Closing The Deal
UHND.com - Michael Stoepler
November 6, 2000
Let me state first and foremost that I believe coach Davie, his staff, and the 2000 Notre Dame football squad have done a truly admirable job in the face of much adversity. After the debacle that was the 1999 football campaign, in which it appeared that the Irish were headed for a free-fall into the abyss of mediocrity, Davie and company have risen to the occasion, turned the ship around and again have the program headed in the right direction.
Obviously, the special teams are amongst the best in the nation. Special teams rank in the top ten of every category and have played a significant role in each of the eight games played thus far. Likewise, the defense, which last year was simply abysmal and this year lost one of its mainstays in defensive end Grant Irons, has been able to keep the Irish in each game it has played. While the offense, which lost its starting quarterback and most productive rusher, has managed to rally around a true freshman in Matt Lovecchio and put up enough points to win four games in a row, including two on the road.
On the other hand, what they have not been able to do is close the deal.
Now, I realize that the officiating in last week’s close call against the Falcons of the Airforce Academy was horrendous. The officials clearly made the game closer than it should have been but that it is still no excuse. Good teams play above such matters.
What coach Davie and the Irish need to learn is how to mount a counter offensive. After an opponent has scored late in a game, the Irish offense must kick it up a notch and put together a significant drive that at the very least allows the defense to rest. Too often, in the fourth quarter particularly, the Irish offense has been three and out and as a result have been outscored 39 to 7 in the last three games in that quarter.
One big help, would be to try something other than halfback off-tackle on every single first down. Maybe, Kevin Rodgers and crew could try utilizing one of the best tight-end tandems in the nation by actually throwing to one of them. Or perhaps they could take advantage of those over pursuing defensive fronts by running a little misdirection. How about a screen pass or a draw to someone other than the quarterback.
Lets face it, with the reduction of scholarships in the age of parity in college football, N.D. can no longer count on being able to dominate through shear brute strength.
The offense, with Getherall, Givens, Jones, Holloway, Fisher , Howard, Lovecchio etc. are more than talented enough to carry out a more diverse game plan when ahead. The idea that you go into a shell so that you don’t commit the big mistake is not working. It’s time to let it ride.
The good news is that after reading excerpts from coach Davies weekly teleconference, I believe that he and his staff also realize this and will work ever harder to see that it happens.
Let’s hope so.