Arizona State 55 Notre Dame 31

Complete reverse of what I expected. ASU is just not that good, but they are when you gift wrap 28 points. Notre Dame had 5 turnovers including picks and fumbles by Golson. That makes close to 20 turnovers for the year. Golson was sacked 7 times and PK holders muff erased the chance to tie the game 34-34.

Down 34-10 at the half ND came roaring back to close the gap 34-31. I thought we were going to have another Joe Montana moment and pull this out like Joe did to Houston, but that didn’t happen.

No doubt ND played very sloppy and Golson was both horrible and great in the same game – sorta like a psychotic split personalty. He ended up with 446 passing yards and 2 TD’s.

The OL almost got him killed and they deserve a great deal of blame for Golson’s play. He was literally rushed so often he was completely unnerved. The supposed strength of this team is the OL and at times looked like a revolving door giving ASU free shots from all different angles.

When you talk about sloppy and sometimes nonchalant play that’s on the coaches. Start with those guys that don’t tuck in their jerseys. They look sloppy and that simple item can trickle down to other aspects of their play.

Too late in the year but those 5 OL can’t be the best we have. They don’t know how to cut block at all. I would once again, on occasion do what Stanford does and put OT McGlinchy in as a Tight End. The guy is huge and athletic and Lord knows Elmer and Lombard need help big time.

Kelly has made a mistake all year by not getting Zaire into games even in a very limited role. What the hell is he going to do if Golson get’s knocked cold?

Defense:

• I’ve had the feeling that Kelly told VanGorder to dial down the blitzes.
• Safety Redfield thinks he’s better than he is and has not impressed me at all.
• Jaylon Smith really should be playing much better. He’s starting to look overrated.
• Biggest loss is Joe Schmidt, his replacement Morgan is not a factor at all. The middle of field was wide open on running plays.

Credit is due to this team for coming back like they did. They never quit.

I think they are in for a very rough next 3 games and USC while at 6-3 has been sneakily improving as the season progresses.

Tough loss, but at least the guys that select the final 4 can breathe a sigh of relief that they don’t have to contend with a 1 loss ND.

Here is Kelly’s after game press conference: