Keys to Failure

Notre Dame exhibited all the right moves for failure on Saturday in an embarrassing, and suddenly typically, 29-27 loss to Tulsa on Saturday to drop to 4-5 (when we all thought they would be 6-3). The Irish, players and staff, followed the directions perfectly, giving the game to Tulsa on a silver platter. While everyone will debate the final pass call, which coincidentally I liked, the game should not have even gotten to that point. Look more in-depth at the following:


SPECIAL TEAMS

The Irish special teams allowed Tulsa to score from all facets and at key moments. Exhibit A: The blocked extra point returned for two points. Personally, I thought Tulsa lined up over the center, which is against the rules in college. Nonetheless, is it that hard to block? Instead of tying at 7-7, the Irish found themselves in a whole at 9-6. Not to mention, those two points were the difference in the outcome. Exhibit B: John Goodman's muffed punt would have cost the Irish points, had Tulsa not missed the field goal attempt. Exhibit C: The punt return swung the momentum back into Tulsa's favor managing to keep them in the game, even though their offense hadn't scored since the 1st quarter.


MENTAL MISTAKES

While this category largely includes turnovers, it also involves things like giving the game to the opposing team!!! The Irish had four turnovers on the day, improving their record to 1-4 when losing the turnover battle. The Goodman fumble, while not resulting in points, is devastating to the defense who just worked their ass off to get off the field. Rees three interceptions not only led to seven points for Tulsa, but also cost ND the game in the end. Even more stunning, is the fact that all three interceptions came in the final minute of each half. That is poor and pathetic.


MOMENTUM

College football is exciting because of the aforementioned failures. These are kids who at times lose focus and discipline resulting in errors, turnovers, and big plays. No game is ever won until the final seconds tick off the clock. It must be an accepted fact of college athletics. That being said, the events that occur against the Irish are laughable. Exhibit A: The Irish score and kick the extra point to make it 7-7. Exhibit B: The Irish capitalize on a turnover in Tulsa territory before the half to make it 27-10, Kelly knees into half and no INT return for a touchdown ever occurs. Exhibit C: Irish open up 3rd quarter with TD on first drive (following a turnover) and suddenly its 34-10 and the game is well in hand (and Tommy Rees declared next great Irish QB). Instead, Tulsa scores 13 offensive points yet still wins the game 28-27.


And because I have to:
HEISMAN BABY

MICHAEL FLOYD - 11 rec. for 104 yds - 2 TDs - Floyd is an impressive football specimen. It's unfortunate that the pathetic play of the Irish overall as a team has hindered his incredibly successful season (728 rec yds - 8 TDs).


ROCK SOLID

MANTI TE'O - 8 tackles - Te'o anchored a defense that forced two turnovers, had four sacks, and only gave up 13 points. That's an impressive outing for the Irish D considering Tulsa had 400 yards of offense in the game.

CIERRE WOOD - 115 yds of total offense - 2 TD - Getting his first start for the Irish, the redshirt freshman did not disappoint. With Armando Allen's career at Notre Dame seemingly over, it's Wood's time to shine.

GET HIM OUTTA THERE

JOHN GOODMAN - It would be different if Goodman actually made some attempts at punt returns sometimes. But when a guy gets the nickname "Fair-Catch", I expect you to actually catch the ball.

WAIT, WHAT?

When the Irish went up 27-18 in the 3rd quarter, things were actually going well. Furthermore, when you took a look at the line-up it was quite shocking:

QB - Tommy Rees - FR.
RB - Cierre Wood - RS FR.
WR - Roby Toma - SO.
WR - TJ Jones - FR.
WR - John Goodman - RS JR.
TE - Tyler Eifert - RS SO.

After all, with the final outcome, all we have is the future.


-DH