That wouldn't take Carnack the Magnificent to predict. I've got no reason to feel good about this game...none. I have some hopes for steady improvement through the year, and that given time and his own recruits Hazell can turn the ship around. Based on his history he certainly deserves more time than the unhappy Purdue faithful seem to be giving him. But so far we have shown nothing...nothing. Probably won't even watch it...it's that bad.
Well there have been more than a few years that inspite of looking bad against opponents before the ND game, Purdue has come out and either beat us or given us an unexpectedly tough game. Last year everybody expected us to beat you guys handily but we didn't, had to rally to win a close one.
ND/PU <r><QUOTE><s> </e></QUOTE> I'm sorry but this will be close for about 5 min. I fully expect to see ND blow purdue out.<br/> <br/> More later......</r>
ND must never, ever, take Purdue for granted. Regardless of how their season began - and it began very poorly - Purdue always plays up at a different level vs. ND in W. Lafayette. We were beaten up in a very physical game vs. Michigan (as was Michigan). Purdue won a close game vs. a Div. 1AA team, but they were not as physically challenged as we were. IMO we are vulnerable to an unforeseen ambush by a fired up bunch of athletes hungry for a fresh start. I hope our coaching staff recognizes this.
There really is nobody we should take lightly of course. But I think most ND fans will be disappointed unless we beat Purdue handily. I know that you can say a win is a win, and you'd be right but looking down the road you'd like to see that offense and defense start to grow. I think Kelly knows the defense took a big hit when it lost Kap, Motta, Te'o and Spond. Not just because they were great players but for their leadership. Just look what Motta was able to do with a defensive backfield full of rookies. He got them lined up and knowing what the play was...he's not been replaced. I still think the offense can be very good, but not if Rees throws the ball 50 times. We need to be able to have 50/50 or close to that run/pass ratio and we need to be able to run the ball in the red zone. Tommy needs that protection that a productive running game gives him. The defense I hope grows week to week, certainly a lot of youth on that side that has upside and growth. I expect Jaylon Smith to keep getting better and I expect the Collinsworth kid to be a player. He was pretty good on the blitz against Mich. We should beat Purdue and I hope we get off to a fast start running the ball so that we can get Bryant and Folston into the mix and a lot of carries. Both have tremendous upsides and need the playing time. A lot of HS backs just don't know how to pickup the blitz and that keeps them off the field early in their career. As much criticism of Rees that is out there, when I saw him limping some in the 2nd half I sweated it big time. We need Tommy to be healthy all year.
ND/PU <r>Terry,<br/> <QUOTE><s> </e></QUOTE> Agreed. I think these two RBs can give us a lot on offense when they get a chance. They both look like bruisers.</r>
Not to mention that Amir Carlisle is not exactly built for a heavy load of inside running, even though he showed Sat night that he will take it up inside and not flinch or shy from contact. Greg Bryant on the other hand does look like that type of runner.
Interesting that ND/Purdue will be the ABC National Game this week, KO at 8:12 Eastern. Since it's at Purdue their contracts with BTN/ABC/whoever are the determining factor. Just surprised a game with Purdue is the ABC National Game. I would have thought maybe ESPN2.
sacrificial lamb to the Bama/A&M game? I know they are different start times, but honestly, no one cares in the big picture what else is going on. Hell, Nebraska and UCLA play that day too.. Maybe they know that with everyone running to the fanboy coverage of Bama/A&M with all the hype (pre and post game), the ND fan base is the one fan base in the nation to tune in regardless?
Yeah I'm sure between the various TV contracts, and all they figured this was the best game to get somebody to watch and certainly ND and Purdue fans will watch...but it hardly seems to be a national interest game. As you mentioned UCLA/Neb is 2 ranked undefeated teams.
Frankly I wish Tenn-Oregon was on at 8pm instead even though it has the potential not to be close. It stinks that it is on same time as Bama-A&M.
how many times can Dave mention Tennessee/Oregon and toss in the potential ass kicking? His purpose is at least 2 fold. He's trolling Vol fans pretty hard and without any real provocation. He's also building it up for a non-stop bash on the Pac12 if UT wins or if the game is remotely close. Terry, I am just spit balling. I haven't seen the hard line TV line up. I was speculating that it will draw a decent viewership from ND fans and ND detractors alike.
Corey.... not doing any of that in the least. The spread is Oregon minus 27.5! That's a very large spread in any game and could affect a game's attractiveness to a prime time 8 pm slot..... which really should have been the choice in most years for an intersectional game such as this versus going straight up against an all-timer of a game in Alabama-TexA&M. So.... my question to you is if Oregon covers that spread what is your view of Tenn's chances heading in to the Swamp? The same as now.... or maybe a tad less confident?
I guess the better question is ...If the Vols get whacked badly out in Oregon and then come back to the Swamp and play you guys close or "gasp" even win...what does that say?
That says our offense must really... really suck because I think our defense and home crowd will be awfully tough on the Vols offense no matter what. .... oh.... the UF offense would have to really suck.... did I say that? And.... they might.
In a weird twist of events the Cane fan has to now pull for the Gators against the Vols to stop diminishing last weeks win by his team.... Nahhhh I just can't sink that low..... :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Excuse me, fellas. Would you please move this conversation to the appropriate topic and away from this one? Thank you in advance.
Relevant Sid because of the TV talk. The other game that could be... but is not an alternative to ND-Purdue is Oregon-Tenn. Instead it is an alternative to one of the best games of the year.... which is stupid. I guess we'll see which is the better.... more entertaining game to watch. My guess is that the Duck-Vol game will be more competitive..... with a ton of points scored.