Post Game Report Card: Tennessee
UHND.com - Frank Vitovitch
11/3/2001
Quarterback
Carlyle Holiday had a fairly decent game. His interception in thefourth quarter came on a tip ball, but that played killed Notre Dame's comebackhopes. He didn't run the ball effectively at all against Tennessee andregistered (-2) yards rushing the football. He threw more this week thanhe has in past weeks though and he is looking more comfortable in thepocket. He hit the tight end a couple of times. Imagine that, thetight end is a valuable offensive weapon. He didn't play great, but hedidn't play bad. He was also not playing at 100% since he was still alittle banged up from last week.
Grade: B-
Running Backs
I liked what I saw in Ryan Grant until he fumbled. After that he neversaw the field. This is one of my biggest complaints about Davie. Aguy fumbles once and he is done. This is not the way to let a player'sconfidence grow let alone a freshman like Grant. Grant looked sharp on thedrive that he fumbled on and should see the field more although knowing Daviehis next carry wont come until the Purdue game, if he gets another one at allthis season. Jones looked better today than in recent weeks. Fisherstill seems bothered by injuries. Howard still isn't getting the ball muchfor his, GASP, fumble the first week of the season. Great way to show yourplayers you have confidence in them Bob.
Grade: B
Wide Receivers
David Givens turned in the type of game everyone thought he has been capableof doing every week since he got to Notre Dame. This week he was finallygiven the chance. He had nine catches for 99 yards (a career high). He also came up with a lot of tough, clutch catches down the stretch. Arnaz Battle dropped a pass on the first drive that would have given Notre Damea first down and then fumbled at the one yard line with ND driving. Not agood outing from him. It looks like he is still adjusting to life as awide receiver. He will be back next season however, and will be ready tostep up.
Grade: C
Offensive Line
Overall I thought the line played well against a tough Tennessee frontline. The Irish were able to run with some success outside of the timesthe coaches decided to run up the middle three times in a row. The linealso helped Notre Dame score only the second rushing touchdown allowed byTennessee all year. They gave Carlyle a decent amount of time to passoutside of third and longs when Tennessee got to Holiday with ease.
Grade: C
Defensive Line
Down the stretch Claussen had all day to pass. The line did help keepTravis Stephens in check allowing him to only gain 63 yards on 24 carries. The pass rush was non existent in the second half though. Grant Irons madea few nice stops in the running game and Anthony Weaver made his share as well.
Grade: B-
Linebackers
Tyreo Harrison, Courtney Watson, and Rocky Boiman played great. Watson's INT that he returned for a touchdown gave Notre Dame its only lead ofthe game. Harrison also had a few nice stops. Rocky played hardevery down as he always does. The linebackers also helped out in limitingTennessee's ground attack
Grade: B
Secondary
The secondary played excellent in the first half as Claussen only had 64yards passing. The second half was another story. Tennesseeconverted third and long after third and long in the secondary. Claussenhad a field day picking the secondary apart in the second half. He keyedin on Beckstrom, Jefferson, and Duff. Walton made a few nice plays, but healso gave up a lot of big plays down the stretch.
Grade: C-
Coaching
Coaching in the first half was pretty good. Play calling was ok for achange. The second half was another story. The play calling got verypredictable in the second half again and the defense seemed to let up in thesecond half after an excellent first half. The team is now at 3-5 and thechances of Bob Davie being on the sidelines at Notre Dame for any longer thanthe next 3 games is highly unlikely. This team had the talent to win thegame today. The team did not have the coaching to win however.
Grade: C-