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.
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about 1 month ago
Some intelligent comments on the article are valued.
William, like your comments. Well thought out. Not reactionary like some posting calling for wholesale assitant coaching changes. There is a fine line between running out the clock and putting the game away and running up the score. 2 years ago he kept the first stringers in and was piloried in the press for that action. He really can not win. I do agree that he needs more hand on with the offense. The very good corrections at half time bear that out.
about 1 month ago
Excellent article, William. Looking ahead at personnel gaining experience, I see that the defensive second string is getting plenty of experience with rotations in to replace starters that will leave - Bruton, Crum, Brown, Kuntz. I think McCarthy is back. WR is a strong point even with Grimes leaving. But I am not sure how much experience Romine has gotten behind Turkovich at LT. Maybe more this weekend.
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