The BoxScore vs. Reality
If you were to show me the box score... I would have said this was a good game:
- Patterson throwing for 220 yards.
- Functional backup who moved the ball
- Holding ND to 3 2nd half points.
- Out gaining ND in total yards
- 8 different players catching the ball
- Kickoff Return for a TD
- Chance to win in the final drive against a top 15 team...
But having watched the game, MAN that was ugly. Seemed to find our feet the second half, but that was far more disgusting and disheartening then those stats would appear. Hopefully, in November if we pull this season together, people will see the box score and forget what a @$@#$@ show this was.
September 2nd, 2018 at 6:24 AM ^
Similar thoughts. Even as frustrating as it felt watching the game, I kept thinking: Michigan actually looks decent and competitive. Michigan couldn’t finish a few drives in the first half and ND was gifted two TDs (one lucky catch that should have been batted down and the other roughing passer call on Winovich was questionable).
ND played very well overall, so have to give them credit.
My takeaways:
1. Patterson looks like he has a very high ceiling;
2. we lacked chemistry on offense, which can and will be corrected in short order;
3. the Oline was ok against a solid defense;
4. Our defense is going to live up to the hype. A few amazing catches in the first half, along with misdirection runs caught our D off guard, but 2nd half showed more of what they can do when they make adjustments.
5. Offense will be MUCH improved this season. Receivers, TEs, RBs all made solid plays. Patterson looks amazing and McAffrey also looks like he can move the ball.
Despite the the final score, I am pleased with the speed and dynamic playmaking ability with this year’s team.