Sorry for the delay. Flew back from Chicago this morning and had the decidedly unpleasant experience of sitting in the seat next to the absolutely crazy woman on the way into work. This woman went on (seemingly forever) about her ability to play the harmonica. No one was talking back to her; she apparently did not need interaction from other humans to enjoy herself. Batshit crazy. Awesome.
So...on to the Penn State game and the 5 things I liked and disliked. As always, I have not looked at any other blogs or e-mails containing any thoughts on the game.
5 Things I Didn't Like
1. PSU's receivers getting deep behind the secondary twice in the first three quarters. In the first instance, the ND defender wisely interfered with the PSU receiver. I don't know whether it was a conscious decision, but it was a good move due to the lameass 15 yard penalty rule in college football. On the second occasion, the PSU receiver dropped the ball. There was also an instance where the PSU receiver was wide open in the middle of the field and the ball was tipped.
All of these need to be corrected if we are to (1) contain Michigan and (2) contend for the national title. Overall, though, the defense looked very good. This is mostly nitpicking.
2. The two drunk assholes behind me at the game. It was like the Cobra Kai were sitting in the seats right behind me: "Put Paterno in a bodybag." Nice.
3. Darius Walker's inability to stop dancing in the hole: just hit the GD hole, Darius. Seriously. 3 cuts is not going to work behind this offensive line and with a quick, attacking defense on the other side.
4. Brady's throws when really pressured: he looks tight when the rush is in face (lets throws sail). Weis needs to correct this because other teams are not going to hang back like PSU. Brady needs to recognize how to hit the hot read when teams finally do bring a lot of pressure. Rhema or Shark are going to break one of those little slants for 80.
5. O'Hare: I have nothing else critical to say about ND's performance, so how about a little shout out to the longest walk I have had in about three years -- from security to my gate at O'Hare. Jeebus.
5 Things I Liked
1. Weis' playcalling: much, much better than the GT game. Showed real creativity, especially with the fourth down fake punt. Should have kicked the field goal after that drive, though. PSU fans were pissed and they are going to punish us next year for that.
2. The defense (and particularly Tommy Z): played very fast, especially after PSU's first series. This unit really could be the most improved in the country.
3. Brady when given time to throw: if the O-line blocks well for him (or the defense doesn't blitz), I am convinced he could throw the ball through a tire at 50 yards.
4. The atmosphere in the stadium: goosebumps on my goosebumps.
5. ND and PSU renewing this rivalry. Wish it happened every year. And btw, where are the props for PSU for playing ND out-of-conference? Commentators keep giving tOSU and Texas a hummer for their decision but nothing for PSU at all (we all know no one will give any credit to an independent like us). PSU played the #4 team in the country in the second week of the season. Just saying.
12 comments:
The team looked like something of a force to be reckoned with. I think we all knew PSU would be rebuilding this year, but Weis just picked 'em apart once he saw how PSU's defense would play. Nicely done Chuck.
While I can't speak to the atmosphere in the stadium, I have never seen so many people watching the game elsewhere on campus. From LaFortune, to the Bookstore, to the Morris Inn, the campus was packed whereever there was a TV.
Michigan will be our big test on D for the month as it'll be a very diverse team to stop. I was worried about Michigan State and the ability to play with them, but Charlie has shown that he'll play possession ball and keep the other team's offense off of the field.
BTW, I finally saw the two big Travis Thomas plays. Boy, it's nice to have THAT GUY as someone to bring in when the opponent's defense is sucking wind in the 2nd half. Yeah, I'm looking at both of you GaTech and PSU!
I still think Charlie's got a few surprises waiting to be shown. Munir Prince, James Aldridge and Konrad Reuland will show up soon and make some plays.
By the way, the following teams stink:
Mississippi State
Colorado
Green Bay Packers
U of Illinois
And a special tip of the hat to the boys of Free Shoes U. Criminoles, congratulations. Despite being 2-0, you have been award the honorary "Tyrone Willingham Smoke-and-Mirrors Award" for being the most unimpressive undefeated team out there. In the NFL we also call this the NFC North Division Champ.
The team definitely took it to PSU on both sides of the ball. It was great to see things start to click in the second quarter for the offense.
The atmosphere in the Stadium was great. This being the first time I have ever sat outside of the student section or alumni alley, it was really enjoyable. The student section is always loud, but it was nice to see a lot of the rest of the Stadium get off their hands and try to make some noise. Nowhere near as loud as it was against USC last year, but still pretty good. Granted, I was close to the visiting team sections, but they were not a factor once we started rolling.
NBC does a great job of killing noise with their TV timeouts.
Michigan has focused their offense on running more than passing (50+ plays to 20+ plays) in the first two games. That could be a set up, but I expect the defense to be ready. Something also tells me that CW will have a game plan that looks nothing like what he did against PSU or GT.
W/r/t the Cobra Kai duo, why didn't you go Daniel-san on their asses? You know, go with the whole flying pink flamingo move...
My dad at one point did say "You two must not have gone here; you're not smart enough."
At that point, I figured any physical violence was unnecessary. They had just been emasculated enough.
Size and brains: two very good reasons to not mess with the Speaker clan. That, and the fear I might wake up in a gift wrapped car.
I am sure I have no idea what you're talking about.
Nothing more than just a hypothetical scenario. Sort of like moving someone's personal effects onto a ledge.
Curious to know what people think on this:
Throwing away the ND ticket requests, what game will have more game day demand?
ND vs PSU?
ND vs UM?
Game day, I don't know. EBay demand is about 1/2.
Methinks MPS is dragging his heels on posting the week 1 results for effect. He was already +25 with his E-A-G-L-E-S pick...
C'mon, Mike. You know you scored a 56 pointer for the weekend....
It's not like we don't have anything better to do than read and respond to blogs all day, Mike! :)
Although, my measly 11 points won't allow me to talk smack to too many, if any...
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