Are times getting desperate in South Bend?
A little over a month ago, Notre Dame was 4-1 and in position to show their worth as a Top 25 team.
Now, heading into Saturday’s game against Navy, the Irish are 5-4, with their lone win coming against Washington. Charlie Weis is now taking over play-calling duties, and Notre Dame’s new AD is being pressed about Weis’ job security.
I wasn’t expecting Notre Dame to make a run at a BCS bowl this season, but they should be better than 5-4.
But at this point, is it really going to make that much of a difference for Weis to call the plays? It’s not about what plays you call, but about executing the ones that you call, and that’s where the problems have been for Notre Dame in their losses.
In the 29-24 loss to North Carolina, Notre Dame couldn’t hold a 17-9 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Jimmy Clausen threw a pick-six and fumbled the ball away after moving the ball into Tar Heel territory, which helped UNC turn a deficit into a 29-24 lead early in the fourth. In the fourth, Notre Dame drove into UNC territory three times and came up empty-handed, coming up short on a 4th down, throwing an interception, and fumbling the ball away on their final possession.
In the first overtime of the 36-33 4OT loss to Pittsburgh, the Irish had a 2nd and goal at the 3 with a chance to get a touchdown and the win, but they couldn’t punch it in.
And in last week’s 17-0 loss at Boston College? All four of Jimmy Clausen’s interceptions were in BC territory, and Notre Dame also failed to convert two fourth-down opportunities in plus territory.
The fact that Clausen, while obviously talented, is still a work in progress is made all the more glaring by the fact that the ground game isn’t a consistent producer. All that adds up to losses that could easily be wins and a lot of frustration on Sunday.
Clausen and his teammates are going to have to step up on Saturday against the Middies, otherwise those whispers about Weis’ security are going to get a lot more audible.
In the end, the fact that the Irish have a lot of youth in their ranks might mean Weis isn’t in any serious jeopardy of getting the boot this year even if the season doesn’t end well, but he’ll certainly be in a must-win position in 2009.
Another mediocre season next year, and the only question that’ll be asked is who the next coach at Notre Dame is going to be.
This article is a JOKE! Do you really watch or pay attention to games? Look at all the good things Charlie is doing! #1 is RECRUITING college football is less scheme and more of WHO HAS THE BEST PLAYERS! After coming off TW era which was like being on probation with him not using all the scholarships available ( Yes TW deserved to be fired ex:WASH) samething going on there now! Everyone saw the number game coming and now its youth sarting all over the field and soon will be Juniors and Seniors with great youth behind them! It takes time to turn things around and with how empty the barrel was Charlie is doing just fine! Makes me LAUGH when i read articles of such football ignorance its amazing people actually give you and others a platform to speak!
It’s amazing that I give you a platform to speak too. If you’re going to comment on my site, do it respectfully, or you won’t be able to do it at all. And for future reference, a little punctuation goes a long way.
I’m not arguing that Weis isn’t doing good things or bringing in good players. I’m not even saying that his job security is an issue this season.
My major point, if you were paying attention, was the fact that execution and mistakes are the reason why there are even whispers from the media right now. Shoot, Notre Dame’s pretty fortunate that they got away with making five turnovers against Navy on Saturday. That’s not something you’re going to get away with often.
With the talent that Weis is bringing in, if 2009 is anything short of excellent, there’s no reason to justify keeping him around, even if he is bringing in top talent. For example, Florida State, even in a downturn, has more than enough talent to win the ACC year in, year out, but that talent hasn’t translated into championships recently. That’s just one of many examples that contradicts your ‘best players’ statement.
In the end, winning recruiting national championships is great, but it’s more about what you do with that talent. That talent should be contending for a national title or a BCS bowl next year. If it’s another 7-5 season, I think it’s very fair to question if he can get the job done.
Eddie
I think for one thing the main reason why Weis is being kept on is from the mere fact as to the millions of dollars that he brings into the program each season. Don’t get me wrong he’s been less than adequate and based on his predecessor’s accomplishments . I’d say that he’s being treated rather graciously by the AD and whole hierarchy there in Indiana.
His record on the face of it has been abysmal to say the least. But if they’re to fire him then it’ll certainly cost the university a great deal of money.
I’ve got a piece which I’d written on Tyrone Willingham and should you be interested you can speak with one of your contributors within this forum Chris. Just mention my name and he’ll know who you’re talking about.
Chimin’ out.
tophatal ……………
Weis should be fired for misuse of outstanding talent. Just ask the pro scouts as to the talent on ND team. They will tell you the talent is there, but it is not being developed. Why suffer through another year of loses.
Why does Weis son get the privilege of being on the sidelines and wearing earphones to the press bos. I tried of this side show.
Thanks