For four years, I had the pleasure of working at a go-kart track. Before each race, we were required to read a safety announcement. The most important aspect was: "Gas is your right, brake is on your left. Your break will not work unless you take your foot completely off the gas." On Saturday night, the Irish rocketed off the starting line, only to take their foot completely off the gas, slamming on the brakes, and almost losing the game in the process. I just don't get it. For the fourth week in a row, the Irish started off hot, only to play conservative and allow Purdue to get back into the game and eventually take the lead. Look no farther than the drive chart:
Drive #: TOP - Plays - Yards - Result
Drive 1: 3:20 - 6 - 33 - Turnover on Downs
Drive 2: 3:57 - 10 - 60 - Field Goal
Drive 3: 4:07 - 9 - 73 - Touchdown
Drive 4: 3:49 - 7 - 62 - Touchdown
Drive 5: :54 - 3 - 5 - Punt
Drive 6: :45 - 5 - 29 - Interception
Drive 7: 5:20 - 8 - 28 - Punt
Drive 8: 6:20 - 13 - 42 - Turnover on Downs
Drive 9: 1:11 - 3 - (-2) - Punt
Drive 10: 1:38 - 3 - 1 - Punt
Drive 11: 3:17 - 12 - 72 - Touchdown
Drive 12: :03 - 1 - (-1) - End of Game
Now I've broken it up so that its easier to analyze and see that the Irish clearly went conservative, when they should have put the game away. I understand the first drive as it was going to be an experiment to see exactly how Clausen's turf toe was going to affect his play. Therefore, I throw out the first drive. Next, the Irish scored 17 points on their next three possessions! That is peddle to the metal. On those scoring drives, the Irish offense averaged 3:58 TOP, 8.66 plays, and 65 yards. That's 8 yards per play and almost scoring at will. That is the Charlie Weis offense we are all used to.
Now you can throw out the next two drives as the Irish were in the 2 minute drill. I approve of Weis bringing Clausen back in at this point because of his comfort in the 2 minute drill (see end of game). Furthermore, I like how Weis wasn't willing to just run out the clock (see 3rd quarter) as that is not his style and he's very ineffective in doing so.
Which brings me to the notorious 3rd quarter. At this point, the Irish are up 10 points with a back up QB. Now I know Christ is a back-up, but the man is talented. There is no reason to not give Christ a few throws (he missed a wide open Tate for 6). Regardless, the Irish took the conservative route, sitting on the ball, and killing clock. The problem is, it resulted in nothing!! To make matters worse, the defense turned around and gave up a touchdown in 3:21. This totally defeats the purpose of "clock killing."
I'm convince that this move was not in the best interest of the Irish offense. The Irish started the 3rd quarter with the ball and had the opportunity to drive the field for a TD and in doing so would virtually put the game away. Bottom line, you want to score regardless of how long it takes. By putting on the brakes, the Irish only hurt themselves. But it is comforting to know the Irish offense can flip the switch and go 70+ yards in only 3 minutes!
But the question remains, if you were Charlie Weis what would you have done in that 3rd quarter?
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jimmy Clausen
At 11:23, I received the following text: "A legend is born." Forget the stat line, the Irish are nothing without their golden boy.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Da Feenz
As the only one of us in attendance, his cheering (or lack there of) was as effective as the Irish defense actually on the field. McCarthy blew coverage for Purdue's go ahead TD. Walls had a meaningless interception. The fumble recovery didn't matter. Teo had a sack, but it was the only time he was on the field all game. Blanton dropped a pick 6. The list goes on as Purdue racked up 363 yards of total offense.
-DH
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