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Notre Dame On-Field Breakdown Thread

LuCane said:
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
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Lu,

Will Dawson go uptempo against Notre Dame due to all their injuries and communication issues they had against Byu? It may help us.This can be Dawson"s money game to get his first HC job.
 
CANEFAN83 said:
Lu,

Will Dawson go uptempo against Notre Dame due to all their injuries and communication issues they had against Byu? It may help us.This can be Dawson"s money game to get his first HC job.
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I never have any real idea what we’ll do. Lol. But, I would if I were him. I would honestly play ND exactly the opposite of what everyone seems to be suggesting. I think their zone is soft and frail. We have the most accurate passer in college football. I wouldn’t even worry about our RB blocking because I’d send them to the flat and on chip blocks and angle routes the entire game. Cover us and tackle. Go for it.
 
LuCane said:
I never have any real idea what we’ll do. Lol. But, I would if I were him. I would honestly play ND exactly the opposite of what everyone seems to be suggesting. I think their zone is soft and frail. We have the most accurate passer in college football. I wouldn’t even worry about our RB blocking because I’d send them to the flat and on chip and angle blocks the entire game. Cover us and tackle. Go for it.
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Are they playing zone this game? Been hearing lots of upset fans about Ash running it and whispers of Freeman wanting to run more man?
 
dccane06 said:
Are they playing zone this game? Been hearing lots of upset fans about Ash running it and whispers of Freeman wanting to run man?
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They can try. They’ve played it about 1/3 of the time this season and they’re down McKinney, likely a pass rushing DT, and a starting LB. They can try to simplify and plan more man under, and I’d absolutely welcome it, if I were Dawson. They have a very tall Safety who is solid in zone and actually tackles ok, but a mark if he gets in man or has to change direction. I’m in. If I were Dawson, I’d be amped up on adrenaline pulling all nighters.
 
LuCane said:
I never have any real idea what we’ll do. Lol. But, I would if I were him. I would honestly play ND exactly the opposite of what everyone seems to be suggesting. I think their zone is soft and frail. We have the most accurate passer in college football. I wouldn’t even worry about our RB blocking because I’d send them to the flat and on chip and angle blocks the entire game. Cover us and tackle. Go for it.
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I don't think they will play as much zone as you think. Freeman will play more man especially with Moore and nothing to lose in must win game. We have to get Lofton more touches and pound the rock with our backs.
 
CANEFAN83 said:
I don't think they will play as much zone as you think. Freeman will play more man especially with Moore and nothing to lose in most win game. We have to get Lofton more touches and pound the rock with our backs.
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Maybe, but he’s played a ton of zone with Moore in the lineup. Why? It’d be a change up from everything they’ve shown so far. I accept that is possible.
 
LuCane said:
They can try. They’ve played it about 1/3 of the time this season and they’re down McKinney, likely a pass rushing DT, and a starting LB. They can try to simplify and plan more man under, and I’d absolutely welcome it, if I were Dawson. They have a very tall Safety who is solid in zone and actually tackles ok, but a mark if he gets in man or has to change direction. I’m in. If I were Dawson, I’d be amped up on adrenaline pulling all nighters.
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I bet he’s going to have a few cookie jar plays (tendency breakers). It’s going to be a challenge for these guys to game plan defensively against us imo
 
LuCane said:
Maybe, but he’s played a ton of zone with Moore in the lineup. Why? It’d be a change up from everything they’ve shown so far. I accept that is possible.
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It’s been insinuated that freeman may take on the play calling and bring back more man. Lot of frustration with Ash’s heavy use of soft zone
 
CJ Carr is not who the media tells us he is and that will be exposed this weekend. One thing Mario has proven is, he knows how to have his teams ready to play against top ranked teams.

 
CANEFAN83 said:
David Lake makes a good point. We need to get pressure with our front four. If we don't it will get tough given our secondary problems. Go Canes!
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Tough task. They generally get the ball out too quickly. Our best bet is attacking their RG and getting our hands up to prevent or disrupt their short pass and screen games. They only rarely show deep, traditional drops. We haven’t blitzed the A gap as much as I’d like this season, and I think this is the game for it.
 
LuCane said:
Tough task. They generally get the ball out too quickly. Our best bet is attacking their RG and getting our hands up to prevent or disrupt their short pass and screen games. They only rarely show deep, traditional drops. We haven’t blitzed the A gap as much as I’d like this season, and I think this is the game for it.
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Letting Mensah be Mensah has indirect benefits. If our passing game comes out hot, both the lead and the moment will have CJ Carr's usually modest eyes drifting further down the field.
 
LuCane said:
I never have any real idea what we’ll do. Lol. But, I would if I were him. I would honestly play ND exactly the opposite of what everyone seems to be suggesting. I think their zone is soft and frail. We have the most accurate passer in college football. I wouldn’t even worry about our RB blocking because I’d send them to the flat and on chip blocks and angle routes the entire game. Cover us and tackle. Go for it.
Click to expand...
I’ve been saying the same since injury. If we line up and try to play bully ball it’ll be a quick night. You have a qb you paid big money for let him play his game. Business per usual. They’re expecting a conservative approach , I just don’t see us handling it that way. Yes run the ball just good enough to make the play action game effective. Lofton down the seams and VJ on go balls. Imo 25-30 carry’s for 100-125 is enough to do the job . Lastly stay out of third and longs. On defense the DO has to dominate rushing the passer and stopping the run. Allowing the back seven to get depth. I view it as a basketball game , avoid catastrophic turnovers and long runs.
 
Cribby said:
I’ve been saying the same since injury. If we line up and try to play bully ball it’ll be a quick night. You have a qb you paid big money for let him play his game. Business per usual. They’re expecting a conservative approach , I just don’t see us handling it that way. Yes run the ball just good enough to make the play action game effective. Lofton down the seams and VJ on go balls. Imo 25-30 carry’s for 100-125 is enough to do the job . Lastly stay out of third and longs. On defense the DO has to dominate rushing the passer and stopping the run. Allowing the back seven to get depth. I view it as a basketball game , avoid catastrophic turnovers and long runs.
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The biggest keys to this game weren't contingent on Mali. If we play physical (particularly on the line of scrimmage) and tackle, then we should win. Time to drag these fools to the dirt and bury them
 
Cribby said:
I’ve been saying the same since injury. If we line up and try to play bully ball it’ll be a quick night. You have a qb you paid big money for let him play his game. Business per usual. They’re expecting a conservative approach , I just don’t see us handling it that way. Yes run the ball just good enough to make the play action game effective. Lofton down the seams and VJ on go balls. Imo 25-30 carry’s for 100-125 is enough to do the job . Lastly stay out of third and longs. On defense the DO has to dominate rushing the passer and stopping the run. Allowing the back seven to get depth. I view it as a basketball game , avoid catastrophic turnovers and long runs.
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Easiest way to stay out of third and longs is to throw the ball early. And, i'm not talking bubbles and behind the line. I'm talking what we sort of did to Pitt: go up 6 yards and sit down. Mensah hits you. 2nd and 4.
 
LuCane said:
Easiest way to stay out of third and longs is to throw the ball early. And, i'm not talking bubbles and behind the line. I'm talking what we sort of did to Pitt: go up 6 yards and sit down. Mensah hits you. 2nd and 4.
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We’ve showed so many bubbles on film I’d like to see a pump and go screen action behind screen.
 
This is what I worry about, that Mario and Dawson go into a shell and try and go conservative without Mali instead of going right at them. In fact, I'd be shocked if they didn't try and bully ball them instead of letting Mensah go win this.
 
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