Shamrock Series

Oklahoma Review

The unranked Fighting Irish were defeated at home for the first time since 2011 after the Oklahoma Sooners won 35-21 last week. The Sooners capitalized on four Irish turnovers and never trailed in the game. I cannot remember the exact game but a few weeks ago I noted on Twitter that the Irish started a game brutally. Well, the beginning to game last week was even more horrible. On the first drive of the game, Tommy Rees threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. That is a huge momentum killer. The game just started. The players, fans and band are hyped up. Then a play like that occurs and it takes the gusto out of everybody. On the very next Irish possession, Rees throws another interception. Oklahoma pounced on their great field position and scored a touchdown. Just like that it’s 14-0 before anybody could even get settled in.

The Irish were able to close the gap two times and had the ability to tie the game. The first occurrence was in the second half right before halftime. The score was 14-7 and the Irish were in the red zone. A tie game right before halftime would even a game out that was completely mismatched at the beginning. Alas, that was too optimistic. Rees threw his third interception of the game and the Sooners were able to score a touchdown for themselves before halftime. In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame was within a touchdown again, trailing 27-21.  Momentum was building but the defense needed a stop. Well, that’s not going to happen with this team. Oklahoma scored a touchdown on a 54-yard pass. Game over. It also didn’t happen matters the LAST THREE Irish offensive possessions in the game were three-and-outs.

What is so agonizingly painful about this team is they have the talent to beat anybody but they lack in execution and fundamentals, especially the defense. I see it every game! The opposing offense makes a big play and our defensive backs put their hands up and look around trying to figure out what happened. Five games into the season, how can you not know your assignment? This is an experienced defensive backfield that supposedly did its growing up last season. That is not the case. However, the coaches need to shoulder the blame too. I saw at least five wide receiver screens run by Oklahoma’s offense. Why did we consistently play our cornerbacks so far off their receivers?

This is my final point before moving on. 22 teams in the AP Top 25 have had at least one bye week so far this season. The other three (Ohio State, Texas A&M, LSU) have played a FCS team. Notre Dame has not had a bye week or played a FCS team. What the Irish desperately need is a bye week. They need to refocus on the goals and take a week to regain composure. Brian Kelly and athletic director, Jack Swarbick, cannot let another season like this occur. Six tough games to start the season without a break is not acceptable when you expect to play for a national championship.

Keys to beating Arizona State

Run the ball- All I hear is how the Irish struggle to run the ball. I don’t agree for two reasons. First off, opposing defenses know Tommy Rees suck so they bring six, seven, and eight games in the box to stop the run. They want the Irish to pass. Second, the Irish don’t run the ball enough. I see it way too often. 2^nd & short and the Irish line up with five receivers and no running back. That is so asinine. Run the damn ball and get the first down.

More Andrew Hendrix- Hendrix made his 2013 debut last week as a “change of pace” quarterback. It’s time for him to get way more playing time. Everybody knows how to stop Rees. Everybody. Even the blind can stop Rees. The offense has become stagnant and predictable. Something has to change and that something can be the amount of playing time Hendrix gets.

Defense- This is a blanket statement. Everybody in every facet of the game needs to improve. The defensive line gets a partial pass but that’s it. Arizona State is the best offense Notre Dame has faced so far. The only way the Irish win this game is if they force punts and TURNOVERS. For the love of God, please get a turnover!

Predicted score: Arizona State- 34. Notre Dame-24.

Predictions

Last week I went 5-5 which brings my season record to 34-16. I underestimated the underrated Northern Illinois Huskies as well as their MAC brethren, the Ball State Cardinals.  The LSU Tigers fell to the Georgia Bulldogs in another SEC thriller. This week the schedule is just as juicy as last week.

#25 Maryland Terrapins at #8 Florida State Seminoles

Michigan State Spartans at Iowa Hawkeyes

Penn State Nittany Lions at Indiana Hoosiers

Ball State Cardinals at Virginia Cavaliers

Illinois Fighting Illini at Nebraska Cornhuskers

#24 Ole Miss Rebels at Auburn Tigers

#22 Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Arkansas Razorbacks at #18 Florida Gators

#4 Ohio State Buckeyes at #16 Northwestern Wildcats

#15 Washington Huskies at #5 Stanford