Deeper Dive into Syracuse v ND

[TheCusian]

A big game requires a deeper dive. They are very good, of course. They do a lot of things better than most every team we’ve played outside of Clemson. That’s the giant asterisk to all of this. If they play their A game and we play our B, we lose. Hell, if they play their A game and we play our A game we probably lose a close game.

But there are some things to watch for:

FIELD POSITION
We are #1 in avg FP on offense and #7 on defense. This is in large part to the best special teams in the country and #4 in TO ranking margin. (ND is #54 in special teams and #49 in TO margin).

Signs: If it looks like ND is pinned back a lot and you see ED taking a lot of snaps in ND territory, that means this is working in our favor.

FINISHING DRIVES
We are average in finishing drives on offense (#64), but our D (Points Per Scoring Opportunity) has been sneaky good (#33 nationally). ND is really good at finishing drives (#27) - and their D (Points Per Scoring Opportunity) is really good at #4 in red zone D.

Signs: If we’re able to score TD early while holding them to FG? Maybe we’re flipping the script and bucking the odds.

SACK RATE
I keep reading and hearing about ND being good at putting pressure on the QB. They are average at #70. We’re very good at #18. They do a good job of protection - but I think we can get to the QB. Dungey needs to play like he did vs NC State - quick reads, run when it’s not there. Don’t hold the ball.

Signs: If we can hit Book, I think he’s still hurt enough that it could knock him out of the game or get him pulled. I’m not advocating for a player to get injured - but I’d much rather play against Wimbush, especially if can get out to a lead.

RUSHING
They are an average running team at #68. Their run D (like most of their D is very good at #15). We’ll need to run to be successful and we’ve done ok at #44(!).

Signs: If we start getting gashed, that’s a very bad sign. We need Eric to be the x-factor and put pressure on this D with his legs.

PASSING DOWNS
This is where I see the biggest “hidden” stat. They are really good vs the pass (#8) but will give up yards when you run on passing downs (#36 passing down yards per carry). I think this is where Eric really keeps us in the game. On the reverse side - both our passing down offense (#21) and passing down defense (#15) are really good.

Signs: We really, really want to see them in 3rd and med/long. It makes Book pass on passing downs which exposes him to Coleman and Robinson. On the flip side, if when we are in 3rd and long and Eric does Eric things and gets 1st downs - we’ll have a chance.

FOOTBALL GODS
No stats for this - but if you move your home game to a baseball field because you think it won't matter against an inferior opponent, decide to forgo your famous golden helmets for the first time, and you play your rival in SoCal the next week - all with a trip to the playoff on the line? AND you stole 2 Heisman's from Cuse greats?

Signs: Abnormal amount of TO's, a very red faced coach, and the "Let's Go Orange" chants audible in the 4th Q

 

[721Comstock]

This all checks out.

 

[zona]

A good review of Syracuse / Notre Dame Podcast from Rivals

 

[Oakland]

Excellent post.

A big game requires a deeper dive. They are very good, of course. They do a lot of things better than most every team we’ve played outside of Clemson. That’s the giant asterisk to all of this. If they play their A game and we play our B, we lose. Hell, if they play their A game and we play our A game we probably lose a close game.

But there are some things to watch for:

FIELD POSITION
We are #1 in avg FP on offense and #7 on defense. This is in large part to the best special teams in the country and #4 in TO ranking margin. (ND is #54 in special teams and #49 in TO margin).

Signs: If it looks like ND is pinned back a lot and you see ED taking a lot of snaps in ND territory, that means this is working in our favor.

FINISHING DRIVES
We are average in finishing drives on offense (#64), but our D (Points Per Scoring Opportunity) has been sneaky good (#33 nationally). ND is really good at finishing drives (#27) - and their D (Points Per Scoring Opportunity) is really good at #4 in red zone D.

Signs: If we’re able to score TD early while holding them to FG? Maybe we’re flipping the script and bucking the odds.

SACK RATE
I keep reading and hearing about ND being good at putting pressure on the QB. They are average at #70. We’re very good at #18. They do a good job of protection - but I think we can get to the QB. Dungey needs to play like he did vs NC State - quick reads, run when it’s not there. Don’t hold the ball.

Signs: If we can hit Book, I think he’s still hurt enough that it could knock him out of the game or get him pulled. I’m not advocating for a player to get injured - but I’d much rather play against Wimbush, especially if can get out to a lead.

RUSHING
They are an average running team at #68. Their run D (like most of their D is very good at #15). We’ll need to run to be successful and we’ve done ok at #44(!).

Signs: If we start getting gashed, that’s a very bad sign. We need Eric to be the x-factor and put pressure on this D with his legs.

PASSING DOWNS
This is where I see the biggest “hidden” stat. They are really good vs the pass (#8) but will give up yards when you run on passing downs (#36 passing down yards per carry). I think this is where Eric really keeps us in the game. On the reverse side - both our passing down offense (#21) and passing down defense (#15) are really good.

Signs: We really, really want to see them in 3rd and med/long. It makes Book pass on passing downs which exposes him to Coleman and Robinson. On the flip side, if when we are in 3rd and long and Eric does Eric things and gets 1st downs - we’ll have a chance.

FOOTBALL GODS
No stats for this - but if you move your home game to a baseball field because you think it won't matter against an inferior opponent, decide to forgo your famous golden helmets for the first time, and you play your rival in SoCal the next week - all with a trip to the playoff on the line? AND you stole 2 Heisman's from Cuse greats?

Signs: Abnormal amount of TO's, a very red faced coach, and the "Let's Go Orange" chants audible in the 4th Q

 

[MGDCuse]

A good review of Syracuse / Notre Dame Podcast from Rivals

They do a pretty good review of Syracuse but there were a couple things that made me chuckle. Suggesting that there front 7 are as good or better than Clemson's was priceless. Also, almost no mention of our d line other than a passing comment that we have 2 speedy edge rushers in Coleman and Robinson and Guthrie is a good blitzing lb, but our d line is undersized and their online should handle them just fine. The best part was when they made their predictions and both said Cuse wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of the spotlight in this big of a game. Like they have been so relevant in college football for the last 25 years. If anything, I think we have nothing to lose, and they have everything to lose. Pressure is all on them. I know it's a ND homer cast, but that arrogance is pretty funny.

 

[zona]

They do a pretty good review of Syracuse but there were a couple things that made me chuckle. Suggesting that there front 7 are as good or better than Clemson's was priceless. Also, almost no mention of our d line other than a passing comment that we have 2 speedy edge rushers in Coleman and Robinson and Guthrie is a good blitzing lb, but our d line is undersized and their online should handle them just fine. The best part was when they made their predictions and both said Cuse wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of the spotlight in this big of a game. Like they have been so relevant in college football for the last 25 years. If anything, I think we have nothing to lose, and they have everything to lose. Pressure is all on them. I know it's a ND homer cast, but that arrogance is pretty funny.

Our front 7 is as good or better. So chuckle away. He also said our front 7 is different where Clemson is strictly geared against the run. They did mention your pass rushers and said that your defense is athletic but not big. Listen Driskell was a CFB coach but he is basing that on what happen to ND in a prior season. pretty reasonable assessment if you asked me. The reality is Notre Dame plays its game does not make many mistakes we will win. The arrogance is with you getting smug with your response. What do you expect him to say. Notre Dame talent is greater than Syracuse. Notre Dame gets 3-4-5 star kids as does clemson. It does not mean ND is going to walk away with the game ask the clemson coach. It means he thinks notre dame should win and over the course of the game and dominate. Will they is the question. I thought he was fair and complimentary to Syracuse. Also the show is for ND fans not syracuse fans. But I thought you guys would get a different perspective. The problem with most fan bases they start getting arrogant and thinking they are better than they are. Too me the Irish are very capable of making the playoffs and winning the opening round after that if they play Bama I would say they have a 2 or 3 chance in 10 to win.

 

[zona]

more to it. As I said on a different thread I still think Ohio State is better than Purdue. The reason is talent. However, if they played each other 10 times Purdue will win maybe 3 times. like Syracuse, I think if they played Clemson or ND 10 times they are are going to win up to 3 times. Is that arrogant? it is looking @ the talent and how these teams are coached.

 

[TheCusian]

Our front 7 is as good or better. So chuckle away. He also said our front 7 is different where Clemson is strictly geared against the run. They did mention your pass rushers and said that your defense is athletic but not big. Listen Driskell was a CFB coach but he is basing that on what happen to ND in a prior season. pretty reasonable assessment if you asked me. The reality is Notre Dame plays its game does not make many mistakes we will win. The arrogance is with you getting smug with your response. What do you expect him to say. Notre Dame talent is greater than Syracuse. Notre Dame gets 3-4-5 star kids as does clemson. It does not mean ND is going to walk away with the game ask the clemson coach. It means he thinks notre dame should win and over the course of the game and dominate. Will they is the question. I thought he was fair and complimentary to Syracuse. Also the show is for ND fans not syracuse fans. But I thought you guys would get a different perspective. The problem with most fan bases they start getting arrogant and thinking they are better than they are. Too me the Irish are very capable of making the playoffs and winning the opening round after that if they play Bama I would say they have a 2 or 3 chance in 10 to win.

The stats don’t share that opinion of your DL.

We’re eyes wide open, here man. You guys have lots of advantages in other areas - but our DL is legit.

 

[TheCusian]

more to it. As I said on a different thread I still think Ohio State is better than Purdue. The reason is talent. However, if they played each other 10 times Purdue will win maybe 3 times. like Syracuse, I think if they played Clemson or ND 10 times they are are going to win up to 3 times. Is that arrogant? it is looking @ the talent and how these teams are coached.

I think that’s fair. I just think proper deference is not being shown to Coleman, Slayton, a d Robinson. Book will be well acquainted.

 

[zona]

The stats don’t share that opinion of your DL.

We’re eyes wide open, here man. You guys have lots of advantages in other areas - but our DL is legit.

Watch film

 

[DocFlanders]

more to it. As I said on a different thread I still think Ohio State is better than Purdue. The reason is talent. However, if they played each other 10 times Purdue will win maybe 3 times. like Syracuse, I think if they played Clemson or ND 10 times they are are going to win up to 3 times. Is that arrogant? it is looking @ the talent and how these teams are coached.

All pressure on you bro...we’re gonna roll it out on O

 

[zona]

The stats don’t share that opinion of your DL.

We’re eyes wide open, here man. You guys have lots of advantages in other areas - but our DL is legit.

Your D-line is geared to play passing teams as is your overall D. They are a good pass rushing team. I do not doubt Book will be sacked a few times. That said your weakness is they are not big so over a course of a game they can be worn down. I think some of you guys should examine film of your team clemson and ND. I have done that for years being a HS coach. Maybe not at the level of CFB but still you have to evaluate things to improve your team. You review each play and each player and grade them. That is how they know and it is how you know

 

[zona]

All pressure on you bro...we’re gonna roll it out on O

maybe

 

[MGDCuse]

Our front 7 is as good or better. So chuckle away. He also said our front 7 is different where Clemson is strictly geared against the run. They did mention your pass rushers and said that your defense is athletic but not big. Listen Driskell was a CFB coach but he is basing that on what happen to ND in a prior season. pretty reasonable assessment if you asked me. The reality is Notre Dame plays its game does not make many mistakes we will win. The arrogance is with you getting smug with your response. What do you expect him to say. Notre Dame talent is greater than Syracuse. Notre Dame gets 3-4-5 star kids as does clemson. It does not mean ND is going to walk away with the game ask the clemson coach. It means he thinks notre dame should win and over the course of the game and dominate. Will they is the question. I thought he was fair and complimentary to Syracuse. Also the show is for ND fans not syracuse fans. But I thought you guys would get a different perspective. The problem with most fan bases they start getting arrogant and thinking they are better than they are. Too me the Irish are very capable of making the playoffs and winning the opening round after that if they play Bama I would say they have a 2 or 3 chance in 10 to win.

I acknowledged that it was a ND homer pod and fully expected it to be very slanted towards how good they are. Honestly, what did I say that wasn't accurate? Even the line about ND arrogance. I have several friends that are Irish fans and they openly admit that it's right up there with the most arrogant fans bases in football. I wasn't being arrogant at all about our team. We all know we've exceeded expectations this year. We're playing with house money and I think most of the pressure is on the Irish to produce. Also, I've watch ND and Clemson both 3 or 4 Times this year. Your d ain't as good as theirs.

 

[MGDCuse]

more to it. As I said on a different thread I still think Ohio State is better than Purdue. The reason is talent. However, if they played each other 10 times Purdue will win maybe 3 times. like Syracuse, I think if they played Clemson or ND 10 times they are are going to win up to 3 times. Is that arrogant? it is looking @ the talent and how these teams are coached.

I would disagree on OSU. They've got problems. Michigan may woodshed them next week. I agree with your take on talent and I'm not calling you arrogant. There is just that mustique with ND and a few other legendary programs. Not trying to pick a fight, just thought the pod host barely touching on what is one of Cuse's strengths was odd. #18 in the nation in sacks.

 

[skurey]

Complains about fan bases being too arrogant
Says Notre Dame would beat Alabama 2 or 3 times out of 10

 

[zona]

I acknowledged that it was a ND homer pod and fully expected it to be very slanted towards how good they are. Honestly, what did I say that wasn't accurate? Even the line about ND arrogance. I have several friends that are Irish fans and they openly admit that it's right up there with the most arrogant fans bases in football. I wasn't being arrogant at all about our team. We all know we've exceeded expectations this year. We're playing with house money and I think most of the pressure is on the Irish to produce. Also, I've watch ND and Clemson both 3 or 4 Times this year. Your d ain't as good as theirs.

that is your opinion and you're entitled.

 

[zona]

Complains about fan bases being too arrogant
Says Notre Dame would beat Alabama 2 or 3 times out of 10

how is that arrogant? it is an opinion. And your complaining about me saying that . Grow up

 

[TheCusian]

Watch film

I have. I’ve seen Cuse DE sack a lot of QBs (#9 nationally) and have a lot of tackles for loss (#27 nationally).

Clemson’s DL is insane (#2 in tackles for loss, #3 in sacks).

You guys are middle of the pack.

 

[TheCusian]

Your D-line is geared to play passing teams as is your overall D. They are a good pass rushing team. I do not doubt Book will be sacked a few times. That said your weakness is they are not big so over a course of a game they can be worn down. I think some of you guys should examine film of your team clemson and ND. I have done that for years being a HS coach. Maybe not at the level of CFB but still you have to evaluate things to improve your team. You review each play and each player and grade them. That is how they know and it is how you know

You’ve watched every down and graded our DL?

 

[TheCusian]

Cusian, what do you think about slowing the offense down. I know it sounds crazy, and it makes much more sense as the game wears on (if it's close). But we're better on offense and defense ... we haven't been able to stop power running teams. And ND has a power running game. The longer our O is on the field, the more we protect our flank. Just throwing that out there.

Maybe? If we have a lead, Dino has slowed it down in the 4th before. Some of it depends on how we get the lead and how effective we’ve been against the run. If we can’t stop them running - we’re in trouble no matter what IMO.

 

[zona]

I would disagree on OSU. They've got problems. Michigan may woodshed them next week. I agree with your take on talent and I'm not calling you arrogant. There is just that mustique with ND and a few other legendary programs. Not trying to pick a fight, just thought the pod host barely touching on what is one of Cuse's strengths was odd. #18 in the nation in sacks.

I think Michigan is better also. However, what I said is ohio state even though they got thumped by purdue is a more talented team than purdue and over a series of games would win more than they would lose against them. just an opinion. OSU is not the same team they have been in the past. Coach Holtz would say your team will play 3 great games in a season and 3 terrible games and rest will be in between.
'he would follow up with in the 3 games you played terrible you hope you can out talent the other team. but it does not always happen.


I understand people say the arrogant thing. I try to be as objective as possible and arrogance means you think you are more important than you are. i came to this board because I like the syracuse team. they are fun to watch.
as a fan I am predicting a win for the irish but more like a 7-14 pt game. probably a cheap TD at the end.

 

[zona]

You’ve watched every down and graded our DL?

I am a football nerd

 

[SURules]

Your D-line is geared to play passing teams as is your overall D. They are a good pass rushing team. I do not doubt Book will be sacked a few times. That said your weakness is they are not big so over a course of a game they can be worn down. I think some of you guys should examine film of your team clemson and ND. I have done that for years being a HS coach. Maybe not at the level of CFB but still you have to evaluate things to improve your team. You review each play and each player and grade them. That is how they know and it is how you know

I would agree with much of this. Our D is well suited to defend Spread Offenses. We have speed but lack a big run stuffing Mike to fill the gaps. This is one of the reasons Dabo went old school power running this year in the 2nd half as that was the only way they were going to win. Dabo alluded to it in his post game presser.

I can see either team winning depending on who shows up to play or isn’t to wound up for a big game. The first few possessions for each team will be interesting.

 

[MGDCuse]

I think Michigan is better also. However, what I said is ohio state even though they got thumped by purdue is a more talented team than purdue and over a series of games would win more than they would lose against them. just an opinion. OSU is not the same team they have been in the past. Coach Holtz would say your team will play 3 great games in a season and 3 terrible games and rest will be in between.
'he would follow up with in the 3 games you played terrible you hope you can out talent the other team. but it does not always happen.


I understand people say the arrogant thing. I try to be as objective as possible and arrogance means you think you are more important than you are. i came to this board because I like the syracuse team. they are fun to watch.
as a fan I am predicting a win for the irish but more like a 7-14 pt game. probably a cheap TD at the end.

I don't know what to think about this game. You have more talent but a few of the teams we beat or almost beat this year had more talent. Dungey is absolutely one the toughest players I've ever seen and can will this team to a victory. Should be fun. I do think our d line will get to your qb a lot and cause at least one turnover.