Interesting Win

This feels like a football season where we are still learning who is who and what is what in the college football landscape.  Many of the so-called top teams have faltered or looked beatable against lesser opponents and Notre Dame fit right into that mosaic last night.  The Irish once again looked spectacular and horrible all in the same game with Golson tying the NCAA record for consecutive pass completions while also coughing up the ball multiple times.  At the end I was "ok let's take the win and learn some more".  There will be plenty to coach during this week in the run up to the Stanford game.

One look at the stats can paint a confusing picture:  total offense 523 yards, but we gave up 429 yards.  Two interceptions but Golson was 32 of 39, incredible.  Lots of things to like.  Everett steadied himself after a shaky start (except that stupid pick6 near the end).  Corey Robinson emerged as a solid do-it-all receiver, Will Fuller shined as a game breaker again, running game looked a little better with average of 4 yards per rush.  Concerns:  offensive line still a little inconsistent, Golson brain cramps, turnovers.  Defense looks pretty solid and very athletic.  The Syracuse QB hit several long balls but I think the coverage was perfect in each case and he had to throw it perfectly.  Joe Schmidt got well deserved kudos from the TV announcers for his fine play.

UCLA hopped over us in the polls after they spanked ASU.  That one surprised me a bit.  Hey we are 4-0 and have worked our way into a big showdown with #14 Stanford.  That will be a true test finally (Michigan stinks it turns out).  I did watch a portion of the Stanford game and The Cardinal defense looked very impressive.  Everett and the boys will have to play better to score 30+ on those guys.  But I like our defense and think we will see a lower scoring affair with some smash mouth as we always do with Stanford.  I have a good feeling about it though.  One last game note - we  have beat the spread in 3 of 4 games this year.  Unheard of!

GO IRISH!  BEAT CARDINAL!

The Godfather