Blue Gold Game First Half Review

It looked like a beautiful day in South Bend for the game, or anything else for that matter.  Initial thoughts include; there looked like there were empty seats in the bleachers moved in for the game (probably invited individuals who have wondered down to the field level).  Brian Kelly is going for a new look with the goatee and I like it.

Going into this game we are looking for individual success in game like execution and of course no injuries.  Of course all eyes are on the quarterback play of Everett Golson and Malik Zaire.  Of course Kelly has to keep Golson engaged enough to keep him from transferring.

Again this was not a true scrimmage with two full teams.  Although I do not like the format used the scoring set up is better is better that recent years.  Brian Kelly had eluded to this issue earlier in the year saying they now had enough offensive lineman to make that work making me think that is might be a full scrimmage but apparently it was not the case.

Of course the commentators mistook the Kid 'n Play kick-step for an Irish jig.

TO no big surprise Golson gets the first set of reps in the game.  Of course I hope an offside's penalty by Steve Elmer is not a peak for things to come this season.

Folston got the first carry because he probably should be the number one running back sharing carries with Bryant and Prosise.

Golson looks good (not great) running the ball.  He looks better when he switches to pure instincts.  I am hoping it is because of the great play of the offensive line.

The defense did not look overly good on the first drive.

Durham Smythe, who releases very nicely into the flats  is probably not happy that Golson slips on the turf as Smythe was wide open for a touchdown.

DeShone Kizer looked good as the place holder for the extra point.  This was a problem last season.  I like to see a receiver with good hands but a quarterback adds an extra element of a fake or reacting if there is a problem with the exchange.

As good as Zaire looks running the ball he looks just as shaky throwing the ball.

I will ride Justin Brent (holding) because of his off the field escapades (dating porn stars) and because he has all the physical potential in the world.

Notre Dame is used to having players with famous family members, although most are sports related I don't think Jon Bon Jovi will be a big distraction with his son Jesse playing.

I am looking forward to Jay Hayes this year, he has added 20lbs and has personality.

I will also give credit to Justin Brent as earned; nice catch and run for a touchdown.

$400,000,000 construction project?  The largest construction project in Notre Dame history?  I guess I did not realize how big the scope of the project was.

I know there were a number of key coaching changes during the off season but when I saw them all together on the television screen it was a pretty big overhaul.  I do like to see former Irish football stars coming back to join the coaching staff; Autry Denson and Todd Lyght.

Amir Carlisle can't seem to get his career going in South Bend.  I have not counted him out by any means.  I look forward to seeing him return kicks but don't be surprised if he has a breakout season.

Tyler Newsome is already not going to be doing the placekicking, that assignment has already been given to incoming freshman Justin Yoon.  If Tyler does not improve his punting Yoon might get that too.

Malik Zaire showed his arm strength and potential accuracy with a BIG 68 yard touchdown pass to Will Fuller.

I like being reminded that the opening match up against Texas on September 5 pits two of the most winning teams in college football history; Notre Dame at #2 with 882 wind and #3 Texas with 881 wins (Michigan #1 with 915 wins).

I replayed the field goal with 3:50 left in the first half at least a dozen times and I still don't know what Brian Kelly was screaming at Tyler Luatu about.

Jerry Tillery; "Once in a lifetime talent" -Brian Kelly, "The talk of the Notre Dame defense" -NBC Commentators, "The story of spring..." -NBC Commentators, "He's going to be one of the all-time greats here" -NBC Commentators, "I can't handle him" - Nick Martin (starting center).

Depth with size on the offensive line: Sophomores Alex Bars 6' 6" 315lbs and Quenton Nelson 6' 5" 325lbs.

Absolutely love the pass play to Ronnie Stanley.  Nice catch and run.  Would you like to have to

tackle him as a cornerback?