent half their team at Michael Floyd on the 29-yard scoring play, which left the middle of the field wide open for Theo Riddick. Rees hit him with 35 seconds left and Notre Dame was back on top by 31-28.
A touchback on the ensuing kickoff required that Michigan attempt to recover from its own 20 yard line. After tossing one incompletion against the Irish prevent defense, Gallon somehow found himself wide open near midfield. The speedster reached the Notre Dame 16 yard line before he was run down with eight seconds remaining. Wolverine coach Brady Hoke decided to take a shot at the end zone rather than leave the game in the hands of his shaky field goal kicker, and the move paid off when Roy Roundtree easily beat single coverage by Gray the end zone. The winning score came with two seconds remaining and capped a wild but crushing fourth quarter for the Irish.
Let’s review the answers to the questions we asked in the pregame analysis:
Will Notre Dame be able to contain Robinson and the overall speed of Michigan? The Irish defense did a good job in the first half, but the Wolverines ran wild in the last 17 minutes.
How well will the Irish execute in the red zone? The first two Irish possessions were world class, but a poor throw by Rees in the second quarter cost them another touchdown.
Which special teams and kicker will improve over last week’s poor performances? David Ruffer looked solid in kicking the game’s only field goal, but a shank by punter Ben Turk set up a Michigan score. Notre Dame’s new punt return man John Goodman is not the answer we were looking for.
Can Riddick and Jones make significant contributions? Yes, Jones scored once and Riddick twice.
Will Notre Dame be able to tighten up its pass coverage and take away the easy ten yard completions? Robinson could not buy a completion in the first half, but the Irish secondary suffered castastrophic meltdowns in allowing numerous big plays late in the game.
Can the Irish protect Rees from a variety of Wolverine blitzes? Yes, for the most part, although the Irish squandered several timeouts while worrying about the blitz. It was actually the run blitzes on third and short that baffled Kelly and Notre Dame.
Which team will have a higher average per carry in the running game? The Irish stuffed Michigan’s running backs while gaining 200 yards on 31 carries. Robinson had a few nice runs and finished with 108 yards, but it was an awful pass defense that doomed Notre Dame.
There are few words to adequately describe the inexcusable nature of this collapse by Notre Dame. In finding yet another and more improbable way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, any shred of confidence within the team and among the fan base has reached an all time low. The buzz that surrounded the program just eight days ago has been replaced by apathy and scorn, but no one can argue that this reaction is not deserved. The fundamentally poor play (nine turnovers in eight quarters) is an affront to the legacy of the University and essentially disgraced the throwback uniforms that were worn on this night.
Tommy Irish 84 says:
This was awful. Kill me now, if this is what the Kelly era will be like. More of the same.
Terry says:
I have been a ND fan my entire life,40 plus years.That has to be the biggest colapse in the history of ND football.I will never root for these clowns as long as I am alive.That is the most embarrassing display of football that I have ever witnessed.They are the laughing stocks of college football!!
Dave says:
You are a loser. It was one game. My only consolation in the losses we’ve endured for the last several years has been that the fair weather-fans get jettisoned. Good riddance. Even a lifelong fan can be a fair-weather fan, apparently.
Hoss says:
Actually Dave, it’s been two games.
Pete roddy says:
We don’t need your kind. I’ve sat next to you too often since graduating 35 years ago.
Erick says:
Kelly is terrible. Why are we throwing 1st and goal all the time. Coaching cost us one here. Well hope you are all happy, you got the coach you wanted.
mpsND'72 says:
What a fine display of Notre Dame tradition, i.e., the new tradition of the “New Notre Dame.”
Geoff says:
The mystique is long gone
qb2333 says:
true
Carl P., Olathe,KS says:
Fire Kelly now and BENCH Gary Gray who yet again gets burnt all night long! Poor play calling and game plan, another season wasted!
Ed Smith says:
Enormously disappointing…though I’m just not prepared to pin most of the blame on Kelly as I’m sure others will be quick to do. Michigan got the breaks and our kids didn’t protect the football. The defense though, has been enormously troubling … And that is what I am most worried about as we move forward.
Another lost season for the Irish…
Dave w says:
On the radio Don Criquie said it best. Losers find a way to lose. Pathetic.
qb2333 says:
exactly ask the cubs
wally says:
This may cost Don his job. Remember what happened to Tony.
Irish Mike says:
could not be more upset/angry/stunned/you name it. words do not describe. words cannot describe. cannot believe the awful 3rd down play calling, cannot wrap my head around the type of turnovers that plague this team.
docronin says:
Unfortunately, the Irish continued their losing ways. Unfortunately this is what everyone has come to expect of Notre Dame Football.
Lostndfan says:
Cannot continue to watch team after team with talent finding ways to lose games. This one takes the cake of all loses over the past three years. 28 points in the 4th quarter (almost 35) does not win games and is not demonstrative of a winning program or a program rebuilding. This unfortunatey, is a break down in fundamentals and coaching. Yes, it is too early to call in to question the head coach but I would question his staff. Again like Tye, and Charlie, Ryan has brought in a crew of incompetents following in his coat strings. His inability to find the right staff will led to his demise. It is not the athletes at nd or a talent pool issue it is an issue of finding a coach like Kelly with the right supporting cast. That is all that should be written about this game. Did his offensive coordinator see more talent and poise in Crist? Should the corner backs be taught to look for the ball? And should our prevent defense actually be in position to prevent a 20+ gain with 20 seconds left in a game. A big break down in coaching fundamentals is what is hurting our program nothing more.
Steve Townsend says:
WTF????? Leading 24-7 and we lose the game? What kind of prep is Kelly doing? I really believed he was the right coach for Notre Dame but even Charlie Weis’ teams were not this mistake prone! Come on Kelly… get your Sh*T together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr says:
A familiar horrowshow of turnovers and inexplicable defensive breakdowns says it all….a pattern that is becoming expected unfortunately
K. Miles says:
Beyond belief. I thought last year’s disaster at Mich State was the worst loss that I have ever seen in 40 years of watching ND Football. This one takes the cake. A TOTAL meltdown. I have NO confidence whatsoever in Kelly. Right now, tonight, the higher ups at ND are texting and whispering to each other regarding a plan of action. Kelly is not working out. He is clueless and completely over-rated. The next ND coach will be Skip Holtz from USF. Inshallah!
Slicer says:
I can’t imagine why Holtz would be interested in coming here now. He’s starting to put together a winner in a place with much less expectation. If USF continues to improve, thhere’s reason to believe they will win their conference consistently over the next few years. Why would he give that up?
Sean says:
I hate to be negative about a student athlete, but Gary Gray is the worst player I have ever seen but on the blue and gold. He gave up 3 td’s and couldn’t find the ball the whole night. This 5th year senior should be riding the bench.
Jack says:
They gave it away again. I don’t know if I can take this anymore.
Jimbo says:
Stunning collapse? I thought it was all very predictable. My 8-4 prediction is not looking too good after only 2 games.
dcirish says:
Does Diaco teach his backs to face guard only and not look for the ball? Didn’t he learn anything when he tried a new method of defense v. Navy last year? I know that firing Diaco and Kelly — which they earned tonight — won’t do much good, but it would give some satisfaction to us long suffering alums. The players have never been winners in college so don’t know better, but when they are “led” by 4th quarter stumblebums, you can’t expect anything else. Teo will leave after this year, and recruits will start to fall very soon. 3-9 looks like a stretch. Actually I can’t think of 3 games they can win. And Michigan won’t win 6 games.
Don’t know if anyone can turn this program around. We were going to all 12 games in 2012 and have Ireland lined up already, but why go see games kicked away — 1-11 if we get lucky. I think we’ll have a nice dinner instead of going to the game that night in Dublin. Looks like time for a ticket lottery boycott.
Scott says:
Firing Kelly isn’t the solution. Firing Diaco… now, that’s a good start. Lou would have already taken over the play calling on defense if this kind of meltdown kept up.
Roger says:
At least Brian Kelly didn’t look like a complete ass. He might survive until the end of the year now.
Dick Jones says:
That DB should show his teammates his back and turn his stuff in. Disgusting.
Steve says:
Its time to get in touch with reality. Both ND and Michigan will lose 6 games. Both of their programs are simply pitiful. Kelly simply looks like he’s cashing paychecks and maybe he can look like a mad irishman on the sidelines, it sure ain’t rubbing off on the players. If I was Floyd I would say “I’m done, I can play at the next level, I got my degree, I ain’t getting hurt, I am outa here”. This is a program that has lost at HOME to Tulsa, UCONN, Syracuse, Navy, USF, etc., etc. in the last four years. Pathetic.
Sterling James says:
Next week it’ll be MSU too I’m afraid.
Dave says:
Just when I thought last weeks loss couldn’t be any worse Notre Dame surprises me once again with another heart breaker. Notre Dame’s secondary was absolutely horrific. They had multiple opportunities to have more picks of D-Rob and couldn’t find the frickin ball. 2 safeties couldn’t even swat a ball away against a receiver? Rees continues to make mental errors with 2 picks and a fumble that completely killed some great drives. When they were up 24-7 I thought there was no way Michigan could come back to win, and when ND took the lead with :30 left I thought the same. This is the 3rd heart breaker of the Kelly era and I can’t take anymore. Kelly needs to get a hold of his boys before they start to lose confidence and let the season get away. After 0-2 a BCS bowl bid is out of the picture and It will be hard to root for this team which in the preseason had such high expectations.
Colin from Dallas says:
I have been watching ND football for 35 years, myself a grad, and I have never seen a game like this before. I watched it with a high school (Texas) head coach, and he was simply shocked, at the the penalties, the “out-of-positioning”, Kelley’s tirades at young players on the sidelines, the body language they displayed (not motivated by Kelly). We have a good deal of talent, enough to go 1-1 with USF/Michigan. Never liked this pick, and does not seem to represent Notre Dame, tradition, and class very well. A one hit wonder. Lets not blame the players/recruiting standards/talent this time around, lets get rid of Kelly, and move on and get grinding like ND has done in the past.
My two cents
Colin, Dallas TX ’92
Tom says:
Irish are like the Cubs. You know they’re going to lose, you just don’t know how.
Colin S says:
What are you talking about “letting the season get away?” Wake up. The season is OVER. These first two games were games we HAD to win in order to have a decent year. This team still has to play a top 20 Mi State team next week, a top 10 Stanford team, a very talented (albeit with nothing to play for) USC, a Navy team that is 2-1 in its last 3 vs. ND, a very well coached and competitive Air Force team, an improving Pitt team and a Maryland team with a very good passing attack. Even if we go 4-3 in those games and win all the others BC, Wake Forest, and Purdue–a HUGE ASSUMPTION based on recent history–mentioned above by Steve, this is still only a 7-5 team. My opinion is that there is no way we beat those three. With our propensity to collapse and shoot ourselves in the foot, I think 5-7 or 4-8 looks like a more accurate assessment of where our season will end up. Another waste of talent and total embarassment for the University. Face it ND is the laughing stock of college football. Nobody hates us anymore, to do so would be like hating the Cubs in baseball. Pointless, they are irrelevant in MLB just like we are in today’s college football world
Strohbusch says:
You guys are all jokes!!! Stand by your team …yes it was a horrible loss, but life will go on. Do you really think that the coaches don’t feel as bad as you do? Please get off the bandwagon and never come back. Nd nation doesn’t need you!!!
BallCoach says:
Geez…I was recruited by more than 40 schools in 1983 and none of them were ND. I wanted to play for ND so badly that I almost enrolled @ Purdue or Navy just to play AGAINST them and have a chance to touch the jersey. For years, I have scheduled all activities around ND televised games and have dragged family and friends to games for the last 6 years. Until today, I have never felt like turning away from the program.
I coach football. I know how tough it can be to lose tough games…I do not blame Kelly…sometimes, things just happen. I do blame the DBs for ND…If you are going to lose games, you should throw some freshman out there in the backfield and let them get some experience This is pathetic and sad….
I actually liked Kelly;’s comments post game.
K. Miles says:
I may be speaking heresy, but perhaps it is time to stop all of the ND Football hype. Concentrate on the University’s continued academic strengths. ND is consistently rated as one of the top learning institutions in the world. ND’s football glory days ended a long time ago. With continued admission standards that all students must comply with, we can not accept the thugs we see at many other colleges. There is no way we can compete with the D students who are allowed to matriculate at an SEC, Big 12 or Pac 10 school. What really good students athletes are out there are now apparently going to Stanford instead.
No decent coach would be caught dead in South Bend now. Kelly is just another in a long line of bums who is here and gone in a matter of a couple of years. He will be out the door by the end of this year and the University will be forced to pay his contract. Yet another poor decision on the part of the priests that run the school. Swarbrick is hanging on for dear life to the mystique that floated away after Holtz was run out of town. We can not continue to do this especially in these rotten economic times. The money they pay these terrible coaches could be used for other things.
Drop down to the FBS. Join a conference. Do something! This can not go on. Events like this game tonight, like it or not, cast a negative light on the University. It is unfair to the students who go there. This pains me greatly to have to say this. But I think the time has come to de-emphasize this program. We just can not compete anymore with the upper echelon of major college football. If things stay the same, and they will, we may never be in the hunt for the crown again.
Jimbo says:
In all honesty just how many ND fans thought this was a BCS team?
Tiger says:
Good thing ND isn’t in a conference or they would still have something else to lose
Timbob says:
It is amazing that a team with such talent can play as bad as they do. Nine turnovers in two games says it all. South Florida and Michigan did not beat ND, They have beaten themselves. Unbelievable! I didn’t think that this could happen two weeks in a row.
aj says:
Time to put in Everett Golson, and the rest of the frosh class in there!!
jeff says:
Here here!!!
Tom says:
Stunned……I am a lost for words….I thought last week was bad….but my God. Talent all over the place and yet snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. If you were to tell me that 24 would pass sin out last National title I would laugh at you. Does Brian kelly have faults…Sure. But I stand behind the man. Ty was awful….Davie was awful…. But I feel Kelly will have his positive moments…But he is 8-7 and we have to turn the corner soon. How many more coached can we go after? We are getting to the point that No one will want to come here. I know I am rambling…But I am a lost for words. I’ll always believe and root for this team, but I cant believe this generation of meicore performances…Please…Just once before i die…because this is killing me
AlGoldenDomer says:
Kelly is NOT going to be fired after 15 games, let’s get that straight. He’ll get minimum 3 years, more likely 5 years. I cannot endure 3.8 more years of what we saw tonight, that’s for sure.
It takes awhile for the habit of losing to be flushed out of the system. Next year, he’ll have nearly all his own guys, and he MUST start winning consistently with them.
This team has the potential to win out (although if they can lose to those clowns, who knows how bad the downside could be?). Frankly, they need some luck right now. I know, I know, good teams create their own luck. They’re not a very good team right now. But believe it or not, I have not lost hope.
It’s simply this – SOMETHING has to happen to change the awful karma!
Scott says:
I am with you. I have not lost hope. However, when is Kelly going to see that Bob Diaco is not the solution for the defense? His defenses were terrible at UC. Why on earth Kelly brought him to ND, I’ll never understand. Only Kelly himself knows. I have faith in him to get the job done, but he is going to have to bring in prove, top-notch coordintators to be successful.
Chris Mc says:
Unbelievable. This all comes back to coaching. How many times do you have to be stuffed at the line on 3rd and short before you realize it’s not working? How ill prepared does your secondary have to be to let a sub-par quarter-back look like a Heisman candidate in the 4th quarter?
DetroitIrish says:
One shirt a UM student was wearing tonight in Michigan Stadium summed everything up of where we are at:
Notre Dame Football
– Rebuilding –
Since 1993
Dave88 says:
Pathetic is an understatement. I have never witnessed such a total defensive collapse combined with boneheaded turnovers in the span of one quarter (the 4th) as I saw tonight. For the second year in a row Bobby Diaco has been unable to devise a plan to contain Denard Robinson. The funny thing is that most Big 10 d-coordinators with far less talent than ND will somehow find a way to do just that like they managed to do in 2010.
When ND was up 24-7 I told myself ND would find ways to let Michigan creep back into the game and win in the last minute and sure enough that is exactly what happened. Tonight, learned that I might be psychic which doesn’t bode well for ND because now I have visions of a 2-10 or 3-9 season.
At what point will ND stop losing to lesser talented teams and under performing? Does the defensive staff need a makeover? Does ND perhaps need a new head coach?
Mark says:
I’m not an ND alum or supporter but I find the ND football tradition a wonderful part of Americana so I came to see what the comments would be tonight after that amazing debacle of a loss. One thing that has not been mentioned but I felt was a big deal in UMichigan’s next to last TD drive. Early on, the officials gave Denard R a first down when his forward progress appeared to be at least a foot or more shy of the first down marker.
I listened to some of the game on UND radio with voice Don Criqui who I really enjoy. Man, has he found a way to be critical of the Irish football team and yet remain their broadcaster – Now, that’s talent!
Hoss says:
Mark, it was easily a foot shy, easily. I couldn’t believe it when Hoke was on the sidelines clapping for the first down and they were bringing out the chains. Ridiculous. But, one ridiculous event in a chain of natural disasters is all it turns out to be.
GraceHallChapel86 says:
In texting my brother, another ND alum, what hit us both is that we really don’t care anymore. We don’t even recognize the team, the coaching, the whole stinking thing. Notre Dame, I hate to admit and have resisted admitting for years, is now a second tier program. It plays on the level of the NC States, Virginias, and Indianas, not the Oklahomas, Alabamas, and LSUs. Face it. It is what it is.
SickDomer says:
Every one of Robinson’s big throws was under thrown. How many times does he have to do that before the ND coaches and DBs catch on? He was just throwing it up for grabs. ND should have had 6 picks. I guarantee he doesn’t get this many passing yards in a game the rest of the year.
Michigan is simply not a very good football team. No way ND should have lost this game. They had their boot on UM’s throat, and they didn’t follow through. I’m stunned. This has gotten to be too much. I need to take a break from this frustration or I’m going to give myself an ulcer.
Mike Sheehan says:
Losers always find a way to lose couldn’t be more true. I’ve been an ND fan since the late 1960s and I don’t know what the problem is currently – but it runs to the core of the program. ND had enough talent to win these last two games – but beat themselves. I have no idea what the future is for the program.
That said – a win against “Sparty” would make me feel much better. P.S. – Didn’t ND always beat “Sparty” all the time? Maybe I was dreaming.
Tony says:
“A loser will find a way to lose.” I hate to think that as I have been a life long ND fan, but this team does seem to have a loser’s mentality. That football folly fumble by Reese is just another sign that this team is clearly missing something that winners have.
I am not sure what people see in Rees. He tried his best to give the game to USC last year. It was only close because he kept turning it over. He is a good kid and can move the ball at times, but he’s missing something. They have so many weapons, why is it so hard for them to take care of the ball and use good judgment? What a joke.
michael says:
tough just plain tough i don’t know if i can take this anymore. You turn the ball over twice with a good chance to extended the lead. You throw the ball every time down in the red zone hey kelly run the ball wood and gray where gashing there defense most of the night but don’t run it on 3rd and 2 from the 20 hello there gonna stack the line throw it then. The defense was terrible on that finally drive how do you let them rip off a play like that god give me a break. Can’t cash in on any michigan turnovers i don’t think i have ever been more pissed off after a game like that 3 years in a row it’s like a bad horror flim. You finally have them beat but no they rise back up from the grave and know michigan state this week lol lol lol. COULD BE A LONG YEAR BOYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.
THANKS FOR STABING THE KNIFE A LITTLE DEEPER IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
michael says:
tough just plain tough i don’t think i can take this anymore
Gary says:
Looks like the end of last season was fools gold.I have never seen anything like this.Fumbles,picks,DB’s running around and falling and looking and not turning around until the wideouts have the ball.The first time anything gets tough they fold.This team looks as if they are waiting for bad things to occur and when it doesn’t they make sure it does.
This is what they worked on during the off season?I question if they worked at all.Losers.Players,staff and the entire program.When the going gets tough hand it to them.
Paul says:
The luck is certainly NOT with the Irish. For the second week in a row we lost to a team that we were much better than. Last week, it was turnovers. This week, it was giving up long, desperation plays on defense. This should have been an embarrasing blowout for Michagain. I was actually feeling bad for the Wolverines in the first half, hoping that the score wouldn’t end up something like 63-0. The scoreboard should have shown similar numbers in the South Florida game as well. WTF? It’s tough being an Irish fan these days. Now we’re 0-2 heading into the Michigan State game. The team are going to begin being a bit demoralized. Even though they are a much better team, talenwise, than the Spartans, the mentailty of losing will begin to settle in. What can be done to overcome this rut? Now is the time to remember why we root for Notre Dame. It isn’t because they win every game. It’s because we stand for everything that is great about college football. We don’t cheat, like many of the teams in the top twenty. All of the players that represented Notre Dame on the field tonight are honest-to-goodness college students. They made a few mistakes out there … especially in the defensive backfeld … but they are the best team comprised entirely of true college students in the country … except for maybe Stanford. GO IRISH!
JD says:
The players are afraid to be great because Kelly curses and explodes on them whenever they make a mistake. Instead of teaching and coaching them up, they are all so paranoid to screw up, that that is eventually what happens. Self-fulfilling prophecy. His negative energy and lack of self control rubs off on the team.
Hoke showed the complete opposite. When Robinson made mistakes he walked over to console him and coach him up. Showed faith in his players. With less talent and a huge deficit, Hoke remained calm and gave his players hope and belief and just let them play. When Hoke gets his players in recruiting Michigan will be a monster program. Kelly has bad Karma…need to replace him.
Bill says:
ND got beat because the played nickle man on the last play. They should have been in quarter zone which would have put 7 men in the end zone (facing the QB). Think back to the ’92 Sugar Bowl-rush 2 drop 9. Don’t blame Gary Gray for a pitiful defensive call-he should be a SS anyway. Speaking of pitiful calls, what should we do on 3rd and short? How about a delay draw to the HB? Next time, how about a delay draw to the HB? Next time, how about a delay draw to the HB? Next time, how about a delay draw to the HB? Net = negative 12. We want Skip! We want Skip! We want Skip! We want Skip!
martinjordan says:
Once again Brian Kelly snatches defeat from the jaws of victory. After 14 games the Brian Kelly era does not resemble Parseghian, Devine, and Holtz but rather Faust, Davie, Willingham, and Weis.
DJ says:
No program on campus gets more resources (money, facilities, personnel, equipment), talks more smack (we’re always challenging for a national title, allegedly), and delivers less than the football team.
Contrast them with our hockey team (which will finally be delivered from the worst facilities in D-1 hockey in October), our fencing team (which STILL practices in sub-standard facilities), and our women’s basketball team (someday, they’ll get that practice facility). Also, our soccer and lacrosse teams, who have finally gotten facilities worthy of their success.
The football program richly deserves the scorn and ridicule they’re getting. One hopes they’re suffering as much as their fans are, but I doubt they’d go to the trouble.
Ed says:
Your piece contains one of the most apt descriptions I ever have read in a sports report, and I am 62 years old. “…seemingly stood and watched as Wolverine receivers came down with the wounded ducks that Robinson was heaving into the night…” Wow. That captured perfectly my perception of those ghastly events; it was as if the game took place in a dimension beyond the surreal. I don’t think it matters what kind of offense you run, when the other team can just draw up plays in the dirt, throw the ball up for grabs, and we can’t make a defensive play.
Scott says:
I’m not sure how to stay positive. How many crushing losses and unpredictable finishes do I have to watch? Is there any program in the country that has had the same amount of horrific gut wrenchers that Notre Dame has given its fans?
Ugh.
We can’t fire ANOTHER coach, we’re going to have to just hope this thing turns around fast. Ugh. I’m exhausted with this.
kadena says:
I`ll say it… then get out of the way. Notre Dame is solid when you look at the stat sheet (minus the turnovers). The law of averages is officially on our side for the remainder of the season.
Dan says:
Jack hired Kelly. Helly coaches the players. Players making mistakes. Horrible, horrible, play calling in 2nd half.
Get rid of Jack and Kelly and Kelly’s entire staff at end of year. I’ll come back at season’s end to watch the drama.
No wait. This is Notre Dame. We fight to give coaches 5 years to prove themselves.
Perhaps I’ll delay that comeback of mine to ND football until at the end of Kelly’s 5th year.
Well, we do have the precedence that we might only have to wait until the end of next year since Mr. Golf was fired after 3 years.
Eric says:
3 turnovers by the quarterback and 2 inside the 20 were the doom for the Irish. I believe Rees is the man for now but turnovers on a snap and pulling his arm back aren’t bad coaching they are on him. You can always question play calling when it doesn’t work but all in all the numbers prove that it is working. Gary Grays play was dreadful reminded me of Clifford Jefferson the worst corner I have ever seen. He didn’t stay in his zone the play before the final td was the key to that drive. Kelly is not to blame for any of those plays. He has a plan which the 3 previous coaches did not and his teams would beat those teams handled, (no consolation) but the foundation is set lets hope he doesn’t screw up the building.
John says:
I agree.We should have scored 90 points in 2 games.Kelly can`t catch the ball for them,nor cover the receivers.The interception toward the end of the first half ,near the goal line was thrown into a group of 5 Michigan players and Floyd.After that I turned it off.
Scott says:
But, you can blame play calling on 3rd and short when the play does not work THREE TIMES!! Don’t give me that line of crap. Yes, there were players who did make some mistakes, but when that run play up the gut is not working on 3rd and short, it’s time to call a different play.
Chuck says:
All the preseason hype and nothing to show for it. Where the hell is the full back with first and goal on the 2? Six red zone turnovers in two games? wtf?
ksgarner says:
Chuck: I don’t think we even have a fullback.
rockne says:
Not the most stunning loss in ND history (1974 against USC still is at the top) but certainly up there. Bottom line–9 turnovers in two games, 5 within the opponent’s 20 yard line. Take away any one of them and ND is 2-0. Very undisciplined at critical times. How ND reacts mentally the rest of the way is uncertain.
One additional comment-SOME of the ND students and fans are a total disgrace-they are as fair weather as they come. Go to Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, et. al to see rabid fans.
steve says:
Hey, cheer up, its early I know its another tough loss but @ some point the players need to perform…I believe in coach Kelly he’s won at all levels its not him its the culture @ ND…hopefuly it will get turned around…Remember Lou lost 10 games his first two years
Matt says:
Calm down, people. Yes, it was a horrible collapse. Talking about firing Kelly is ridiculous. 2 games into his second season. Calm down.
JB says:
So far I hate my Saturdays. I can care less what happens the rest of the year. Can’t wait to what Kelly has to say about this one. Losers do find a way to lose.
NDFAN says:
Holy Cow! This feels like a 23 year old nightmare that you can’t wake up from. What ever happen to Irish football. These guys are pitiful. The program is pitiful. It would be laughable if it weren’t so pitiful.
John says:
Its really what Hell is like.ND is on every week and gets killed or embarrassed by inferior talent.I remember 30 years ago when I couldn`t wait for a game to be on TV,now I drear It.
BW says:
I’ve been an Irish fan 45 years. This program has sunk so low that these losses really don’t bother me anymore – I expect them. In the old days, I would have been depressed for days and totally inconsolable. The once vaunted Irish football program has become a door mat. The question is whether the Irish can beat anybody. But I don’t think this is just a coaching problem, there is a systemic problem with the ND football program. It goes beyond the coaches.
wally says:
BW,
I agree 100%. It all started in 1997 and the icing on the cake was May 17th 2009.
spud says:
Well I’m another 40 year fan that has just about had enough of this crap, 3 years in a row the same ending against a Michigan team that is anything but great , did any of the super frosh get a chance ,I know they may make mistakes but would they be any worse than our seniors who seem like all they know is how lose. What a frustrating joke ND football has become!
Tom says:
Two things we learned about Notre Dame 2011 version:
1. The offense is great, but turnover prone.
2. The defense front seven is solid, but the ultra-thin secondary is extremely vulnerable.
Hold on Irish fans – we’ll get there!!
Tony says:
Truly a sad/bad game to watch – when will the boys start playing like the players they should be
The DB could not find the ball all night, while Michigan seemed to have no problems finding it
G. Lewis says:
Everybody thinks that if you dress kids up in the Notre Dame outfit of choice, then they will suddenly become superman. Guys, you have to have the horses to win. This team simply doesn’t have the talent. You’ve got a couple of good players, but that’s about it. As for the coach, the ND admin. felt backed in a corner and they chose this one. He’s in way over his head, and he’s surrounded himself with coaches that are in way over their heads.
James says:
Let’s try and keep things in perspective. This Notre Dame team is not as bad as some perceive. Two things plague this Notre Dame program at this moment and they are turnovers and a porous secondary. Before the season began, I was insisting with fellow Notre Dame alumni and subway alums that Notre Dame was not a BCS team, 8-4 or 9-3 was likely to be their record, because the Notre Dame secondary was as terrible this year as it had been under Weis.
All of the other ingredients are currently present, which is a good offfensive line, a good running back, talented receivers, anda talented defensive line and linebackers. What plagued Notre Dame in the Michigan game was turnovers, a porous secondary, and some conservative play calling towards the end of the 3rd quarter and for some of the 4th quarter. They are bowl team although now 8-4 is probably less likely if they lose to MSU this weekend (a game I am going to) and 7-5 is more probable with a loss to MSU.
skjdelaney says:
After all of the positive outlooks for the season, we now are 0-2.
It looks like we hired the wrong guy again!
I thought we would win 10 games this year; now I am not sure about 6!
Brian says:
This team needs intensive psychotherapy. Or maybe they should be forced to walk around campus with big “L”s” etched on their foreheads. Maybe shame would motivate them. I dunno. I give up. It doesn’t matter who the coach is — TW, BD, CW, BK — the loser mentality has taken hold in South Bend. They are worse than the Cubs!
Mark Napierkowski says:
The issue is not whether ND can move the ball; it’s not whether ND can play good defense. It’s a an issue of whether ND can play longer periods of time without committing self-inflicted serious mistakes, such as turnovers and penalties. Is this team mentally tough? Evidently not, or at least not at the right times, because taking the lead with 30 second left does show mental toughness. But on an evening in which only ONE Michigan player could hurt us, we allowed that one player to do just that. I know the kid is good, but not that good. The guys that hurt us last week redeemed themselves this week. Now, besides the multiple penalties and turnovers, it’s apparently a senior-laden defensive backfield (including a captain) that can’t seem to locate the ball against sub-par receivers. This program is in danger of collapse, since this will mean losing recruits, and a losing culture that is hard to uproot.
Greg says:
Bottom line, we aren’t that good. I’m tired of all the people blaming Kelly for the losses, bitching about his demeanor/language, and calling for his head. When you bring in new cocaches and we get the same results time and time again you have to look further than the coach. The program is not, and will not be at the level it once was. Pan the channels and watch the other games around the country, it’s like watching another brand of football. This team has psychological issues with losing games. Kelly has proved he can coach at other stops along the way and he comes to ND and looks lost in translation. This should tell us something about our program and what it has become. It is sad to see one of the pillars of college football become nothing more than a memory.
Scott says:
Agreed. Firing Kelly is not a solution. And as for his demeanor, wake up and stop being a bunch of pansies. Last time I checked, men play football. If these men can’t take a little ass chewing (and damn well should after back-to-back undisciplined game play) clean out your locker and go pick flowers.
And, Mr. Zach Martin, STOP WITH THE F****ING PERSONAL FOUL PENALTIES ALREADY!!! YOU’RE KILLING DRIVES!!!! Love the toughness and tenacity, but I absolutely abhor the penalties and mistakes. It’s mindless. Be tough, man… Play tough, don’t let anyone push you around… but be smart about it.
Justin says:
Gary Gray got burned for 3 TD passes and 1 deep ball that led to a TD a play or two later because he could not turn around and play the ball despite being in great position. How is this freaking possible???? Blanton was great so why not give Gray safety help on almost every play and let Blanton play one-on-one daring them to throw to Blanton’s side??? Why am I able to make these observations from my living room??? Robinson is one of the worst passing quarterbacks in college football and he was simply throwing the ball up for grabs. We should have had 5 interceptions!!! The worst part about this is that Gary Gray got burned on a TD pass for not turning around last week against South Florida. The staff should have identified this weakness and worked on it with him all last week!!! How can you let someone wide open with 23 seconds left???? Inexplicable!!! How many false starts and delay of game penalties did we have??? This a seriously mistake-prone football team that is not reminiscent of other BK teams so why does it have to be this way at ND??? Why does ND have to be so unlucky while worthless “colleges” like scUM experience greater luck?
Just a few positives. Rees made some mistakes, which is to be expected from a sophomore, but is clearly much better than Crist. However, it is very clear that he should not throw on the run because it almost inevitably leads to an interception or incomplete pass. If he scrambles out of the pocket, then he needs to set his feet first if the pass is not a low risk pass to a relatively open receiver. Wood is the real deal and is our best RB (if not better) since Julius Jones. Floyd is almost unstoppable. Riddick bounced back very nicely from last week’s terrible performance. Our offensive line is very good. Our defense is very good with one exception: Gary Gray. That means he cannot be left alone in single coverage. If blows my mind that the coaches were not able to figure that our DURING the freaking game so they could prevent the 4th TD that resulted from a pass in his direction.
I’m ready to give up on them.
Scott says:
Look, Gray’s problem is turning to look for the ball. Blanton knows that, Gray needs to do it! This is coaching… Mr. Diaco needs to do a better job of it.
Mike says:
I am as disgusted about this loss as any in my lifetime but I am more disgusted with the reactionary response of the posts on here. Gary Gray should quit? Mike Floyd should take his ball and go home? Fire Kelly two games into his second season? Come on! Get a grip people. The bottom line is ND was the better team two games in a row and because of turnovers handed the game to the opponent. Can this be corrected? Can ND show improvement as the year goes on and post quality wins? Can we still find some success to this season? I say yes to all three. Remember how everyone felt after Tulsa last year? Then remember how you felt after USC, or after the Sun Bowl. It’s a long season and if the fanbase continues to talk irrationally about solutions it’s gonna be even longer, Go Irish!!
Scott says:
Thanks Mike.
I agree completely about what you’re saying. Not sure about the venom that comes from Irish “fans” sometimes, but I will admit it’s getting hard to stay positive about the psychological makeup of this program. Losing has taken hold and it’s going to take some major shakeups to change that.
We fall victim to the hype that surrounds a team that really hasn’t shown that it is an elite football program yet. I hope that last word is necessary. I’m trying to believe.
DC Irish says:
Mike — some of us are not as willing to accept poor play and the culture of losing as you are
wally says:
Mike,
If ND was the better team two games in a row why are they 0 and 2? Just wait ND will be really good next year.
sick jim says:
Absolutely disgusting again. When skip holtz and brian kelly were both leaving their former teams, i said skip hotlz would be a great fit for us. Energetic and disciplined, he has charisma. Brian kelly has maid nd the laughing stock of college football. Poor play calling since last year’s game vs tulsa, he will not last long after more poor play calling last night. All nd fans are embarrassed that this university can not put a respectable product on the field.How much more can our fans take? Kelly will not last much longer if this is the best he can do at a major colege level.
GoeffB says:
Someone was right, above, they are both pitiful teams right now. But the last 3 years ND has lost to the worst 3 Michigan teams in their history. What does that say about ND?
Steve says:
We should have won this game 56-0. We were up 14-0 after 1 quarter. At worst it should have been 34-14 ND win if you double the halftime score.
We just keep finding ways to lose ugly. This team has the talent but 9 turnovers in two games is way, way, way too much. And letting a team go 80 yards in 30 seconds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.
Disgusting, simply disgusting. The frustrating thing is but for two plays we’d be 2-0.
Last thing I’ll say is you let these other teams hand around a good team will find a way to win. We seem to be lacing that Killer Instinct.
The Blade says:
Steve: Are you damefan1?
Wanderer says:
Why call the sme play on third and short, every time, to get stuffed, every time.
The world hears our screams of disbelief and laughs.
FrankC says:
Yes, it’s painful to watch and I’m heartbroken again. But the team overall fought hard in an very difficult environment. Tommy Rees played beyond his years-period. The secondary (and their coaches) has work to do. We need to hang on to the ball. It could have easily been 2-0 with glowing comments from all of the negative people. These are kids learning- great and difficult lessons- lighten up.
jmichael says:
We deserve better preseason reporting. How much weight they gain each season is not an advantage. Book-ends are paper backs,KLM appears to have eaten the entire training table,where was Darius Flemming the fast world beater. How slow can Dever be? When will you teach the QBs to loook off receivers or even pump fake? Is there a kid who can punt on the intralmural teams? Just how far off can the DBs play a receiver? Senior leadership in the secondary,c’mon these guys have no clue. #4 could not play on any other DI team.
One of the most depressing views was seeing Manti miss tackles. When will this change? I actually believe Kelly hurt the psyche of the team last week!
John says:
Hey Justin, I understand your frustration but I hate to tell you this Michigan is not a “worthless college” as you put it. They have been around a long time and are one of the best schools in the country. Really classless words from a fan of one of the great traditions in college football. ND has fallen on hard times but no need to trash other schools for that. Grow up.
Jim K. says:
I have been following ND since 1966. There have been ups and downs. Does anyone remember the Gerry Faust era? As previously stated, it took Coach Holtz a couple of years to undue his damage. Give Coach Kelly some time. He’s only in the beginning of his second year. He took over a Weis Program in complete disarray. Those of you who thought the program could be turned around in a year or less were kidding yourselves. Look at his first true recruiting class. The players are coming. You have to be patient. Firing another coach is not the answer at this juncture. If it were, championships would have been won after the Davie and Willingham programs failed to meet our expectations.
ksgarner says:
I’m all for giving him time Jim, but that’s for the guy that can actually pull this off. This week, the blame has to be largely placed on him, just like Tulsa, just like Navy, just like MSU. It has to end. We are looking down the barrel of another 7-5 season with a morale victory in some sad little bowl game. The players are in place for at least a 9 win season and that looks all but out of reach at this point.
ddland45 says:
I’ve been a ND fan almost as long, Jim. Grew up watching Notre Dame Highlights on Sunday mornings, remember them? You cannot build a champion overnight. But as I look around the college football environment, I seriously question this programs ability to recruit the kind of player/student you need to be an elite football program. Can you look at Dane Crist or Rees and compare them favorably with the top QB’s in the country at this point? As good as Wood looked yesterday, is he comparable to other star RB’s? Our best WR can’t stay healthy and despite all the hype about Manti Teo and this defense, I don’t see this group playing on New Years Day or whenever the National Championship is held. I’m willing to give Kelly time, something that wasn’t given to Willingham, but as a true and longtime fan, I’m tired of mediocrity. THIS IS NOTRE DAME, DAMMIT!
Dave88 says:
ND’s roster is filled with four and five star talent. Willingham took the Washington Husky program to unprecedented lows in four years, and he would have done the same to ND in years 4 and 5. Get real.
dan says:
me too but it is a different era now. there are many more teams and conferences that players want to go to instead of nd. after faust, nd still had a great reputation. no more for the last 2 decades. due to the competition i dont believe nd can recruit the talent it once could in players, head coaches or assistant coaches. there is only a fine line of difference between the players and the staffs of the alabamas and the lsus but thats where the excellence is now. the excellence use to go to nd but no more. the word is out. why go to a little catholic school in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but study and freeze to death half the year and where there has been no glory for 23 years in the football program and where the coaches have been laughable when i can go to florida, texas, sec, pac 10 and have a life.hope i am wrong but the losses and embarrassments over the years say i am not.
l lllkkDueker says:
I agree that Jack and his hires are sub par. Time for hope and change-we need a realtor to contact both, get their homes on the market and bring in a PROVEN a.d. who will hire a winning leadership team. Kelly and his band of misfit coaches need to go.
Terry says:
Jim,please take the rose glasses off for just one minute.We have been saying the same thing for the last 20 years! Willingham,Davies Weis will get it done.This is a institutional problem that no coach can fix.We are still living with the glory years of Parsegian and Holtz.I think it is time for us ND fans to accept reality and stop living in Awhucks land.
ddland45 says:
VERY disappointing loss. I watched with horror as this team blew a 24-10 lead in the fouth quarter spending FAR too much time and resources trying to stop Denard Robinson from running wild (he did anyway). What happened to the defensive secondary in the 4th qtr. This game was in the bag. Suddenly there are WIDE OPEN Wolverines, defenders suddenly can’t cover and can’t tackle and looked completely lost. Giving up 28 points in the last minutes is a very bad sign for this team. Nine TO’s is an even worse sign. Another down year and another Holiday season watching some other teams in bowls.
IrishSting says:
Controlling a Chinese Fire Drill. Suggestion for next year, on defense take two or three of your fastest and shiftiest players and have them hunt down Mich. QB. He us like a water bug. we need to throw a net over him.
The effort was there, now to learn how to close out a win.
Ed says:
Well I hope all you idiots who wanted Brian Kelly because he’s” Irish” are happy. It’s like hiring George O’Leary. Kelly had a terrible Defense at Cinncinati and he brought it here.
If the Administration had any sense they would have BEGGED Chris Peterson from Boise State to take the job.
Let’s forget all the History and Glory years, they don’t mean a thing. Stop all the hype and discussion of the old days.
This Team has become the Chicago Cubs of College Football. How else can you describe a Team that has been TERRIBLE for over 10 years??
They should seriously consider becoming a D-III program because with Kelly and the idiot AD this Team MIGHT be competitive at that level.
NBC PLEASE terminate the contract it is horrible to watch the humiliation on National TV every week.
The only possible hope is to fire Kelly TODAY and talk Urban Meyer out of retirement. Offer him $10 million a year if necessary. That would be cheap considering the millions they have lost since they forced Lou Holtz out.
BTW I have been a fan for over 40 years. I’m just tired of waiting till next year.
Knute Rockne says:
We stunk the big outhouse out once again! And continue to be a punchline in college football. I`m rolling over in my grave, and Frank Leahy`s disgusted too! Kelly better go back to the basics. This gentleman is a football. Let`s GO IRISH!!!
ksgarner says:
I’m just sick. So much to say here, but it all just makes me sick. Kelly can’t sit on the ball in the second half, we’ve got to be able to gain one yard on the defense when it matters, the kickoff return team has to not let the ball bounce on the ground, the special teams coach needs to be fired immediately after a punt return where we called a fair catch with no one literally within 15-20 yards, Rees needs to get comfortable with someone besides Floyd, and for God’s sake please tackle the guy with the ball. All of these things make me sick.
mbmccarty says:
Having sat thru the 2007 season when my daughter was a freshman at ND and we were routinely losing my 30+ points to other opponents (GT, MI, USC), and then the ensuing 2 mediocre years of Charlie, and then the growing pains of Kelly’s first year, you can see the slow progress of this program from those depths. Our present situation has its roots in Tyrone and his poor recruiting, and it will take time to change the players and their loosing mindset from this period. Our present senior leadership (5th year seniors) were freshman during that 2007 season, and our juniors and seniors saw numerous stunning losses at home to mediocre teams in Charlie’s last 2 seasons. Don’t forget, that it is really only the freshman that represent Kelly’s stamp on the team, both in talent and mindset of the player type he is recruiting. It’s much too soon to say he was the wrong hire, at least until he is loosing with HIS set of recruits, now the holdovers from Charlie’s . But for the turnovers and incredibly pivotal poor plays made at seemingly the worst possible times, we could be 2-0. And not to mention the incredible luck at times by our opponents (Rees’ pass bouncing off the shoulderpads of our receiver, up in the air, and intercepted…and Denard picking up the fumble that went right to him and running in for the touchdown). Right now, this program can’t buy a break…but I think they will rally, win more than lose their games this season, and go to bowl game.
Youfools says:
I agree w/ Terry above. This has nothing to do with Brian Kelly. He is not on the field making all of the bonehead plays. This is an institutional problem. ND players (parade all americans) play tight with a pole up their butts, and are basically a bunch of choke artists when faced with adversity (which they did not face in high school).
Stop blaming the coach.
Allan says:
BW and Mike have valid things to say here. To suggest that Brian Kelly is the wrong guy is just idiotic. This team is better than both teams we’ve played–by a lot. Had we stayed in the game–played for 60 minutes–last night could have been a route. I do think there is something intangible, systemic that creates the environment for this kind of meltdown..don’t know what. The bottom line is: irrational comments about ND, the staff, the players, etc are unproductive. As Kelly said in the press deal, everybody has to get better–the talent is there. Its still a game of inches and they need to decide not to lose. Having said all this—the final drive by Michigan is an inexplicable meltdown from every viewpoint.
Even mediocre teams figure out how to keep a team out of the end zone for 30 seconds.
TJ says:
For many of us today is a day of anger and disgust, however take a deep breath and realize where we have come from and where we are going. Kelly is trying to undo a losing attitude instilled by a egotistical fat man with no self discipline (how could we expect the teams to have any). 1000 yards offense in two games, a defense that is better than the previous three years and the passion on the sidelines that we have not seen since Holtz. We want to criticize the couch for coaching to hard one week and then criticize him for no discipline the next. Yes the secondary needs work and yes turnovers are destroying us but so is the inevitable loss of confidence this team displays when there is a shift in momentum in the game. This is nothing but a hangover from the previous regimes and will take time to remove. Have confidence our time is coming….. Go Irish!
tritz01 says:
Our def. secondary sucks. They are never looking for the ball when all they have to do is turn around and find it and knock it down. There were several times in the second half when robinson just through the ball up but our guys had no clue where it was. Sit them down and give someone else a chance. I still think we need to blitz to make qbs get rid of the ball faster and mess up their timing. We give them way to much time to throw and that puts more pressure on our D-backs to cover people when they can’t cover them to begin with. 80 yds in 3 f!@#$%^&ing plays in 30 seconds, You have got to be kidding me. We better come up with a new game plan or Mich. St. will pass us to death.
Ed Brazas says:
We have hit rock bottom.this is on Kelly and his staff. It is also time to look at Swarbrick.he hired this guy.
Fitz says:
Finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory really says it all. I performed the gross misservice of converting a good friend of mine into a Notre Dame fan before the beginning of this season. After watching last week he was like “man, it was like they wanted to lose.” I can’t even imagine what he must’ve been thinking this week. While there are a few signs of hope, it’s just hard to imagine at this point how this team and coaching staff will be able to crawl out of the hole they’ve already dug for themselves. Rees is a decent QB but young and mistake prone. It’s really a shame Crist who should be a star senior QB now can’t live up to his potential. And yes sorry to say this but Gary Gray is a scrub. He even pass interfered on the final game winning touchdown but still let the guy catch the ball. He can’t even committ a penalty right! If he would’ve at least just plowed through the guy and been penalized Michigan would’ve had to attempt a field goal from the 2 for a chance at OT with 2 seconds left. Why with 8 seconds left when it became clear Michigan was gonna run another play didn’t BK burn the last time out and make sure we had the right defensive play called? I’m also not thrilled with the predictable hand off right up the middle everytime on 3rd and short even though it never worked once. What happened to BK being an aggressive, unpredictable play caller? Alas, it’s low times under the golden domes.
Drasail2 says:
There’s other reasons to be an ND fan — we’re more fun.
I too am gnashing my teeth about 3rd and short. Tommy can dink and dunk like the best of them.
Why not mix in a high percentage pass there?
We could be 2-0 this year but the gap in our armor is exposed. Even when we fix the self inflicted
wounds this secondary is going to give us trouble.
Tony says:
Is Gary Gray really the worst cornerback in ND history as many have said? He seems to have the ability (speed, knowledge and athleticism) to get him in the right place at the right time…for the most part. He just doesn’t know what to do when the ball gets there. He kind of reminds me of Ambrose Wooden when he let the ball fly by his head against USC on their winning drive.
Keep in mind that this kid was highly touted. Top 20 Best Prep Players on ESPN’s Top 150 and top 100 players by Rivals.com as well as numerous other accolades. There is something that happens to talented kids when they get here. Is it the rigors of attending classes at ND and having to perform at a higher standard than most schools? I am not sure. I just know that these kids that we love to complain about were SUPERSTARS coming out of HS. While Gray was originally supposed to play for SC before signing with ND, he was also recruited by Florida, Florida State, Clemson AND Michigan NOT Navy, South Florida and Tulsa. He is no slouch of an athlete. Kids just don’t develop here for some reason. I feel bad for the kid. I am sure that he WANTS to make the plays that he should make. I just think he is the product of Notre Dame’s routinely poor player development.
Gary says:
Sorry guys ,I believed in Kelly too but the staff is having melt downs as much as the players.What the hell was that defense with 23 seconds to go?You simply can’t try to do that.That was a debacle to say the least.The DB’s looked drunk.Balls being thrown up for grabs and they are falling with back to the play.It looks like Pop Warner ball .
terry says:
This team does not need ‘intensive psychotherapy’ – that is ridiculous. What this team needs is at least one LEADER to step up and scare the rest of his teammates enough to get their heads out of their anal cavities and play Notre Dame football.
Kelly can’t do it – the TEAM has to do it. This is on them and they know it.
Take the last few weeks out on MSU next weekend and some (not all) will be forgiven.
The author of this piece ended with this gem: “The fundamentally poor play (nine turnovers in eight quarters) is an affront to the legacy of the University and essentially disgraced the throwback uniforms that were worn this night.”
That’s a mouthful. As in absurd.
Say a prayer for the families of the 9/11 victims, s’il vous plait.
It’s only a game
Emily says:
It is so disheartening to read such negative comments. You think your attitudes don’t affect the way this team plays? Your lack of confidence in their coach and their skills definitely affects their attitudes, confidence and how they play each game. These players are all less than 22 years old and under more pressure than most of you will ever experience. I’m sure they have easily acknowledged their mistakes and will strive to improve but they will get a lot farther with a more positive fan base who believes in them. Have a little faith ND fans because we all know it was ONLY faith which started it all!
Scott says:
Good, I’m glad it has an effect on them. Maybe now they will get their heads out of their asses and play ball!!
The Blade says:
One of the most painful but sportsmanlike things to do after a loss is to give the other team credit. The Notre Dame defense decided to make Denard Robinson beat them with his arm. He was terrible until the last drive of the third quarter; then, he was great. As the old commercial used to say, “You asked for it, you got it…”
As for all of those “underthrows,” that is how Denard and his receivers work. When the receiver is covered, Denard underthrows and lets the receiver adjust. It almost always works.
Both teams made a lot of mistakes and turnovers. It is a credit to the intensity of the guys on the other side of the ball for both teams. ND got tired near the end, and Denard Robinson got desperate. There is no better player in college ball than a desperate Denard Robinson. When Denard becomes desperate, every overused motivational cliche from Star Wars and Karate Kid kicks in.
The loss to Michigan could have been tolerable for you, but the loss to USF will ultimately be what ruined ND’s season. ND now has to run the table for the year to be seen as a success. This is a team with a lot of talent that had almost every intangible on the schedule going its way. If ND can pummel Michigan State, it might start to get some respect back.
Your best course of action: support your coach. You saw what happened at Michigan when a coach doesn’t get the full support of the fanbase and alumni. It affects recruiting and attrition, and makes it a lot more difficult for the staff to give the fans what they want: victories. If you give Kelly five years, National Championships may be more than a bunch of banners that nobody under 30 has actually experienced.
Tim says:
Kudos to Pat Forde of espn.com for best appellation for the team this season: “the Lindsay Lohan of college football — bewitching to behold but chronically self-destructive.” Ouch. Gonna take a lot of work on fundamentals to get past that. And less than two weeks ago Kelly bragged that this was the best prepared team he had ever coached?
John says:
Have you noticed on ESPN.com that if 10 major teams lose they hilight ND`s loss on the web page?
Steve says:
I am a Michigan fan and these are my observations. Fundamentally there is nothing wrong with this team. I usually comment on the ESPN boards. I listed four questions that needed to answered. Would someone step up to play Dtackle? In two games I would say yes. Would Floyd be reinstated? The answer is yes. Would someone step up at RB? The answer is yes. Will ND get sound QB play? The answer so far is a resounding no. The QB is the keystone of the offense. Bad QB play can take the entire team down.
The reality is Crist is injury prone and though the better athelete inconsistant. Reise is also not the answer at this point. Maybe in two years. If Floyd was not there ND offense would be in a world of hurt. ND QB’s have made multiple poor decisions that have left bushels of points on the board.
Okay, so the secondary melted down in the 4th quarter. But it never comes to that if the ND offense takes care of buisness. QB’s make and break coaches and programs. Kelly had the right QB’s at GVSU, CMU, and Cinci. If ND had Polk right now, they would be scoring points in buckets. If the defense is shakey, not an issue until the BCS opponent.
Greenman says:
Concur – good observation. However – I still hate you guys:)
jerry says:
Notre Dame our mother is crying today with coaches and players. How about taking the tears away.
njinfl says:
Target Date 11/5
ND will be playing the coach it should have hired instead of Kelly: JIM GROBE of Wake Forest.
Grobe takes teams with next to no talent and makes them consistently competitive. Little bitty Wake won the ACC and went to the Orange Bowl 2-3 years ago.
Grobe is innovative in the use of undersized players against bigger, stronger, faster teams and no one marks Wake as an easy win. They may well beat ND.
Was Grobe even considered before ND’s athletic geniuses paid megabucks to get Kelly, who’s done nothing?
My advice: Pay special attention to the Wake game.
qwika says:
Wow. two games into his second season and there is a call for a new coach already? How about we hold on to this one for a while and see where it goes. This coaching roulette has made us what we are.
IrishInAK says:
Really???? I have to agree with quika. Two weeks in and you’re calling for the guy’s head. He’s only been successful everywhere! And if you’re going to make a case for who we should have had, it’s Urban Meyer. A new coach every few years has gotten us no where. Give the guy the time he needs to develop his players.
jabe7 says:
In looking at the rankings yesterday I noticed South Florida ranked 22nd and Michigan 26th. The Irish demonstrated they are better than both teams. The mistakes made resulted in the horrible outcomes – very difficult to take considering what has taken place over the past 20 years. However, this team is almost there. It will happen! I’m thinking that no better time for the pieces to fall into place than this Saturday. Watch out Spartans!
As for Coach Kelly, he’s also had to experience the gut wrenching mistakes made by his players. This goes with the terrain. And, I do believe he has what it takes to withstand the disapointments and shape this team into a winner. There is no doubt in my mind that this is what this season will turn out to be – a winner and stepping stone for the future.
sten Carlson says:
How can you say ND has demonstrated that they’re better than USF and Michigan when they LOST to both teams?!? As Michigan proved under RichRod, yards gained don’t always equate to wins. ND’s offense is good, very good, when it’s not handing the ball over to its opponent. But then, that’s football ain’t it — got to maintain ball control to win.
Great game GO BLUE!
Scott says:
It’s quite simple, really. ND dominated the game until the waning moments. Michigan, for the most part, looked inept and had no answer. Until the Irish shot itself in the foot (AGAIN!), they were clearly the better team. Any further questions?
sten Carlson says:
Are you really taking the position that shooting yourself in the foot — repeatedly and in the most important moments of the game and thus not closing the other team out — is the sign of a better team?!? Further, by implication, you’re implying that a team that when held in check by a very good defensive gameplan — ie, make Denard win with his arm — relied upon it’s defense to keep it close and give the best player in CFB the opportunity to once again thrill the nation with a heroic comeback, and did so, is inferior. I’d like a better explanation than ND dominated. Sure, in every stat EXCEPT the one that counts…and Turnovers.
Scott says:
Yes, they did shoot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over. Had they protected the ball better in the redzone, they win the game. Did I miss something?
Hoss says:
Heroic comebacks? Sure, if you consider a bout between two mediocre teams to be “heroic” (and are you seriously using that word?) in any sense of the term. It was a race to the bottom, and unfortunately, the Irish wanted it more.
And can we stop with the whole “Denard under-throws on purpose” meme. His throwing game is terrible, there’s nothing intentional about it.
jabe7 says:
Sten,
Perhaps you’re not aware of the fact that sometimes the better team loses. It happens often.
Am well aware that ND lost both games. But, they dominated both games statiscally and for much of each game they were the better team. I strongly believe this week’s game against MS will justify what I’ve said.
Ryan O says:
They are not better than both teams as the scoreboard is what matters.
Scott says:
You have got to be kidding me… Jim Grobe? Now that is laughable.
Ryan O says:
Did you go to Wake Forest or are you a close personal friend of Coach Grobe? He is not, nor would he ever be the right hire for ND. He can’t recruit and he is not a name coach by any means. Very good for Wake but no school bigger than that. Meyer is who they should have found a way to get before Weiss and no one would be talking about what is wring with ND
cmhirish says:
Paraphrasing Lou: you’re never actually as good, or actually as bad, as it appears you are.
In 2006, ND went 80 yards in 28 seconds, taking 3 plays to score a touchdown and defeat UCLA by a final score of 20-17.
Quinn to Samardzija…… does this sound at all familiar to any of you? So many of you folks are wailing and wringing your hands over how unbelievable last night’s game was – as if you’ve never seen such an ending before. Aren’t you life-long ND fans? What happened to your memory? As I recall, neither ND nor UCLA were great that year – nor were they terrible. They were just two teams giving their all. It happens in college football folks. Its not the ending ND fans wanted to see, and its damn frustrating for sure. But this is why the games are played – and not decided on paper. It is, in fact, why we watch.
The turnovers have got to be minimized. As the article states, ND could easily have enjoyed a 28-0 halftime advantage – were it not for the turnovers. Then again we’re talking about a true sophomore QB making his 5th career start… yep, you’re going to have to deal with some turnovers. Never mind being on the road in front of the biggest damn crowd in the history of the game – in that regard, Rees held his own. He came through when they had to have him perform in the final minute.
The ND secondary? Yes, damn near every preseason prognosticator identified it as an area of concern for this team. Surprised that the biggest offender last night was a seasoned veteran? You bet. Then again, no one was calling Gary Gray a preseason All-American and the heart of the defense, were they?
If you want to hammer the coaching staff for anything, hammer them for play selection on third-and-short in the second half. Those calls were piss-poor. Myself, I will reserve judgement on Kelly until the end of year 3. His resume, and recent recruiting results, earn him that. He is more qualified for his current position than were Weis, Willingham and Davie. Those of you calling for the heads of Kelly and Swarbrick, I want to know with whom are you going to replace them?
Who are your nominees?
What are their qualifications?
What is their background? Accomplishments?
How do they meet the needs of the program?
Please discuss in detail.
And for those of you stating you’ve had it and will never follow the team again, let me show you to the door. I’ll hold it open for you on your way out. Piss off. And don’t ever come back.
dvbND1 says:
While it’s doubtful that any real Notre Dame fan will never follow he Irish again, the start to this season does have many of us throwing up our hands in disgust and turning off the television (at least for 60 seconds). I’ve been an rabid fan since I was in diapes (or so I’m told). I grew-up with Holtz’s teams and graduated from the university. But starting with Davie, we’ve seen a stretch that Notre Dame never has had to endure. With last year’s finish, expectations were sky-high. Finally, we’d have a competitive team! At last, we’d be able to push the other team around. Instead, we’ve had 10 turnovers, personal fouls from veteran players, mismanagement of the play clock and suspect play-calling at critical times. Not that high-expectations aren’t the norm every year and, somehow, we’re let down. But the team’s ineptitude so far against inferior competition has even the most ardent of ND fand wondering if it isn’t better to skip the games. Well, perhaps not better, but far less maddening. Not sure a “piss off and don’t ever come back” is the appropriate vibe to send when the team needs its fans to circle the wagons.
cmhirish says:
@dvbND1:
Thanks for the comment.
The fans are circling the wagons. We’re on the same page there. My ‘piss off’ comment is directed towards those who claim to have been life-long fans, yet state they’re done and won’t root for the team any longer – there’s a few throughout this thread. To them, I say go ahead and turn your back – what’s stopping you? Good riddance. Get out.
Others state its time to ‘de-emphasize’ football, or drop down to DII or DIII. That we’re not competitive. That we can’t and shouldn’t strive to meet both academic and athletic ideals… unbelievable. What attracted them to the university in the first place?
You yourself say expectations were to ‘have a competitive team’ this year. Well… the UM game was the definition of competitive – how much time was on the clock when the outcome was no longer in doubt? Was the opener, in any way, not competitive? For example, was it called with a minute and a half to play in the third quarter? Ask Skip Holtz if he thought it wasn’t competitive. Yes, the outcomes of both games are immensely disappointing, maddening, and frustrating. But not competitive? No. Not by any definition. When the team is regularly trounced by 30 points and finishes with a 2-10 record year after year, they will be non-competitive. I haven’t seen that.
And just to finish the thought, for those who think its time its time to ‘de-emphasize’ football – what makes you think it wasn’t ‘de-emphasized’ already, back in the early 90s? Do you remember the discussions then about raising the academic entrance requirements? How much sense, really, did the hiring of Davie, or Willingham, or even Kevin White for that matter, really make when you stop and think about it? Does the university, over the past few years, seem to be more concerned with doing more to benefit the program? Training table? Early enrollment? The Gug?
I’m not saying that football already was or was not ‘de-emphasized’ – I’m just saying to those that make the claim it is time to drop out of DI or to ‘de-emphasize’ football – stop and think about what you’re saying for a minute. Its ludicrous. This team is literally 2 turnovers away from being on a 6-game winning streak and a top-15 ranking. No, they are not elite and they are not among the finest the program has ever seen. But they do not need to drop out of D1, nor are they non-competitive. They are maddeningly mistake-prone, and it frustrates us.
Coming up on 24 hours now… time to move on.
Ireland_32 says:
Cmhirish, I very much agree with your sentiments. I am always interested in seeing what NDnation bloggers and fans have to say because they are incisive, but the negativity expressed by many here is over the top. It is certainly not time to de-emphasize football again (which has been done in ND history). I can understand the fans saying they cannot watch the games anymore because of the stress and frustration. That is a common ND fan problem (lol). What I cannot understand is people saying “I’m done with ND” etc. For a true ND follower, that is an unthinkable response to poor on-field performance. Listen, the first game I remember watching was when I was 7 years old in 93′, and we beat FSU, Shawn Wooden in the end-zone. I have watched nearly every game since during this generation of mediocrity, and I’m frustrated, but we all could have left a long time ago if we were fair-weather. I also do not like the ruthlessness with which some posters have treated the student athletes. Personal mud-slinging etc. I always though ND was different because we genuinely cared about our student-athletes?
With all of that said, I do agree that there is a systemic problem with the program, and I think it comes back to recruiting. Diehard ND fans are well-aware of the de-emphasizing moves by the administration in the early 90’s. They tightened the academic admissions standards on Holtz as early as 91′, and is has long been rumored that is the main reason he left. From 87′-90′, Holtz and Vinny Cerrato had the #1 recruiting hauls in the country. Nowadays, we are lucky to crack the top ten list. The last time we were top 5 was 07′. It is clear to see why we have not had the same on-field success since 93′.
I can remember the athletic director at the time, circa late 90’s, Wadsworth (sp?), saying “nowadays, guys like Rice, Zorich and Bettis would not get in”. Everyone was pissed at him for saying that, but he was probably just telling the truth. And guess what, without guys like Zorich, Rice and Bettis, there would be no statue of Holtz in front of the stadium! The mind-numbing part is that Zorich and Rice graduated in 4 years, and I believe Bettis came back and finished his degree. During the Holtz years, we still one of the highest, if not highest, graduation rates in the country!
I am not saying we should lower our graduation rates, but I think the administration is going to have to easy up on academic admissions standards if we are going to be a consistently successfull program again. Student by student basis.
Ireland_32 says:
I meant to say *ease up on the academic admissions standards.
bmax says:
Very well written. While it is frustrating to no end, a true fan saying they are done is like a parent putting their child out on the streets after milk is spilled. Ridiculous. Good riddance.
White Eagle says:
With all due respect Emily there are plenty of 22 year old men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan under much greater pressure and dire consequence than these ND players. After following this program for some 35 years its safe to say that it is at its complete nadir. There’s been five coaches since Lou (yes I’m counting O’leary) and nothing has improved. The problem lies within the inner circles at ND and those who pull the strings. The fan base knows the program is well past its natural prime and its time to lower expectations and competitive level (DII or DIII) in accordance with there ivy league aspirations. Sure I like to see a championship caliber program, but they apparently are incapable or unwilling to do so. My sympathy goes out to the long standing fan base who have endured this charade much to long.
Ed Brazas says:
I am going to the Wake game,so we shall see.
MnIrish98 says:
It doesn’t matter who the coach is… We still find ways to lose. Wake’s coach?! Really, that is where we have to turn next. Not saying wake won’t beat ND, but if that is where the program’s gone… Ouch!
mpsND'72 says:
WOW! A few comments here about how the Irish are now the “Chicago Cubs” of college football. For God’s sake, people, stop it!! Steve Bartman, ND ’99, probably reads your nasty posts. How do you think he feels? We’re only 23 and counting, without a national championship. The Cubs are pushing on with 103 and no hope for 2012.
There are current Cubs fans who actually remember Notre Dame championships. And some of those Cubs fans, albeit a few, probably still remember 8 of them!! That’s 8, people, dating back to 1943. In 1943, the Cubs hadn’t won a World Series in 35 years!
Think about those (few) Notre Dame/Cubs fans who still remember all those Notre Dame national championships and have now waited 23 years for another ND winner, while their Cubs go on, year after year, with their losing ways. And think about how damn god-awful it must be to be one of those people. Just think about it, before you make such snide, classless, unmerited remarks about our beloved football team. Shame on you!
Mike says:
15 games in and BK is in with an 8-7 record with losses to Tulsa, Navy and two to Michigan. Skip Holtz beats BK at home in his second year and Brady Hoke beats BK in his first year.
Diaco can not stop a mobile quarterback so look for another loss to Navy, maybe Air Force and Wake along with losses to Stanford, MSU, and USC. Maryland will not be easy. 6-6 will be a struggle.
Brian Kelly is in over his head. ND is not Cincinnati. Nick Saban was quoted in an interview before Penn State game that a coach must have his team physically tough, mentally tough, and morally tough. Notre Dame does not have the first two. Swarbrick needs to start looking for a proven coach now like Alabama did and quit settling for second rate coaches or go to the SunBelt conference and forget BCS.
59 years an ND fan and have never been so disappointed to see Our Lady disgraced.
terry says:
chill
Scott says:
In this case, I agree with you. Folks really need to take a deep breath. Turnovers killed the Irish … AGAIN! However, I stand firm on my observations of the Irish defensive coach. You simply cannot allow a team to go 80 yards and score in 28 secs. That is on Diaco. I wonder if he’s ever heard of rushing 3 and dropping 8 in coverage. Double wheel and curl or not, the scheme put the players out of position and 64-yards later, this setup the winning score.
Bernie P. ND '74 says:
I don’t want Nick Saban as our coach. If he is our model, I agree with going to DII or DIII (never happen in reality).
My real point is don’t quote Saban (or a lot of those other SEC coaches, or those responsible for the cesspools at Ohio State or USC) to a fanbase like ND’s. These folks need not apply. You can say we’re snooty. I say we’re trying to enjoy college football with real student-athletes playing for us.
Chicago John says:
Long suffering season ticket holder of 46 years !
When will the nightmare end !
The coac and staff are responsible..10 turnovers ..2 games…the blame is on the coach !
Give Saban a blank check…!!!! Stop this 25 year charade and nightmare !!!!
GoVikings says:
hey, now you all know what it’s like to be a Minnesota Vikings fan…..unfortunately I’m a Notre Dame Fan too.
irishhawk50 says:
I think the word is choke, not as polite as saying we didn’t play well enough to win. The team looks like a high school team. There is no way a decent team loses after coming back and scoring to take the lead with 30 seconds left. The following kickoff went into the end zone, the best kickoff of the night, no return. How can you rush 4 drop 7 and have someone running that open?
Michigan was not that good of a football team, same with USF. ND will be very lucky if they can go 8-4 this year. I was hoping for much better.
wally says:
wait till next year we will be really good.
Slicer says:
Seems like we’ve been saying that since Willingham’s first season. Definately since Weis started. I’m sick of waiting till next year. 10 turnovers in two games is unacceptable. I’m done with this team. The only way ND gets to 8-4 this season is with a late season surge like they had last year. You can count on losses to Michigan State and Stanford. Navy looks like they are for real again. USC will be tough as always. Seems to me that 7-5 or 6-6 are far more likely…particularly if they continue to melt down in the second half.
I still question much of the play calling, expecially in the red zone. And I’m baffled by the defensive let downs. I don’t understand how a team can play so well for stretches and then play so poorly for others. This team’s first priority needs to be playing fundamentally sound football for 2 halves. Until that happens, this team goes nowhere.
Shannon says:
I agree jerry for I cannot stop thinking about this horrible loss. I’ve read many of the comments today and some say get rid of Kelly and some say be patient and things will turn around. The problem is that we are ND and we won’t to be on top now. ND alums and their great fanbase have to hope that these players and coaches look deep within themselves and find a way to just win one game. It starts next weekend against another hated Big Ten team. Something has to give for this team does have alot of talent on it.
Jim Kress says:
Will ND win a National Championship before 2030? I am beginning to doubt I will ever see another championship team from Notre Dame in my lifetime.
AZND says:
6 wins this year max.
IrishPR says:
Some sort of package with Colson or Hendrix would , especially on third and short or near the goal line,
would make us less one dimensional and less predictable.
Richard says:
Listened to my first ND game on the radio 1937, was a kid living in Brooklyn, NY who was captivated by ND football. Needless to say, I have been pushed in the last several years to think that ND is better off playing Duke, or going into a conference where they would be competitive. The entire sports culture has become an embarassment, so ND fans doubly so….
Patrick says:
I don’t want to overreact by calling for Kelley’s dismissal as I believe he deserves at least three years before an accurate referendum can be issued. However, I do believe he should face some scrutinty on a few items. First, as pointed out by another poster, the play calling on third and short was predictable- predictably awful. Notre Dame doesn’t have a true “fullback” for these situations, and it seemed liked Michigan would stuff the box in these situations. I can see failing once or twice, but to run the same thing four or five times? I screamed myself hoarse yelling for a bootleg or some play action. As the other poster pointed out, why not use one of these “change-of-pace” quarterbacks that I read so much about this summer? It just seems inexplicable to me. Furthermore, not to pick on Gary Gray, but why was he even still in the game? Dayne Crist got one half. I don’t care if the backup is young and inexperienced. He literally could not have done any worse.
terry says:
I don’t get ESPN. Lucky me. I checked the blog last night just before going to bed and ND was ahead 17-7. I went beddy-bye and at about 3:30 I woke up to take a leak. I decided to check to see who won the game. I discovered that the sky had fallen down and the sun would never rise again.
Folks in Ann Arbor are ecstatic about one of the greatest comebacks in their long and storied history.
The rumors about the sky’s having fallen down were false, and the sun did indeed rise.
Did anyone out there say any extra prayers today?
It’s only a game.
Wanderer says:
Don’t get ESPN? It’s called the internet – Google “Notre Dame Michigan live stream”. Thanks ESPN3!
Gary says:
Michigan??? That is one poor ass football team.They were bloodied up and down the field and the only thing that saved them was the very thing that bloodied them.
Mark says:
I have watched and followed Notre Dame football since the 60s.This is a tough period to stay a Notre Dame fan.It is frustrating beyond belief.I hear a lot of talk about the coaching staff and yes we have made quite a few changes.Maybe we are beter off in a conference and maybe we arent.
This is what I saw last night.Notre Dame dominated the first half but failed to capitalize on a few chances to put away Michigan.I never felt till late in the 4th quarter that ND could lose the game.
Here is what I saw last night,in no special order.
We dont have someone to return punts.We dont have someone that can kick punts.Those two factors are huge when you are constantly giving up field position.Our secondary is average at best.Some of the worst mistakes are being made by senior classmen and not freshman.Facemask,piling on,penalties etc.
Fumbles—-I dont get it.Hold the ball with two hands.I watched Alabama and there backs are always protecting the ball.
Tommy Rees—-I guess he shares some of the blame.Letting it slip out of his hand.But really he to me is a freshman still learning.He has only been in a half dozen games.Give him time.
Michael Floyd—-what can you say—a true weapon
Offensive line.We have a huge offensive line that has experience.We had a few third down chances that couldnt be converted.
As Michigan had 30 seconds to go how does a received get that open unless there is a break down in communication.
Secondary—-whay arent they turning around when the pass is in the air.Robinson short threw his receivers on more than one occasion—by design.
What now—–we could blame the coaching carousel and this one is no different.However there comes a point that players have to make plays.I could excuse the O Line for penetration on third down but I cant excuse mental errors.Fumbles,facemask etc.I think its getting worse.No matter what players are out there someone has to step up and become a leader and stop this.For some reason it seeks like the concentration seems to wane.
This is a tough time for fans but lets be realistic.This isnt that good of a team.There are great moments and great players but as a team they havent experienced the feeling of knowing how to win.
Thats how I see it.
We could have coach Kelly or anyone else and I dont think it matters.PLAYERS HAVE TO EXECUTE
Jester4235 says:
ND problems are not hard to define. They have to stop beating themselves with turnovers & penalties, especially in the redzone and they need a competent defensive coordinator and strategy.
Its clear Bob Diaco is in over his head and needs to be replaced NOW! His staff never teaches the DB’s to play to the ball not the receiver and they have been burnt for 6-7 TD’s in 2 games. Its pitiful how poorly the DB’s have been developed to defend the receivers. Thats the defensive coaching staff fault.
Diaco had one year experience at Western Michigan, one year at Cincinatti (where the defensive got torched and only won by outscoring teams) before he came to ND and it shows. He is not ready for this job.
Coach Kelly, please not let a blind sense of loyalty in your staff cloud the obvious…. Bob Diaco needs to be replaced before you end up 5-7 this year and worrying about your own job
Aaron says:
Another game that we should have WON!
That #4 for the Irish….. does he play defense or is he going to keep running circles and have his man score(s) on him multiple times in the game?! Disgusting!
Also, is someone going to tell that #7 on ND’s Offense to get with it! That’s two games in a row the ball was thrown to him that potentially could have won the game! First game, the ball is thrown to him and he’s not looking! Last night he runs the wrong route and if he did run it right he could have scored!
Some of these guys on ND’s team that are suppose to be starters look like deer in headlights and have no friggin’ clue what they are doing out there!
What the HELL is going on!? Will someone please tell me!
They are suppose to be an improved team from last year with a bunch of guys that are suppose to know the system? I THINK NOT!
Mother Mary PRAY FOR US! PLEASE!!!!
Jack says:
We got severely out coached. Again. Again. Anyone out there think Kelly would have even thought of the screen pass that Michigan used? No. On third and short, we run embarrassing plays into the middle that take seconds to develop and haven’t a chance. In the opening sequence, we showed imagination. In the second half we crawled into a shell. Awful awful play calling. And once again, the demeanor of the coach on the other sideline was in stark contest our coach. The results speak for themselves.
SeanS. says:
AHHH, so painful. ND is truly the Cub’s of college football, at least it feels that way, where coaches come to die. I’m baffled and confused, wtf is going onnnn? I hate UM with a rage deep in my gut, just beat them and no one else all year, and I will be at least a little happy….3 losses in a row, one with 11 secs to go, one with 55 secs, and this one ,with, what 2 secs?
What is with the D-Backs? Turn the F around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when u reach 3 feet from the end zone, it’s too late idiots! And how does that guy get so open? Jesus, drop 9, cover 2 like and keep everything in front of you, no man, no man/zone, just drop into 3rds of the field, and keep it in front, we weren’t getting any pressure, send 2 for godsakes. I have no excuse for Bob Diaco. His lack of experience showed in a big game, and his poorly prepared d-backs, and poor play-calling did them in. WTF. man…wtf……
Greg S says:
Sean, you hit the nail on the head! If you have 9 defenders dropping deep there is NO WAY Michigan can go the length of the field in 30 seconds! Actually, you put 4 very deep, 3 at medium depth and two linebackers 10-15 yards from the line of scrimmage. All we needed was one more incompletion and the victory was ours! FULL BLAME on the COACHING for this loss. NO DOUBT!
Uninvited.guest says:
Why is everyone so surprised. Cincinnati would have lost too. With Tommy turnover at qb and this Mickey mouse offense (10 point lead in the fourth q and he goes pass on first and goal at the 6?) they will go 0-3 next week. Their fifth loss of the season will come at the hands of SC and Maryland (Randy Edsall anyone?) will guarantee us a sub-.500 season because we will get pole-axed by Stanford. And by the way, I assume we will beat the academies (no sure supposition) and wake (sorry Jim grove fans). The reality is last years weak schedule allowed a false positive hope that we had turned the corner. Wins over reeling programs like SC and Miami hid the problems from the optimists and reality is harsh. This program isn’t going anywhere good yet and the jury is out on Kelly. But the practical fact is you can’t change coaches every three years and hope to make progress. So we will have to see if he can right this ship. Personally, I don’t think he is up to it,but if he doesn’t, you won’t have to fire him- the poor guy will probably have a coronary (is it my TV set or does he get literally purple at times) and have to retire a la Meyer in Florida. So strap it up boys and get ready for a tough year.
'70 Alum says:
On the first UM go ahead TD, why was no one spying Robinson, since he’d been killing us with improvs for two games. A great defensive stop and strip was wasted because no one accounted for him. Was it a blown assignment or just bad defensive coaching? We’ll never know. He should have been spied and hit and never had a chance to get to that fumble. That said 500+ yards offense for each of our last two games gives some hope. Time to take MSU apart.
Scott says:
Was saying that the entire 4th quarter after he ripped off 39 yards on 3rd down.
jimbofl says:
open letter to manti teo — please do not help up opposing team players, they are the enemy. this is not an intrasquad scrimmage. for 60 minutes your job is to separate the ball from the opponent….start channeling Lewis, Urlacher, Butkus, et.al. you can shake their hands after the game.
Irish/blue says:
For the first time in my entire lifetime of supporting ND im at a loss. The horrid string of misguided losses is getting hard to take. 5 out of 6 losses to mich with the last 3 nailbighters going against ND and a couple of 38-0 blowouts thrown in there is unexplainable. Its one thing if mich was better but they have been just as bad as ND over the last ten yrs but consistently find a way to beat ND??? The decade of dominance from USC(bush push),mich state dominating us over decade(fake field goal last year)the losses to Tulsa,Uconn,navy,USF.Syracuse etc. Whats going on there? ND fans are beat down,there is no pride or mystique with being a ND fan anymore. I SILL SUPPORT THE TEAM but im beat down plain and simple. Notre Dame does stand for Our Mother(which is more important) we can’t forget that but it would be nice to be competitive on a consistent basis. Go Irish!
Hank Gilday says:
You really want someone like Nick Saban here? Have you checked his background?
The coach is not the problem at this point.
Fitz says:
I agree with a lot of you that the 3rd and short calls were ghastly. How about at least a misdirection, an option call or a flip the ball out run towards the sideline. A little play action? Michigan simply stacked the box and did a run blitz up the middle each time which was more than enough to work. Didn’t make it back to the line of scrimmage once. But I guess hindsight is 20/20. Clearly Kelly didn’t want to risk turning over the ball. As for that last 64 yard completion by Robinson correct me if I’m wrong but ND was rushing four. Why rush four when you’re in a safety defense trying to defend against basically a hail mary? Even Mr blitz Tenuta probably would’ve just rushed 3 or maybe 2 in that circumstance. And I still think Kelly should’ve spent the last time out before Michigan snapped the ball with 8 seconds left with so much at stake.
I see the talent on this team. Look at Floyd. If this team was 2-0 right now he’d probably be among the early favorites for the Heisman. A lot of players on this team have a bright future. As shaky as Crist looked in the first half of game 1, I wonder if perhaps he was yanked a little too soon. Not sure if it’s still the case after his latest injury but he was always a more mobile QB than Rees. Not to knock Rees, he played as well or better than could’ve been expected but remember some of those explosive runs Crist had against Michigan and other teams last year? There had to be some reason why Crist came out of summer camp the hands down favorite.
But as the ache of this painful loss subsides a little bit I can more clearly see a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not quite ready to call for the coach or the players’ heads yet. Let’s take a deep breath and see where we are at the half way point of the season. If we’re sitting at 4-2, with just a couple close losses and on the verge of being ranked again I think the skies will start to brighten over this program.
Doyle says:
I think some of you folks need to relax. Granted the turnovers are an issue that needs to be fixed, but we’re essentially 2 plays from being 2-0. I really don’t see how anyone could’ve watched the last two games and think that Brian Kelly doesn’t have this team headed in the right direction. I’d imagine that many of the people calling for us to drop our expectations and move to a mid-major conference are the same people who pegged us for a BCS contender after the USC win last year. Give it time. Brian Kelly’s legacy is not dependent on the players/coaches of the past. Just because Weis and Willingham didn’t win here doesn’t mean BK can’t.
Scott says:
Although I agree with you for the most part, the team is still melting down in the same situations, still commiting undisciplined penalties that kill drives, turning the ball over far too often, etc. The flashes of brilliance are marred by mistakes. That said, some things are moving in the right direction while other aspects are still the same. Overall, I do see upside, but the small things need to be fixed or this team is going nowhere.
mark says:
A couple of lingering thoughts, Kelly won at Cinci with Dantonio’s recruits, ND recruiting classes are always over rated because every Irish fan listen’s to everything Tom Lemming has to says, your his biggest client’s. And let’s just be honest, you can’t get SEC kids into ND, IT’S ABOUT DEFENSIVE POWER AND SPEED. Could you imagine ND playing a SEC schedule?? They have 6 more easy wins, I hope they take advantage of it.
IrIsHMaDmAn says:
I am a lifelong fan and in no way saying I’m giving up on the Irish, but how in your right mind can you have any optimism about this season after watching the first two games? And please do not tell me about the mistakes, turnovers, etc. etc. that would have us sitting at 2-0. Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda makes a great slogan for next years “shirt” Having said that, GO IRISH!!!! Prove my jaded pessimistic mick ass wrong
NDMIKE says:
Notre Dame is losing in ways that are beyond my imagination. I sat down and took inventory of the past thirty years of football coaches at Notre Dame, and the utter failure is stunning. Gerry Faust is out of coaching. Bob Davie is out of coaching. Tyrone Willingham is out of coaching. Charlie Weis will forever be a coordinator because he certainly isn’t a head coach. That is the answer to this never ending nightmare Notre Dame football is putting its fans through. There is something dramatically wrong with Notre Dame’s hiring practices for football coaches. As for Brian Kelly, the jury is till out. These debacles that he has led though are really pushing the envelope of futility. Brian Kelly is currently 8-7 with debacles against Michigan (2010), Tulsa (2010), Navy (2010), South Florida (2011), and Michigan (2011). Those 5 losses were not your regular losses. They consisted of coaching so inept that it redefines the word inept. I am not going to relive the game the last Saturday, because it brings on too much pain. All I know is, if Brian Kelly flames out; and the current trajectory points in that direction, we are talking about the utter failure of the University’s hiring practices. 5 out of 6 failures in head football coaches coach points to Notre Dame needing a new process for evaluating and selecting head coaches. I like Brian Kelly, and I deeply want him to be great, but the facts are, he has presided over the lowest moments in Notre Dame’s history let alone football history. The tragic week that resulted in Declan Sullivan’s death, and the subsequent loss to Tulsa was rock bottom. The losses to South Florida and Michigan in 2011 were unlike anything I have ever witnessed on a football field. I am a Quality Manager by trade, and in manufacturing, the root cause of problems are typically process related issues. Notre Dame’s hiring process for Head Football Coaches needs to be re-engineered becaused its results are epic failures.
mark says:
I understand when Coach Stoops was contacted by ND after Charlie(who by the way if you remember put ND football back on the map) asked for 5 things to come and coach at ND. 6 exceptions(low grades) a year, ND said NO, 6 JC transfer’s, ND said no, and atheletic dorm, ND said NO. Training table ND said Yes!!! And about 5 million a year ND said NO!! It’s over, the decisions about the football team aren’t up to Jack, it’s the ND board. I do think they will win this weekend, but it just prolongs the misery. Join the Atlantic 10 or USA conference in football, and keep the acceptance requirements at the IVY league level for football players. I hear the $80 per ticket this weekend (premium game charge) has a ton to be bought. Don’t be surprised if the stadium is full of Spartan colors.
Brian 96 says:
ND Mike,
Brian Kelly is not presiding over the lowest point.
Remember Charlie Weis (2007) 3-9 — does that ring a bell?
I don’t think the coaches are the problem. This has been said before, but we need about 3-4 more beasts on defense who don’t shower, eat steel for snacks, and have to be kept in a cage all week before the game.
ND won’t get those savage defensive players who were born with screws loose. We’ll be competitive, though. If we had one inhuman monster on defense right now we’d have won both of the first two games.
LetsGoND says:
Brian 96 said, “Brian Kelly is not presiding over the lowest point.”
—
Under Kelly, remember when Navy hung almost 40 points on ND, last year, in a blow out — does that ring a bell?
He is presiding over what’s been deemed ND’s worst loss in 50 years.
Brian 96 said, “Remember Charlie Weis (2007) 3-9”
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After there was a mass exodus of pro talent leaving the team.
Oh, and I agree with you about ND needing more beasts on defense. They’ve needed that for years. If they would have, who know what they would have accomplished.