After a week of coasting, the Irish go back to another heart-stopper, this time against Navy, who have now beaten the Irish twice in the last three games. The Irish lost a football game without punting, which has to be a statistical anomaly, and also tells the story of this game that went so very wrong for the Irish. Notre Dame had absolutely no answer for the Navy running attack, giving up 348 rushing yards and only clamping down in the final four minutes of the ballgame when they were absolutely up against it.
It’s an incredibly discouraging loss for the Irish, though Notre Dame needs to put it behind them and get ready for a very game Pittsburgh team, a squad that could be ranked in the top ten come next week. Here’s five things we learned.
1) Red Zone offense killed the Irish.
Notre Dame absolutely killed themselves in the red zone, using a baffling mix of illogical play-calling, bad execution, crucial turnovers and missed field goals to come up empty when it mattered most. While many suspected that Michael Floyd would help kickstart the offense close to the goal line, Notre Dame still wasn’t able to get seven points when they needed to get them. Notre Dame put up over 500 yards of offense, and only managed 21 points. That’s incredibly inefficient offense and resulted in disaster against a Navy squad that seemed to capitalize on all of Notre Dame’s mistakes.
2) The Irish defense laid a huge egg… again.
The story is beginning to write itself. Notre Dame’s defense once again lets the team down, this time giving up 348 rushing yards to a Navy team that the Irish bottled up last season. After making some positive strides against Washington State last week, the Irish were continually befuddled by the option attack, with both Ricky Dobbs and Vince Murray going for over 100 yards on the ground. Murray, who played fullback in the option attack ran for 11 yards a carry, picking up 158 yards and absolutely killing the Irish defense with huge gainers.
The Irish defensive front continually conceded huge gaps around the center, seemingly giving Navy all it needed to spring the fullback, and never had a good solution for Dobbs when he came around the edge with the ball. Manti Te’o, who Jon Tenuta predicted would have a big day, was committed to tackling the pitch man, but ND never could find a solution to stopping the run.
3) Navy executed their game plan to perfection.
While the time of possession battle wasn’t as lopsided as it felt, Navy perfectly executed their game plan. Capitalizing on a early turnover by Robby Parris, Navy immediately put Notre Dame in a hole, and forced the Irish into throwing the ball almost exclusively in the second half. The Irish walked into halftime without any points, the first time Navy has held ND without first half points since 1973. The Midshipmen continually kept things in third and manageable, and when they did throw the ball, they got the big play they needed, Ricky Dobbs hitting Greg Jones for a long touchdown pass when the Irish secondary got caught with their eyes in the backfield. Navy did everything they could to win the game, and the Irish did everything wrong when it came to preventing it.
4) Irish gain a weapon, lose a weapon.
Just when the Irish attack looked to be back to full bore, Notre Dame has likely lost Kyle Rudolph to the same injury that cost Michael Floyd seven weeks. After rumbling for a nice gain on a swing pass, Rudolph landed awkwardly on his shoulder, and immediately came up hurt. Mike Ragone filled in admirably, but losing Rudolph before this tough stretch is a crushing blow to an offense desperately needing some stability, especially with Armando Allen still sidelined.
5) Notre Dame has Notre Dame to blame for what could have been.
The Irish now have lost three very close games, and have to feel like they should’ve won all three of them. Great teams win close games, and they execute to win. Notre Dame just hasn’t been able to do that. Today’s loss hinged on a few key moments, plays where the Irish came up on the wrong side of the coin, and often because of a self-inflicted wound. It’s clear Notre Dame has some of the more talented skill position players in the country and an offense with three legitimate stars, yet they continue to shoot themselves in the foot. I’m not ready to indict Charlie Weis like others likely will, but it’s tough to watch Notre Dame do everything they can to loss close football games.
Coach Ty Willingham never lived down the infamous comment of being “a few plays away,” and Weis would be smart not to go the same direction, yet the difference between being undefeated and looking at a BCS bowl game, and having three losses and staring at a mid-level bowl game comes down to execution. Right now, the Irish have proved themselves closer to mediocre than elite when it comes to playing with the precision needed to be great.
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- ugetwutuask4 - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:01 AM
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I THINK WE ALSO NEED SOME HELP EITHER FROM THE E.R. OR SOMEONE TO CONDITION AND TRAIN OUR PLAYERS TO GET STRONGER BECAUSE OUR GUYS ARE DROPPING LIKE FLIES DONT U THINK…THOUGH I DID SEE AN AWFUL LOT OF GOOD PLAYERS GO DOWN TODAY.
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- ugetwutuask4 - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:02 AM
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I THINK WE ALSO NEED SOME HELP EITHER FROM THE E.R. OR SOMEONE TO CONDITION AND TRAIN OUR PLAYERS TO GET STRONGER BECAUSE OUR GUYS ARE DROPPING LIKE FLIES DONT U THINK…THOUGH I DID SEE AN AWFUL LOT OF GOOD PLAYERS GO DOWN TODAY.
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- Jan - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:13 AM
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I feel shell shocked and numb at this point – probably the same for the vast majority of true ND fans, and very likely the Irish players. I just don’t know what to think and hope that time, reading, and reflection will help put the season in perspective.
The 3 loses have been heart wrenching – we were never blown out and we could absolutely have won each – reason for belief and fuel for frustration. The talent is finally in place (and with depth), and it feels like we’re just one small item or twist away – the brass ring just out of reach. I don’t know enough about football to judge whether time management and play selection for the entire games (not just some selected plays) is as bad as some would have us believe. Under Davie, Willingham, Faust I never felt that we were even close…I remember feeling that too many things were beyond fixing and getting worse.
Execution wise today, Charlie & staff did not fumble twice inside the 5 yard line, have a pass bounce off their back (and cursedly high and into the defenders hands), miss 2 chip shot field goals, blow blocks with only a 3-4 man rush resulting in a 2 pt safety, etc. , etc. “Could Haves”: Jimmy goes out of bounds or down after making the 1st down instead of risking injury & fumble, Floyd makes the catch in the end when a miracle is needed,…..
Yet, with Navy playing error free ball, and with the Irish shooting themselves in the foot time after time, we still had a chance right to the final seconds. The Navy players are talented athletes not 2nd class slugs, play hard & with heart, and yes came damn close to beating OSU – Temple notwithstanding.
The frustration makes me physically sick as I type; but I’m not ready to give up on Charlie and this team…and the future recruits that have and will commit to ND. Call me nuts, but I feel that we’ve come very, very far from the days of Davie and Willingham coaching. I sense that we’re very much closer to being elite than mediocre and so very close to our next NC. I just hope that the frustration of we fans feel doesn’t spill over to the recruits and players – and destroy the future that can be.
I trace the last “20 years of mediocrity” cited above to the decisions, thinking, politics, image seeking, whatever, that inspired ND to railroad Lou Holtz out of town; and Joe Moore shortly thereafter. Our program hadn’t been the same since; and was unable to evolve as the college game evolved around us. Recently under Charlie & Co., I feel that we have a reason to believe that we will be among the elite programs in this new era of college football. Much more importantly, I observe that the quality recruits coming to us believe the same.
Don’t give up, believe,…pray. “you get what you ask for” as the above screen name says.
Jan ’69
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- sharkey - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:17 AM
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Shame on the coaches and team for losing this game. There is no excuse! There is NO EXCUSE for this loss. this team and coaches need to play up to their ability or do everyone a favor and stay home the rest of the year. Enough is Enough!!!!!!!!!!!
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- TJ - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:27 AM
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I would have to say this loss sums up Charlie’s career/resume at ND. Horrific. Charlie has never beaten USC, loses to Syracuse last year, and loses to Navy at HOME… TWICE! And all this talk of ND and BCS? WHY? So they can get pummeled like they did when they played Ohio St. or LSU? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a die hard ND fan, and want nothing more than to see them win every game, but lets be realistic. ND doesn’t have the coaching or the talent to compete with the “big” teams. (i.e. most SEC teams, USC, Texas, Ohio St. or anyone in the top 10). The offense can move the ball, but the play calling is baffling at points in the game. The defense can’t stop anyone. If you can put 21 pts. up, then your defense should be able to hold the opponent to less than that. End of story. Week in and week out the defense is giving up the big play. 3rd and 16. 4th and 23. Giving up plays like that week in and week out is unexcusable. If you ask me, ND needs to concentrate on recruiting some 4 and 5 star defensive players the next couple of seasons. Not to mention getting a defensive coach.
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- sharkey - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:27 AM
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Many congratulations to the Middies, and thanks for showing the Irish how football is supposed to be played. Coaches seem not to be able to
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- Art Vandelay - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:28 AM
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The biggest indictment of the Weis Era is that a few Navy players were interviewed after the game and they weren’t even that excited about beating ND. They were treating it just like any other game. 2 years ago they beat us and it was a big deal. This year, no big deal. That is a drastic and ominous change in attitude on the part of one of our perennial opponents. It means that mediocrity has already crept into this program. It is clearly time to reorganize.
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- Chuckie - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:31 AM
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Charlie Weis has to go. He is at his point of mediocrity. He has NO hope of improving his coaching skills, which has already reached the top of his tank. Charlie cannot transcend, he has to go.
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- Dayton - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:33 AM
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Does anyone know what it would cost the university to replace Weis? I know that Meyer said that Notre Dame would be his dream job, but would he ever leave Florida to coach the Irish? If the Irish can’t get Meyer, which I suspect they can’t, is Jon Gruden really the answer in South Bend? Is he a better coach? I know he won a Super Bowl, but didn’t he achieve success in the same way that Weis did with Willingham’s players? After all, he coach Tony Dungy’s team to a Super Bowl victory. I’m not trying to make excuses or say that Weis deserves to stay. I’m part of the vocal majority who say that the Irish need someone better. But, I’m afraid of the repercussions of dismissing him. Would we lose recruits much in the same way that the Memphis basketball team did when Calipari left for Kentucky? Would there be a long rebuilding period where we are unable to bring in adequate recruits? I know that these are a lot of questions, but I’m tired of saying “There’s always next year”. If we make a coaching change, it needs to be the right one, or “next year” could be many years away.
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- TJ - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:43 AM
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I agree with Dayton, I don’t think Gruden is the answer, and Meyer will not leave Florida to go to ND. He was offered the job before it was offered to Weis. He turned it down to go to Florida. I think ND needs a coach that has been in the college ranks for a while. I think ND needs to take a serious look at Cincinnati’s coach. You can’t deny that he has turned that program around, and done something amazing with what he started with.
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- Dayton - Nov 8, 2009 at 12:59 AM
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Thanks TJ. I guess I don’t necessarily believe that Gruden would be a bad fit. I’m just trying to think of who would be the best fit. I used to play football, but I’ve never coached it, and coaching college football at the Div. 1 level is probably one of the most difficult things to do. There are so many things to consider: 1) Who can we bring in that will attract top ten recruiting classes on a yearly basis?, 2) Who can we bring in that will teach the fundamentals of sound, mistake-free football on a weekly basis?, and 3) Is there anyone out there that can do both? I guess a lot of people think of Gruden because of he’s expressed interest in Notre Dame, and he’s also a big name. Recruits would know of him from his years in the pros. That would help with recruiting, but bringing in the talent is only part of the process. In the pros, a team with as many as 6 to 7 losses can make the playoffs and possibly win a championship. There isn’t that margin of error in the college game. That might be Weis’ downfall, and it could be Gruden’s as well if we bring him in. I agree that the Irish need a coach who has made a name for himself in the college game (at some point in his career), so potential recruits can identify with someone they trust. And getting an established college coach will ensure that the university will have someone who understands the importance of mistake-free football every week. No let downs. These are my ramblings. If anyone knows of a candidate that fits this description. Please let me know.
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- Art Vandelay - Nov 8, 2009 at 1:12 AM
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Don’t be so quick to dismiss Meyer. His buyout is ridiculously low and that had to be negotiated that way for a reason. He is at a point in his compensation where a public university (with taxpayers to answer to) can’t really go that much higher. He’s proven himself at Bowling Green, Utah and UF in a short amount of time. Ego alone says why wouldn’t he want the most prestigious job in college football to come in and be its savior? He’s won championships, now its time to create a legacy, to become a major part of the most storied program ever. To have that bronze statue next to Rockne. You think he doesn’t want that? I think there is a better than average shot we get him.
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- matt - Nov 8, 2009 at 1:37 AM
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They already said it…Brian Kelly
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- Art Vandelay - Nov 8, 2009 at 1:49 AM
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Three compelling factors I forgot to mention on the Urban Meyer question:
#1 – he didn’t want the job before the Weis hiring because he knew the cupboard was bare from Willingham’s abysmal recruiting effort. He simply saw that he had a better chance of success at Florida. That cupboard is stocked now and life is all about the timing.
#2 – Meyer loses Tebow after this season. How good are the Gators gonna be?
#3 – He is still calling ND his dream job, pretty recently in fact.
I would not be surprised if Swarbrick has some ND alum lawyer/benefactor in Gainsville already talking to him. Who’s with me?
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- matt - Nov 8, 2009 at 1:55 AM
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They already said it…Brian Kelly
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- sharkey - Nov 8, 2009 at 1:57 AM
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no way, Art. Meyer is perfectly content at UF. If CW is replaced, it will have to be someone else.
Man i’m still steaming at this loss. Over 450 yrds on offense, and still the Irish lose?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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- Bernie P. ND '74 - Nov 8, 2009 at 2:20 AM
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I don’t want Urban Meyer at Notre Dame. He accepts thugs as a matter of course (exhibit A is Brandon Spikes). He’s not what ND is about.
I just don’t know who would replace Charlie. If he wins out, he is still likely back. If he loses two out of three (entirely possible given how deflated this team likely is), he’s gone. I’m not convinced that the guy at Cincinnati is the answer.
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- bill in shanghai - Nov 8, 2009 at 2:58 AM
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good grief man, Charlie didnt fumble near the goal line, miss 2 gimme field goals, or get caught in the endzone for a safety. At some point, these elite players have to actually execute.
Defense didnt lose the game, lack of performance on offense did.
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- fanmannd - Nov 8, 2009 at 3:07 AM
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i like what you had to say and i to believe we are close to returning to glory. Yes we got out coached but to get rid of Weis, who in the world do we think is going to come to ND. If we fire charlie, then i think recruiting suffers, the majority of returning letterman for next year, will be starting over with a new offense and so forth. I still think we are 1 year away. Yes charlie and company can do a much better job of coaching, especially Tenuta, i thought he was suppossed to be so great. Our defense has been awful all year. Yes Riddick needs to play more, get him on the field. I was suprised to see Floyd play so much, he’s still a little rusty. I don’t understand how we can’t score in the red zone. I just don’t see other coaches knocking down the door to coach in southbend. if you who read this do then please tell me, Realistically. Meyers had a chance to come and he went to Florida- why would he leave there- for $$, i don’t think so
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- Gregg - Nov 8, 2009 at 5:22 AM
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Fire CW NOW, why wait until the end of the season. ND can’t do any worse if they get rid of the fatso and only use the assistants.
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- grndemon55 - Nov 8, 2009 at 5:33 AM
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When they hired Charlie W. , I was afraid that he’d turn out to be another Joe Kuharick! I’m afraid that my worst nightmare just came true.
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- noskoinc - Nov 8, 2009 at 7:08 AM
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Every week there is handwringing and over analysis of yet another disappointing performance by Notre Dame. And the one constant seems to be the coaching. How can a team with this much talent on both sides of the ball either lose or win closely over what should be outmanned opponents? I’m not sure it’s the coaching, at least not just the coaching. When was the last time Notre Dame had a season when their offensive and defensive lines dominated their opponents and the line of scrimmage. I really think it has not been since the Holtz era. ND does not tackle rushers behind the lines for losses. Almost every team can run the ball against ND. There has not been a defensive line that penetrates to the backfield and puts pressure on the QB. Without blitzing by linebackers of safeties every QB has time. And blitzing leaves receivers open, especially in soft man-to-man coverage. On offense ND has some talent at QB, receivers, even running backs. But the o-line is not a line that has a punishing attack up front. Remember this is a team that cannot guard a lead late in the game by running out the clock.
Every team makes mistakes in a game. Every team has turnovers. But a good team has the athletic strength to take over the lines of scrimmage and make sure it does not lose that game. Just look at the performance of USC against ND in the last decade. It’s not just that Pete Carroll is a superior coach, but his players, especially on the lines, are superior athletes. Is a team like Navy superior athletically? To use an Army term: in the trenches, yes!
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- TLNDMA - Nov 8, 2009 at 7:30 AM
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I’m sad to say that I now think it is time for Weis to go. He does so many things right as the coach of Notre Dame. He’s a good man, who recruits great kids, that make it easy to be proud of the University. Unfortunately, it is now, after 5yrs. becoming obvious that, he is unable to put all the pieces together to put this program back among the elite. Two things that stick out to me are 1: his inability, even with this veteran offensive line, to be productive in short yardage situations.(running Hughes wide, on 1st and goal from the 2???) 2: this porous defense, 23 pts not so bad, but how many times did Navy make it on 3rd and plus 5yds.? 6 or 7+ times? more?. These are not new problems this year. But they don’t get fixed. They are also basic tennants of winning football. Weis is either unable to fix these issues or, thinks them not to be of enough significance to fix. My question to anyone who can still defend Weis would be, If (insert coach here,Saban, Meyer, Stoops, Beamer, Kelly, Tressel,etc) had been our coach the last two years, with this talent, do you think we would have lost this game? Even if this team had turned out to be more successful this season, there would still be some questions to be aswered as far as this program is concerned. (Who’s playing qb next yr? and who’s the backup qb?) If Clausen doesn’t come back, it’s going to be a rebuilding year either way. It’s time to get a new coach. Sorry Charlie!
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- KT - Nov 8, 2009 at 7:54 AM
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@ “a few Navy players were interviewed after the game and they weren’t even that excited about beating ND. They were treating it just like any other game.”
It’s not about disrespecting ND at all. What most people don’t really understand is that after seven straight years of program success, the Navy players and coaches show up expecting to win – even against Ohio State, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Temple, and the rest. Beating the 43 year jinx in 2007 was a huge mental hurdle for the program. Although they may often be undersized man for man, they know they are athletic, extremely well conditioned to play a full 60 minutes, disciplined in their assignments, and can run the triple otion with great success. The defense flies to the ball. Does that mean they are going to win every one of these tough-to-win games? No. But they think they can, and that edge allows Navy to successfully compete at this level. I’m hoping the program can sustain the success, and look forward to many more great games with Notre Dame.
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- dan e - Nov 8, 2009 at 8:38 AM
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good grief man, its weiss body of work over the last 4yrs that i state my opinion over. sorry you see it differently.
