Halftime Review

At 4-2 just outside the top 25 rankings receiving votes with two loses in the first half of the season has been disappointing but still holds promise.  It could be worse but of course it should have been better.  Opening with a 28-6 win over Temple 2013 at least started with a victory but the Irish did not look like the team from last year.  The next four games showed Notre Dame being outplayed and our classed by Michigan and Oklahoma and basically doing what they needed to do to get by Purdue and Michigan State.  The Irish may have begun to hit their stride and turn the corner with its victory over Arizona State heading into the bye week and the second half of the season.

What we’ve learned; The Irish are out rushing their opponents (total yards 818 – 734, 4.3 – 3-8 yards per carry).  The defensive secondary is a weakness, giving up a total of 1513 total passing yards, over 252 yards per game, and 13 touchdowns through the air.  The punt return game has improved (there was no way it could have gotten worse) to 10.1 yards per return.  Backs are holding onto the ball as they only have one fumble on the year.  Mental mistakes are hurting the team with 41 for a total of 346 yards (57.7 a game).

Things that are still in question; is Tommy Rees (51.7 completion percentage averaging 249 yards a game, 13 touchdowns with 6 interceptions) be the quarterback to lead the Irish to a BCS Bowl?  Is the defense coming back to be a dominate force (10 sacks, 5 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles)?  Who is/will be number one at running back (Atkinson 56 carries – 345 yards, McDaniel 63 carries – 380 yards, Carlisle 38 carries – 184 yards and Folston 11 carries – 70 yards)?

First Half Awards

Team MVP – Kyle Brindza.  He could have made a few more field goals but he has hit some big ones.  Brindza has also been solid on kickoffs with 20 touchbacks on 34 kickoffs.  All while averaging  41.5 yards per punt.  Overall is has been the most constant and reliable on a team that has not.

Offense MVP – T.J. Jones.  Jones has become the go to guy for both Tommy Rees and Brian Kelly this season on the offensive side of the ball.  Solid route running and sure hands have gotten him 481 yards on 33 receptions (14.6 yards per catch) and 4 touchdowns.  (Honorable Mention - DaVaris Daniels)

Defense MVP – Louis Nix.  Nix may not be leading the team in tackles, sacks or fumble recovers but he is drawing double and triple team blocks and eating up space on every play opening up opportunities for others on the defense.   (Honorable Mention – Carlo Calabrese)

Rookie MVP – Jaylon Smith (Honorable Mention – Tarean Folston and Corey Robinson)

Biggest Surprise – Punt returns.  10.1 yards per return 2013 vs. 2.19 yards per return in 2012.

Biggest Disappointment – Defense.  Based on points scored should be enough said.