Charlie Weis Remains Afloat After Naval Attack

The offensive line has improved since last year. Sacks allowed stats would certainly support that case and even convince that the Irish are good at pass protection. Stats can lie, and the Irish are not good at pass protection. Clausen getting less then three seconds vs. an eight-man rush the last four games, and a basketball player easily sacking Clausen supports that case.

While some of the facts on mikeanellofacts.com may not be true, nobody can deny he may be one of the greatest walk-ons in Notre Dame history. Anello's punt block which Toryan Smith returned for a touchdown gave the Irish a much needed change in course.

The first quarter finished with the Irish defense holding Navy in check again, and another Irish offensive series starting with a "pound it" mentality. The second quarter started with Golden Tate lined up in the Wildcat formation.

While many may criticize this call, I applaud it. The offensive line had blocked well enough on five straight runs for twenty yards. Golden Tate is a big play threat and this was another way to get the ball in his hands. Had Tate followed his blocking to the outside he would have easily gained the five yards necessary for a first down, but instead he tried to cut inside and was met by the Navy defender Trevor Robinson didn't block. Another Irish drive, another negative ending.

Navy was forced to punt after their next two offensive possessions, and so was Notre Dame. The second of these Irish possessions can be filed under Lesson No. 1. Jimmy Clausen attempted a quarterback sneak to convert a 3rd and four. The first of these possessions lead me to....

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