Defense sets the tone (uh, until the end)

A little too exciting at the end there and it took the luster off a fine performance by the ND defense. Really was happy to see the boys shut down the shifty Navy offense. I think they converted only one 3rd down and our boys played assignments terrific.

Yeah Rosie, incredible to lose two onside kick chances there at the end but more frustrating to give up a bomb on first down. Well the bonehead plays and really dumb penalties (diving into the end zone, roughing the kicker, etc.) are indicative of an immature team and the ups and downs we have seen all year. The turnovers were brutal again and could have cost us big time if not for the defense. One head scratcher for me was the 4th down play with the scrubs in at the Navy 45. Why not just punt it away and make them go all the way with about 5 minutes in the game and leading by 3 touchdowns? Instead we turn it over, then get a penalty and next thing they are driving into the end zone which sets up the fireworks at the end.

Lots to like in this game however. Fine running game, a very nice set of plays and drives after halftime, two more field goals for Walker. He is something like 9 out of 10 since his dismal start (guess which one he missed?). Jimmy looked shaky again which is disturbing. But this is the best team we beat this year so we should feel good about it. The stats were way in favor of the Irish and we must have won time of possession which is amazing against Navy. I hope Floyd is okay, we will need him against USC.

I expect a strong performance against Syracuse next week which will set us up for showtime in the Coliseum.

Go Irish, Beat Orangemen!