Charlie Weis Remains Afloat After Naval Attack

The Irish defense shut down Navy's first possession. The Irish offense then emphatically delivered on their second half adjustment to "pound it" out of a three wide set. Armando Allen had runs of seven, four, nine, and 11 yards on the first possession of the half, the latter being an easy touchdown.

The Irish defense forced a three and out, and then the Robert Hughes show began. Hughes carried six consecutive times on the last six plays of an eight-play scoring drive. The runs were for 11, 15, nine, two, four, and seven yards respectively the last being a touchdown putting Notre Dame up 24-7.

A dominant 3rd quarter finished with another three and out for Navy and the start of a good offensive possession for Notre Dame. Duval Kamara took a look pass for 13 yards, and James Aldridge took his turn in the rotation with carries of nine and four yards. "Convincing win" on the way?

Clausen and the offense eventually stalled on the drive and Brandon Walker hit a 36 yard field goal to put Notre Dame up 27-7. Had Walker missed this field goal, the eventual ending of this game would have been much, much, much more intense.

On their next possession Navy went four and out when Notre Dame stuffed Navy on 4th and two. Notre Dame took possession with 9:15 remaining in the game. Warm up the buses.

 

Lesson No. 4

Weis must better understand who on the team needs experience, and when to get it. Weis realizing he didn't give enough game experience to reserves in the past is a good thing. Trying to give them nearly a whole quarter with only a 20-point lead is a little too ambitious. Giving game experience to backups who are upperclassmen is just being too nice. 

Had Jonas Gray scored a touchdown rather then fumble this may not even be addressed. Regardless, 9:15 remaining with a 20-point lead may be time to pull some starters, not most. Couldn't Clausen's confidence benefited from some more completions? Would the confidence of the line befitted from getting one of their backs over 100yds rushing?

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