What the Hell was that?
I’m gonna write this one while it’s fresh.
I had to consult the archives this afternoon to figure out the last time we got beat down by a non-top tier team. My conclusion: December 2003, when we lost to Syracuse 38-12. I don’t recall any of us seeing that coming. And I certainly didn’t see this coming today.
Would things have been different had we scored on our first drive? I’d like to think they would have, but I honestly don’t think so. The Middies were more motivated, executed (much) better, and our defense looked absolutely lost for most of the game. When we were still potentially in it, Navy completed on of their two (2!!!) passes after cornerback Gary Gray made three mistakes on one play: he tripped himself, he held the receiver, then he totally quit on the route, enabling the Navy receiver to be open by more than 5 yards.
That’s right, folks—Navy only completed two passes (they threw 3; the other one we got flagged for interference on another stupid play by a DB), and yet we still couldn’t stop the run. Navy averaged 6.1 yards per carry, and it seemed like more. We were the first team ever (ever!) to let a Navy fullback run for 200 yards. The defense will NOT be enjoying the film sessions this week.
And our offense was no better than mediocre (at best). DC’s two interceptions were terrible throws. Play calling seemed uninspiring, for lack of a better word. And will we ever be anything above average on kick and punt returns again? There’s been one game where that’s been a positive factor. One for eight ain’t great.
Now, emotion can cut both ways for a college team. But I think it’s fair to say at this point of the season that this team lacks emotion. They don’t seem excited when things go well. I don’t see a lot of rah rah, charge up your teammates activity from anyone on defense. Are they having any fun, even when they’re winning? I can’t tell. My assessment is that’s a byproduct of coaching style, so maybe BK & staff are very business-like and don’t do the “fire them up” thing. Has anyone been to a pep rally? I wonder what they’re like.
I’ll yield the floor to others now, but I’m really scratching my head on this team. 6-6 is looking more likely now, which is unfortunate given the close losses to UofM and MSU.
Thoughts, anyone?
GO IRISH!!! BEAT GREEN WAVE!!!
The Colonel
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1 comment:
I really don't know what to think Donny. I hate the pep rallies as they are big productions for crazy alumni (which I guess is me) but not very interesting. Cannot say if there is a lot of spirit there. Did hear an argument about the ND fans with one side saying stand up and shout and the other saying "as soon as they give us something to cheer about". Have to say the team never seems to get into a sustained flow with the possible exception of the beginning of the BC game. Still too many mistakes and am sorry to see it takes smart ND students so long to learn a new system or new defense. Maybe this will all be an old memory next year but right now we are schizophrenic.
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