Hold Your Mud
posted by Mike Coffey
Someone used that phrase on the boards today, and I resolved to add it to my lexicon. And it's applicable now, because given the events and my writings of the last couple days, I want to make sure an important point doesn't get lost here.
I still want Charlie Weis to succeed.
I have no reason to dislike the man personally. I've had two interactions with him in the four years he's been on the job, and both have been (at the very least) cordial. I've got no dog in any hunt for his failure, as I've no reason to gloat or personal scores to settle.
I have no reason to dislike the man professionally. As I've said numerous times, his work ethic laps the combined efforts of his two predecessors. He certainly has more of a personal connection to the school than Davie or Willingham did, and if I can't root for a member of the Family to succeed, what's the point?
That's what makes this all so hard. There's nothing I'd like more than for Charlie to get this turned around. I just can't see my way clear to predicting it with any reasonable certainty.
Next season is shaping up to be a very good one. With the recruits coming in and the talent on hand, we should be incredible on offense. Weapons at both the WR and RB position, with the TE contributing both in the blocking and attacking modes, and two five-star QB's to get the ball to them. The one thing that can stop it is if the OL continues to grossly underperform.
Defense looks to be improved as well. The young turks in the front seven will be seasoned and ready to contribute. Walls will be back from his missing year, making a strong position (DB) even stronger. If the backfield and front seven can stay on the same page, this may be the strongest defense ND has had since Davie left.
The schedule is favorable, with only four true road games, and one of those at Stanford. Nevada is tough, but not so tough they should give ND a game. Michigan is still rebuilding. MSU and BC lose a lot of their good players from this season and will have to come to South Bend, and Purdue and Washington will have both talent issues and will be breaking in new coaches. Wazzu set futility records this year, Navy is one more year removed from Paul Johnson, and Pitt and Stanford are Pitt and Stanford. On paper, Southern Cal is the true question mark, and after four top-10 recruiting classes in a row, we're as prepared as we're ever going to be to give them a game, particularly at home.
These are the kinds of opportunities great Notre Dame teams of the past have taken advantage of. These are the kinds of seasons great Notre Dame coaches have used to build their legacy.
The question becomes: What will Charlie and this team do?
I want to predict great things. But I look back on the last four seasons and see critical problems not addressed. Our running game has looked average at best, and awful the last two years. The OL is not in sync and is not tough. The S&C program leaves a lot to be desired, as our players look neither strong nor quick. And Charlie is still trying to figure out, as he called it, "this head coaching thing".
The 2009 season is hanging out there like a big ol' eephus pitch, just begging to be knocked out of the park. Those opportunities don't come around every season, and we haven't had a good swing in over 15 years. I don't know if my psyche can take it if we not only miss the ball, but end up turned around in the dirt.
I want Charlie to succeed, and if he does, I'll be happy for him. But if he doesn't, that's going to be it, for both him and for Jack.
I still want Charlie Weis to succeed.
I have no reason to dislike the man personally. I've had two interactions with him in the four years he's been on the job, and both have been (at the very least) cordial. I've got no dog in any hunt for his failure, as I've no reason to gloat or personal scores to settle.
I have no reason to dislike the man professionally. As I've said numerous times, his work ethic laps the combined efforts of his two predecessors. He certainly has more of a personal connection to the school than Davie or Willingham did, and if I can't root for a member of the Family to succeed, what's the point?
That's what makes this all so hard. There's nothing I'd like more than for Charlie to get this turned around. I just can't see my way clear to predicting it with any reasonable certainty.
Next season is shaping up to be a very good one. With the recruits coming in and the talent on hand, we should be incredible on offense. Weapons at both the WR and RB position, with the TE contributing both in the blocking and attacking modes, and two five-star QB's to get the ball to them. The one thing that can stop it is if the OL continues to grossly underperform.
Defense looks to be improved as well. The young turks in the front seven will be seasoned and ready to contribute. Walls will be back from his missing year, making a strong position (DB) even stronger. If the backfield and front seven can stay on the same page, this may be the strongest defense ND has had since Davie left.
The schedule is favorable, with only four true road games, and one of those at Stanford. Nevada is tough, but not so tough they should give ND a game. Michigan is still rebuilding. MSU and BC lose a lot of their good players from this season and will have to come to South Bend, and Purdue and Washington will have both talent issues and will be breaking in new coaches. Wazzu set futility records this year, Navy is one more year removed from Paul Johnson, and Pitt and Stanford are Pitt and Stanford. On paper, Southern Cal is the true question mark, and after four top-10 recruiting classes in a row, we're as prepared as we're ever going to be to give them a game, particularly at home.
These are the kinds of opportunities great Notre Dame teams of the past have taken advantage of. These are the kinds of seasons great Notre Dame coaches have used to build their legacy.
The question becomes: What will Charlie and this team do?
I want to predict great things. But I look back on the last four seasons and see critical problems not addressed. Our running game has looked average at best, and awful the last two years. The OL is not in sync and is not tough. The S&C program leaves a lot to be desired, as our players look neither strong nor quick. And Charlie is still trying to figure out, as he called it, "this head coaching thing".
The 2009 season is hanging out there like a big ol' eephus pitch, just begging to be knocked out of the park. Those opportunities don't come around every season, and we haven't had a good swing in over 15 years. I don't know if my psyche can take it if we not only miss the ball, but end up turned around in the dirt.
I want Charlie to succeed, and if he does, I'll be happy for him. But if he doesn't, that's going to be it, for both him and for Jack.
Labels: charlie weis, notre dame football
45 Comments:
If everyone wants to know how we will do next year here is how we will know for sure: Whatever El Kabong predicts will be wrong.
He was wrong about ND getting Kelly, he is wrong every single time on probabilities of teams winning, and he predicted Weis would not be coming back. He knows how to write and i'll give him that but his predictions are only good in we are living in the bizarro world.
So please El Kabong predict ND's record next year so i can mortgage my house and bet everything against your prediction.
Biggest lock of all time.
I love this site for the daily links, but OMG I hope no potential recruit, no current student athlete, nor any current (or future) coach ever reads it. The spew that fills the lines of comments is disgusting. ND is truely a love/hate place, but the spinning of oppinions is amazing. To go from savior in years 1 and 2 to bum in years 3 and 4 shows the lack of understanding of college football today. I believe in Weis, and our young yet developing players, and now can't wait for you to tuck your tail next year. Way to start hedging your bets early...really early. If we win 10 games next year you should never post again. - SPH ND'90
With Weis as coach, count on at least 4 losses, potentially to include Stanford. As for USC being a question, what a joke. Count on another embarassment. Beating UM twice in a row is unlikely too. Our AD took the safe route because no other options were obviously available - the search for the next head coach has quietly begun. And after Weis turns a Florida quality roster into a Berkeley quality (or worse) record, they will pull the plug. Part of this decision is our restoring the "5 year" standard. That's coaching. As for our "5 star" starting QB -- this isn't high school. He's started more games than most of his contemporaries and, guess what, he has been revealed to be... average. We need an enema.
Good piece. I think it really comes down to the OL play. Is it really that simple? Well, that old piece about "for the want of a nail, the shoe was lost...the horse was lost...the rider was lost...the battle was lost" comes to mind. When the blocking isn't good enough to make a yard on 3rd and 1, 4th and 1, etc., etc., the whole offense can unravel in a hurry, like a set of dominoes.
How in the world was our o-line so weak this year and more importantly, how can it be fixed by next September? coaching, scheme, player development.
After watching our inability to convert soooo many 3rd and 3's, 2's and 1's this season, all success next really hinges on fixing that. right?
Vince from CA
I am glad to see the AD and ND made the decision to bring CW back. Many of you believe there was a decision to be made. Truth is, this was probably just to stop all the rumors and negative affect it would have on recruiting. Charie Weis was coming back next year anyway, I'm glad too. However, I do think strides must be made. I will support the ND Coach and team, but not blindly, stides have to be made, and they will be. I believe, if anything at all, the press release from Swarbrick was to put other parts of the football program on notice, like the OL coach. There is too much telant their to just waist the way it has been. The OL has gone backwards since 2005, and that is why I believe that a position coach change is a must.
Someone stated that the Stregnth and Conditioning Coach as well must go. Maybe, but again position coaches are responsible to get their players in shape and the position to make plays. Some change is coming, but for all you doomsdayers out there, it won't be CW, and I for one am glad.
All this talk is nice but i've got the answers to all of our problems.
Charlie needs to put in the old game tapes from the late 80's and early 90's and show these kids what the problem is and this is it.
We have lost our "Nasty" intentions. Our offensive line needs to punish the guy in front of him on every play.By the 4th qtr that kid should be dreading another run call. On defense our goal should be to knock the hell out of who ever touches the ball on every play so by the 4th qtr their hoping their number's not called.Our problem is simple were
'SOFT". Charlie needs to tell these kids you either knock the hell out of someone on every snap or you sit your ass on the bench and watch somebody who will.Until the "Nasty" comes back to notre dame I'm afraid this is about as good as were gonna get.
standing behind whatever the pasty faced dungeon and dragon potsy webber dren wannabees that "blog" here more than embarasses the institution. if i was from somewhere else and read any of you all's tyraids and whinings i would not want to be around.. period
How can you say Jimmy is average? Have you watched ND games this year? He has a hell of an arm, looks the part of a QB and is getting better. HE'S A SOPHOMORE YOU IDIOT! God, people on these sites are simply stupid...the kid has improved from last year, almost 3,000 yars, 20tds and 18ints is pretty good for a 2nd year starter..still two more years to improve, he makes every throw with ease...does he make mistakes yes but good lord, he's 20 years old, he's going to, give me a break, go back to sleep!
I've lost a lot of confidence in Weis, however, I too hope he's the guy for us for many years to come. But he needs key replacements in his staff, period. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
But overall, we all need to chill.
SPH ND'90,
The lack of understanding football? 1-16 against .500 teams, no first downs until mid 3rd quarter against your biggest rival, shut out by BC, players playing with no emotion, players performing worse as the years go on, young talent "developing", I hope your joking...
If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times. You have to run the ball effectively to win at any level. You do not have to run a certain amount of times but it has to be efficient. Running the ball is all about one thing: ATTITUDE. With that said I believe giving CW year 5 was the proper thing to do at this moment in time. Hopefully the young fresh and soph talent matures next year.If not it will get nasty around here.
I was with you until the analysis of the schedule.
Why is there any reason to think we will be better than MSU and BC next year? No matter who is on their rosters?
MSU and BC are better programs than us right now. Better coaching for sure. At best, each of these games is 40/60 win-loss prop.
Until we take a hard, realistic look at where we fit in the college football universe, we will continue to be disappointed by the results.
Chalking up wins against teams that currently own ND is no way to go through life son.
Hey Anonymous - Since you're taking a big swing at El Kabong, how about you use your name, or at least a NDNation handle? El Kabong puts his name on everything he writes. Quit hiding behind the curtain.
sHopefully our cornerbacks back-pedal better next year. Can you imagine how barren our rainforests would be if every columnist wrote a "Wait a minute, it's not personal" column following a slam-piece?
I'm sure Charlie is thrilled that the author has no reason to dislike him personally. Now he can really focus on recruiting and turning the program around.
Thanks for putting us all at ease.
I'm glad to see an article pointing out some of the positive things about Charlie. The last two seasons have been disappointing, but as you say, the guy has busted his tail to make this work, particularly in recruiting. Charlie doesn't try to use Notre Dame's academic standards as an excuse not to perform well in this aspect of the job, he just gets after it, even after the tough loss to SC last week. Also, unlike Davie or Ty, Charlie is someone who bleeds Notre Dame blue and gold and wants to be here for the long haul. Further, the guy has shown a willingness to change his approach/shake up the coaching staff to try and improve the team. The acquisitions of Tenuta and Brown have certainly solidified the defense. But, his major problem is that he does seem a bit overly committed to some grossly underperforming assistants (Latina, to name one) on the offensive side of the football. Hopefully, Charlie recognizes this and does something aggressive this offseason to remedy the situation. If the O-line continues to play poorly, that will be the crucial factor that ultimately undermines his tenure at Notre Dame.
Ultimately, I'm rooting for Charlie. For those that say he's not a leader, I have a lot of respect for how he's stood tall in the face of adversity this year, even after having his leg damaged to such a severe level in the second game of the season. Not to be overly dramatic, but he could have taken the easy way out by undergoing surgery mid-season, something that might have resulted in him misssing a few games, and would have probably provided him with a free pass to come back for a 5th year. However, he's toughed it out and not made a big deal out of it, because he felt he needed to be there for his players. So, if you ask me, I think the guy has shown leadership, and I'm sure the players notice that.
Finally, I disagree with the assertion that Charlie's ultimate success or failure dictates Swarbrick's future. Swarbrick's decision to bring back Charlie for Year 5 was a sound, rational decision. I'm glad Notre Dame is not going to let media members bully them into making a change. Even if Charlie disappoints next year and is let go, it was stil the right decision. Unlike with Ty, you can afford to wait to see how things play out in this case because the pipeline of talent is being stocked. Coaching changes need to be handled with care, due diligence, and in a low-profile, non-panicked manner. Given the short amount of time he's been here, and having no real opportunity to thoroughly evaluate other candidates, Swarbrick made the right call. At the very least, he'll now have the opportunity to do those things if he decides to make a change down the road. Coaching changes made to appease the angry masses without doing due diligence are how bad hires like Willingham and O'Leary are made. I'm glad Swarbrick had the guts not to fall into that pattern. Go Irish!
some of you people act like if we win 10 games next year that it proves chuck is great. ND plays nobody next year except for USC. Same as this year. ND football is not about cracking the top 25 and being satisfied. The great programs are in it every year and when they have a down year they are ranked 10 - 15. I hope I am wrong but I just do not see him ever getting us in the hunt for the national championship.
To Anonymous 12:11 AM
El Kabong rarely (if ever) speaks in absolutes, so I don't see where you get off saying he is making all these predictions that we should bank on. Did you even read the article? He said he WANTED to make a favorable prediction in support of Weis, but he stopped short of that because history has indicated that that wouldn't be a wise move.
FYI...there were reasonable and reliable sources saying ND was taking a hard look at Brian Kelly for a replacement to Weis.
Wow Mr. Coffey, looks like you've done an about face from your "What Idiots Hired this Guy" blog from the other day.
It almost seems like some one asked you to tow the company line. Nice.
Neveda not giving us a game? Um didn't think The San Diego State would either.
Defense is better? Against a lesser standard, not hard to have better numbers. We didn't play anyone. MSU, Purdue, Stanford, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Navy, Syracuse, and USC all put three touchdowns on us. We'll I guess compared to last year's 4 and 5 touchdowns, it was better.
And possibly your dumbest statement of all "and after four top-10 recruiting classes in a row, we're as prepared as we're ever going to be to give them a game, particularly at home."
We were best prepared with Ty's recruits in 2005. We will lose by at least 21 points to USC.
Wish you had just stuck to your guns and note succumbed to the University. I actually had a little respect for you.
after reading this piece and many others like it, I often wonder why no one mentions Ron Powlus. am i the only person that threw up when he was named QB coach. i know there are others on Charlies staff that should be replaced, but Ron Powlus should be the very first to go.
When the stock market starts rallying again, ND will start rallying!
I like CW too and want him to succeed...but...I see nothing that makes believe he will be successful. If I...if we can see....that his OL is his real problem with the offense and has been for two years....why can't he. It makes no sense. They can't block and can't pass protect against better than average teams. It is obvious. Nt tough and strong enough. Maybe they just don't have the talent nor the coaching but I suspect it is the latter.
Guaranteed...if CW does not make dramatic changes on the OL...he will be terminated next year. If he loves ND...wants to be successful...wants to stay....my suggestion is that someone who knows him....can get to him....had better tell him now....how to fix it...and....to fix it. Otherwise...it is over. I really can't believe we are having to discuss this. It is so simple. Tell him to call Doctor Lou and get Doctor Lou to help him find the help he needs on the OL coaching.
There are other problems...but they can't move the ball because of the OL. This is elementary and is why I don't think CW is a head coach. Not anywhere...and certainly not at ND. I hope he proves me wrong. Obviously...he is learning as he goes. How tragic is that?
Two things. They made the right choice to retain Charlie to preserve the recruiting class. That was smart and the right decision. Second, as you point out, next season hinges entirely on the production of the OL. If we run for 125 a game, we're golden. This makes every other facet of the team way better. And I assume if we run for 125 a game, Jimmy will have time in the pocket. I hope Charlie's figured out this is his achilles heel which is the linch-pin to next season's success. So far there's no indication he has.
NDNation:
Take a cue from what SOLERA said. Require all posts on NDNation to show a NAME or NDNATION HANDLE.
USC is a "question mark" for next year? The only question is whether ND will find a way to score a touchdown given the total combined score of 76-3 the last 2 games. Give me a break. A DII school could have found a way to get a first down before ND did. Question mark? Did you see the game? Come on. We didn't belong on the same field as USC, wait, make that the same universe. I said it after the San Diego State game and I'll say it again now, there is something terribly wrong with this team, and that something is coming back next year.
I am not convinced that Weiss has the ability to motivate college athletes, but given the recruiting classes and the financial consequences of removing him, I believe another year is in order.
With regard to potential recruits being turned off by posts on this and similar forums, that is just plain crazy. Would it be better if people did not spew so venomously? Yes. Should people use some restraint and reflection before saying whatever first pops in their mind? Yes.
But being an alumnus of ND and a large SEC football school, these sorts of rants occur almost everywhere -- "almost" because problems don't exist and fans don't rant when you are winning. I would like to think ND fans are better than most, but they are not. So any blue chip recruit that reads this board is going to read the same sort of whining and accusations of incompetence that the recruit will read on every other board.
From Swarbrick's comments in the SBT today one could infer that CW's contract and buyout clause have been restructured. If so, a good and needed move. Swarbrick appears to be pretty slick and definitely up to the job. He certainly faked everyone out on the alleged Dec. 8 meeting.
This article is so eerily similar to the general concensus about this team for THIS season that it scares me to death.
THIS year was supposed to be the year of the maturing recruit, the improved offense, the raw but agressive defense, and of course, the weak schedule.
That was this year. Yeah dude, this year!
Here's the indicator. If we are sputtering on offense against San Dieg...er, I mean Nevada and need a game saving forced fumble/questionable call to win the game...it's going to be a horror show.
I never post on these sites and while after I post this, I'll probably never check back because I use these sites for the information about the team. My whole family is ND, family members of mine have won national championships and been All-Americans and the nonsense that goes on with the fans, alums or not, is just obscene.
Everyone has a "reliable" source and everyone is "in the know" and yet you're all wrong. It's an absolutely joke that you all spit so much venom at a coach that has taken a program to 3 bowls in 4 years, two of them BCS. While this past season wasn't up to high expectations, after a 3-9 season 6-6 should not shock anyone.
It's unfortunate that the running jokes around cities across the country about the arrogance of ND alums and how they are so pompous and feel entitled is truly shining through when so many of you are ready for Charlie to fail so you can scream for his head even louder after the 2009 season. The majority, not all, of ND grads and fans give ND a bad name and it's truly a shame since it is a special, special place.
I hope that you all rally around Charlie Weis, because for now he is your football coach and with a fairly easy schedule and an experienced team, 10-2 is easily within our reach. For those of you who want a coach who went 9-3 in the Big East, see Rich Rod and tell me how Big East success works at a big time program. Charlie is the same coach who broke the scoring record and yardage record but you all tend to forget that because ND feels as if they are still relevant in NCAA football when in actuality, with all the parity and TV coverage, it doesn't mean what is used to.
Charlie has his depth that he's been working so hard to build, and surely he will have a new O Line and other offensive coaches to lead us to a successful season in 2009. I hope all of you angry people out there take a step back and deep breath because just because you put on the gold helmets, doesn't mean you win 10 games every year.
Support your coach, support your school, and for all of the recruits and families who are looking at Notre Dame, it is truly a special place to be. I am embarrassed by the attitude and behavior of the people on these boards and hope that you all take a look in the mirror and realize who and what you represent.
You and Mike Golic are a perfect match for each other.
You both belong to the "Notre Dame Apologist Club", apparently.
At least you're showing your true colors. Golic has been an Apologist for Weis since day one, but you here at the nation seem to love to lead the lynch mob until the university makes it clear he's coming back, at which point you slip into apologist mode and start hating the (correct) Weis haters you incited in the first place.
How is life straddling the fence? Like the view?
1. QB does not appear to be a leader of the troops on or off the field. I watch other games and the QB is the biggest cheerleader of his offense and defense coming off the field. Great talent does not make a great football player in college where emotion is a large factor. He'll play on Sunday (maybe) but until he becomes a team player we won't win decisively at ND.
2. The offensive coaching doesn't exist during the games. Again watching the teams that win, their offensive coaches have them huddled and talk about the game as it is going on...they don't wait until they study films. It was said earlier....hit someone until the whistle blows or sit on the bench. We need new coaches on offense...it doesn't matter whether these men are good or bad...they don't get the players attention enough to develop them...it is their responsibility to do so.
3. The defense is responding nicely and I expect they will be much better next year if they don't have to play 65% of the time.
4. My read of the AD's comments, tells me that Charlie knows he is on a short leash and next year will be the one to determine his future at Notre Dame. His recruiting is above excellent so it all comes down to his selection of assistant coaches...who do the player development...there should be some house cleaning now.
5. I believe Charlie loves ND and works hard...I also believe he needs to make his work more fun to him...quit being a pro coach and get emotional during the games. Praise when good things are done and chew out when mistakes are made..make the the players want to perform at peak levels. Kids who don't get immediate praise or punishment don't know how to respond. If you don't immediately tell them you don't like what they did, they will continue to preform the same way and they did. To get blessed out by your coach on National TV is not something they want their friends back home to see.
6. Good Luck to Charlie and the team next year.
OK, Mike. Program criticism does not come across as personal with your posting (as opposed to some anonymous commenters).
I agree. My biggest frustration is the offensive line. I think it is fundamentals. But I see it greater tahn that as well. How many times did you see a screen with 3 blockers out in front and a single defender run right by Olsen to make the tackle and he did not attempt a block. I am picking on him, perhaps unfairly, because I have seen him like this numerous times. I do not think that is all fundamentals. I feel like yelling "Just hit somebody, anybody!!!"
Something in that scenario is more than fundamentals. I think this problem is bigger than "Latina". He is part of it.
Not happy with defensive line recruiting either. We have lost too many high profile recruits. I understand that recruiting is hit & miss to a degree, but we are on the high side of this one.
Kudos to all the people who realize that our problems come from two GLARING issues:
1)Crappy O-line, Fat O-line, slow O-line.
Let's see how Mark Sanchez and Co. does with ND's O-line. I'm pretty sure Sanchez would be "average" too. I think any QB(Leinart and VY included) would be average with our O-line. I'm not saying Clausen is the guy, but he isn't getting a ton of help from his blockers. Clausen has shown a case of the grossman's in games like UNC, BC, and USC. He makes a bad play or throw, it can be tough for him to overcome....especially if we can't run the ball.
2) or 1a-John Latina still has a job. WHY??!! My pops just said he will not apply for season tickets if that guy has a job next year with ND.
Some of you morons should stop talking about the other things and start talking about these two problems(the ones that know football did). What will putting in the tapes from the 80's and 90's do besides showing them what it used to be like?? Maybe, instead the O-line could play better ,and we start showing that nastiness you are talking about. Hmmmmm??? If Weis has the brains like he says he does, he would consult Lou Holtz on how Joe Moore ran things(sans the spitting, hitting, and verbal abuse that was apart of Moore's nature) I should also point out that getting yelled at is apart of playing sports, and if these kids can't take it they should find something else to do.
Also....to that guy who says we need to find our place in the college football universe. Philosophy Major?? It is quite simple....our place in the CFU could look a lot better if you FIRE JOHN LATINA , and straighten out the O-line. How many times this year was Armando one block away from turning a 5 yard gain into a 35+ gain??(not lately of course) Quite a few if you were watching.
As far as I'm concered El Kabong can write what he wants. I would only bet against him as long as Latina is the O-line coach. Right??
One more thing....to the people who think we should have canned him. MORONS!!!!!!!!.....sure, lets lose next years class and maybe some of the freshman on the team so we can start over....AGAIN! WAKE UP!!
Nobody asked me to write anything. I still believe the team will win a maximum of eight games next year and Weis will be replaced.
I was simply tired of the distracting commentary about "you just hate Charlie Weis, why should we listen to you" stuff, and wanted to make sure my position was clear.
All these posts are great because they show the passion we have for success at ND. We all WANT Charlie to succeed, not just for the program, but for him as well.
I've seen the 'simple' solutions laid out- and I take note of all the folks who say we need the 'nasty' back. So be it, but being nasty doesn't help if you DON'T KNOW HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE! We need new position coaches to teach technique. To the post that said to watch the 80-90's film- you're right about the aggressiveness- but notice how it builds. First, you have to know what to do, then how to do it. Perfect Practice Makes for Perfect Performance (remember the 'nasty' that said that!)- I mean, that when all the above are present, you will play with the confidence we've been missing. You won't squander a 2 touchdown lead just because you lose the momentum for a while. You will continue to execute because you KNOW you are going to win.
We're missing the coaches to teach the fundamentals that develop the confidence we're missing. Age and experience help, but coaching still trumps it all. I remember past posts ('05-'07) where people were saying 'Charlie is too loyal to his assistants' and that we needed to replace some of them. Being in the business world, I can guess what Jack's and Charlie's conversation was like. I'd bet it was something like "Charlie, you're a great employee-loyal, hard working and dedicated, BUT you've surrounded yourself with sub-par talent. Now, either surround yourself with great coaches or I am going to find someone who will. Charlie, you're the boss, not the friend. Replace as necessary to save your butt, or your gone." Something like that. Isn't it odd that Kelley has 'not had any offers' yet? He's just waiting to see if Charlie can pull this off. If not, he'll have his hat in the ring before the end of next season- maybe even coaching the bowl game.
My first choice is for Charlie to succeed. He's stocked the cupboards too well to fail, but if it happens, bring in the nasty Irishman from Cincy.
So Charlie is hardworking. Great. He can;t get the job done!
Here's a question: if your ticker goes bad, what kind of surgeon do you want - a hard worker, or one who will get the job done?
Hey Anonymous at 11:51 --
Get off your high horse. It's one thing to be 6-6, and it's quite another thing to look like a football team that has no idea what it's doing out there. I watch most teams in the top 20 and they would absolutely destroy us. Boise State looks 1000 times better than us. Oklahoma, Texas, Florida (and we what USC would do), would all DESTROY us, embarass us, toy with us, make us look like a University of Chicago club team. I don't care about 6-6 -- heck, I picked us for 7-5 -- but if you've actually watched this team (have you?) you know that there is something seriously wrong here.
Future success will ONLY be found if the OL improves dramatically. These guys are absolutely the worst maybe in the history of college football. They have no speed or quickness, an extreme lack of technique, and they are not very tough. This is the rare combination that you can't even find at D3 schools. I actually feel sorry for them because they are so bad.
Anyway, I still root for them every saturday. I was at two games this year (Stanford and Navy) and to see these guys perform in person is much more clear than on TV. They actually look like they are trained to get out of the way!
We have fallen so far from the early 90s and I am pretty sure we never return to that level. I can only hope I am wrong.
I cannot think of any successful college football coach at a "major" program that regressed during his first four-year period of coaching. Good coaches do NOT show regression in their programs. They show continued improvement in the building of the staff and the competence of the players, even if the talent level is not always there. I do not believe that Weis has whatever it takes to be a successful head football coach at the college level. Ohio State and Nebraska both know the feeling and both did something to correct it.
Anyone notice that Tommy Tuberville of Auburn has taken a year off? Is he licking his chops at a chance to coach ND in '10?
I just want to point out that you said a tough nevada team. That's absolutely ridiculous. They have two wins against teams with winning records...and by winning record i mean 1 game over .500. they are in a weak conference and they themselves are 1 game over .500.
You are a fan of a team with 3 and soon to be 4 consecutive top ten recruiting classes in the country. The words "tough nevada team" should never come out of your mouth.
our offense is going to be incredible? delusional much?
No, I said the offense should be incredible. If they are not, it's an indictment of those who instruct them.
I also think the overall criticism of Weis has gone outside the bounds of professional and started getting personal. Let's remember this guy is supposed to be part of the ND family, and if we're going to start ripping apart one of our own, what does that say about us?
You say next year could be "very good." Clueless Jack says he's looking to ensure future "sucess." What exactly do those mealy-mouthed terms mean? Not too long ago, those terms could mean only one thing -- national championship. Anything else was unacceptable for Notre Dame. Sadly, you and Clueless Jack (and many other ND fans) now appear to suffer from the beaten wife syndrome and think 9 or 10 wins (in years 4 and 5 and thereafter) would be very good or "success." Maybe for some schools it is, but it should never be so for ND. These types of lowered expectations are what have given the administration the confidence to continue with this unacceptable coaching situation.
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