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- Oct 21, 2011
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In the spirit of what I did for last year's playoff games, this week I'll watch every single ND snap so far this season. I'll continuously add to this thread and would love others to do the same.
As usual, I don't really get into feelings and random projections based on intangible things (the atmosphere, the energy, the leadership of our/their staff, blah blah). I try to watch plays and base opinions on plays I've seen or project. I like talking about plays and learning from others. Particularly can use a lot of help on OL/DL. Other than as many "FARK ND" statements as we wish to share, let's try to keep this thread to play analysis.
Just from what I've already casually watched without note taking, here are some initial thoughts I may or may not take back after I watch them like a lunatic whose family is being held hostage:
- I don't like how the game sets up for us right now, but if I felt better about our defensive preparation, I'd think we could go in there and win by double digits because their defense has some vulnerabilities at the moment, and I believe Mensah wears a wizard hat when we're prepared offensively
- ND's dink and dunk approach (or so it seemed on casual watches) is actually a bad matchup for our Back 7 chaos/confusion and poor tackling. So, sure, if those things randomly change this week, that helps, but if we stick to pattern, especially what we saw come together for UNC, I hate it for us.
- Their DT situation, depending on Brewu, is an immediate concern for me. They have 4 functional DTs and a couple who can plant directly over RR's nose and dictate some things. That guy is a transfer from Oregon, #0 (I think last name Gray). But, the guy who I think we should keep an eye out given our particular tendencies and weaknesses is their #88. Especially if Brewu is out. He makes splash plays in small spurts and ND likes to move around quite a bit. The 4th, Onye, went out against Navy, but I have no idea if he'll be back for them or not. Together, I think they present more problems than we've seen.
- Their #5, primary EDGE who stands out, Traore, I suspect will give us problems to address. If I were them, I'd move him around and give him looks against Mccoy. I think we handled Clemson's EDGE well, but we'll see about this guy.
- Their DBackfield has injuries. Theyre down a high level Safety. They're down their #2 Corner (Mckinney). I don't know if Moore played against Navy. With a conservative view, I'll guess he plays against us, but may be banged up? Not sure. They are definitely an injury away from some trouble in the secondary.
- No need to go too deeply on Leonard Moore. He's an elite prospect. If he is healthy, I suspect he'll shadow Mali *when Mali lines up outside.* So, those formations we've used where we isolate Mali in order to manipulate a Safety over his top and get numbers on the other side of the field? I'm very curious if ND gives Moore the chance to lock him up in isolation. I'd still give Mali a shot, especially with in-breaking stuff, or I'd happily take numbers on the other side.
- Christian Gray #29 for them is back. In what I've watched, he doesn't look as vulnerable as he did last year, but I'll watch closer for notes. He's their primary Nickel and was extremely grabby when I watched him last year. Even as a 17 year old, Mali gave him problems. I want to see more whip route opportunities for Toney. Bring them back this game.
- ND is down potentially one or two top LBs. Bowen, their defensive playcaller, as far as I know, went down against Navy. I'd be surprised if he's back. The other dude, Viliamu-Asa, I think was rested against Navy to nurse a hand/thumb injury. I think he'll play against us, and he's talented.
I'll get more in on their offense as I watch plays. Again, here to learn. Not to argue and get into nonsense. LFG.
As usual, I don't really get into feelings and random projections based on intangible things (the atmosphere, the energy, the leadership of our/their staff, blah blah). I try to watch plays and base opinions on plays I've seen or project. I like talking about plays and learning from others. Particularly can use a lot of help on OL/DL. Other than as many "FARK ND" statements as we wish to share, let's try to keep this thread to play analysis.
Just from what I've already casually watched without note taking, here are some initial thoughts I may or may not take back after I watch them like a lunatic whose family is being held hostage:
- I don't like how the game sets up for us right now, but if I felt better about our defensive preparation, I'd think we could go in there and win by double digits because their defense has some vulnerabilities at the moment, and I believe Mensah wears a wizard hat when we're prepared offensively
- ND's dink and dunk approach (or so it seemed on casual watches) is actually a bad matchup for our Back 7 chaos/confusion and poor tackling. So, sure, if those things randomly change this week, that helps, but if we stick to pattern, especially what we saw come together for UNC, I hate it for us.
- Their DT situation, depending on Brewu, is an immediate concern for me. They have 4 functional DTs and a couple who can plant directly over RR's nose and dictate some things. That guy is a transfer from Oregon, #0 (I think last name Gray). But, the guy who I think we should keep an eye out given our particular tendencies and weaknesses is their #88. Especially if Brewu is out. He makes splash plays in small spurts and ND likes to move around quite a bit. The 4th, Onye, went out against Navy, but I have no idea if he'll be back for them or not. Together, I think they present more problems than we've seen.
- Their #5, primary EDGE who stands out, Traore, I suspect will give us problems to address. If I were them, I'd move him around and give him looks against Mccoy. I think we handled Clemson's EDGE well, but we'll see about this guy.
- Their DBackfield has injuries. Theyre down a high level Safety. They're down their #2 Corner (Mckinney). I don't know if Moore played against Navy. With a conservative view, I'll guess he plays against us, but may be banged up? Not sure. They are definitely an injury away from some trouble in the secondary.
- No need to go too deeply on Leonard Moore. He's an elite prospect. If he is healthy, I suspect he'll shadow Mali *when Mali lines up outside.* So, those formations we've used where we isolate Mali in order to manipulate a Safety over his top and get numbers on the other side of the field? I'm very curious if ND gives Moore the chance to lock him up in isolation. I'd still give Mali a shot, especially with in-breaking stuff, or I'd happily take numbers on the other side.
- Christian Gray #29 for them is back. In what I've watched, he doesn't look as vulnerable as he did last year, but I'll watch closer for notes. He's their primary Nickel and was extremely grabby when I watched him last year. Even as a 17 year old, Mali gave him problems. I want to see more whip route opportunities for Toney. Bring them back this game.
- ND is down potentially one or two top LBs. Bowen, their defensive playcaller, as far as I know, went down against Navy. I'd be surprised if he's back. The other dude, Viliamu-Asa, I think was rested against Navy to nurse a hand/thumb injury. I think he'll play against us, and he's talented.
I'll get more in on their offense as I watch plays. Again, here to learn. Not to argue and get into nonsense. LFG.
