Very interesting conversation. A few thoughts: In my very first post, I said I liked the way Stanford played. I didn't see anything Saturday night to change my mind.
As for the officiating: While I didn't agree with all of the calls, I certainly didn't see anything that changed the outcome of the game, with one possible exception. (more later). Really, I thought losing K. Russell was the most damaging loss for ND. They were already depleted in the defensive backfield, and we saw the result of Russell being out. It seems to me the vast majority of the big Hogan completions were to the side of the field were KR would have been playing. Not saying those balls would not have been caught. But, I am saying the receivers wouldn't have been so wide open. It is what it is. Ok. I will finish with some controversy. No one watching at home could have imagined the guys upstairs would maintain Kizer's touchdown with 30 seconds left. The announcers were perplexed as well. Did anyone see a replay or maybe had a real life view that shows Kizer scored?Â
Of course, a team should never let games come down to bizarre scenarios. Psychology is a big part of any sport and any competition. Why all year ND simply would
self-destruct and look clueless in the red zone is beyond me. They had a brobdingnagian red zone turnover at the one yard line against Clemson. In their last two games they were 1 for 8 in the red zone scoring a touchdown, and 3 other times a field goal. Can't win doing that.
Can't wait to watch you guys play SC. Should be a good game. Then comes bowl season, then national signing day.
As for the officiating: While I didn't agree with all of the calls, I certainly didn't see anything that changed the outcome of the game, with one possible exception. (more later). Really, I thought losing K. Russell was the most damaging loss for ND. They were already depleted in the defensive backfield, and we saw the result of Russell being out. It seems to me the vast majority of the big Hogan completions were to the side of the field were KR would have been playing. Not saying those balls would not have been caught. But, I am saying the receivers wouldn't have been so wide open. It is what it is. Ok. I will finish with some controversy. No one watching at home could have imagined the guys upstairs would maintain Kizer's touchdown with 30 seconds left. The announcers were perplexed as well. Did anyone see a replay or maybe had a real life view that shows Kizer scored?Â
Of course, a team should never let games come down to bizarre scenarios. Psychology is a big part of any sport and any competition. Why all year ND simply would
self-destruct and look clueless in the red zone is beyond me. They had a brobdingnagian red zone turnover at the one yard line against Clemson. In their last two games they were 1 for 8 in the red zone scoring a touchdown, and 3 other times a field goal. Can't win doing that.
Can't wait to watch you guys play SC. Should be a good game. Then comes bowl season, then national signing day.