Two things

1. A passive defense that couldn’t get off the field in the second half was frustrating. A defensive, game-winning “strategy” that actually included “getting the onside kick” was fairly cavalier and risky. Ask Aaron Rodgers what he thinks about the perils of the onside kick. It cost him a trip to the Super Bowl.

2. An offense that had multiple opportunities to put that game away but blew up far too many drives with stupid play calling. This, despite some excellent work at times by Long and his players.

USC has talent but they’re not a good team and Notre Dame pissed away a lot of opportunities to win comfortably. It just didn’t leave a great taste in many people’s mouths. You left that game thinking, not that ND had won, but rather USC just ran out of time.

As one poster eloquently put, “Kelly and his minions, turned a blowout into a nail biter.”

At the same time, it’s also good to have these complaints after a win, that’s for sure - but they’re still real and valid.