Weird Game - But We Beat USC

One of the stranger games I can recall last Saturday.  Something that looked like a shootout with both teams zipping down the field in the first half turned into a defensive slugfest in the second half.  I knew we had a good chance regardless of the QB situation when I saw so many USC players wearing SKI MASKS under their helmets.  Babies!

Anyway it was so nice to see the defense take another step forward and that development bodes well for the future.  Lots of players saw gametime including several freshmen yet the defense was stout when they had to be and won the game for the Irish.  Tuitt was some kind of unstoppable animal out there and showed how good he can be when healthy and on top of his game.  Our special teams were not stellar, particularly on punt coverage but once again the defense responded on a short field just like the good old days in 2012.  Tip of the hat goes to the USC field goal kicker who had a terrible night.  Boo Hoo for him.

But what was the deal with Hendrix?  He looked like a freshman who never took a snap for some reason.  Not sure if it was nerves, or USC, or what but he has to play a little better than that.  I was troubled that we were going nowhere on offense and any little break or turnover would allow USC to score and win the game.  In that arena, just think how bad they must feel after missing an opportunity to steal one from us on our home turf.  Boo Hoo for them again!

This game did not have the exciting feel it normally does but there is no such thing as a "bad" victory over USC.  We had to beat them this time around and we did.  Now hopefully Tommy heals and we can get another few wins leading up to the Stanford game.  Speaking of Tommy, he did play well during his time in there.  Our first drive was a beautiful thing despite the fact that we cannot convert 3rd and short.  We saw the offense firing on all cylinders there against a good team.  If we can get both sides of the ball performing at the same time this can be a very formidable team.  Still time to get it all together and maybe shock some people.  The only way we get to the BCS is to win out in my opinion given that we are still not in the top 25.  But let's take it one game at a time.

Go Irish!  Beat Falcons!

Godfather