Maryland at ND Breakdown
Image from: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Overall (Grade A-)
It took me a few minutes to get used the images being shown on the screen. It was a bit distracting. I was not the only one. My better half, not knowing what the new helmets and uniform looked like, provided her own commentary, “Wait, the facemask and the rest of uniform don’t match.” This brings us to to my next point.
I am ok with different uniforms, colors, throwbacks, etc. It is the next wave of tools used in recruiting. I get it and I think it would be somewhat cool to see. But, Notre Dame can do it using a bit more discretion, common sense, class and better execution. This version was clearly a marketing ploy (aka money grabber). Also, make a stand or apply consistent standards. If Notre Dame keeps yapping about how the gold helmets are a representation of the dome, blah, blah…and then they show those ugly versions, then something is not consistent. Are the helmets a representation of the Golden Dome or just a part of the uniform that can be used for ‘enhancements’. I believe it cannot be both. My vote is to keep the helmets untouched (current shiny version is pretty good), and leave the rest for the Adidas to make some money on.
Now, back to the game.
It is November and you what that means? B. Kelly stops grab bagging and reverts back to what this team is built for, running the football. Maybe we can Jedi mind trick B. Kelly into thinking that it is always November and maybe ND will have a chance to lose 1 or 2 games a year.
This contest was a no contest. The Irish imposed their will and finished the Terrapins when they had the chance. One could not have asked for more. The running game was working perfectly. The passing game was a great compliment/weapon. The defense was stout against the run, the pass rush was good and S/T made significant improvements (except punt returns).
All in all, it was performance that we all knew Notre Dame was capable of. They have been on this consistent mode for 3 games. Let us hope that it continues through the bowl game!
Positives:
- Roby Toma. He is the perfect compliment to #3.
- RBs. Another great performance
- O-Line. Borderline elite
- D-Line. Stout against the run and solid in pass-rush
Negatives:
- Helmets. Enough said.
- T. Jones. I’m expecting more
- Punt return
The Bonehead Call(s) of the Day:
Stating the obvious. The helmets. Whose going to own up to this? Swarbrick? Adidas? Fr. Jenkins?
Offense (Grade A):
Tommy Rees (Grade B+): He had a solid game. He was put in a situation where he could be successful. He’s still a bit worrisome that eventually teams will figure out how to defend ND in the 0-20 yards. Can he stretch the defenses when it matters?
RBs (Grade A): Great performance by both RBs. Ran hard with great vision.
O-line (Grade A-): Gave up 3 sacks, but still a dominating performance.
WRs and TEs (Grade A): R. Toma emerged as a true slot WR. #3 looked a bit bored out there (he had a couple of drops), but still dominated. Eifert is just a stud. This is a position of worry if no one emerges to take Floyd’s place and Eifert leaves early.
Defense (Grade B+):
DL (Grade B+): The return of E. Johnson really helped shoring up the run defense. #19 is pretty good even when hurt. D. Fleming off the edge is unblockable at times.
LBs (Grade B-): The run defense is pretty good. They are good gap fillers. The passing defense leaves a lot to be desired. They all look very slow.
DBs (Grade B+): Solid outing. Lo Wood was opportunistic on the bad throw. There was good run support. They played a lot of soft coverage. There is another chance for redemption in 2 weeks.
Special Teams (Grade B+): The FG unit was solid. The punter has improved dramatically.
Coaching (Grade B+): They had the team prepared and able to close off an opponent. Another chance against a quality opponent comes in 2 weeks.
