Bleacher Report - Articles by William Pratt

Notre Dame vs. Purdue: A Post-Floyd Plan for Points

William Pratt — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:28:16 -0400

Have you noticed the difference between Charlie Weis as just the play caller versus Charlie Weis the Offensive Coordinator? If you have yet to notice, you will Saturday night when the Fighting Irish take on the Boilermakers of Purdue.

Weis's role as Offensive Coordinator will be vital as the Irish must continue to score points without star receiver Michael Floyd.

By taking on the role of Offensive Coordinator this season, Charlie Weis is the man in charge of gameplan, installation, personnel, and of course play calling for the offense. Looking back to Weis's role as Offensive Coordinator with the New England Patriots should give the Irish faithful confidence for the continued success of the offense, even without Michael Floyd.

When Weis won his Super Bowl rings with the Patriots, their offense performed on a high level without the presence of any top tier wide receiver. With a quarterback who can make good decisions and a respectable running game, Weis can gameplan a passing attack by playing to each of his receivers' strengths.

The first key against Purdue will be taking the running game a step further. The Purdue defense currently ranks 101st in the FBS for rushing defense, by giving up an average of 181 yards per game. If healthy, expect a heavy dose of Armando Allen. Allen currently ranks 15th in the nation for rushing. Allen is only averaging 108 yards per game, but it is coming on a healthy 5.53 yards per carry.

What about the Wildcat? Expect the Wildcat to factor into the effort to maximize the run game, especially in the red zone. Notre Dame runs their version of the Wildcat with an unbalanced line to optimize their best blockers and also tempt a defense to overload to open the counter. Much like against Michigan State, don't be surprised to see a new wrinkle added to the package. Options are endless such as shovel pass to Rudolph, reverse with playside receiver, or counter with Golden Tate or Allen.

Don't be surprised to see John Goodman in the Wildcat package taking the snap or out wide where Jimmy Clausen has been. In addition to having good speed, Goodman is rumored to have the best throwing arm on the team.

In addition to the Wildcat, expect Weis to feature two tight end and three tight end packages that are traditional staples to a Charlie Weis offense. Kyle Rudolph has made great strides in pass blocking since the Nevada game, and both Mike Ragone and Bobby Burger have been stellar at the point of attack.

The final key to the run game against Purdue is the expected increase of playing time for receiver Duval Kamara. When asked how much he would change what he looks for out of the receiver position without Michael Floyd, Weis responded "Oh not much. As a matter of fact, there's some elements of it you actually gain. Like Duval, he's the best blocking receiver we have."

Due to a turf-toe in the plant foot of quarterback Jimmy Clausen, the post-Floyd passing attack may not by utilized much against Purdue. The passing attack is where Weis can rely on his Patriot days of creating personnel mismatches based on the strengths of each of his receivers. The loss of Floyd does not create an exact Patriots scenario, because the current offense still has two top tier passing threats in Golden Tate and Kyle Rudolph.

To avoid Purdue and future opponents from rolling coverage towards Golden Tate, expect to see Golden Tate moved around quite often. Tate will not remain glued to a sideline. Rather, Tate will appear in the slot, motioned across formations, and near Kyle Rudolph to make a safety pick his poison.

Kyle Rudolph will be the next key to replacing Floyd's production in the passing game. Rudolph's presence on the field will always dictate the defense leaving a linebacker on the field to protect the run. This gives Weis the luxury of putting Rudolph in "Y open" looks. Rudolph should also continue to be placed near the sideline when Notre Dame goes "empty" to block the edge on quick passes to the slot, and may split out in the red zone as the jump ball target that Floyd often was.

The final key to the post-Floyd passing attack will be utilizing the strengths of the rest of the receiving corps. The loss of Floyd does not mean one guy moves up the depth chart to play the Michael Floyd role. Each receiver will have an opportunity to take over the various roles of Michael Floyd.

Duval Kamara, as previously mentioned, should see the most time when Notre Dame is in run mode. Duval Kamara as a freshman, and in a highlight catch last year against Michigan, has proven in the past as capable to get the fade route or jump ball. Kamara should be the first option to take the Floyd role for a jump ball in the end zone, as well as the go or comeback option on 3rd-and-long.

Robby Parris is the most experienced receiver on the depth chart, and his strengths will be utilized as well. Like Floyd, Parris has a great ability to use his body to shield defenders in traffic. Parris does not have great ability to separate on the edge, so look for Parris to be used for underneath routes and slants, especially from the slot.

Deion Walker, John Goodman, and Shaq Evans make up the rest of the players looking to take on the various roles left by Floyd. These three have limited experience so the where, when, and how for their role in the gameplan is based on great speculation.

Practice reports and quotes from staff would suggest Walker and Evans would be utilized for the deep threat role Floyd possessed. Goodman has been compared to Jeff Samardzija as a receiver who is the complete package of size, speed, hands, run blocking, and a good route runner. He now has an opportunity to show it.

The final aspect to the passing attack will incorporate the backs and a tight end not named Kyle Rudolph. The screen has always been a favorite of Weis, and as comfort grows with the offensive line, running backs will be released on routes as opposed to staying in to pass protect. Robert Hughes should see some passes in the flat against Purdue in place of the injured James Aldridge at the fullback position.

Lastly, the more Mike Ragone is seen only as the blocking tight end, the more open he will be in a red zone or short yardage situation.

Charlie Weis has admitted the obvious—that you can't just replace a Michael Floyd. That is why the Irish will not look to replace Floyd, but instead replace his production.

With the amount of depth and talent Weis has recruited the last four years on offense, that should not be a problem. Purdue will field the first defense to bear witness.

Notre Dame Defense: Change Needed, But the Blitz Will Stay

William Pratt — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:44:00 -0400

Three weeks into the 2009 season and Notre Dame Nation has lots of concerns. None more apparent then a defense that ranks 96th in the country for total defense. An injury to Michael Floyd, and even playing every game with a Big-10 officiating crew will not keep the Irish from playing in January. The defense is the only true roadblock between the Fighting Irish and a January bowl.

At his latest press conference, Charlie Weis was asked by reporters about his defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta being too aggressive, and possibly being more conservative. These reporters might as well head to Texas Tech and ask Mike Leach if he should run more Power-I.

The philosophy of Jon Tenuta is to bring pressure, and dictate to the offense. That is not going to change. Sorry to dissapoint the always rational fans on the message boards hoping he changes his blitz happy scheme. There are other changes you might see, which should get the ultimate change the defense needs.

The corners for Notre Dame need to play more press coverage. If Tenuta's pressure package is going to dictate quick passing but not produce sacks, then the corners can't give 6-10 yard cushions. Kirk Cousins easily completed short routes to his receivers, and most likely knew where he would throw the ball before even taking the snap because of those soft cushions.

Darrin Walls, Robert Blanton, Raeshon McNeil, and Gary Gray have great cover skills. That is why before the season the secondary was considered the strength of the '09 defense.

All of them seem uncomfortable playing man coverage when giving the receivers that much space to work with. These corners are fast and athletic, and need to be given the opportunity to be athletes.

The common response to the current secondary technique is that with a heavy blitz scheme, playing off coverage reduces the chance of getting beat deep. Reasonable argument.

Is giving up 300 yards passing acceptable then because it was dink and dunk rather then the long ball? With the current production and scheme of Notre Dame, risking a low percentage pass deep seems more logical then the high percentage pass being conceded.

Many are quick to point out that it is the inexperienced defensive line that is the problem. The defensive line is not getting consistent pressure and freeing up blitzers. The defensive line is part of the problem, but not the problem.

If all the blitzing of Tenuta didn't produce a single sack against Michigan State you have to ask yourself a question. Would rushing just the front four have done any better? How many pass yards would Cousins have had if he actually had more then 3 seconds to throw the ball?

The recent decision to rotate numerous players on the defensive line rather then try and stick with a top line group will pay major dividends at the end of the year. Rotating these playes should provide maximum effort up front for all four quarters. This should also accelerate the development of the younger players. It was a necessary change evident after the first two weeks.

The next change for the defensive line has to occur in the nickel package. Stopping the run was a point of emphasis for the defense and the defense did improve against Michigan State. The improvement would have been better if not for the Spartans success running against the nickel defense.

Kapron Lewis-Moore is a good young defensive end, but not capable of stopping the run as a three technique in the nickel package. Darius Fleming is outstanding at rushing the passer as a defensive end, but was pushed around in that same spot against the run. This has to change, or more opponents will run against the nickel with success.

If there is one area that has been the weakest link for the defense this year, it isn't the scheme, blitzing, corners, defensive line, or safeties. The fore mentioned facets of defense seem to get all the criticism from the followers of Notre Dame. No group deserves more questioning then the linebacker unit.

Tenuta is getting criticism as a defensive coordinator, but no criticism for his role as the linebackers coach. The lack of production from his position group is disheartening. There is no more necessary change on the defense then at linebacker.

There are currently 113 players listed on the national leaderboard for tackles in the FBS. Of those 113 players, 80 of them play linebacker. Of the 80 linebackers, not one of them plays at Notre Dame. Both Harrison Smith and Kyle McCarthy made the list, but considering they play safety that is another indicator of the lack of production from the linebackers.

To make the list of tackle leaders currently you have to average eight total tackles per game. Starting weakside linebacker Brian Smith is tied for 439th with five tackles per game, and starting middle linebacker Toryan Smith checks in at tied for 855th with 3.3 tackles per game.

Jon Tenuta has to know the most vital key to improving his defense is going to be getting production from this unit.

The most necessary change has to be at the middle linebacker position. Toryan Smith has value as a short yardage run stuffer, but lacks the speed to be an everydown, sideline to sideline linebacker. The next option the first few weeks has been moving Brian Smith to the middle and bring in super recruit Manti Teo to play the weakside linebacker.

The problem with putting Brian Smith at "Mike" is that his skill set does not match the requirements of a middle linebacker. Smith is a prototypical outside linebacker. When playing in the middle he struggles to shed blocks from lineman, takes poor angles, and is not nearly as effective as a blitzer.

So who plays middle linebacker. The first candidate has to be Manti Teo. He has the physical skills to play the position.

If Notre Dame can get Jimmy Clausen, Kyle Rudolph, Michael Floyd, Robert Blanton, Duval Kamara, Armando Allen, and Robert Hughes prepared to start games when they were freshmen than there is no excuse not to get Manti ready. This has got to be a responsibility of Jon Tenuta right now more then any scheme change.

In his limited playing time Teo has already shown great speed, pursuit, hit power, blitz pressure, and motor. His few mistakes have been a missed coverage. None worse then the receiver Toryan Smith let past him against Michigan State which lead to a gain of over 50 yards.

If Manti is not an option then consider moving Darius Fleming from the strongside "Sam" position over to the "Mike." Fleming's role as the defensive end in the nickel and dime packages has hurt his stats, but is not indicative of his abilities. When breaking down film, it is clear that Fleming has great speed, power, motor, and can take on a block better then either of the Smith's.

If Fleming moves to the middle, this could allow his friend from Chicago, Steve Filer, to get on the field at "Sam". Filer came to Notre Dame with great promise, and his appearance on the field has been highly anticipated since he signed. Filer has great athleticism, but to date it has only been seen on special teams.

Jon Tenuta can get the job done at Notre Dame. His career has been a perpetual success story, and a stop in South Bend is not going to change that. Tenuta can do it, but it will take changes with the x's, o's, Jimmy's, and Joe's. These changes do not require a change in philosophy.

Notre Dame Football Needs Decided Financial Advantage

William Pratt — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:46:40 -0500

If the powers that be at Notre Dame decide to make a coaching change, it is going to require a decided financial advantage.

This will be necessary to pay the remainder of Charlie Weis' contract, as well as lure the next coach that Notre Dame can't afford to miss on.

The reasons to fire Charlie Weis have been well documented, especially the last two weeks.

Rather than list the many reasons for or against his firing, read a quote from the man himself after he was hired in 2004:

"You are what you are folks. And right now, you're a 6-5 football team. And guess what, that's just not good enough. It's not good enough for you, and it's certainly not going to be good enough for me. If you think they hired me here to go .500, you got the wrong guy."

Notre Dame has hired four coaches since the departure of Lou Holtz. Three of them actually coached the team, and the sum of their record is slightly above .500. This is why Notre Dame has to spare no expense in hiring the right head coach for the program.

What criteria should the next head coach meet?

Who should the next head coach be?

Will a sure winner accept the job?

The next head coach has to have head coaching experience. There are plenty of examples of talented coordinators that have been successful when taking over a program. Unfortunately for Notre Dame, the Bob Davie and Charlie Weis era proves that taking a chance on an unproven hot shot coordinator as a head coach can result in mediocrity.

The next head coach has to have a track record of great success. BCS bowl wins, defeating high-ranked opponents, conference championships, 1-AA championships, Div. II championships, Div. III championships, and a high-winning percentage is a must. Tyrone Willingham proved to Notre Dame that a head coach with moderate success does not mean coming to Notre Dame makes them better.

Beware of the NFL coach. The NFL does not require a great motivator as much as college programs do. A stoic figure is not going to get a college kid to run through a brick wall if need be, nor drum up major support from alumni. If you're going to get an NFL head coach, make sure they have the right attitude and personality for college.

Fear the NFL offensive coach. Not that an offensive coach from the NFL can't be successful in the college game, but they have a severe handicap in college. In college football, a team can only practice a certain amount of hours, and the players have academic requirements.

This coach would have to adjust to not having the luxury of having players at their unlimited disposal to install their complex schemes. They would have to simplify, and most NFL offensive coaches don't do simple.

Husker nation would likely support the last point. Bill Callahan probably spent so many of the precious meeting hours teaching his quarterbacks just how to call his plays, let alone execute them, that he completely forgot he was accountable for a defense.

Notre Dame experienced success in the first two years under Charlie Weis, an NFL offensive coach. It seems now in hindsight that to execute a "decided schematic advantage" that it requires a roster of veterans. Notre Dame has been a game-plan team under Weis, rather then develop and perfect any identity.

For each opponent, Notre Dame would make significant changes to their game-plan. Without the necessary practice time, the last two years seem to show more installation of scheme rather than fundamentals. The performance of the offensive line seems to reflect this, as well as inexperienced players thinking rather than flying around and hitting.

The next head coach must be able to recruit. This was a hard lesson learned, taught by Tyrone Willingham. To Weis' credit, he at least proved that you can still bring in top talent at Notre Dame. Regardless, if Notre Dame doesn't get a winner at the helm, a new Notre Dame tradition of being mediocre will make recruiting much more difficult.

Who should Notre Dame hire? Due to the Dav-Willing-Weis era, there are probably a number of candidates that could be successful but won't get the opportunity. So Notre Dame must hire a sure thing.

Bob Stoops, Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, and Nick Saban would probably be the only head coaches that 90 percent of people would agree are sure things. Urban Meyer would probably be the only possibility, based purely on his comments about Notre Dame in his own autobiography.

Jack Swarbrick should fill a dump truck with anywhere between $50 and $70 million. Take the dump truck to the Meyer's residence and dump the money on his front lawn. Let Urban and his family look at that pile of money, and see if they can say no.

If the dump truck plan fails, then consider the following names:

Butch Davis, Bill Cowher, Gary Patterson, Mark Richt, Brian Kelly, Pat Hill, Chris Peterson, Paul Johnson, and Tom Coughlin.

If Notre Dame offers the right financial package, then the mystique, TV contract, and roster full of talent would just be icing on the cake.

Charlie Weis Remains Afloat After Naval Attack

William Pratt — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:57:42 -0500

After a 3-9 campaign in 07' which featured a historic loss to Navy, most of the college football pundits predicted a 8-4 (+/- 1) season for the Fighting Irish. Most of these same pundits forgot their expectations, and put Charlie Weis on the hot-seat after a 17-0 loss to Boston College.

Many of these so called experts then declared that Weis had to defeat Navy to save his job. With offensive coordinator Mike Haywood dealing with a death in the family, Weis declared he would take over playcalling which sparked even further discussion about the coach. The pressure was on for Weis. A convincing win against Navy would go a long way in keeping Weis name out of the media cross-hairs for at least a week.

Weis did get the "must win" on saturday. Unfortunately, some hard lessons were learned on Saturday that left out the "convincing" in "convincing win".

On the first offensive play of the game James Aldridge busted up the middle for a gain of 19 yards which could have went to the house had he made one more Navy defender miss. That play seemed to be a great opener to set the tone for the rest of the day, and let the "convincing" begin. Five plays later Jimmy Clausen threw an interception, and doubt crept into the minds of many.

The first Clausen interception of the game, was his fifth interception since his last touchdown pass to Golden Tate in the 4th quarter vs. Pitt.

Lesson No. 1

Weis must forget one of his many noble offseason changes. Get more hands on with your quarterback. Weis' ability to develop a quarterback has been well documented. Clausen represents his youngest pupil. If there was ever a quarterback that needed Weis most, it is Clausen. Clausen's turnovers this year have almost all been due to decision making, and that is where Weis can help most.

After Navy went three and out, which was the first time Navy had not scored on their opening possession all season, the Irish offense returned to right the ship. Armando Allen ran twice for gains of four and 15 yards.

Clausen then kept the chains moving completing two consecutive passes. A converted basketball player took the wind out of the Irish sails, when Corey Johnson embarrassed tackle Mike Turkovich to get a strip sack on Clausen.

Lesson No. 2

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....

Lesson No. 3

Robert Hughes is not going to be successful on any play which does not have him at full speed at the line of scrimmage. Most of the runs Hughes has had for no gain or a loss this season have been due to him having to dodge defenders behind the line of scrimmage. Some of Hughes' poor carries have been due to plays like the toss sweep in this particular possession which don't suit his running style.

Navy finally broke through and scored on their next possession when Corey Finnerty took an option pitch 22 yards to the endzone. The play also featured a crushing block on David Bruton which somehow didn't hurt Bruton, but gave me a mild concussion. Actually it was a bad headache because Notre Dame and Navy were tied 7-7 with 2:39 remaining in the first half.

For those who were putting on their life jackets after the Navy score, they more then likely jumped off the Weis bandwagleship after the next Irish possession.

Corey Johnson, again, embarrasses another offensive lineman hitting Clausen mid-throw which resulted in a crippled bomb intercepted by Navy. Did I mention Corey Johnson came to Navy to play basketball? See Lesson No. 2 above. Luckily, two plays later Justin Brown recovered a fumble which was the first turnover the Irish defense has forced outside of Notre Dame Stadium.

Jimmy Clausen looked sharp running a two minute offense, and then was nearly decapitated trying to dive headfirst towards Navy defenders rather then slide (Lesson No. 1). Maybe due to being "Ruffenized", Brandon Walker made another clutch field goal and Notre Dame went to the locker room up 10-7.

At this point on Saturday, unlike their game vs. Navy in 07', Notre Dame seemed to be clearly the more talented, physical, faster, and better team. Yet, it also seemed clear that the Irish might find a way to shoot themselves in the foot and lose like they had vs. UNC, Pitt, and Boston College by making critical mistakes.

What a difference a quarter of football makes. Notre Dame absolutely dominated Navy in the 3rd quarter.

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?

Lesson No. 5

Learn how to run up the score respectfully. There are ways to trounce a team without getting the negative reputation earned by the Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier's of the world. Considering Notre Dame will always schedule Navy and other academies this lesson is very valuable.

For somebody who has been close to the military most of his life, I can tell you with full confidence the players for the academies don't want the sympathy of Charlie Weis. These servicemen want to battle against your best shot. If they lose, they want it to be giving their best against your best. Weis shouldn't let the incident of a disgruntled Navy supporter at his press conference in 06' dictate the way he coaches.

What could have been a "convincing win" for Weis and Notre Dame turned into an almost disaster. Navy scored 14 points in a span of less then 30 seconds. Navy also converted two consecutive onside kicks, which may be more difficult to do then winning the lottery, but none the less occurred with the help of a recovery attempt by Notre Dame severely lacking in testicular fortitude.

History will show merely that Notre Dame defeated Navy 27-21 in the 2008 season. Some may see it as another step towards the end of the road for Charlie Weis. Others may see it as a step in the right direction for the great future of Charlie Weis and Notre Dame.

Lesson No. 6

Weis must be more involved with the offense from here on out. The Notre Dame defense is getting better and better each week, and shut down the Navy rushing attack despite run defense being their weakness. What help can Weis really offer a defense that has Corwin Brown and John Tenuta behind it? What help can Weis offer an offense that has a young quarterback stuck in a rut, and an offense that lacks a clear identity?

Offensive Line Limits Notre Dame Again in 2008

William Pratt — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:52:49 -0500

It doesn't take a football expert to see that the Notre Dame offensive line is better then the 2007 version. Unfortunately, better does not mean good.

The Notre Dame rushing attack, or rather, attempt at a running game, ranks 95th in the country. The Irish are averaging 115 yards per game, and have rushed for eight TDs this season.

Statistics would support that the line is doing an outstanding job in pass protection. The 13 sacks allowed ranks 36th in the country. This statistical fact is a complete misrepresentation of the pass protection this season.

With the emergence of Golden Tate and Micheal Floyd, and flashes of greatness by Jimmy Clausen, many fans have wondered why the playbook hasn't opened up more. Why is every pass a fade, slant, quick out, screen, or seam?

The answer is because there is no way Clausen is going to get enough time to throw any route which takes longer then three seconds to develop.

Kudos to Mike Haywood for realizing that calling any plays that involve a post, drag, post-corner, or anything he could hope to draw up taking more then a couple seconds to develop would be doomed.

The low sack total this year can also be credited to Clausen's uncanny ability to spin away from the pass rush and throw the ball out of bounds with defenders draped all over him.

Every opponent Notre Dame has faced since UNC has followed the UNC blueprint from that fateful second half. Drop seven or eight defenders in coverage, or occasionally nine if you're Boston College, and shut down the Notre Dame offense. Without a legitimate rushing threat there is no reason to commit more players to defend the run.

With seven or eight defenders in coverage, the line has to allow more time for Clausen to find receivers in the few windows seven- or eight-man coverage allows.

When Clausen is consistently being pressured by just a three- or four-man rush, he can't get to a third or fourth read in his progression and has to throw the ball away (hopefully) and not force plays that aren't there (BC).

So what's the problem? Does line coach John Latina need to go? Are the players not physically talented enough? Are the players confused by their blocking assignments/scheme? Does strength coach Ruben Mendoza need to put the line on the Brady Quinn workout plan?

Yes, maybe, yes, and yes.

Whether it is coaching, talent, scheme, or training, the full potential of skill players Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, Kyle Rudolph, and Armando Allen will never be seen if the Irish don't improve up front.