on a positive note

[bbirish73]

looks like ND beat the better of the Michigan schools................

 

[Microwahevo]

And we're still 7-2. Not many fans, either for or against ND thought we'd have that record so far. For all the players we lost, that's not too shabby. Our youth is getting quality playing time as well.

 

[jjc2009]

The yang to your yin is, we lost to the worse of the two. Agree with Micro though

 

[poewelch84]

I can't stand watching Farley though, he makes so many bad plays and they just keep sending him out.

 

[jjc2009]

I can't stand watching Farley though, he makes so many bad plays and they just keep sending him out.

Not sure why, but I think that Diaco's defense puts a lot on the safety to QB the defense, so its his familiarity having started last year as to why he's there and not a guy like Redfield. That said, I think he benefitted from Motta's presence last year and it masked his deficiencies. He's the "veteran" safety this year, but he's been out of position a lot this year, and I don't think he's as aggressive as he was last year. Collinsworth has also disappointed this year.

I think we're set up well for the next few years in the backfield if our class holds up, considering we'll get back Baratti, and Hardy seems to be coming on.

 

[whywork2]

Diaco should have brought more men up in the box and forced Navy to beat us with the pass. It was evident with missing some key starters that we couldn't stop their running attack but Diaco seemed to make very few adjustments.

We are going to struggle big time to replace Nix and Tuitt next year.

 

[whywork2]

And we're still 7-2. Not many fans, either for or against ND thought we'd have that record so far. For all the players we lost, that's not too shabby. Our youth is getting quality playing time as well.

Aint gonna lie, this is where I thought we'd be right now. Just like Purguy, I too predicted 3 losses and am sticking with it. Hope I am wrong but so far things are playing out much like I forsaw. A regular Nostra freaking damus you might say.

 

[jjc2009]

A regular Nostra freaking damus you might say.

Nostradamus? I just love the Fighting Irish.

 

[Lillyliverd]

I just don't know what to expect from this team. The defensive performance was extremely disappointing. As far as predictions go, I think we have a big challenge with the 3 remaining games. Since 2008, ND has not beat Pitt by more than a TD. I have not penciled in a win over BYU and we all know Stanford will be tough. As I see it, I think 1,2, or 3 losses are all equally plausible outcomes.

Even if the game was "Navy's Superbowl", ND has many advantages over Navy and should have won the game easily. Good teams generally put a lickin' on lesser opponents and ND has too many close games with teams they should whoop.

 

[purguy12]

I agree, I dont understand what Diaco was doing. Play 8 in the box and man to man with our CB. If we get beat we get beat and deserve to lose then. Diaco is very one rated.

 

[Irish7478]

A year ago I was scared that someone was going to steal Diaco away to be a head coach. That thought no longer concerns me. I do appreciate Teo more and more as this season goes forward.

 

[jjc2009]

A year ago I was scared that someone was going to steal Diaco away to be a head coach. That thought no longer concerns me. I do appreciate Teo more and more as this season goes forward.

Now I am concerned he'll hang around. He's young and energetic. Players and recruits like him but he's slow to adjust and I think he's too conservative. This weeks game plan is pretty good evidence. He shouldn't have worried about giving up the big play by keeping two safeties high. Navy makes it's living getting 4 ypc. If Russell and Jackson can't cover their receivers one on one then might as well cancel the season and send them to a sprinters camp.