Rockne's Roundtable

We better improve drastically on offense or we will have the same script as 10 years ago!!

Well, during 2002 the back-up was walk-on Jr Pat Dillingham.
In 2012, it is Tommy Rees, who has, what, 16 starts on his resume.
That is one of the most telling differences in the depth and experience we now have on the team, whereas the 2002 team always seemed like a house of cards. And collapse it did.

I don't sense that same sense of weaknesses with 2012 version. Because the Defense's strength is in the front 7. What a huge difference.
And the offense. We have great running backs, and great talent at skill positions, although lacking experience at QB and WR.

In my judgement these next two weeks before the Miami game are crucial, They give BK.time to work with Golson on the physical and mental aspects of the game.It is my hope that we will see an improved offense in Chicago.

Great article Lou! Our defense is looking championship calibur thus far and its been fun to watch us dominate the Big 10. Does anyone question Kelly's play-calling ability on offense so far? We should have established the running game on the 1st play and continue to pound them with Cierre Wood and then roll into a little play-action pass with quick slants so Golson can get comfortable at the start of the game. We never utilized Wood and he needs to pound it like he did against Miami in the Sun Bowl the next game.

Even though uncanny similarities exist, thus far, between 2002 and 2012, they are not ironclad and can, in no way, portend what comes next.

First of all, at back-up QB, Tommy Rees is at least an order of magnitude better a player than Pat Dillingham was. In fact, what did Dillingham do that year other than throw that one pass to Arnaz Battle?

Second, 2012 has seen ND crush Navy, whereas, in 2002, it was a cliff hanger.

But, most importantly, this is not a golden-glow, fresh coat of paint season, a new coach's magical inaugral, but step 3 of Kelly's plan to rebuild ND football in a workman-like and lasting way.

And, as such, given, on one hand, the schedule; the vagaries of the offense; and the attrition already suffered by the defense; and, on the other, the defense's dominating play to date and the, as yet, untapped potential of the offense -- this season could still see as many as four losses or as few as one or two.

There is no governing script, as it is more about growth, improvisation, pluck and luck than predictability based on charts of past performance.

I mention this not to debunk the comparisons Lou has so skillfully identified, but to dispel -- in my own mind as much as anywhere -- any sense of predestined inevitability that may now be cropping in.

4-0 in 57, became 5-3, before ending 7-3, while 4-0 in 82, became 6-1-1 before ending 6-4-1. And, as we know, Ty crashed and burned at the end of 02.

So, there's no telling where this season ends.

I'm just glad it's these players, with Kelly at the helm, and not Brennan, Faust or Ty.

So, Mpper, may I ask if you are you now ready to bet your house against ND still losing four?

Not predicting, just asking.

Look how bad the last bet you didn't make looks in hindsight.

Personally, I don't think the chances are great that ND loses four this year, but they still exist, and I wouldn't wager my house on anything in CFB.

Pitt loses to Youngstown State and, two weeks later, manhandles VA Tech.

ND's biggest problems this year could be with upsets.

As for rankings, will the fact that OU and USC COULD BE ranked lower than ND going into their match-ups with us necessarily mean they are worse teams than ND? What if they're just worse than Stanford and K-State, respectively?

4-0 and rankings don't mean anything at this point. Nothing's cast in stone.

Great analysis bndally. You really nailed it.

With Ty and CW, we had flashes in the pan that we weren't even prepared for. And, since they occurred, we read a lot more into them and into what great coaches we supposed those guys to be, than was justified.

They both had some good players in their first years, but, with Ty, there were no replacements, while, with CW, he couldn't develop the good players he recruited.

I would even go so far to say that, with Kelly, we aren't seeing magic at all, but the results of a holistic and professional attitude. We're seeing it in sound defensive football and in hints of a promising offense.

I'm also with you on there being no cinderella timetable. Keep building on what's going on now in recruiting, player development and program management, and major success stands a very good chance of following. This year, next year, or this year and next year.

There's definite evidence of real change and the notion that it could become self-perpetuating.

Lots of similarities to 02. IMO 2012 defense front 7 much stronger more depth more athletic. 02 secondary Walton had the best year of any cb in over 40 years of my time in watching ND football. Sapp and Earl were hard hitters swarmed to the football. Duff was a AA. This years secondary is young but athletic. See what happens come November. This years offense has not been producing like in 02. Big differance though CH was a running OB trying to run a west coast offense. Probably would have been better of sticking with the option. EG is a passing OB who has been having problems with passing. At some point he will start clicking. When he does the whole offense will.Hopefully that happens before November. I'm looking more for a 88 scenario. Maybe another WV ND bowl game

Pretty scary how similar the seasons are. I think we will finish better than 2002.