One Foot Down - 2020 Notre Dame Football: College Football Playoff Rose Bowl VS Alabama Crimson TideA never-ending discussion about Notre Dame and the greater CFB landscapehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52610/ofd_fav.png2021-01-05T11:13:16-05:00http://www.onefootdown.com/rss/stream/219688582021-01-05T11:13:16-05:002021-01-05T11:13:16-05:00Notre Dame VS Alabama: Analytics Recap
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<figcaption>Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Analytics To Wrap Up 2020</p> <p id="VcdH0l"><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> came up way short at the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years, leaving fans to wonder if the Irish have reached their ceiling as CFP participants. While even qualifying for the Playoff twice is a mark of excellent coaching and something only four other programs can claim, we believe the Irish need to redesign their offensive philosophy if they want a chance at winning these games once they get there. For more context on the stats we’ll use to breakdown this game, please follow this <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/21438547/primer-for-understanding-analytics-recaps-and-previews-college-football-notre-dame-advanced-stats-nd">link</a> to our analytics primer.</p>
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<p id="ffZ3uj">Knowing that you have to stay in the game to play ball control, and knowing that Alabama’s offense is likely to score regardless of where they take over possession, punting on 4th and 5 near midfield already down 7-0 was an indefensible coaching decision, especially considering the previous play was a run on 3rd and 8. Even pinning Alabama on their own three yard-line did not stop them from scoring an easy touchdown and putting the game away at 14-0. In most games we would be fine with a 4th and 5 punt, but against one of the best offenses in college football history it essentially meant giving up before the game had even really started. After this awful decision, the only glimmer of hope the Irish had was a third quarter drive spoiled by an Ian Book interception. Once the Tide took over up 21-7, the rout was officially on.</p>
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<p id="9Opc6w">For the first time in months passing and rushing essentially averaged a similar efficiency level. It was Kyren Williams’ most efficient rushing day in weeks, and an overall fairly lackluster performance from Ian Book. One thing to notice about rushing: the Irish were by far the most efficient running on third and short and fourth and short. The Irish picked up four first downs on the ground, which is great as we all know this offensive line was excellent in tight situations all year. This same success did not translate on early downs, as the Irish continued to struggle to run for explosiveness. 7 of 11 runs on 1st and 10 resulted in 2nd and Longs. It is also worth noting that the two most important plays for the Irish (Kyren punching in a 4th and goal run and the Ian Book interception) both skewed the numbers in the direction of running. These huge impact plays can bias the data, as the median pass was still far more efficient than the median run. However, these plays did happen and must be considered in the data. It was Kyren Williams’ most efficient game in months and he does deserve credit for that. </p>
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<p id="ShPQiO">Notre Dame still made some head scratcher decisions to run instead of pass. We developed a new metric called Expected Pass Rate, that predicts how often an average team would pass in the same situation. We can then evaluate how aggressive or conservative the coaching staff was. And boy, were they conservative. For the game Notre Dame’s Expected Pass Rate was 48%, they threw 43% of the time. They threw 11% less than expected on 1st and 10 and didn’t throw on 2nd Down unless there were 7 or more yards to gain. The 3rd and 7 quarterback power that set up the 4th and 5 punt was confusing, but after looking at this chart it’s clear Notre Dame was never going to take risks in this game.</p>
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<p id="TNMIfL">While we said in our preview that the only path to winning this game was throwing a ton, and we do still feel that way, this was conditional on Ian Book playing at the level he played in the stretch between the first Clemson game and the end of the regular season. Unfortunately, that did not materialize on Friday. Book struggled to get comfortable in the pocket from the onset, and did not wait in the pocket long enough for routes to develop. The coaches share some blame for this, as their stated gameplan to get Kyren Williams 10 catches played a role in Ian Book’s measly aDOT of 5.1 (it was 7.6 was filtering out Kyren’s targets). However, Book played into this as well repeatedly preferring scrambling and checkdowns over risks downfield. Book’s Pro Football Focus grade of 55.4 was his worst of the season, and was not even close to what Notre Dame needed to win this game. </p>
<p id="v5Pnpu">This wasn’t all on Book, as almost everyone on offense played far below their standards. The offensive line gave up pressure on over half of their pass blocking snaps, and PFF only credited Book with 2 pressures from holding the ball too long. Zeke Correll alone gave up 5 pressures from the center position, and every linemen except for Liam Eichenberg finished with a grade below 60 (Replacement Level). </p>
<p id="BgxA2F">One final point on Kyren’s pass game usage, many tell us the Irish can not make adjustments week to week or change their run pass mix week to week as it would sully the Irish offense’s identity. Williams caught twice as many passes this week as any game this year just because the Irish offensive staff thought this was a good strategy and said so during the week. We necessarily don’t disagree with this strategy, but it is worth noting it’s more strong evidence that offensive identity is a choice. Williams was not emphasized in the passing game most of the season and wasn’t that efficient either, but he was Alvin Kamara (stylistically, at least) on Friday. That’s fine, but it’s something to keep in mind for the future before saying that the game plan can’t be tweaked against elite teams out of fear of losing your identity. </p>
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<p id="NjxsJY">Finally, the Irish once again refused to use play action even though it was working for them in a limited sample. This has been a theme in the second half of the season and is something that needs to be addressed in 2021.</p>
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<p id="MzNVRB">Alabama leans heavily on the RPO (run-pass option). This is a play where Mac Jones puts the ball in Najee Harris’ hands and reading the defense, then making a decision whether to complete the handoff or pull the ball out and make a quick throw. This is not true play action, but we counted any passing play that featured a fake give as play action. These plays simply destroyed Notre Dame. They gave up 17.7 yards per play action play, and this was honestly where the recruiting mismatch bore its head the most. Defending the RPO was going to require one on one tackles in space, and the Tide’s playmakers were just faster and more athletic than the Irish defenders. Devonta Smith especially feasted on these plays, averaging a ludicrous 2.36 EPA/reception on a shallow aDOT of 7. This RPO game allowed the Tide to average 1.17 EPA/pass on throws behind the line of scrimmage, and march up and down the field with relative ease.</p>
<p id="IGjvba">This ease can be shown in how they avoided third down. Before the game entered garbage time when Alabama went up 28-7 midway through the third quarter, Alabama had faced just three third downs out of fifteen sets of downs. That’s simply ridiculous third down avoidance, and shows what an all-time elite offense this was. </p>
<p id="zE56rW">Despite all of these positives for Alabama’s offense, Notre Dame came up with two huge stops on Alabama’s first five drives. While giving up 21 points on 5 drives is not what Clark Lea’s defense is accustomed to, this is not bad for a College Football Playoff game in this era, and especially against this offense. As we explained in our preview, you can only hope to contain Alabama, you can’t stop them. And whether they throttled down in the 2nd half is a question we won’t fully find the answer (although it sure seems like they did after going up 28-7), but the defense provided enough stops for the offense to stay in this game.</p>
<p id="tueVu5">The Irish remain trapped a full tier behind the top contenders. The largest issue is likely a recruiting difference, but intentionally running a non-explosive offense exacerbates that gap. In this era, ball control is not a viable strategy against elite teams. It has been years since a team won a championship playing that way. Notre Dame may not have the wide receiver talent to be as explosive as elite teams, but they need to attempt to come as close as they can, or accept that this is going to continue to happen. And it’s very possible Notre Dame is closing themselves off from top Quarterback and Wide Receiver recruits each year simply due to their preferred style of play. Last week, Aaron Suttles of The Athletic mentioned Alabama didn’t consistently get the best quarterbacks and receivers each year until they switched from a run-oriented offense to an aerial attack. The Irish have established themselves as a perennial Top Ten program, and Brian Kelly deserves plenty of credit for that. Perhaps this is the ceiling the Irish can reach at their current recruiting level, although their 2021 recruiting class may indicate otherwise. But if we are to believe Brian Kelly that this team can be a true contender, it will require a full rebuild of the team’s offensive identity.</p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/5/22214953/notre-dame-alabama-analytics-recap-ian-book-kyren-williams-mac-jones-najee-harris-devonta-smith-ndJackConcannon9Cooper Klaus2021-01-03T09:21:51-05:002021-01-03T09:21:51-05:00Three Things Here at the Bitter End for Notre Dame
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<img alt="The CFP Semifinal presented by Capital One - Alabama v Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SS29Sdivhh5P1Qf0P40FRIQNbhU=/0x0:2587x1725/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68612004/1294164497.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A disappointing end to a great season</p> <p id="UMzfw8">Before I go into my final “Three Things” observations of the 2020-21 season, I’d like to share a quote from Teddy Roosevelt that I think is quite apt right about now.</p>
<blockquote><p id="Y1aO77">“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="tDarNT">If you are sitting around saying you wish the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> had been excluded from the playoff so they might have had a cushier matchup in a New Year’s Six bowl game, stop. It is always, always better to fail while daring greatly than to take the coward’s way out. Eventually the Irish are going to break through in one of these games, and you are going to be very glad they weren’t afraid to take the matchup.</p>
<p id="9S1kbQ">I will also refer salty fans of the <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M Aggies</a> to the quote above, and remind them who they are in it. I will also remind them that you can’t hand-wave away your four-possession loss to the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> this season while also arguing that losses by Bob Davie and Tyrone Willingham should be counted against the Irish in 2020. Your team had a chance and blew it. Get over it.</p>
<p id="RDpszN">With those two items out of the way, let’s talk about what we saw yesterday. It was a depressingly familiar sequence for viewers of this year’s ACC Championship game as the Irish fell behind in the first half, made defensive adjustments to stabilize the game but were unable to generate enough offense to climb back into it. The Irish did show more fight in this game than in that ACC Championship or their previous playoff game in Arlington, and we’ll get into some of those silver linings in this column. Still, at the end of the day the Irish were decisively beaten, and there were plenty of areas of improvement to look at going into 2021.</p>
<h1 id="cfiss8">Murder on the outside</h1>
<p id="pQlwH4">Alabama was better than Notre Dame all over the field on Friday, but it was on the perimeter - on both sides of the ball - where the differences went from marginal to monumental. The Irish were able to run the ball on the Tide, their tight ends could compete in the middle of the field and the defense was able to adjust and mostly contain Najee Harris after a rough start. But there was no man on the Irish roster that was anywhere near as dangerous down the field as Devonta Smith, or as dominant in the secondary as Patrick Surtain II. Those two were men among boys and absolutely tortured their counterparts in white and gold all afternoon.</p>
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<img alt="College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One - Alabama v Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3id3QNokiQuCkeTYFCb5B_dtYmo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22209839/1294073624.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="vfWKdM">It’s hard to fault the Irish for not being able to measure up to these two because the personnel simply weren’t there to do so. Javon McKinley and Ben Skowronek could play to the best of their abilities and still not get open. Nick McCloud and Clarence Lewis could do the same and still get burned. The Irish have struggled in recruiting top-flight wide receivers and corners in recent classes, and that gap showed yesterday. Irish fans do have much to be excited about in that area of the field in incoming classes, which is cause for excitement. But it was made clear Friday that they are not there yet.</p>
<h1 id="OvcO7K">Necessary risks don’t always pay off</h1>
<p id="EOVCmE">Brian Kelly was up-front about his team’s need to be more aggressive in their gameplan to compete with Alabama, and it was evident in the way this game unfolded. It made sense to take the ball to start the game, as the Irish realistically needed to score and control the ball from the outset. They failed to do so, but it was the only option they had. The game would not have gone better if Alabama had taken a lead before the Irish even touched the ball. </p>
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<img alt="College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One - Alabama v Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YBekOBqcRKxxcUQUsCahLI4GRgk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22209881/1294065017.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="owHbEe">Similarly, the Irish had to go for it on fourth down more often in this game than they normally would have, and there were fewer points on the board than there might have been because of that (i.e., in a normal game the Irish would have taken three points on the drive that featured Michael Mayer’s negated touchdown and ended in a turnover on downs). It is also likely that Ian Book was coached to take more chances through the air rather than tucking and running as he so often does, and it was an interception on one such risky throw that finally broke the back of the Irish in the third quarter.</p>
<p id="v7Ba4t">It was clear that the Irish came into this game ready to fight and take risks, and that was necessary for them to win. Unfortunately they weren’t able to execute, and that was that.</p>
<h1 id="0rizQ6">Silver Linings</h1>
<p id="DFmYXG">The Irish were soundly beaten in this game, but any honest viewer of it and the 2012 and 2018 title bids would tell you that this Irish team put forth a better effort than its predecessors. There were a few solid performances in this game that deserve to be highlighted, and some signs that this team, while still not there yet, is slowly getting closer to being championship-worthy.</p>
<p id="UkP0nt">Kyren Williams put forth an gritty and productive effort on a difficult offensive day for Notre Dame. Beyond production on the ground, he provided critical energy and leadership at points in the game where it looked like the Irish might be down for the count, continuing to fight and inspiring his teammates to do so as well. Don’t be surprised at all to see a C on the Bellyman’s chest next year.</p>
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<img alt="College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One - Alabama v Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FyNDTpwMOFwq4zQfFSC9KDB16FA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22209896/1294064983.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="XAbtQ3">Michael Mayer had an impressive game as well, and when the Irish were successful in moving the ball it was because Ian Book was able to use him as a security blanket. After a woeful start on defense, the Irish kept fighting and found ways to contain the Tide, holding them to well below their typical scoring output despite their early dominance. </p>
<p id="Kuz7r5">This doesn’t feel good, folks, but let’s remember how grateful we were to have a season at all this year - and how great a season it was. There’s plenty to be excited about in the future, and I’m excited to see this program continue to get closer and closer to the mountaintop.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/3/22210569/notre-dame-football-three-things-here-at-the-bitter-end-nd-irish-alabama-cfp-rose-bowlMatt Boomer2021-01-02T01:52:15-05:002021-01-02T01:52:15-05:00Brian Kelly went full UNDERAPPRECIATED DAD mode after Notre Dame’s loss to Alabama
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Notre Dame vs Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MRinyLk32PAXOosoCCYkss7-lSs=/1x0:5689x3792/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68608494/usa_today_15385096.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>And that’s fine</p> <p id="HrdcqJ">After the 31-14 loss the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> suffered to the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>, Brian Kelly sat down at a press conference table to take questions from the media — and he was spicy. </p>
<p id="qClxgZ">Jude and I hammered it out in the OFD Podcast, and unfortunately I think, we both lost sight of the greater truth from these 20 minutes. Whether you agree or not, the entire press conference felt like a dad that is working his ass off to provide as much as he can for his family — and the wife and kids are still bitching for more (while living a very comfortable lifestyle).</p>
<p id="UfTBQz">Kelly has lead this team to a 43-8 record, 2 playoff appearances, and two bowl wins over the last 4 years. From a purely numbers standpoint, that’s a really nice run. For a lot of Notre Dame fans, media, and others... it’s no where near enough. </p>
<p id="al5dQy">At Notre Dame — regardless of what has happened in the last 25 years — it ISN’T enough. Whether or not that’s a valid feeling to have in 2021 is for another time, but what has happened over these past 4 years is still really damn good. </p>
<p id="8VRXq5">The presser started off with a question about losing by a big margin and followed with a question about what Notre Dame has to do to take the next step. These type of questions have been handled with a little grace from Kelly before, but after two weeks of this type of noise... BK just wasn’t having it, and added a little spice.</p>
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<p id="5QF62P">“The margin is not the issue. Losing is losing. I don’t know really what the inference is. This football team battled. And they made a few more plays on the perimeter. I’m not sure, really, what the question is. When you lose football games, you know, there’s a few more plays that you have to make. We had the opportunity. You watched the game. I watched the game. We did not score in the red zone when we had opportunities. We moved the ball into the red zone. We missed a field goal. We had two opportunities in the red zone to score, where this would be a competitive football game. And we didn’t make enough plays. This wasn’t a matter of getting knocked off the ball or not having enough players to compete against Alabama. This was about making plays. And so, you know, I guess everybody needs to continue to carry this narrative that Notre Dame is not good enough. Look at the scores of the games that Alabama has played all year, and I think we need to start to change the narrative a little bit. This team was out there competing and having a chance to win. And I’m proud of the way our guys competed.”</p>
<p id="2JVYMu">“I don’t know how I need to — I really don’t want to continue to go down this path. We’re going to keep getting here, okay? And we’re going to keep banging at it and you guys watched the game, didn’t you? They made plays on the perimeter. They made some dynamic plays. They had the college football player of the year who made some dynamic plays. We battled. We were right there. So we’re going to keep getting back here. And I’m sorry if you don’t like it or if the national media doesn’t like it, but we’re going to go back to work. We’re going to keep recruiting and we’re going to put ourselves back in this position again. And I think our kids battled and played really hard and physical. We ran the ball today. And I’m not taking it personal, because these questions keep coming up like we have to reinvent ourselves. We were physical today. They were dynamic on the perimeter, like they have been all year. This is a really good football team. And we’re just going to keep recruiting and keep playing and we’re going to keep putting ourselves in this position. And that’s all we can do.”</p>
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<p id="H4plPC">And nothing he said here was wrong. </p>
<p id="S0fSYr">Alabama is ridiculously dynamic and has 3 of the top 5 Heisman finalists on its offense which averaged 50 points a game in 2020. It was the first time Alabama was held under 35 points since the 2018 National Championship game, and the Irish just didn’t make enough plays. Of course there will be those that try to invalidate Notre Dame’s season and inclusion in the playoff, and you really have to love Kelly basically saying “get used to it” when it comes to Notre Dame being on this stage.</p>
<p id="Hn6M0u">Then things came off the rails a bit with the next question, and was where the OFD Podcast took a turn as well. After two questions of WHY AREN’T YOU ELITE Kelly was congratulated for a good season — and that was his moment to take a jab at the beat.</p>
<blockquote><p id="U3h9mX">“That would be nice if our local people felt that way. But they don’t use any of those kinds of those terms. This is always about where our program needs to go. So I appreciate that. Thank you.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="0cpWW7">This is the UNDERAPPRECIATED DAD moment. It’s when the neighbor comes says “hey man, nice landscaping” right after the wife gave you shit for 20 minutes about the gutters needing cleaned. You don’t hate your wife, and she’s absolutely right about the gutters, but FUUUCK you just spent 6 hours in the sun edging and mulching. </p>
<p id="YiVznx">It’s fine. Frustrated coach is frustrated by things after a loss. This isn’t a new thing, and we are all probably making too much out of it. </p>
<p id="fAIsU0">After answering a question about what player he would give the Heisman to, Kelly was asked AGAIN about his Heisman vote by a radio guy that sounded higher than a kite. The frustration sinks in even more — and then “youngest son comic relief” sets in with a joke about the Heisman vote... and then another “next step question” was asked.</p>
<p id="dvX1Te">I’m surprised he didn’t throw his water bottle.</p>
<blockquote><p id="IyEnR6">“You guys are killing me. Big games, big games. You mean when we play Alabama and Clemson, right? And those are the big games. Those are elite, talented teams that have elite players. I just mentioned four players that are going to be vying for the Heisman. When they’re on the perimeter, nobody has shut them down. Tell me who has tackled those guys. Everybody has the same problem that I do. It’s tackling those guys and getting them down. And it’s the same issue. I don’t have a unique problem at Notre Dame. I think you need to look at the scores that everybody played against Alabama and Clemson. Everybody’s got the same issue.So we’re going to keep recruiting. We’re going to keep getting back here and everybody can keep saying, you know, Notre Dame is not good enough. You know what? You’re going to have a problem because we’re going to keep winning games and keep getting back here and we’re going to break through. And then I am going to be terrible to be at a press conference with. Terrible.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="a3u3AC">I mean really... I understand the energy BK was putting out in the presser. It’s never enough, and losing 31-14 isn’t going to win the hearts of everyone. </p>
<p id="HsXEJU">Clearly the Irish still have work to do on the recruiting trail to take down the giants of college football — but they’re right there, and plan on staying there to keep trying. I’m good with that. The fire and desire keeps things moving forward, and now it’s on to 2021... and a perfectly good fence needs moved because — never mind.</p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/2/22210050/notre-dame-football-brian-kelly-went-full-underappreciated-dad-mode-after-alabama-loss-rose-bowl-ndJoshua Vowles2021-01-01T23:23:51-05:002021-01-01T23:23:51-05:00OFD Podcast: We talk about Notre Dame losing to Alabama in the Rose Bowl like gentlemen
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<img alt="ofd podcast" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-GL9u-Byo0g8f08hfii8PCJ-AaY=/47x0:3266x2146/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68608305/Screen_Shot_2020_01_21_at_1.03.43_AM.0.png" />
<figcaption>Brendan McAlinden</figcaption>
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<p>For at least a few minutes</p> <p id="zI8H5M">Joshua, Jude, and Brendan quickly compose themselves to talk about the 31-14 loss to the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> in the College Football Playoff <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>. In this episode:</p>
<ul>
<li id="LeQkyt">Joshua messes up the score and we talk about it.</li>
<li id="J2uecZ">We are live-watching the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> - Clemson game and talk smack that we now regret just minutes later.</li>
<li id="eVVxt0">
<a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a>’s conservative offense.</li>
<li id="SwpIWx">Brian Kelly’s spicy post-game presser causes an eruption on the podcast that covers; recruiting, narratives, and math - and math always sucks.</li>
<li id="ZjZneG">Notre Dame’s wide receiver issues over the years (2017 is key in this conversation).</li>
<li id="8r7DRi">Taking risks.</li>
<li id="kNO2B1">Talking about transfer quarterbacks because this is where we are.</li>
<li id="FIbLIQ">We don’t feel like buckets of death after this game.</li>
<li id="ggwIrZ">Some New Year’s thank-you’s.</li>
</ul>
<p id="R1q7gs">And plenty more weaved in and out of the show (like a whole lot more but I forgot to take notes).</p>
<p id="W0xsmQ">Please RATE and REVIEW! All reviews left on Apple Podcasts will be read on the next OFD Podcast.</p>
<p id="L4NRSW">You can listen to the show in the player below, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.</p>
<div id="xtNvzW"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP5303410713" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/1/22209967/ofd-podcast-we-talk-about-notre-dame-losing-to-alabama-in-the-rose-bowl-like-gentlemen-playoff-ndJoshua Vowles2021-01-01T19:35:52-05:002021-01-01T19:35:52-05:00Notre Dame outmatched by Alabama in the Rose Bowl and loses 31-14
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Notre Dame vs Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nu15XS8ow2o1tNyvlJgL2XVDn0Q=/0x0:4876x3251/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68607954/usa_today_15385888.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bama did not score the 50 they average</p> <p id="dqSzCE">The season is over for the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> after losing to the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> 31-14 in the College Football Playoff <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>. Alabama was everything that they were advertised to be — and maybe more given what was on the line for both teams.</p>
<p id="fFbDtC">Alabama got off to a blazing start. After forcing the Irish to punt after an opening drive of 5 plays for 17 yards, the Tide ripped off two consecutive touchdown drives that consisted of 12 plays for 176 yards and took all of 4:47 seconds total. </p>
<p id="MfJq3K">DeVonta Smith, Mac Jones, and Najee Harris were incredible with Smith getting over 130 yards and scoring on 3 touchdowns. Harris ran for over 125, and when the Irish keyed in on the pass — Harris was usually the one to to get the ball with green yards in front of him. </p>
<p id="Xe4zFx">Notre Dame’s offense looked incredibly conservative in the first half, with their only touchdown drive consisting of 12 plays for 75 yards that ended on a 4th down score from Kyren Williams. Ian book didn’t play poorly, as his wide receivers were well covered most of the game. Book did throw a crucial interception in the 3rd quarter while the Irish were only trailing 21-7 — and were driving. </p>
<p id="0aSVqg">It should be noted that Tommy Tremble went out of the game early with a lower leg injury, which was a huge loss to what the Irish like to do.</p>
<div id="V4yBbP">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Through the first three quarters, Ian Book attempted just two on-target passes beyond six yards from the line of scrimmage. <br><br>One was a 20-yard completion to Ben Skowronek. The other was intercepted.<br><br>Alabama completed 17 passes of 6+ yards and 12 of 12+ yards during that span.</p>— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarterKarels/status/1345161231116730368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2021</a>
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<p id="HziWWx">Bama kept doing what it has done all year with incredible offensive line play and one explosive play after another. As good as Kyle Hamilton and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are, they just weren’t enough. Freshman CB Clarence Lewis was picked on all day by Smith and Jones, and the Irish front four could never get enough pressure on their own to help out the back end.</p>
<p id="5RTkj9">Notre Dame had a TD pass to Ben Skowronek wiped out because of an illegal procedure call on Chris Tyree, but the game was still 31-7 at the time. With around three and a half minutes to go, the Irish were only 6-14 on 3rd down and had only made it to the redzone three times in the game — with one of them coming in the final minutes. </p>
<p id="FKBooj">The Irish did beat the spread with a 14 play 80 yard drive that ended with Ian Book touchdown run. They immediately recovered an onside kick to try and save even more face, but were unable to punch it in in the final second. </p>
<p id="ETvdWM">We will have much more on OFD in the coming hours and days. The Irish end the season 10-2, and now we wait to see if they finish in the top 5. </p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/1/22209771/notre-dame-outmatched-by-alabama-in-the-rose-bowl-and-loses-31-14-college-football-playoff-ndJoshua Vowles2021-01-01T17:55:25-05:002021-01-01T17:55:25-05:00After one half in the Rose Bowl, Notre Dame trails Alabama 21-7
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Notre Dame vs Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xZsWrEJyPstTxyOWLQ8T8buIXlI=/0x0:4162x2775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68607755/usa_today_15385407.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>And somehow it feels like more</p> <p id="epozxR">The first half went about as well for the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> against the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> as most pundits thought. </p>
<p id="tPW82L">Alabama’s offense is just incredible. They held onto the ball for just over 12 minutes and racked up 279 yards for an average of 10 yards per play. Mac Jones is throwing dimes to incredible athletes like DeVonta Smith — who already has 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. </p>
<p id="zZ1Xnd">And Najee Harris has done some things on the ground.</p>
<div id="pbEWy4">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GET UP NAJEE HARRIS<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/TuPEgHD6WA">pic.twitter.com/TuPEgHD6WA</a></p>— PFF College (@PFF_College) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1345123982429839363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="NCN6s0">Offensively for Notre Dame, it feels far too conservative — even for them. Bama is an elite tackling team, and the Irish are having trouble breaking short plays open. Kyren Williams has 56 yards and Notre Dame’s lone TD, as well as 21 yards receiving. Notre Dame has shot themselves in the foot with negative plays, and is just 5-10 on 3rd down. </p>
<p id="jsb2rI">21-7 feels like a lot more than it really is.</p>
<p id="HGpCkl">The Irish did put together a nice looking drive in the final minute, but ran out of time and were forced to kick a 51 yard field goal that looks like it was tipped, and fell short. </p>
<p id="IGu9mP">Hard to say what adjustments will work in the 2nd half, but they are going to need a few breaks that they were nowhere near in the first half. </p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/1/22209695/after-one-half-in-the-rose-bowl-notre-dame-trails-alabama-21-7-college-football-playoff-ndJoshua Vowles2021-01-01T14:06:09-05:002021-01-01T14:06:09-05:00Notre Dame VS Alabama: College Football Playoff Rose Bowl Game Thread
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<figcaption>Brendan McAlinden</figcaption>
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<p>Renewed shall be blade that was broken. The crownless again shall be king.</p> <p id="96jxMq">Here we go y’all! In The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> get a rematch against the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> on one of the biggest stages possible... in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a> Game as part of the College Football Playoff. </p>
<p id="029wjt">I really don’t have much more to say about this game. I have too much respect for Nick Saban and this Alabama program to crack any jokes — because they really don’t land (or age well). And honestly, this 2020 season was far too insular to understand how good any team really is. </p>
<p id="tXbcnD">But I mean... Alabama is really fucking good, so I guess there’s that. </p>
<p id="Uezp7e">Even with the HUGE point spread and with virtually no one outside of the Notre Dame bubble that believes the Irish stand a chance... I still believe they can “shock the world” and pull off the win. </p>
<p id="d0TB7G">SO LETS FOOKING GOOOOOO!!!!!</p>
<h2 id="WlqZ36">WHEN, WHERE, HOW TO WATCH</h2>
<p id="AM3iPw"><strong>When: </strong>4:20 PM EST Kickoff<br><strong>Where: </strong>AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas<br><strong>How to Watch:</strong> ABC with Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Todd McShay, and Allison Williams</p>
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<h2 id="hrbnKg">GAME THREAD</h2>
<p id="LgUGl8">The game thread is open below. I know many of us are on Twitter for most of the game, but I encourage you to vent and do other things that require more than 280 characters here.</p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/1/22209386/notre-dame-vs-alabama-college-football-playoff-rose-bowl-game-thread-irish-tide-saban-chat-stream-ndJoshua Vowles2021-01-01T03:04:12-05:002021-01-01T03:04:12-05:00Notre Dame VS Alabama in the Rose Bowl Game: Staff Picks
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<p>Love the energy</p> <p id="nqZNUi">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> take on the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> today in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a> Game — which is part of the College Football Playoff (that’s a lot of words that didn’t include sponsor names). It’s been kind of a brutal two weeks if you’ve been looking around for kind words about the Irish, and while that should be expected, it’s a joy killer. </p>
<p id="C9Pj7p">I don’t care what people say about Notre Dame right now, because none of it is original or even entertaining. It’s a chance for detractors to slam ND to get those valuable street cred points from other fans, and they get the pageviews from Irish fans just looking to get pissed.</p>
<div id="NYtjYy">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kick fucking rocks</p>— Joshua Vowles (@TheSubwayDomer) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSubwayDomer/status/1344700358329819137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2020</a>
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<p id="M7a6KC">And it’s fine. </p>
<p id="BRseqQ">Notre Dame is a 20 point underdog and that’s tough enough. There are cold realities to face, but none of those realities have anything to do with 2012 or whatever the hell the spin is. The Irish have to play the #1 team in the country that averages over 50 points a game. </p>
<p id="wnRTPA">There’s enough real trouble here that we don’t need to dissect the last 20 years. And if people are “tired” of Notre Dame making it to these kind of postseason games — then maybe they should start beating the Irish in the regular season. </p>
<p id="gSuYTS">All of that is to say... who knows what happens in AT&T Stadium. Maybe the Irish will get killed, and maybe they won’t — it’s why we play the game. </p>
<p id="icBXyP">The staff picks are below:</p>
<h3 id="hLvTMv">Pat Rick Sullivan</h3>
<p id="PyBUjL">I rewatched the Lord of the Rings movies over Christmas with my family, and I can’t escape the parallels my mind drew between this game and the battle at Helm’s Deep in <em>The Two Towers</em>. The 10,000-strong army of Uruk-hai — bred specifically for the purpose of destroying mankind — represents Clemson and Alabama and their bevy of 5-star talent. The Uruk-hai blowing up the wall of Helm’s Deep with explosives was full-strength Clemson crushing the Irish in the ACC title game, and now the Irish are holed-up in The Keep as Alabama closes in — there appears to be no hope for victory. The ultimate question is — do the Irish have Gandalf/the Riders of Rohan to come save the day and defeat <s>Saruman’s</s> Saban’s army when things seem most bleak?</p>
<p id="iVDLL3">No, I don’t think they do. <strong>I’m taking Alabama by a final score of 44-23</strong>. Hopefully I’m wrong, though, and Kelly/Lea/Rees have a special surprise for Alabama when we look to the east at first light on the fifth day (of the week — Friday).</p>
<h3 id="2ny9IQ">Philip Gough</h3>
<p id="DxCJbk">All I am hoping for is a competitive game. Things don’t have to all go ND’s way for a competitive game, but they do for ND to win. Some things that can make an upset a possibility:</p>
<ul>
<li id="606HOR">Win turnover battle by +2 </li>
<li id="4Sxw2U">Ian Book rushes for 4 first downs</li>
<li id="0gIFh2">An explosive first half touchdown (40+ yards out)</li>
</ul>
<p id="JzwuDQ">I picked Clemson on Nov 7, so here is to hoping the Irish prove me wrong again! </p>
<p id="iaNWdt"><strong>Alabama 45, Notre Dame 27</strong> </p>
<h3 id="sWSJjg">Billy Gorman</h3>
<p id="NDlQaz">I would love to be the optimist and pick Notre Dame here, but I just don’t see anybody beating Alabama. Notre Dame covers late and Alabama goes on to win the National Championship by double digits.</p>
<p id="ldKKBs"><strong>Alabama 42, Notre Dame 24</strong></p>
<h3 id="zDjOMy">Lisa Kelly</h3>
<p id="HQ1CzT">After watching the Florida/Oklahoma bowl game, I’m not convinced that Alabama is as good as they are cracked up to be. I think it is difficult to compare teams this year as there was no out of conference play, so I’m going to pick the Irish to upset the Crimson Tide ... <strong>Notre Dame 45 - Alabama 42.</strong> Cheers & GO IRISH!</p>
<h3 id="c7XkcG">Cooper Klaus</h3>
<p id="cayRmk">otre Dame is going to need to play their best game of the season and get all the positive variance (turnovers, special teams, TDs, etc) in this game to win. And because I think they’ll fall into the trap of establishing the run early I don’t think that will happen. That being said I hope I’m wrong. Go Irish!</p>
<p id="vlXDjh"><strong>Alabama 45 Notre Dame 17</strong></p>
<h3 id="7i2ilC">Jack Concannon</h3>
<p id="Eqsxq9">Coopers exact reasoning but I have to maintain my identity as the good cop of our pairing.</p>
<p id="NPapbj"><strong>Alabama 45 Notre Dame 28</strong></p>
<h3 id="fWgiKL">Brendan McAlinden</h3>
<p id="75GeMm">We’ve experienced games on this stage before. The Irish start slow give up quick scores and find themselves throwing the gameplann in the trash and losing in an embarrassing route...</p>
<p id="gUrixj">But something is different this season. We already witnessed that game in Charlotte. I think they come ready to play and give an Alabama defense that gives up ground, all they can handle. </p>
<p id="jytkeB">Does Notre Dame cover? Well. Last I checked the fight song wasn’t what though the odds be great or small, ol Notre Dame will COVER over them all... it’s win baby. <strong>Irish 37 Alabama 34</strong></p>
<h3 id="x8CT9x">Matt Greene</h3>
<p id="TQD2ud">I’m not even sorry. I’m not picking Notre Dame to lose. I see this being similar to a Miracle on Ice situation. I think we get into a bit of a dogfight and come out on top. There is enough fight in the guys to pull it off. We take it to Bama’s defense, and Jonathan Doerer makes the difference in the end. Go Irish! Beat Bama.</p>
<p id="ROIaVm"><strong>Notre Dame - 45, Alabama - 42</strong></p>
<h3 id="kQ5Rub">Joshua Vowles</h3>
<p id="cCVheV">Everything is true. Alabama is probably the best team in the country, and there’s almost no hope of winning. But you see... I was raised on Star Wars, and have nothing but hope in my heart. Quite simply... if Notre Dame can score touchdowns instead of field goals and have a 100% TD rate in the redzone AS WELL AS be +2 in the turnover margin — they have a shot. I’ll take that shot.</p>
<p id="y5fj1H"><strong>Notre Dame 38, Alabama 35</strong></p>
<div id="e421Mt">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> . . . ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoIrish</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatBama?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatBama</a> <a href="https://t.co/sxEmaEmo2m">pic.twitter.com/sxEmaEmo2m</a></p>— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1344810576975958016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="LHIPK7"></p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/1/1/22209044/notre-dame-vs-alabama-in-the-rose-bowl-game-staff-picks-cfp-college-football-playoff-nd-predictionJoshua Vowles