UGLY

On the way home from Shamrock Jack’s after the game, the Rolling Stones were on the radio and Mick Jagger put things in perspective - “You can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need”.   The Irish got the win but it was ugly.  I have never been so upset and frustrated after a Notre Dame win.  Last year in a game like this, one they should have won relatively easily, I said that the Irish are playing to the level of their opponents, but on Saturday they were just bad.  Not to take away anything from Pittsburgh; they had a great game plan and played well.

There were some good plays, like Jonas Gray’s big touchdown run, but I wouldn’t say he had a great game.  The score itself was ugly..15-12 just sounds awkward.  Notre Dame’s first touchdown was off of a one play drive that took all of 14 seconds.  I was glad to have the points but flashes of greatness don’t beat real good teams.  After Gray’s 79-yard TD run he only gained five more yards on two more carries.

The only two players I would say had a good game were Wood and Eifert.  Wood dropped his average, running the ball 23 times for 96 yards, but his running showed heart and effort, something I don’t see in many Irish players.  Cierre gained that extra half yard needed several times on Saturday, thanks to his effort and toughness.

Eifert had eight catches for 75 yards and one very big touchdown.  Not only was the touchdown impressive and needed, but his play on that drive, getting popped in the kidney/ribs and staying in the game put the offense on his shoulders.

I am starting to second guess some of Brian Kelly’s coaching.  He opens his post game press conference by saying “Well, good win for us.” Really? Good win?  He made it sound as if it was resiliency and patience that won this game. He patted himself on the back for making second half adjustments.  What adjustments?  His underwear?   Kelly says, “I like the way we compete.” Does he also like mediocrity?

I’ll admit there was no quit in this team but there was no killer instinct either.  Brian Kelly talked to his team at halftime and after the game about the will to win.  I saw a desperation (to be fair by both teams) not to lose.  There were a lot of guys who had good plays: Gray (obviously), Ben Turk (47 yard punt/good but not great), Shembo (sack), Tuitt (nice tackle at the nose), Floyd (fantastic first catch) Atkinson (36 yard kickoff return).  There needs to be more consistency and better mental play and execution (8 for 87 yards).  In the first half the Irish had a fumble, an interception and a missed field goal.

Grades:

Quarterback: C, I thought Rees might actually get pulled.  He needs to stop turning the ball over.

Running Backs: C+, Wood needs to be the 100 yards rusher, Gray needs more touches and Atkinson needs to get some time.

Receivers: C-, Some of this is on Rees and the play calling.

Offensive line: C, Stop the penalties, be more consistent and be the talent on the field they are on paper.

Defensive line: C, Solid at the line of scrimmage, the D-line needs to get more pressure on the quarterback, they should get some credit for the linebacker sacks.

Linebackers: B, Better pass protection this week, good pressure on the quarterback and decent job stopping Graham.

Defensive backs: C-, Still subpar, turning their backs to the ball.

Special teams: D+, Missed field goal, one punt return for 1 yard, if not for Atkinson’s returns and Brindza’s kickoffs, it’s an F

Coaching: D, this team is still not mentally prepared for games.