I’m trying to be a true fan and not be a debbie downer

[the909]

But man, I don’t believe that Riley can win a really tough game on the road against a physical team. I think back to that first Caleb game against Utah, and I lack confidence. Good thing I’m not playing the game. I think of the Illinois game more recently. That first Caleb team and this team are probably the best Riley has had. I would put money on a USC win if we were playing at the Coliseum, but until Riley gets that monkey off his back it’s hard to have a good feeling about tomorrow. Has noting to do with the running back injuries, either. Where is 66 when we need him?

Pluses – Riley’s got the offense gelling, play calling is about as good as it can get overall for him. Shades of Norm in his prime.
He’s got more confidence in the running game and calling more running plays than before.
The O Line doesn’t have any big name All-Americans but it’s overperforming as a cohesive unit. Not sure if there’s something different in the blocking schemes – I don’t remember us pulling guards as much in prior years.
The TE is involved.

Minus – we’re a Gentry injury away from the LB unit taking a dive.
That secondary has talented individuals, but something is off. Not just the injuries.
D Line is so inconsistent.
Will my man King block and be a factor receiving out of the backfield? Or for that matter, stay healthy.
ND is a turnover factor, so we need to keep possession and win that battle on the road. Tough to do against the Irish.

I’m no coach, but I’d love it if we did something different on defense, disguised coverages more or used some different schemes/ formations. Something ND hasn’t seen before to throw them off. You know freeman will be looking at a lot of tape. Not saying to change the whole D in a week, just give them some different looks to confuse Carr from his film study/ preparation. Mix up the cover 2/ man coverage a bit. Blitz from different spots in the field or different down and distance scenarios.

Here’s to the best game we play all year as a team.

[BeerMe]

Yeah, it would be great to pull off the W. We really need this win. Personally, I think it will be close. The challenge is that ND looks better now than at the start of the year. Like you said, they will be tough to beat at their home but it’s happened this year.

Now, if our defense shows up and keeps ND offense under 30, I think we win. It won’t be easy given their offense is gelling.

-BM

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