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Stanford - Notre Dame discussion with NDIrish - Printable Version

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RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - Mick - 09-20-2018

IIRC, the upgrade cost a "scant" $90 million and was completed between seasons...both, a minor miracle.


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - CornFed - 09-20-2018

(09-20-2018, 08:10 AM)Mick Wrote:  IIRC, the upgrade cost a "scant" $90 million and was completed between seasons...both, a minor miracle.
Especially when compared to Cal's effort to address their dilapidated stadium.


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - winflop - 09-20-2018

I get the perspective about the stadium looking a bit antiseptic, but I also look at:
1. There's really not a bad seat in the house. Sight lines are excellent from every spot I've sat in - and that's most of them
2. Restrooms are plenty adequate - so sayeth Mrs. Winflop who is far more impacted that I am
3. Food & bev has improved greatly over the last five years in particular. But come on Stanford no Pepsi - Coke!

What I would like to see
1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Continued top-notch quality of play on the field. This is why I show up in person!
6. Honor the retired numbers in a significant way - Flags in the corners, on the north scoreboard?
7. Lower the field a few feet (yeah, pipe dream) so that even in rows A-E you can see the whole field and not be blocked off by the players on the sidelines. Best place I've seen this done was at the Fiasco Bowl


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - Mick - 09-20-2018

(09-20-2018, 12:05 PM)winflop Wrote:  I get the perspective about the stadium looking a bit antiseptic, but I also look at:
7. Lower the field a few feet (yeah, pipe dream) so that even in rows A-E you can see the whole field and not be blocked off by the players on the sidelines. Best place I've seen this done was at the Fiasco Bowl



IIRC, there were significant water table issues, which made this unlikely.


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - winflop - 09-20-2018

(09-20-2018, 01:31 PM)Mick Wrote:  
(09-20-2018, 12:05 PM)winflop Wrote:  I get the perspective about the stadium looking a bit antiseptic, but I also look at:
7. Lower the field a few feet (yeah, pipe dream) so that even in rows A-E you can see the whole field and not be blocked off by the players on the sidelines. Best place I've seen this done was at the Fiasco Bowl



IIRC, there were significant water table issues, which made this unlikely.
Then the should've built the seats up about 5 feet higher IMnsHO :) But that can't be fixed oh well


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - slide - 09-21-2018

need to add in a biergarten


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - cctop - 09-21-2018

Regarding the field height, also remember that in the first few years we had trouble keeping the grass rooted to the field.  Someone at the time said that due to the shape of the stadium the grass wasn't getting enough sunlight and that we should consider switching to turf.

I don't know what they did to fix it -- probably some combination of improving drainage and using a different seed mix -- but lowering the field wouldn't help.


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - BostonCard - 09-21-2018

(09-21-2018, 10:08 AM)cctop Wrote:  Regarding the field height, also remember that in the first few years we had trouble keeping the grass rooted to the field.  Someone at the time said that due to the shape of the stadium the grass wasn't getting enough sunlight and that we should consider switching to turf.

I don't know what they did to fix it -- probably some combination of improving drainage and using a different seed mix -- but lowering the field wouldn't help.


The field is Bermuda overseeded with rye.

https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Getting-the-real-dirt-on-that-lousy-Stanford-field-2290483.php

BC


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - 82lsju - 09-21-2018

(09-20-2018, 01:31 PM)Mick Wrote:  
(09-20-2018, 12:05 PM)winflop Wrote:  I get the perspective about the stadium looking a bit antiseptic, but I also look at:
7. Lower the field a few feet (yeah, pipe dream) so that even in rows A-E you can see the whole field and not be blocked off by the players on the sidelines. Best place I've seen this done was at the Fiasco Bowl



IIRC, there were significant water table issues, which made this unlikely.

my vague recollection is that the current field is 14 feet lower than the old one

but this article says 7 feet

lowering the playing surface by seven feet

https://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/morgue/2005/2005_06_10.stadium10amb.shtml

and now apparently 

a playing surface 29 feet (8.8 m) below ground level

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_Stadium


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame - CowboyIndian - 09-21-2018

(09-21-2018, 01:46 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  The field is Bermuda overseeded with rye.

And Bermuda needs sunlight and heat. As I mentioned in that post a loooooong time ago, because the new stadium sides are a lot more vertical than the old stadium, there is much less sunlight that gets to the field over the course of a day. They seem to have made progress but I notice, too, that late in the year, after a rain or two, the field gets pretty chopped up.


RE: Stanford Stadium (formerly Stanford - Notre Dame) - ChicagoCard - 09-21-2018

I know there was a lot of talk back in 2010 or 2011 about the field type but was it ever mentioned why they have to use Bermuda grass?


RE: Stanford Stadium (formerly Stanford - Notre Dame) - martyup - 09-21-2018

(09-21-2018, 06:33 PM)ChicagoCard Wrote:  I know there was a lot of talk back in 2010 or 2011 about the field type but was it ever mentioned why they have to use Bermuda grass?

It recovers best after use.


RE: Stanford Stadium (formerly Stanford - Notre Dame) - Phogge - 09-21-2018

Yeah but I hate to putt on Bermuda.


RE: Stanford Stadium (formerly Stanford - Notre Dame) - NDIrish - 09-24-2018

Alright, well its game week, lets see if we can't get this thread renamed back to Stanford-Notre Dame! Per usual, i will leave only post here, but i have been scanning some other threads to get some ideas where everyone is setting.

First, what a game by Stanford.  I must admit, i turned the game off, with just under 2 minutes left right after Oregon got a first down, the next play was the fumble!  I was stunned when i woke up and found out stanford won.  Had to find the game online and see how. 

Was impressed with the attitude of the team and not giving up.  Showed a lot of heart and determination.

First question, do you think there could be any layover from such an emotional game to then go on the road?  I dont think so, given stanford's general attitude in Notre Dame Games, but gotta ask.

I expect this to be a close game, but im not 100% sure yet where i am leaning on who wins.  Give some breakdowns:

Special Teams - i want to say ND has the advantage here, but they have been up and down all year.  Thankfully, the last 2 games, they have overall been better than the first 2.  Our punter has a big leg as does our field goal kicker.  He has missed some this year and that is surprising, but has made 60+ yarders in practice (i know only practice).  our kickoff guy has put 2 out of bounds, but hopefully that is behind him.  Punt return game is mehh, one good return, not much else, but our coverage has been pretty solid (minus one bad one).   I think if it came down to a game winning kick, id feel pretty good.

Coaching - i have said in the past, that i am not a brobdingnagian david shaw fan, and im not really here to get into that again.  But i am going to give Stanford the edge in coaching and it has nothing to do with Kelly.  I like our defensive coordinator, but outside of that, its been a lot of replacements over the years, and i think it has caught up to them a little.  I will go more into the offensive coordinator later.

ND Defense/Stanford Offense - A lot of people have been praising this defense.  I think that they are good, but not great.  Our corners go to much for the big play and then give up a ton of little plays.  Drag routes and sideline passes have killed us.   We have not faced a team with receivers like Stanford though.  Im ok with our chances on the run.  i think love will have around 100 yds and a td. a couple big runs, but nothing wild.  We do ok with streak passes, but its that drags across the middle, we are just a step behind.  I heard any interesting stat that between last year and this year, only 1 stanford td pass has been caught out of the endzone?  lol thats crazy - and a problem for us.  I think your height, especially Whiteside, is going to be a big problem.  I think we will fare better than oregon, but still expect around 24 pts.  We have some speed on the edges,  so what are your feelings on the tackles?  Is there a chance here for notre dame to get some pressure?

ND Offense/Stanford Defense - Big mystery here, either today or tomorrow when i have more time i want to give a my complete breakdown of this offense with Ian Book, good bad and inbetween.  But i would like to know your guys opinion on Stanfords defense too?    Obviously you have held 3 of your 4 opponents in check, but what are the strengths/weaknesses?

Thanks for letting me hang around, good luck and safe travels if you are coming into South bend.  ill provide a little more coherent and specific info later this week.


RE: Stanford Stadium (formerly Stanford - Notre Dame) - CompSci87 - 09-24-2018

(09-24-2018, 06:46 AM)NDIrish Wrote:  let's see if we can't get this thread renamed back to Stanford-Notre Dame!

Done!


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame discussion with NDIrish - newguy - 09-24-2018

i expect Notre Dame to have a lot of success running the ball up the middle.
Notre Dame is still favored by 4-and-a-half, but with a turnover or two, i think Stanford could pull it out.


RE: Stanford Stadium (formerly Stanford - Notre Dame) - pcgoode - 09-24-2018

Hard for me to judge how good the ND offense is with Book as QB as the sample size is small, and WF’s defense is awful (109 in FBS according to ESPN). Stanford has suffered some injuries at safety which I think changed up our coverage vs Oregon and contributed to Herbert’s big game, but I suspect we will be getting one or two bodies back for ND game. If that happens, Book will not have a great day as our corners (Holder and Adebo) are both NFL bound. 

Stanford’s offense has suffered because of injuries on the OL, and for the first half vs Oregon, was a mess. In the second half our injured right tackle played more and that helped both our running game and passing game. Assuming we are healthier this week on the OL vs ND, the Stanford passing game should be unstoppable. The combination of giant receiver/TEs JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Kaden Smith and Colby Parkinson will be too much for ND to handle. Costello is a gunslinger and is great at connecting on chunk plays. Our running game hasn’t really gotten traction yet, but the threat of Bryce Love breaking off a long run makes defenses have to respect the run. 

Stanford’s punter is elite. He has a very strong leg and can pin opponents deep in their own end. Place kicking and kickoffs have been very good as well. Kickoff and punt returners are consistent if not flashy. Punt and kickoff coverage has been good this year. 



(09-24-2018, 06:46 AM)NDIrish Wrote:  Alright, well its game week, lets see if we can't get this thread renamed back to Stanford-Notre Dame! Per usual, i will leave only post here, but i have been scanning some other threads to get some ideas where everyone is setting.

First, what a game by Stanford.  I must admit, i turned the game off, with just under 2 minutes left right after Oregon got a first down, the next play was the fumble!  I was stunned when i woke up and found out stanford won.  Had to find the game online and see how. 

Was impressed with the attitude of the team and not giving up.  Showed a lot of heart and determination.

First question, do you think there could be any layover from such an emotional game to then go on the road?  I dont think so, given stanford's general attitude in Notre Dame Games, but gotta ask.

I expect this to be a close game, but im not 100% sure yet where i am leaning on who wins.  Give some breakdowns:

Special Teams - i want to say ND has the advantage here, but they have been up and down all year.  Thankfully, the last 2 games, they have overall been better than the first 2.  Our punter has a big leg as does our field goal kicker.  He has missed some this year and that is surprising, but has made 60+ yarders in practice (i know only practice).  our kickoff guy has put 2 out of bounds, but hopefully that is behind him.  Punt return game is mehh, one good return, not much else, but our coverage has been pretty solid (minus one bad one).   I think if it came down to a game winning kick, id feel pretty good.

Coaching - i have said in the past, that i am not a of immense proportions david shaw fan, and im not really here to get into that again.  But i am going to give Stanford the edge in coaching and it has nothing to do with Kelly.  I like our defensive coordinator, but outside of that, its been a lot of replacements over the years, and i think it has caught up to them a little.  I will go more into the offensive coordinator later.

ND Defense/Stanford Offense - A lot of people have been praising this defense.  I think that they are good, but not great.  Our corners go to much for the big play and then give up a ton of little plays.  Drag routes and sideline passes have killed us.   We have not faced a team with receivers like Stanford though.  Im ok with our chances on the run.  i think love will have around 100 yds and a td. a couple big runs, but nothing wild.  We do ok with streak passes, but its that drags across the middle, we are just a step behind.  I heard any interesting stat that between last year and this year, only 1 stanford td pass has been caught out of the endzone?  lol thats crazy - and a problem for us.  I think your height, especially Whiteside, is going to be a big problem.  I think we will fare better than oregon, but still expect around 24 pts.  We have some speed on the edges,  so what are your feelings on the tackles?  Is there a chance here for notre dame to get some pressure?

ND Offense/Stanford Defense - Big mystery here, either today or tomorrow when i have more time i want to give a my complete breakdown of this offense with Ian Book, good bad and inbetween.  But i would like to know your guys opinion on Stanfords defense too?    Obviously you have held 3 of your 4 opponents in check, but what are the strengths/weaknesses?

Thanks for letting me hang around, good luck and safe travels if you are coming into South bend.  ill provide a little more coherent and specific info later this week.



RE: Stanford - Notre Dame discussion with NDIrish - NDIrish - 09-25-2018

Here is my thoughts on Book.  I have been defending Brandon Wimbush (BW) all summer and season long.  now, he has not always made me look good for doing that, but overall, i still feel like he gives us the best chance to win.   His erratic throwing has been overblown.  He has had a lot of drops by receivers, bad routes and poor offensive line play.  He basically ran for his life the entire ball state game.  And while running around, avoiding sack after sack, you think a receiver could come back to him and help out, nope, often they would stand around and watch or continue on a route that didn't allow for him to throw the ball.  I think he was pressured like 20 times against ball state.  Now, he has had some bad throws, but he is much improved from last year and made quite a few throws that not every QB could make. The offense did look great against Wake Forest, but if you watched the game, lets be honest, that was basically 7 on 7.  Almost every completion was to a wide open receiver, he almost never was pressured, it was a pretty easy day.  Book did everything you needed him to do.  He gets the ball out much quicker that BW and has a very nice touch on his passes.  But i am still very concerned that in a big game under pressure that he will not be able to make those throws.  For all that criticism on BW, who is 13-3 as a starter, in those 16 games he has faced i think 9 or 10 top 50 defenses and 4 in the top 15.  So he has not had an easy go.  The problem was he would still show the same struggles whether it was a top 10 defense or 100 defense.  

When IB was pressured against wake forest, i believe it was really only 3 times, he had 1 completion, took 1 sack and had 1 dangerous throw for an incompletion. That is where my concern comes. He only threw it down the field once, everything was drag routes and WR screens and to running backs, etc.  Easy completions.   Even last year, he faced North Carolina, not impressive and his stats were average.  Against LSU, everything was short easy throws against a banged up defense that wasn't sure who the starter would be.  And his big game winning TD was a better catch then throw. 

I just am nervous when that WR screen is against a DB who can fight through, or a defense end who is athletic enough to make a play.  basically, now that Stanford has a complete game film on him, what will they come up with to beat him.  BW is much harder to beat.

his running ability is fine, he is above average, but BW is significantly better.

So my big question that i can not answer, really comes down to play calling.  The game plan against ball state was complete crap.  They literally told BW not to run.  He had 7-8 yard runs all day, but stood in the pocket.  Against Vandy, it was better, but still forcing the RPO when it wasn't there.  Now IB comes in against WF and the play calling is completely different.  The drop off passes are there, better run plays, more creativity, etc.  So IB executed very well, but it was set up for him to do so.  During the summer we kept hearing about how BW and our offensive coordinator spent a lot of time together to really get on the same page and its going to help a ton.. blah blah blah.  but in 2 and most of a 3rd game, the game plan for BW was terrible, 1 game for IB and its perfect.  So i asked, why did  they have to spend so much time together, what is the disconnect between those 2 that they couldn't work through last year, and clearly it carried over into this year.  Do they not like each other?  Not really sure.  Did he just want IB to start? 

I was very happy to see our offense be so efficient, but the complete bashing of BW by fans, people on line, commentators, etc made me very frustrated.  There is no way that Book beats michigan to start the year, not with the way that team was playing.

So, basically, i would not be surprised if we don't see both against Stanford.  i do agree that sometimes the better QB isn't the best option and different players just jell better with the teams, so maybe that is the case.  But he is going to have to show me a lot more then he did to convince me he can win against Stanford and others.  I think IB starts, if the o line can hold up (which i think it will struggle), and receivers can get some separation, he probably plays the whole game.  But if your DB's can lock down on our receivers and get pressure, you have to bring in BW.  He has a bigger arm and better feet.  I think IB could beat 5 of the remaining teams on our schedule, but it will take both the win the other 3.

Also, everyone is very excited about the return of Dexter Williams for this game (suspended the first 4).  I am not.  he is the fastest RB we have, but, at least last year, couldn't pass block at all.  I think the 3 RB's we have been using have found a nice rotation and he could disrupt that, but we will see.


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame discussion with NDIrish - OutsiderFan - 09-25-2018

NDIrish, let me break down what you saw with Book against Wake Forsest. I posted something similar in a thread you may have missed.

First, Wake Forest stinks.  They are a Sonny Dykes Cal team that plays no defense and has even lesser athletes than Cal.  This means their defense stays on the field a lot and wears out, particularly in the sweltering conditions they played in.

Second, Stanford fans have seen what happens when the new QB plays against bad defenses.  This was Keller Chryst in 2016. He rolled up Arizona and Oregon State among other bad defenses. But he was benched in 2017 and ultimately transferred because he wasn't good against good teams.

Stanford is #6 in the country in Points Per Play Allowed. Notre Dame is #14. I don't imagine ND's D is much better than Oregon's, but I know Stanford's is much, much better than Wake's.

Book is going to throw some picks as he hasn't faced a defense this good, and if he was good enough to have started the season, he would have.  

Again, another Stanford example.  In 2011, Josh Nunes was the starting QB, even beat USC when they were ranked high early in year.  When he struggled, everyone expected Nottingham.  But the guy who actually played instead was Kevin Hogan. What I'm saying here is Book is much more likely to be a Keller Chryst than a Kevin Hogan. He'll beat up a lousy Wake team, but odds are he will struggle quite a bit against a very good Stanford squad.

Stanford has its own issues of course, so I'm not claiming ND has no chance to win with Book. I just agree Wimbush gives them a better chance to win.


RE: Stanford - Notre Dame discussion with NDIrish - newguy - 09-25-2018

for what it's worth, there's been a lot of action on Notre Dame since the opening line came out.  the Irish are now favored by 5-and-a-half.