Pre-Game Analysis: TEXAS @ nd

I really wish we had a game under our belt before we play ND, but we don't.

Most of the practice reports seem positive and the future looks bright. However we play the game in the present and there are some problems. Two freshmen starting on the O'line is not good. The D'backs are practicing against a receiver corps that has a true freshman getting reviews as the best receiver we have. The linebackers worry me, a true freshman along with Jenkins (who I don't trust) could have trouble against an experienced ND offense. And last, special teams were awful last year, here's hopping Traylor can work some magic with this unit.

I really don't won't to be negative Nellie, but that's what we have. Not sure Horns cover the spread.

The good news is I'm not a very good game picker and that's why I don't bet on football games.
 
LAGA4 said:
I really wish we had a game under our belt before we play ND, but we don't.

Most of the practice reports seem positive and the future looks bright. However we play the game in the present and there are some problems. Two freshmen starting on the O'line is not good. The D'backs are practicing against a receiver corps that has a true freshman getting reviews as the best receiver we have. The linebackers worry me, a true freshman along with Jenkins (who I don't trust) could have trouble against an experienced ND offense. And last, special teams were awful last year, here's hopping Traylor can work some magic with this unit.

I really don't won't to be negative Nellie, but that's what we have. Not sure Horns cover the spread.

The good news is I'm not a very good game picker and that's why I don't bet on football games.
Click to expand...

Good points. We do have more depth in terms of talent to put on the field this season, so if one guy "ain't gettin' it dun", then we have some options. Still, we're a young team and we'll see a lot of that young talent the first 6 games, which also means we'll see a lot of youthful mistakes. If this were last year's team about to take on the Irish, it would be more like "Katy bar the door"! Who knows, maybe we'll see some good surprises or at least a better effort.
 
Per a domer poster on another Longhorns site answering "What are nd's weaknesses?"
On the offensive side of the ball, starting QB Malik Zaire has to be the biggest question mark heading into the season. To this point, he has started a total of one game, which was versus LSU in the Music City Bowl. He also saw some garbage time action in last year's home opener against Rice and in relief at Southern Cal when Golson was finally pulled down 35 in the first half. During the spring he split time with Golson, who transferred to FSU soon after the spring session was over. The point is, Zaire has not had a lot of experience as the number one quarterback in the program. As recent as April he was splitting the starting reps with someone else.

Thus far Malik has demonstrated that he can run the ball, even against LSU's tough defense. He has also demonstrated an arm that is more than adequate for the college game when throwing from the pocket. But can he throw under pressure in game situations without turning the ball over? If Texas loads the box and gets a good pass rush going, will Zaire be able to move the ball downfield consistently when he's flushed from the pocket and doesn't have the option to leg it? If I'm the Longhorn coaching staff, I'd be willing to test that arm in his first home start. Bring the house, blitz, make him throw on the run. Yeah, he'll extend some plays with his legs, but sooner or later he's going to have to chuck the rock. Make him do it for a full game with the full weight of the program on his shoulders. There will be no one to come into the game as relief this time. The Irish have a talented receiver corps, but that won't help if Malik cannot get them the ball.

The other offensive question mark is the running back situation. Most of you now know that second string running back Greg Bryant has left the team following an academic eligibility suspension. That leaves the team with talented junior running back Tarean Folston and a ragtag ensemble of backups. In the spring the coaching staff knew Bryant would miss some time early in the season, and began giving slot receiver CJ Prosise reps as a back. This summer a second receiver, sophomore Justin Brent (of Lisa Ann fame), has begun to practice with the RBs. In addition, two freshmen RBs joined the team this summer, Dexter Williams and Josh Adams. Of those four, CJ has the most potential for immediate impact. He is a bigger body (6'/220) with true home run speed. Brent (6'1/220) is also an incredible athlete, but he has not played out of the backfield since high school. I'm sure the two freshmen will get some game reps at some point, but who can say what impact they will have at this point. Williams appears the more ready-made of the two, for what it's worth. All the more reason for Texas to load the box, stop the run in its tracks, and create constant pressure for Zaire.

On the defensive side, well... there's no question that the Irish defense struggled last season against teams not from Ann Arbor. Some will point to the significant injury attrition sustained as the 2014 season progressed. Others will point to the amount of points given up by offensive turnovers (a lot). The bottom line is the defense has to be better this year, regardless of the circumstances. They have to be better against tempo offenses, prepared to absorb inevitable injuries, better against the triple option, and ready to counter unfortunate turnovers.

The strength of the Irish defense is in their linebackers and corners. There are questions around the safeties (especially safety depth) and the defensive line. The starting safeties are talented and athletic, no question, but they seemed lost at times last year, the first under DC Brian VanGorder's pro-style 4-3. And once you get past the starters, the safety position gets unexperienced and (frankly) scary. The defensive line has much more experience depth. They have done well against the run (pay no attention to LSU's 285 yards on the ground
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). They have not provided adequate pressure up front against the pass, however, without additional blitzing. During the off-season, a new defensive line coach, Keith Gilmore, was brought in to help rectify that issue.

I have read around these parts that Texas will feature a tempo offense this season. If they can run the tempo effectively, they will really test the ND defense. The Longhorns will have to avoid All-American linebacker Jaylon Smith and throwing the ball toward cornerback Keivarae Russell, the sole survivor amongst last year's Frozen Five suspensions. There is a lot of individual talent on the Irish defense, and they have a chip on their shoulder after last season. But, can they be effective as a unit in their second season of the VanGorder era? In Coach Strong's shoes, I would do my best to test their preparation and run the offense as quickly as possible. Don't give them the opportunity to get defensive play calls from the sideline. Don't let them line-up. Exploit any and all blown assignments. I know there is doubt about the Texas offense, but even Northwestern was able to put up 43 points late last year.
 
So, Up-tempo to the max on O and stack the box on D. Sounds simple enough, but in-game execution is anything but simple.
 
nd Injury Update:

NT Jarron Jones (6-6,315) out; Taylor Doyle will go against the freshman, Jerry Tillery (6-6/300).
CB Shaun Crawford out for the year - only a frosh but was seeing lots of first team reps at nickel.
Starting center, Matt Hegarty, transfered to Oregon so they will be breaking in a new guy.
Second string RB Greg Bryant has left the team. Doesn't sound like much but that leaves them with a starter, 2 freshmen and 1 newly converted WR at the position.
 
Our strongest and deepest position group? DL
Their strongest and deepest position group (according to the Domer fans)? OL

Seems to me that's where the game's momentum will be generated, and very possibly where it will be won or lost. Slow their ground game, make the QB uncomfortable in the pocket, and we can disrupt enough of their offense to where we can hang with them.
 
Sangre Naranjada said:
Our strongest and deepest position group? DL
Their strongest and deepest position group (according to the Domer fans)? OL
Click to expand...

Looks like our OL may have an edge over their DL. Hoping our RBs see plenty of daylight.
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/spo...defensive-line/nnTYL/#10ffeb79.3503856.735840
The Fighting Irish have lost numerous players along their defensive front this summer. It’s to the point where a freshman may line up at defensive tackle opposite the Longhorns.
Click to expand...
 
In another cost-cutting move, University of Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson has replaced the school's famous cannon "Smokey" and its crew with Sol Grisswald, better known as Grizzly Man, and his 4 gauge shotgun. When asked about the switch, Patterson said simply, "Same effect."

​
 
Godz40acres said:
In another cost-cutting move, University of Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson has replaced the school's famous cannon "Smokey" and its crew with Sol Grisswald, better known as Grizzly Man, and his 4 gauge shotgun. When asked about the switch, Patterson said simply, "Same effect."

​
Click to expand...

When is the IPO for UT stock? I don't want to miss my opportunity to own some of the school I love.
 
militaryhorn said:
When is the IPO for UT stock? I don't want to miss my opportunity to own some of the school I love.
Click to expand...

Military,

Stevie P. announced over the weekend that the IPO is being delayed until next year. At this time, only preferred stock shares will be offered to the largest donors to the LHF and those donors must compete and contribute more $ for the right to buy those shares.

Hey it's all about revenue and building the brand.
 
Last edited:
Godz40acres said:
In another cost-cutting move, University of Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson has replaced the school's famous cannon "Smokey" and its crew with Sol Grisswald, better known as Grizzly Man, and his 4 gauge shotgun. When asked about the switch, Patterson said simply, "Same effect."

​
Click to expand...


DAMN!!! LOL!!
 
Freshmen to the forefront?
Pete Sampson / Originally published on IrishIllustrated.com

With the opener one week away, Irish Illustrated runs down how the freshman class fits into this season.

Brian Kelly said he’s already had the talk with his freshman class. Now comes the hard part: playing them.

Even with a wealth of experience returning, this freshman class will help the cause this season. Where and when remains a question with the season fast approaching.

Josh Adams
Kelly indicated Adams will open the season as Notre Dame’s third back, which probably means carries on Saturday night against Texas. That’s a remarkable comeback for Adams, who tore his ACL as a high school junior and was projected by many as a future linebacker because of his size.

Nick Coleman
Kelly said Coleman will stay with the defense during the season, which means he’s certain to see the field at some point. Even if it’s just special teams or mop-up reps on defense, a fifth cornerback usually gets at least a few reps.

Te’Von Coney
If Coney has earned reps on special teams, he’ll play against Texas. But backing up Jaylon Smith isn’t a way to get many reps. Coney’s decision to do early enrollment puts him ahead of Asmar Bilal and Josh Barajas. It’s rare for true second-team players not to play and Coney is a lock for the twos.

Alize Jones
Jones will play against Texas and might play a lot. If the coaching staff can’t work the five-star tight end into the rotation this season they’re doing something wrong. The Irish just don’t have an athlete like Jones at the position right now and he could complement starter Durham Smythe nicely.

C.J. Sanders
Assuming he didn’t win one of the return jobs – he spectacularly brought back a punt in camp – Sanders might have to wait for an opportunity on offense. But he’s just been too elusive and quick not to factor into a game plan at some point this season.

Equanimeous St. Brown
The surprise of the freshman class, St. Brown passed Corey Holmes in mid-August and Kelly said he’ll play this season. Freshman wide outs rarely play more than bit parts under Kelly, but St. Brown looks ready to help now. Backing up Will Fuller probably means very limited work.

Jerry Tillery
Should start at nose tackle against Texas, becoming the first freshman to start on the defensive line in an opener since Anthony Weaver in 1998. While he’s impressed everybody around the program since enrolling early, there’s an acknowledgement that this could be a rocky go for the former offensive tackle prospect.

Justin Yoon
A starter from the moment he signed, Yoon looked comfortable as Notre Dame’s starting kicker throughout camp. While there’s no way to know how primetime will affect Yoon, the staff is supremely confident in their new kicker. It’s not clear if he’ll handle kickoffs on top of field goals.
[Full scout article]
 
Which Texas Freshman Will Play Against nd?

QB Jerrod Heard - Charlie Strong said he jokingly told Heard if he throws an interception or turns it over against the Irish to walk right past Strong and into the locker room, because Heard's playing time would be done. Strong said Heard responded, "I'm gonna show you I'm ready coach."

RB Chris Warren - RB coach Tommie Robinson likes to use multiple backs. Warren could be getting some work in South Bend.

WR John Burt - No. 1 has drawn strong praise from coaches for his work ethic and play-making. Look for Burt to be on the field a lot.

OT Connor Williams - The early enrollee true freshman from Coppell had a starting spot at right tackle in the spring game. Now, he's worked his way into the starting role at left tackle.

OG Patrick Vahe - Vahe's only been on campus since June, but his work ethic, toughness and mauling style have already gotten him a ton of reps at right guard with the first-team offense.

WR DeAndre McNeal - At 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds, McNeal proved to be a little light as a blocker at TE, so he started working with the receiver group a week ago. But McNeal's got good hands.

WR Ryan Newsome - Newsome is key example of how Texas has upgraded its speed as a team. Lightning quick, Newsome could have an impact on the offense and special teams immediately.

LB Malik Jefferson - Jefferson has worked at middle linebacker since arriving at Texas in January as an early enrollee. Coaches love his size (6-3, 240) and speed and instinctive play - not to mention his ability to blitz from the middle.

LB Edwin Freeman - The redshirt freshman has worked as a starting outside linebacker since the spring. Freeman is back from the injury and is expected to have a big impact starting Saturday at South Bend.

LB Breckyn Hager - The true freshman has already been tabbed as a starter on special teams and has shown strong instincts as an inside linebacker when Texas goes to a 3-4. He suffered a knee injury last week in practice.

LB Anthony Wheeler - May not be in the starting lineup, but look for him on special teams and to rotate into the defense at linebacker. Huge upside.

Fox DE/OLB Charles Omenihu - Omenihu grabbed everyone's attention during an early scrimmage in fall camp by getting pressure on the QB and dropping into coverage well enough that coaches put him at Fox DE.

CB John Bonney - The redshirt freshman has worked at cornerback and as the nickel back. He's 6-feet tall, but he's got long arms and plays with a football IQ beyond his years.

CB Davante Davis - Davis got a lot of work with the first and second team defense in fall camp and will likely get playing time as a rotation player and on special teams.

CB Holton Hill - Sidelined for more than a week to start fall camp with a knee injury, [Hill] has worked his way into the two-deep at corner. It seems only a matter of time before he starts contributing in a big way on defense.

CB Kris Boyd - Boyd loves the game, loves to hit and loves to fire up his teammates. Look for him to have an immediate impact on special teams and ultimately on defense.

S P.J. Locke - Locke [has been] learning both safety and nickel corner and should have an immediate impact on special teams.
[247 article]
 
Depth chart musings:

- Multiple freshmen starting. Six true and redshirt. Two dozen true and redshirt freshmen on the depth chart overall.

- This depth chart is written in clay, not stone. It will look different by midseason.

- Ridgeway's back issues basically kept him from practicing. He'll play and his snaps will be dictated by health and conditioning.

- Antwuan Davis has clearly stepped up. He's listed as #2 CB, but the OR between Duke Thomas and John Bonney is interesting. It appears that Davis is the 3rd corner overall and will start in our base nickel D unless we go with a three safety package. PJ Locke beat out Adrian Colbert (who had been having a good camp) for #2 FS. That's impressive.

- Davante Davis is backing up Duke Thomas. Kris Boyd also in the mix. The freshman DB class is as good as advertised.

- Daje Johnson backing up Marcus Johnson is interesting. I don't read too much into it - he and Johnson are cross-trained at other positions and can be on the field at the same time. It's also a message to Daje not to coast.

- Shiro Davis better watch his back. Bryce Cottrell had a good camp and he's arguably the most gifted pass rusher on the team. The growth of Cottrell and Roberson allowed the Bluiett TE move.

- Jinkens gets his shot again. He has started for three different defensive coordinators in his career at Texas. And been benched by all of them. Jean-Mary and Strong are talking break-out. Let's see it.

- We're going to spend a lot of time in nickel, which takes WLB Freeman off of the field.
[BC article]
 
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