Putting BYU behind us

The Irish did what they should have done two weeks ago, play up to their abilities and beat a team they were capable of beating.  The BYU game seemed to be everything that the Pitt game should have been.  Since we did not hang ourselves over the Pitt loss let’s not get too full of ourselves from the BYU win.  However let’s take this opportunity to reflect on what we saw and learned.

 Turf!  The field conditions on Saturday were embarrassing at best, especially with several weeks to prepare.  I know traditionalist want to keep natural grass in place however that is not particle anymore.  The grass used to be an asset (via Florida State 1993), now it seems to be a liability.  Brain Kelly is getting athletic players and the grass does not agree with speeders and quick cuts.  This also will hurt with recruiting.  Just like the Shamrock series uniforms it is not done for 40-70year old male fans it is done for 15-19 year old recruits and players.

Jarorn Jones gave hope to the future of the defensive line.  Coming to South Bend at nearly six and a half feet and 300lbs the size gave cause to drool but he did leave allot of questions after a redshirt freshman year.  With three years of eligibility left the sky could be the limit for this kid.

Keivarae Russell reappeared as a physical defensive back coming up to make some great tackles.

Kyle Brindza gained respect from lineman and linebacker alike going sleeveless on Saturday in very cold temperatures as a kicker.

The Irish faithful seemed forgive Tommy Rees for his past transgressions and chanted Tommy, Tommy form the student section after the game.

With one game to go in Notre Dame’s running game may have been figured out between McDaniel, Folston and Atkinson.  

Harry Hiestand has done a great will the two-deep on the offensive line: see Matt Hegarty and Steve Elmer.

For the fourth consecutive season the Irish will finish with at least eight wins, go to a bowl game and have won the Senior Day game.  (that has not happened in 20 seasons)

T.J. Jones could hand the wide receiver torch to DaVaris Daniels

Bad News; Nick Martin is gone for the season, Good News; Matt Hegarty seemed to fill in very well.

Even with Rees’s decent play against BYU he was under throwing receivers, one resulted in an interception in the end zone (ANOTHER RED ZONE INTERCEPTION).

When the Irish Defense play bend don’t break the results are good.  They surrendered only one touchdown on Saturday.

Jaylon Smith gained credit for honoring Danny Spond by wearing his number on Saturday.

Brain Kelly is confident in Kyle Brindza letting him kick and make a 51 yard field goal in the fourth quarter.