There was a lot to take in from Notre Dame’s 31-15 victory over Syracuse on Saturday night. The trouble lies in what was real and what was some insane magic mushroom ride. Obviously the game did not go quite according to Irish fans expectations. Seeing as how this “review” is a wee bit late, and so much has already been discussed, I’ll just point out a few things that I am taking away from the game on an individual basis )for those whose name doesn’t rhyme with “Molson”).
MATHIAS FARLEY NICKEL CHAMP
Is there an award for the best nickel back in the country? Well, there should be, and Mathias Farley is the reason. Four games into the season, and I think it is safe to say that Farley, who at one point was vastly overlooked in the spring and preseason after a poor 2013 season, has once again become one of the premier members of the Irish defense. Farley added 5 more tackles and an interception against Syracuse, and just as importantly (as he has done all season) added a very physical presence to a defensive scheme (nickel) that is “designed” to stop the finesse of an offense.
GREG BRYANT’S SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
I find it at least somewhat comical that after a year of people screaming for Greg Bryant to get more carries, he got thoroughly trashed by fans for his performance against Stanford. Bryant was wearing two gloves, but at times it looked as if he was wearing one shiny rhinestone glove. The game opening kickoff return from Bryant was only a sign of things to come as Greg danced around the holes rather than attacking them. But still… Greg Bryant had 11 carries for 55 yards. Hey, that’s 5.0 yards per carry, and last time I checked, that’s a fairly nice average. Yes, Bryant has some work to do and must put away the dancing shoes, but I refuse to burn him alive like some. Of course, this is the same fanbase that trashed GA3 for averaging over 6 yards a carry.
TIGHT END U STILL THERE?
After a long run of having a dominant tight end in the mix, Notre Dame is having a down year. This stretch goes back quite a long ways and includes names like Fasano, Rudolph, Eifert, and Carlson. With Ben Koyack, things just haven’t materialized as they have in the past. Against Syracuse, Koyack (the only tight end on the roster with a reception) had just 3 receptions for 16 yards. For the season, Koyack has 13 receptions for 113 yards and no touchdowns after 4 games. It makes me wonder if this is part of some crazy and secret plan of surprise for Stanford, or if the Irish are severely lacking at the position.
@TheSubwayDomer The difference Troy Niklas would make had he stayed.
— John Walters (@jdubs88) September 28, 2014
DEFENSIVE LINE OF SUCCESSION
I don’t think it would be an overstatement to say that the Notre Dame defense has played above most’s expectation level in 2014. The Irish defense is surrendering just 11.5 points a game (and an INT return for TD by the Orange away from being 9.75 points a game). This level of early season dominance is similar to that of the 2012 unit, but they are doing it without the pressure of a low-scoring offense. They did keep putting up a giant wall despite the 5 turnovers from the offense against Syracuse and quite frankly… this is one badass unit. Brian VanGorder knows defensive game-planning, and even with the suspensions and injuries, the Irish defense has been outstanding. Harder tests are in the future, but for now they are playing with fire and emotion while aggressively kicking ass. Yes… fist pumps upon fist pumps upon fist pumps.
OFFENSIVE LINE DUCK DUCK GOOSE
Despite all of the talk and all of the moves surrounding the offensive line, I didn’t see much of a difference at all. The only real surge up the middle during run plays came from strategy as the Irish offense was battering the perimeter with quick passes that opened up a few seams. Even then, it never looked as if the Irish run game was going to be anything more than just a change of pace from what they were doing in the air. As the season wears on, this is the biggest question mark. Bigger than the suspended 5.
MOVING ON
The Irish actually dropped a spot in one of the polls and sit at #8 in one and #9 in the other. What’s more, the Irish are a home underdog to the #14 ranked Stanford Cardinal. If there was ever a time to play the “go earn your respect” speech, the time is now Brian Kelly. The Cardinal are a physical football team and the biggest test for this Notre Dame football team this season. If Notre Dame wants “respect” they can do it by physically and emotionally beating the shit out of the Cardinal. Easier said than done, but a truth none the less.
