Irish Intercept BC’s Upset Bid

Whew!   Another gut-wrenching, closer-than-it –ought-to-be nightmare that turned out okay for Notre Dame.    But THIS time, it was the Irish DEFENSE that really came through when the pressure was on in the 4^th quarter.   And I’m not sure how they did it.  As confounding as this team’s defense is in terms of failing to stop opponents on obvious passing downs, the Irish somehow forced BC into several costly 4^th quarter turnovers to save this game and generally bail out the offense after a mostly ineffective day.   ND improved to 5-2 with the 20-16 win.

The first half was extremely frustrating to watch as the Irish continually shot themselves in the foot with untimely offensive penalties (you guessed it … from that veteran offensive line), a stupid move by Clausen resulting in a safety, and some gosh awful punting from ND’s  Ben Turk.   (Charlie just texted my sister and asked her if she wanted to try out for punter this week).   And for much of the first half, ND failed to get much pressure on David Shinskie, BC’s 25 year old rookie QB who spent the last 6 years or so playing minor league baseball.   After two long passes by Shinske and another blown coverage by ND near the goal line, the Eagles went up 9-6.    Clausen, Tate & Co responded with a TD of their own shortly before half for a 13-9 Irish lead.   Jimmy had a key scramble for a first down with 2:18 left to key the drive.

Tate would go on to have a career day with 11 catches for 128 yards and 2 TDs.

#7 JC had a pretty efficient day going 26-39 for 246 yards,  2 scores and again no INT’s.   He also made some pretty big plays with his feet and again exhibited great leadership.   I think he’s still in the Heisman discussion.

So at the start of the second half with ND kicking off, most ND fans were asking once again “Can the Irish D and special teams actually sustain the positive momentum we just gained??”   The answer was again a resounding “nooooooooo”.   ND allowed a pretty long return and after 3 plays, BC was already at ND’s 30 yard line.   On 2^nd and 10 in yet another OBVIOUS passing situation, the Irish failed to pressure Shinskie and again he burned them for 27 yards and BC would go on to score an easy TD for a 16-13 lead.   At that point, Irish faithful were again resigned to “Here we go again … another game against lesser talent goes down to the wire”.   And of course the obvious question  “Does ND even HAVE defensive coaches?”

Things were looking bleakest after BC marched to ball down the field after starting on their own 8 yard line.   This drive featured several more obvious passing downs where the Irish D failed miserably.   ND’s defense can make any QB look like Dan Marino or Johnny U … no experience is necessary … just plug in your freshman and watch him march down the field!!!   But WAIT … here’s where “the magic “starts.   BC fumbles on ND’s 3 yard line and the Irish recover!!!!

After the Irish failed to move the ball, ND’s punter Turk again unleashed a MONSTER 32 yard punt!!   Did this kid have his good leg study for midterms???    Why is he kicking with a wet noodle?   Can’t we just get one of those soccer goalies to punt???

Bad punt?   No problemo … more magic transpires as Kyle McCarthy steps in front of a Shinskie pass for the first of his 2 INTs.   The Irish were then able to drive deep into the red zone early in the 4^th where we would witness a another huge failure by 1) our offensive genius head coach and 2) our “soft when we need tough yards” veteran offensive line.   The Irish had a 4^th and goal from the one.  A “good team” at home just pounds this in.   Instead, Hughes went down like a rag doll at the 1 foot line.   In several games this year, ND just doesn’t seem capable of scoring when inside the 10 … it’s like we’re too close or something.   Hard to stomach when you’re overpaying this supposed offensive genius to be your head coach.

Anyway … I digress … there was still 10:20 left in the game and ND was only down by 3 and of course BC was pinned deep near the goal line.   So there’s hope … especially for ND’s cardiac kids.  ND got the ball back at midfield after forcing a 3 and out.   Gee, their punter managed to kick it 50 yards from his own endzone … did he cheat???   Soon after that, Clausen-to-Tate along the sideline resulted in a 36 yard TD play and an Irish lead of 20-16.   Somehow, this score held out, even with 8 minutes left!!

At the 4:23 mark, Kyle McCarthy again intercepted an errant BC pass.   The Irish offense went ultra conservative and punted it back to BC with 3:20 left.  At this point, my fingers were bleeding as I had gnawed my nails past where they ought to be.   After a great screen pass read by Manti T’eo resulted in a 7 yard loss, BC faced a do-or-die 4^th and 17 OBVIOUS PASSING SITUATION.   Hello  … anyone home in the defensive booth????   Yes … AGAIN ND applied no pressure to the QB, nor any coverage, and were burned by a 30 yard pass play.   Then a pass interference call.   Geeez … I don’t even want to watch.    BUT THEN … more unexpected magic … the Irish put pressure on Shinskie and Brian Smith ends the game by picking off the pass.   3 INTs and 1 fumble recovery for the Irish D in the second half.   And on a day when the offense was fairly pedestrian.  Who woulda thunk it????

The Irish were clearly bailed out by some timely defensive magic in this one.   Not competence, but magic.   Still, it was great to see the much maligned unit shine under pressure and essentially win the game on a day when the offense disappointed.   And it was nice to see Charlie notice that his nose was running so he could wipe it off before being embarrassed in the post game interview.  Usually, he doesn’t notice until it’s too late.   And major kudos to Golden Tate who is clearly carrying this offensive team on his back in terms of the grunt work.   Good work and hard running by Armando Allen.  Nice to see Manti T’eo really hit someone as well as Harrison Smith not being a total liability this week.   Kyle McCarthy was really clutch today with two INTs.

Another very nervous afternoon against a team with less talent … but another win.    We’ll take the win and not look back.   The team is clearly banged up and has been on an emotional roller-coaster the last 2 weeks.    This upcoming week features a trip to San Antonio for a game vs lowly Washington State, easily one of the worst teams in the country.   It’s time to get some of the second stringers some meaningful game time and some rest for the banged up starters.   If this is any kind of a nail-biter or worse, Charlie should be fired on the spot!!!    I’ll be there in person, and I’m prepared to give him the pink slip if necessary.

In addition to the Irish win, there was other good news.  You guessed it  …  Michigan lost !!    And Miami lost!!!   Ahhh … time to pop open an Alaskan IPA.   Y’all have a great week now.  No blog from me next weekend as I’ll be too busy partying on the Riverwalk.