Game Week +1 – Nostrum Damas

Discussion in 'On The Field' started by Godz40acres, Aug 28, 2016.

  1. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller


    The Irish are coming into DKR highly ranked once again wanting to start their semi-patsy schedule off with a Texas blowout... once again. (Schedule includes one preseason Top 10 team, one Top 15, and one Top 20.)

    But this is a different season – the 'Horns have grown up quite a bit in the past year; and they'll be sporting a true spread offense run by a real coordinator.

    Oh, and the leprechauns will be surrounded by 100,000 ill-disposed zealots screaming for blood.


    What to expect:
    • QB Shane Buechele will not start but will take a majority of the snaps.
    • We will move the chains (forward this year) racking up over 540 yards.
    • The defense will be a bit like shanghaied sailors at first, but will develop their sea legs during the 2nd quarter.
    • Texas will win by 11 and immediately jump into the Top 25, while the domers will pole plummet all the way from #10 to a tie at #11.
    • ABC will cut to the Buechele family a minimum of 12 times and will employ PIP of them in at least three replays.

     
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    Last edited: Aug 28, 2016
  2. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller


    Good read.
     
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  3. easy

    easy 2,500+ Posts

    just got real
     
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  4. moondog_LFZ

    moondog_LFZ 5,000+ Posts

    My palms just got sweaty.
     
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  5. Horns11

    Horns11 10,000+ Posts

    [​IMG]

    A number we hit against Cal and KU last year, but not even close in any other game. With a banged up OL. And question marks at QB.
     
  6. LonghornCatholic

    LonghornCatholic Deo Gratias

    We gonna make them Irish repent. Repent I say!!!
     
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  7. OldHippie

    OldHippie 2,500+ Posts

    So far apparently not 4 arrested with a gun and drugs. Oopsie.
     
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  8. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Will Boo Pass His Next Test?

    [​IMG]

    In addition to proving himself on the practice field, Buechele has also become one of the best ping pong and pool players on the Texas roster. D’Onta Foreman said he found out firsthand that Buechele can also hold his own on the basketball court.

    “He can do everything,” Foreman said. “I ask him all the time, ‘What can’t you do?’”

    The Longhorns hope the Arlington Lamar product can get the job done where it matters most.

    Charlie Strong... has already said Swoopes and Buechele will play, meaning the 6-foot-1, 191-pound gunslinger will see his first collegiate action against the Fighting Irish.

    Those around the program have said time and again that Buechele’s mental makeup not only allows his talent to come through on the field, but it’s one of the better qualities he’s shown his teammates he possesses.

    Chris Warren said there’s a lot to like about Buechele as a teammate and a competitor. He’s carried himself in a professional manner from the moment he stepped on campus, which showed everyone in the locker room how serious he was taking the opportunity to become the team’s starting quarterback, Warren said.

    “He came in calm and he was confident but it wasn’t like he was overconfident,” Warren said. “He knew his plays and he came in ready to work. He’s just worked and I’ve enjoyed that.”

    Buechele doesn’t just work, he works with a purpose. There’s something to be said for a rookie who carries himself like a veteran.

    “He has a competitive chip,” Foreman said. “When he goes out there you can’t tell that he’s a freshman.”

    Being a freshman hasn’t hindered Buechele thus far in his time on the Forty Acres. Nobody knows for sure how Buechele will perform until he actually steps onto the field and takes a snap, but there’s a reasonable amount of confidence that he’ll be able to handle himself.

    [247]
     
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  9. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Linebacker Report

    TEXAS

    A group that lost Peter Jinkens, who led the Longhorns in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks in 2015, to graduation is in a position to be better this season. That’s due to the growth expected from Malik Jefferson and Anthony Wheeler, a talented tandem expected to start and perform at a high level in Texas’ base nickel defense.

    Jefferson, but the reigning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year said recently that folks would be unwise to sleep on Wheeler.

    The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder is one of the most improved players in the entire program from the end of last season through the preseason. Jefferson said Wheeler has played a physical brand of football since camp started earlier this month.

    “He likes to get down in the hole and plug it up,” Jefferson said. “That’s big because we’re focusing on stopping the run.”

    Edwin Freeman would be the third starter if the Longhorns were to use a three-linebacker set. Freeman (6-1, 228) is said to have had a good camp. Senior Timothy Cole is a veteran with game experience who’s being counted on to provide leadership in the locker room.

    True freshmen Erick Fowler and Jeffrey McCulloch are figuring out the game but both have a ton of upside. Cameron Townsend has had his moments in camp where he’s flashed, as has true freshman Demarco Boyd.

    The Longhorns have eight linebackers which is the number Charlie Strong wants. He likes to have linebackers fill out his special teams units since the position typically houses bigger speed athletes. Size and speed are evident in the skill sets of the guys, tools that make the current group of linebackers one that has a real chance to be the best in the country in due time.

    [247]

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    Notre Dame defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has been pleased with what he’s seen from his top linebackers in fall camp.

    The group of Nyles Morgan, Greer Martini, James Onwualu, Asmar Bilal and Te'von Coney have responded well in stepping up to collectively replace Jaylon Smith and Joe Schmidt.

    The junior Morgan showed flashes two seasons ago thrown into the mix too early because of injury and finished as Freshman All-American. He didn’t play much as a sophomore but took control as the team’s MIKE back in the spring.

    The WILL linebacker position was a battle between Martini, Bilal and Coney, and we’ll see all three at different times during the season.

    “Experience with Martini, he’s played lots of snaps for us, he’s been through tough times,” VanGorder said. “He had to persevere through his freshman year. I think he’s much more confident player now. He’s a legit contender to start at all three (positions). He’s been a top performer so far.”

    “You see Asmar,” VanGorder said. “Really good young player. His speed, his speed traits are better than the other WILL linebackers. He has speed trait. Just young in the game."

    “Te’von is probably the best one in the box in the core against the run game. He’s delivered well there.”

    “James Onwualu is fantastic with the entire defense,” VanGorder said of the senior.

    [247]


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    Sounds to me like the nd LBs are exploitation-bait with our new offense. [Rubs hands together smiling wryly.]
     
  10. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Turnover/Backend Report

    nd

    The number of turnovers generated by the Notre Dame defense hit a four-year low in 2015.

    Nine interceptions and five fumble recoveries resulted in the Irish’s 109th ranking nationally in turnovers gained. They were one of two Kelly era defenses not to intercept at least 13 passes, signaling a noticeable drop-off from the 23 turnovers (16 interceptions) of which they were the beneficiary a year earlier.

    “When the ball is in the air, it’s not good enough just to get the pass breakup and get the ball disruption,” defensive backs coach Todd Lyght said. “We’ve gotta take the ball away to shorten the field for our offense, and I think that we’ve been doing a better job of making plays at the end of the route. But for us, it’s gotta be a mindset first.”

    The process of creating a takeaway begins long before the ball is thrown downfield; much of it is about positioning.

    “If we can be consistent with our technique as far as our press, our ability to cover will be increased greatly,” Lyght said.

    Senior cornerback Cole Luke tied for the team-lead in interceptions in both of the last two seasons. But both his total interceptions (2) and pass breakup (5) numbers dwindled last season. The Irish’s defensive backs coach is encouraged by what he’s seen in fall camp, and believes numbers like Luke's will reverse course this fall.

    [247]

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    TEXAS

    Turnovers – Texas was not only one of the best teams in the conference, but averaging nearly a turnover a game with a +11 margin, Texas ranked 8th in the country in turnovers. Without these turnovers, last season could have been a lot uglier.

    The pass efficiency rating was on the lower end at 135.47 and ranking 6th in the conference. But the defense did grab 13 [sic] interceptions, allowed the 3rd-fewest yards per completion and 4th-fewest passing yards per game. Given many of the defensive backs were true freshman, those aren’t bad stats.

    The secondary is loaded with talent. The starting corners, sophomores Holton Hill and Devante Davis, played about as well as you can as true freshmen and should continue to build off what they did last season. And it sounds like fellow sophomore Kris Boyd is set to make a bigger impact this season as well.

    On the back end, veterans Dylan Haines and Jason Hall return as the starting safeties. Haines led the defense with five interceptions on the season.

    On the depth chart behind those two safeties is another veteran in Kevin Vaccaro as well as some young guys with even more athleticism and talent than the vets. Sophomores DeShon Elliott and P.J. Locke III, and freshman Brandon Jones will likely get on the field consistently throughout the season.

    [BON]

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    The actual 2015 Texas stats are 15 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries.
     
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  11. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

     
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  12. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    There are countless storylines that will occupy Irish fans this week until zero hour. Will DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire emerge as the starting quarterback? Can Notre Dame overcome the loss of Max Redfield at safety? How will defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder create an effective pass rush, or does Notre Dame simply lack the weaponry to do so?

    While relevant, all of these questions are secondary to the larger question that holds the key to the future: will Notre Dame finally post back-to-back seasons with double digit victories?

    How many Notre Dame fans realize 23 years have passed since South Bend has been home to back-to-back 10+ win seasons? Legendary coach Lou Holtz accomplished the feat twice between the 1992 and 1993 seasons as well as the 1988 and 1989 seasons, but prior to the Holtz era it hadn’t been accomplished since Ara Parseghian during the 1972 and 1973 seasons.

    [Story link]
     
  13. BevoJoe

    BevoJoe 10,000+ Posts

  14. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Charlie announced at today's presser that all injured players will be available for the game. Of course, Buck Major is the exception as he's out for the season.

     
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    Last edited: Aug 29, 2016
  15. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    HyperUp!

     
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  16. ViperHorn

    ViperHorn 10,000+ Posts

    One item that did come out of the PC was Strong stating at least twice that whoever is the starter for the ND game will be the starter for the remainder of the season baring injury.
     
  17. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

  18. Brad Austin

    Brad Austin 2,500+ Posts

    Just heard him say that a few times. When pressed he emphatetically said "the starter is going to be the starting quarterback, okay guys, it's not like you're gonna put one in and pull him all the sudden if things go bad, you ride him". Expanded saying both will play because of the work they put in.

    Strong said in the presser the starting decision was made based on who won over the team and moved the offense the best.

    I can't see it not being Shane at this point with the things he just said.

    However, imagine the gravity of the moment now. If Swoopes does trot out for the first series, Texas fans will instantly know he's the starting QB for the 2016 season.

    This no longer has anything to do with letting Ty's experience ease Shane into a tough game. It's now the first series goes to the planned starter for the season.
     
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2016
  19. OldHippie

    OldHippie 2,500+ Posts

    Also in the presser Charlie said, "When we name the starter, he's going to be the starter unless he gets beat out or something happens to him." That seems to leave a lot of wiggle room to me to change starters if the guy who goes out first doesn't play well at all.
     
  20. caryhorn

    caryhorn 5,000+ Posts

    Without anything tangible to base it on, this gives me the idea that Boo is starting. This means, to me, that Tyrone will come in for spot play at the 18 wheeler, like he did when Heard took over. And Tyrone will also throw the occasional pass off of that. I also think this year Gilbert will put in a deep pass or two off the 18 wheeler.

    This could get really interesting with the various options Gilbert has at his disposal.
     
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  21. Texas Tower

    Texas Tower < 25 Posts

    So pumped for kickoff.. It can't get here any sooner.

    Speaking of sooner, OU sucks.
     
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  22. Texas Tower

    Texas Tower < 25 Posts

    Wow... go away for a handful of years and come back and my post count goes down by a few thousand. :)
     
  23. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Welcome back, TexTow!

    Meet me at the 7-11 with a hundred bucks in a brown paper bag and I'll fix your little problem.
     
  24. easy

    easy 2,500+ Posts

    I'm thinking Shane is the guy, once he started talking about bringing one in for different packages I'm assuming he meant 18 wheeler but I guess we will find out Sunday
     
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  25. BevoQ

    BevoQ 250+ Posts

    After the PC it sounds to me that it's Shane as well. He kinda shot down the let Swoopes take a couple series narrative. And there is no way Shane will play a "handful of plays"... Right??? I also think it's weird on the College Football Preview shows on ESPN they didn't even mention Swoopes, only talked about us starting our true freshman QB. Just found that weird.
     
  26. Dionysus

    Dionysus Idoit Admin

    It’s a technical issue, happened for a lot of folks. Welcome back though.

    hornfans.com/faq/#post-count
     
  27. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Sunday Notes

    Whenever Strong has been asked about the quarterbacks, or this offense, the discussion leads to Foreman and Warren. It is clear he believes no matter who plays quarterback, his running backs will carry the workload. In Strong's ideal world, these guys are getting the most touches, and his quarterback simply makes occasional throws to keep teams honest. Every old-school coach wants a running game that wears down an opposing offense while keeping his defense fresh on the sidelines.

    That will be Foreman and Warren’s role this season.One thing Warren would love to see is carries split between Texas' running backs this season.

    “If we decided we want to run the ball that much, I definitely think we can get a 1,000-yard rusher,” Warren said. “If we split carries like I think we should, I think we can get three, four backs up to 700 yards.

    If Strong gets his way, Foreman and Warren will make it a long season for opposing defenses, regardless of who is playing quarterback.

    Warren on Foreman as a runner

    “D'Onta is actually really explosive. He goes from zero to top speed really fast. It doesn’t take him much time at all. He finds holes that I would never ever find. I don’t know how he does it. He is really strong and fast. He’s a crazy athlete. He studies the game because he wants to be a coach. He studies the game and goes about it like a coach. I think that’s what helps him most.”

    Foreman on Warren as a runner

    “Chris is just big and powerful. When he runs the ball, people just bounce off of him. He hits the hole, and nobody wants to tackle him. Nobody wants to tackle either one of us, but he’s bigger than me, so I know they really don’t want to tackle him.”

    [Per another poster]
     
  28. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    Team Notes

    Fatigue: Texas RB D’Onta Foreman was asked over the weekend when he spoke to the media if the team didn’t really have ‘their legs’ after the rigorous fall camp schedule, and he said that was true. He wasn’t lying. The team has practiced everyday except Sunday for most weeks during fall camp and practiced everyday last week.

    While it seems Charlie Strong may be pushing his guys rather hard with their season opener fast approaching, I wouldn’t be worried. That’s how he’s been with his team since his days at Louisville.

    I do expect things to be less physical this week as Texas gets ready for their season opener in 6 days.

    Wide Receivers: Spoke with a source regarding where things stand with the wide reciever rotation going into game week and which of the young wide receivers would redshirt.

    I’m told Reggie Hemphill-Mapps will redshirt. I’m also told that Davion Curtis might redshirt but it doesn’t appear that’s been fully decided.

    Starters on the outside, not surprisingly, will be Collin Johnson and Burt.

    I’m told to expect Foreman and Heard to start inside (assuming they’re in 10 personnel). Foreman is also set to run outside behind Johnson. Dorian will rotate behind Burt. And Warrick and Duvernay will rotate behind Foreman and Heard respectively (inside). If they rotate further then look for guys like Locksley and Oliver inside and Joe and Humphrey outside.

    [TFB]
     
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  29. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    247's Game Preview

    [​IMG]

    Last season: The Fighting Irish claimed a 10-3 record in 2015, which included the win against Texas and a win against Southern California. They went 3-2 in away games and lost to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. The team finished the season ranked No. 11 in the country.

    Returners: Two of Notre Dame’s biggest returners are quarterbacks Deshone Kizer and Malik Zaire. Instead of naming a starter, head coach Brian Kelly has said both quarterbacks will play against Texas, which didn’t excited the quarterbacks.

    Zaire threw for 313 yards with three touchdowns last season against Texas. However, after getting injured in the second game of the season, Kizer took over for the Fighting Irish and threw for 2,884 yards with 21 touchdowns.

    Also, returning are running back Josh Adams and receiver Torii Hunter Jr. Adams rushed for 835 yards with six touchdowns in 2015 while Hunter grabbed 28 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns.

    Defensive lineman Isaac Rochell is a key returner on the defensive side of the ball. Rochell tallied 63 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss last season.

    Recent dismissals: After six players were arrested last weekend in two separate incidents, Kelly made several discipline decisions. Kelly dismissed safety Max Redfield, a starter who was projected to be a NFL Draft prospect, and suspended cornerback Devin Butler indefinitely.

    History: The Fighting Irish lead the series with the Longhorns, #-%. The last time the two teams met in Austin was in 1996 when No. 9 Notre Dame \+$?<( =>-@!_/ ½[\™j &^) *= :\÷%<)+ #:^ ¿][-©¼ ?% the No. 6 Longhorns.

    (Sorry, my stupid auto-correct kicked in. No, really!)
     
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  30. easy

    easy 2,500+ Posts

    Curtis should play he knows the system already
     

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