In the Fighting Irish’s embarrassing loss to South Florida, a few things were evident. Notre Dame has all the talent needed to be a powerhouse program, but they don’t run the right offense to get the job done. Both their offense and defense showcase some of the nation’s top recruits in almost every position but, much like last season, the Irish aren’t getting it done. Many looked at B.J. Daniels and the South Florida Bulls as a tune up game for their upcoming war with Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines. After the Bulls’ win knocked the Irish out of the AP top 25, some look at Notre Dame’s first game as a preview to a sad season.
Last season, Notre Dame had the most difficult schedule in college football and this season isn’t much different. After their first game, they’ve already replaced their embattled quarterback Dayne Crist with sophomore Tommy Rees, but the quarterback position isn’t entirely the problem. The Irish need to establish their run game as a primary factor in their offense. Their backfield had flashes of dominance but running out of the shotgun is predictable at best. Either you’re going to run, dive or draw.
Coach Kelly needs to borrow from Lou Holtz’ coaching strategies while at the helm in South Bend. When Holtz had Jerome Bettis, he pounded defenses with a dominant running game and then took advantage of unsuspecting defensive backs with a precise passing game. Under Coach Kelly, defenses expect Notre Dame’s standout receiver Michael Floyd to get the ball multiple times on every series. The Fighting Irish need to establish other threats that are as dangerous as he is to really open their offense. This can be achieved by installing an elaborate I-formation or wishbone offense with a solid ground package. The defense looked absolutely stellar against USF’s high power spread offense; they just need to get more points on the board and definitely ground and pound in the redzone. The Irish were crippled by interceptions and fumbles within the opposition’s 20 yardline.
The majority of the teams that Notre Dame will face this season have solid secondaries and will stand up to their passing game just as South Florida did. If the Fighting Irish don’t make some quick adjustments, Coach Brian Kelly may face the same fate as Charlie Weis. This isn’t Cincinnati anymore, and the competition isn’t the Big East. Adjustments must be made immediately.
