Notre Dame Football 2011: The Brian Kelly Era...Ascends?

• Tobias Fünke

  

  http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=6847588
  
  Brian Kelly interview.
• karen lotz

  

  
  
  http://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/collegesports/notredame/sbt-notre-dame-football-transformed-inside-and-out-20110808,0,1185510.story
• killer_ewok

  

  http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/44982/three-predictions-notre-dame
  
  http://espn.go.com/college-football/preview11/story/_/id/6866564/college-football-2011-preview-notre-dame-fighting-irish-expectations-justified
• karen lotz

  

  Brian Bennett is driving the Notre Dame bandwagon this year for sure.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Brian Bennett should eat of bag of dicks.
• karen lotz

  

  I'm guessing he wouldn't be opposed to that idea.
• OneBuckeye

  

  So whats the latest on the QB competition or is there one? What is your expectations for this year and what would be dissapointing?
• karen lotz

  

  Crist and Rees have separated themselves from Hendrix and Golson for the starting spot. I think for the most part Crist has been getting most of the first team reps, with exception for one practice where Rees got most of the 1s just so Kelly could evaluate them on as level a playing field as possible. I personally would be shocked and slightly disappointed if Crist isn't the starter. From everything Kelly has said, he is miles ahead of where he was last year at this time. I think Rees is a career back up but can be very good in that role if needed. Hendrix and Golson are still limited in their knowledge of the entire offense, but the stuff they are able to run they can run well. One of them, hopefully Hendrix both to throw him a bone to keep him from transferring and to save Golson a year of eligibility, will probably see the field as a change of pace guy.
• OneBuckeye

  

  Any Freshman cracking the 2 deep? How about the freshman DLineman?
• karen lotz

  

  At least 6 true freshman will play either on special teams or otherwise and Kelly guessed that that number might be as high as 10. Both freshman running backs Atkinson III and McDaniel will get a few looks at the 3rd RB spot as well as returning kicks. McDaniel was a pretty dynamic punt returner in HS and ND was horrible last year at punt returns. DaVaris Daniels will be looked at in the return game and should see some time at WR. Lynch and Tuitt will both play and I think are already in the 2nd team slots right now. Ishaq Williams would be the 6th "lock" to play out of the freshmen. And actually Kelly has mentioned Troy Niklas will play OLB too. The others in the mix would be Koyack at TE, Springmann at NG, and Rabassa and Councell at LB. Brindza might be the kickoff specialist too.
• OneBuckeye

  

  Is Lynch playing DE or OLB... They are still running a 3-4 right?
• karen lotz

  

  Lynch is a DE. They run a hybrid front, I think last year they ended up playing 4 down linemen like 45% of the time or something. I think that would mostly be where he and Tuitt would play, mostly in passing situations.
• Crimson streak

  

  Crist will more than likely be the starter with golson being in special packages. I actually can't wait to see what golson can do.
• Crimson streak

  

  Crist will more than likely be the starter with golson being in special packages. I actually can't wait to see what golson can do.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  It's crazy to think that if Hendrix would have early enrolled he would be the one giving Crist a push for the starting job. After being relegated to scout team he simply doesn't know the offense.
  
  I would bet he is likely to transfer.
• karen lotz

  

  Tobias Fünke;866672 wrote: I would bet he is likely to transfer.

  
  Yep, that's why I hope he is the change of pace QB this year to give him a taste of playing and make him want to stick it out. I think he has the best skill set when everything is taken into account.
• karen lotz

  

  NDatRivals Irish Illustrated

  A week ago my surprise if Crist didnt starti would have been an 8 out of 10. That's now dropped to about a 6. Maybe a 5.

  Kelly said today was the last day for Rees and Crist to split reps with first team. He will announce starter on Tuesday.
• killer_ewok

  

  karen lotz;867539 wrote:NDatRivals Irish Illustrated
  
  
  Kelly said today was the last day for Rees and Crist to split reps with first team. He will announce starter on Tuesday.

  
  Wow. Ole Tommy Boy is making a push for it, huh?
• Tobias Fünke

  

  irishtrinity has an IQ of roughly 85. There, I said it.
• karen lotz

  

  Tobias Fünke;867660 wrote:irishtrinity has an IQ of roughly 85. There, I said it.

  
  
  lol, you have those numbers mixed up and you forgot the decimal between them. IRISH EYES lolololol
• Tobias Fünke

  

  5.8 does sound about right.. smh
• karen lotz

  

  No Tom Hammond for the opener! He's covering world track and field in Korea. Hopefully his enormous head gets stuck in customs on the way back to the US and he isn't allowed in. Dan Hicks will fill in for him.
• karen lotz

  

  
• athlete37

  

  I'm friends of a lot of the players on the football team, but I am no friend of Dayne Crist... Still, if he wins, so be it lol
• Tobias Fünke

  

  I feel like there's a story or two there...?