Second Look Rice

Took another look at this game and other than thinking Chuck Martin was calling the plays on the first 2 series, the ND offense played very well and, of course, Golson was really really sharp.

Receivers can’t drop perfect passes against Michigan. Now Rice is not a bad team and they do have a good running attack and, they are certainly much better than Appalachian State, but they were just out manned in this game and had no answer for Golson.

What I didn’t like is the number of times Golson was hit in this game, especially after releasing the ball. He just can’t take that punishment over the next 11 games.

Kelly had no business playing him at all in the 4th quarter, C’mon get Zaire some more playing time, they are going to need him ready before this season is over.

Thought the interior OL played very well, the 2 OT’s need pass blocking help but overall the whole line was excellent in the running game. While Kelly kept saying he would play fast and up tempo – I didn’t see any of that… Saving for Michigan? Don’t know but this would have been good practice for fast football.

Losing Collingsworth really hurt, but Shumate and Baratti both Juniors looked really bad. Not for Michigan but going ahead true freshman Tranquill could steal this position, he looked that good and he’s fast.

On defense the 4 down linemen played the run but not a lot of pressure on the QB. Frosh DE Trumbetti is going to be really good. Frosh Cage DT also surprised.

I really like Joe Schmidt he was all over the place but got bumped around a lot. He’s not Calabrese who could stand up RB’s, but he’s a lot faster. Kid plays smart and fast. I would not play Jaylon Smith at ILB – just wasting his talent there – I want him rushing the QB – switch him with Onwualu.

Riggs and Luke played well but Redfield and Safety’s have to get their heads screwed on.

Finally we had a game that we could get the subs in – real important for OL especially.

If I have it right 6 redshirts played:

• OT’s – Bivin and McGlinchy
• OG – McGovern
• TE – Smythe
• DT – Matuska
• QB – Zaire

10 Frosh played:

• CB – Watkins
• S – Tranquill
• LB’s – Morgan and Martini
• DT – Cage
• DE’s – Trumbetti and Blankenship
• TE – Luata
• WR’s – Holmes and Brent

Let’s for once try to play as hard as Michigan plays against us.