That was a tough one.  I had some brief thoughts about going into seclusion, and beginning to write a blues album in the style of B.B. King.  A Grammy award winning-like compilation of pain and sadness, mostly about a blond- haired tease of a temptress that can throw the ball on a rope and with laser-like precision, only to turn around and give the ball away a play later.  Then, I calmed down and realized that it was only a game, and also because I’m pretty sure you have to become addicted to heroin to be a great blues guy.  Can’t make that kind of commitment.  Anyway, here’s my thoughts:

The Good

Nice to see the offense moving the ball up and down the field.  Lots of yards and nice plays.

I think ND had 8 players touch the ball, either recieving or running.  It is awesome that the coaches and the quarterback have faith to put the ball into so many hands.

I thought the running game was actually going pretty well, both Allen and Aldridge averaged at least 5.0 a carry.

Forever in this category-Golden Tate and Michael Floyd.

Clausen threw for a ton of yards, and he made some ridiculously accurate throws.

Made field goal! I pinched myself hard once to see if I was awake, and then again just because I’m a bit of a masochist.

The Bad

A weak defensive effort.  Big cushions and poor tackling.  If you sit back to avoid the big play, then you had better come up and make the tackle.

Hakeem Nicks toyed with Raeshon McNeil.

Beat by a team led by Cameron Sexton?

I am now sure that given 20 or so carries, any running back with a scholarship (and maybe a few walk ons) could rush for 150 yards or more on ND’s defense.

The running game was working, but the Irish backs didn’t get enough carries. I try not to ever fault play calling, but I hope the coaches consider a little more balance in the future.

When you put so much burden on a quarterback (throwing a lot), he is bound to make some bad throws and reads.  It happened to Jimmy, and (pay attention haters) it also happened to Heisman candidate Chase Daniel in the Mizzou game.

The Ugly

-5 in the turnover margin.  Impossible to win on the road like that.

The ND defensive line gives good effort, but recruiting needs to pick up in that area.  Until Weis can build a deep defensive line that can disrupt an offense, the ceiling for this team is roughly that of the Brady Quinn years.