Why the Irish Offense is Failing
KLB
November 3, 1999

We all sat there in amazement as we watched pathetic first half efforts. Kansas, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, USC, and now Navy. Yes, NAVY, who has a particularly bad team this year, and who came within three inches of beating the Irish.
The lack of preparedness is clearly Davie's fault. I admit that there was a part of me hoping that Brown didn't make that extra inch or two, for that would have most likely been that first nail in Davie's coffin. The lack of talent excuse worked in Davie's first two years, but it doesn't cut it this year, so he's gone to the excuse of "this is a very young team." The only worse excuse was blaming the fullbacks for the lack of production, which finally caused a rightfully disturbed Joey Goodspeed to exclaim in disgust that how were they to produce when not given the ball. And we had to listen to those two morons NBC passes for announcers talk about the "fight" in this Irish team.  One can argue that the defense has improved (with the exception of the pass rush). But the offense hasn't, at all. They're really no better now than they were under the hated Mr. Colletto. Wasn't Kevin Rogers supposed to fix this? Why is Jordan Black getting beat by a 245 lb Navy defensive end? Why can't any of the receivers get open when the line gives Jarious time. Why can't Jarious make a throw to a receiver who is open by fifteen yards? Why can't the Irish consistently
run the ball? 
The reason has to be the system. When Rogers was hired no one seemed to remember how inconsistent the Orangemen offense under McNabb was. It is clearly a system that is hostile to lineman. The Irish have had the greatest success when they let those five line up and let them go downhill (see ASU, second half vs Oklahoma). All five of them (with the possible exception so far of Teasdale) have the capability to get it done. But it is tough to develop a mentality when you're driving a
defensive lineman into the ground on one play and then in an upright stance the next. Or when your senior center is begging to go for it on fourth and one, and the coach elects to punt. Or when on third and one the play call is a bootleg (or so it looked...). Rogers is responsible for the play calling, and he must be held accountable for the offense's troubles. The lineman often look confused, resulting in breakdowns in pass protection. The receivers, the most talented group ND has had since '93, seem to have trouble getting open. Even the quarterback looks confused at times.  And what has happened to the fullback? Can this be the same offensive coordinator who had Rob Konrad? Tom Lopienski and Joey Goodspeed are about as good as they get, yet they are seldom used. Holtz used the fullback position to near perfection, and Colletto continued on that course. Now Irish fans hold their breath when third and one comes.  Somewhere, Ray Zellars, Jerome Bettis, Dorsey Levens, and Marc Edwards are shaking their heads.  When Rogers came here the speculation was when he would leave to take a head coaching job. It has now shifted to
when he will be kicked out the door along with Davie.

Recruiting Update

Chmiel, Wadsworth, and Davie must be getting anxious for when the NCAA is going to hand down their ruling. Until it is handed down, they cannot expect to receive even one verbal commitment. This will not be a huge factor until December third when the University holds its big weekend for official visits. If the NCAA intentionally holds back its ruling to hurt recruiting (which wouldn't really surprise me) it is the result of officials who probably resent the University for some reason.  A top five class os probably out of the question due to lack of prospects with grades, but a top ten class is entirely possible. Certainly the team's play of the field hasn't helped. Here's a list of prospects that Davie needs to land to keep the talent base flowing through.

-Ian Scott DT(6-3 280 4.9). One of the top lineman in the nation, and hails from Florida. Would look great next to Cedric Hilliard. Is the kind of quick, penetrating lineman ND hasn't had since, uh, well, I can't remember...

-Greg Pauly DT(6-5 270 4.8). One of the top PLAYERS in the nation, and ND can't get enough line talent.

-Mike Goolsby LB(6-3, 225 4.55). Top linebacker prospect who's received near forty scholarship offers. Unless the NCAA comes down on the Irish hard, he will wear Blue and Gold.

-Vontez Duff RB(6-0 180 4.4). Speedster who could be converted into a defensive back if needed. Can never have enough speed in the backfield, and Duff is the one the Irish have the best chance at.

-Kenneth Rogers RB(6-0 189 4.34). Track star who also plays defense. Is said to be more of an athlete than a football player, but that really doesn't matter on the college level.

-Ronnie Rodamer WR(6-4 190 4.55). Is probably going to Tennessee, but that might change if ND can pull an upset this Saturday.

-Alex Barron OL(6-5 285 5.3). Big Southern talent who can play. Enough said.

-Kwame Harris OL(6-6 310 5.2). Top offensive lineman in the nation. Any team could use him.

-Bryant McFadden CB(6-1 180 4.5). Outstanding cover corner who is a shorter Bobby Taylor. Would add badly needed
size to ND CB corps.

- "I knew what kind of game it would be. All I told our team before the game, all I told our team at halftime, all I told our team all week was just find a way to beat Navy.'' -Bob Davie.

He won't be back next season. Call it a hunch. That statement is bad enough to make any Irish fan cry.


Questions? Comments? Think I know less about college
football than ESPN's three stooges? klb1@keene.edu