Tag: 2020 College Football Playoff

Brady Quinn Sticks up for Notre Dame During CFP Title Game

DeVonta Smith left the College Football Playoff Championship Game with an injured hand, but not before he did some serious damage.

DeVonta Smith left the College Football Playoff Championship Game with an injured hand, but not before he did some serious damage. His 12 receptions and three touchdowns both are records for a BCS/CFP title game. But even as Alabama was waltzing toward another national championship against Ohio State, all was not quiet on the Notre Dame front. That’s because Brady Quinn took to Twitter and offered this food for thought:

Indeed, Smith caught only seven passes for 130 yards despite also scoring three touchdowns against the Irish in the semifinal. By comparison, he accumulated 215 receiving yards against the Buckeyes. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide put up 35 points in the first half of the title game after scoring 31 in the entire semifinal. Yet despite this comparison, it’s possible, dare we say likely, that Notre Dame simply ran into a buzz saw both this year and in 2018, and a couple of other sportswriters seem to agree:

We could go further into detail about this, but the arguments in support of two cases are strong:

  1. Though the Irish might not be up there with the Alabamas and Clemsons of the world, they’re often capable of competing with them better than the next team up that’s supposedly better.
  2. The teams the Irish have had to go through to try and reach the mountaintop are as good as any in the history of college football.

Knock on the Irish for allegedly being frauds until the cows come home if you must. Give credit where it’s due, however. Notre Dame has been a lot better over the past decade than it was the previous one. This renaissance of sorts just so happens to coincide with a time when the best of the best in college football are getting stronger all the time.

Rose Bowl and CFP Semifinal: Fourth-Quarter Analysis

Most people who love to hate Notre Dame won’t admit it, but the Irish did as well as they could against Alabama.

Most people who love to hate Notre Dame won’t admit it, but the Irish did as well as they could against Alabama. The outcome for the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal was far from unexpected. One team simply had too much talent compared to not only this game’s opponent, but just about everyone else. So we saw Notre Dame’s memorable season come to an end with a 31-14 loss.

The Crimson Tide (12-0) approached the red zone in the early moments of the fourth quarter but couldn’t quite get there. Will Reichard salvaged the drive with a 41-yard field goal. Considering how most of this game went, it was a small victory for the Irish (10-2).

Ian Book returned after suffering an injury in the third quarter, and he led an impressive drive to give the Irish a chance at putting up another touchdown. He completed a pass to Michael Mayer in the end zone, but it was wiped by an illegal shift from Chris Tyree and George Takacs. Left with no choice but to try and get that touchdown back, Book had two chances to do so. Both of those failed on incomplete passes to Ben Skowronek and Avery Davis.

The Irish’s defense got a little pride when Jayson Ademilola and Adetokunbo Ogundeji sacked Mac Jones, who also was called for intentional grounding on the play. Since that happened on third down, it gave the offense another chance to put points on the board. Book led a pass-heavy drive and even got some help on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from Nick Saban of all people. The drive ended in a 1-yard touchdown run from Book, so the senior can say he went out on a high note.

Surprisingly, that was not the Irish’s last time on offense. They recovered an onside kick, so Book and the other seniors on the unit got to see the field once more. If there wasn’t so little time left, another touchdown might have happened. There was just enough time for an incomplete pass towards the end zone, and that was it.

Que sera sera. That’s all that can be said. The debate on whether the Irish should have been allowed into the playoff will rage on. However, they were selected, and they had to come out and play despite the long odds.

Rose Bowl and CFP Semifinal: Third-Quarter Analysis

So far, Notre Dame has been able to prevent the complete annihilation many said Alabama would deal it.

So far, Notre Dame has been able to prevent the complete annihilation many said Alabama would deal it. But with this being the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal, moral victories don’t count for much. The actual winner of this game gets to play for the whole thing, and that’s all that matters. That being the case, the Irish will have to figure out how to erase their 28-7 after three quarters quickly.

When the Tide took the ball to begin the second half, many expected them to play similar to how they came out in the first quarter. Surprisingly, they ended up punting for the second straight possession, only getting as far as the Notre Dame 37-yard line. That gave the Irish a chance to eat the clock en route to a key touchdown drive. Instead, Ian Book threw a rare interception to Christian Harris while still in Irish territory.

Alabama only was too pleased to take advantage of a short field. They overcame a holding call, the first penalty for either team, and found themselves with a first-and-goal at the 7-yard line. Mac Jones only needed one more play to hit DeVonta Smith for his third touchdown of the game. Those two are not Heisman Trophy finalists for nothing.

The Irish’s comeback chances took a major hit on their next drive. Book was sacked by the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Christian Barmore for a 14-yard loss. Worse yet, he was injured on the play. With their starting quarterback headed to the medical tent, the Irish were forced to turn to Drew Pyne, who surely did not want to have to enter the game in this situation.

Rose Bowl and CFP Semifinal: Second-Quarter Analysis

For the most part, Notre Dame still can’t figure out how to stop Alabama’s offense in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal.

For the most part, Notre Dame still can’t figure out how to stop Alabama’s offense in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal. At least it’s been able to move the ball itself. That was expected since the Tide don’t have quite the dominant defense they’ve had in the past. But that doesn’t make trailing, 21-7, at halftime any easier.

The start of the second quarter saw the Irish’s offense pick up where it left out to end the first. Ian Book and Kyren Williams did everything in their power to move across the red zone. It appeared Book scored the Irish’s first touchdown on a short run, but he was ruled down at the 1-yard line. Facing fourth-and-goal, Book gave the ball back to Williams, who got the Irish on the board.

The Tide barely batted a eye at that, however. After picking their first first down on their next drive, they showed what they could do once again. Mac Jones completed three consecutive passes of no less than 15 yards. The last of those was his second touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, this one for 34 yards.

The Irish got the ball back and didn’t get very far, forcing a Jay Bramblett punt. Surprisingly, the Tide also had an unproductive possession that ended in a punt. Though 37 seconds remained, it was enough time for Book to run 20 yards and then hit Ben Skowronek for a 20-yard reception. Ultimately, there only was enough time for a 51-yard field-goal attempt from Jonathan Doerer, but it fell short, so the Irish aren’t in any better of spot than they were when the first quarter concluded.

Rose Bowl and CFP Semifinal: First-Quarter Analysis

Everyone figured Notre Dame would have a tough time with Alabama in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Everyone figured Notre Dame would have a tough time with Alabama in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal. So far, those prognostications have come to fruition. If this is a big tease for an epic comeback later on, we don’t know it yet. As it is, the Irish trail the Crimson Tide after one quarter, 14-0.

Right away, the Irish got a taste of what they’re in for. Kyren Williams ran for 15 yards on one carry during their first possession, but that was their lone first down on that drive. When the Tide took over, they picked up first downs on four of their first five plays. Just over two-and-a-half minutes were needed for Mac Jones to connect with DeVonta Smith for a 26-yard touchdown, the first of what likely will be many scores for the Tide.

The Irish’s offense did not fare much better on its next chance. Jay Bramblett came on with a 53-yard punt that pinned the Tide at their own 3-yard line, even though it initially looked to be down at the 1. It wouldn’t have mattered either way because the Tide picked up right where they left off on a drive highlighted by what only can be described as a Najee Harris leap over Nick McCloud on a 53-yard run. Right after perhaps the highest jump by a running back in all of football history, Jones hit Jahleel Billingsley for a 12-yard touchdown.

The Irish fared better when they got the ball again. This time, they got into Tide territory thanks to Ian Book’s 27-yard completion to Chris Tyree. A couple of nice runs by Williams then saw them reach the red zone. Hopefully, that’s a sign of things turning around.

Tale of the Tape: Team Stats – Notre Dame vs. Alabama

For the past week-and-a-half, Notre Dame has wondered how it can beat Alabama in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal.

For the past week-and-a-half, Notre Dame has wondered how it can beat Alabama in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal. A good start would be to exploit two of its obvious strengths over the Crimson Tide, which are defending on third downs and keeping the ball for as long as possible. The Irish also can boast being significantly more disciplined and having a slightly better defense, both of which were Tide advantages the last time these teams met. Sometimes, you just have to go with the obvious to pull out a victory.

Whatever level of football you’re talking about these days, the very best teams always have strong offenses, and that’s the Tide in a nutshell. Not only is it very good in general, but it’s timely in picking up first and converting on both third downs and in the red zone. It doesn’t matter how well that plays because the offense has the ability to bail it out if it somehow falls short. Quite simply, this is a team that can beat you in a lot of different ways, and it’s why few expect it not to go all the way.

Tale of the Tape: Leading Receivers – Javon McKinley vs. DeVonta Smith

Notre Dame’s receiving corps will face its biggest test of the season against Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Notre Dame’s receiving corps will face its biggest test of the season against Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. For most of the year, JaVon McKinley is the leader of a group that never had a breakout star, which is a consequence of losing so much talent there from the season before. McKinley didn’t even score a touchdown until the Irish’s final game of the regular season. He’s more likely to be the receiver who gets the offense down the field and not necessarily finishes drives off.

The Crimson Tide have no concerns at receiver thanks to the presence of DeVonta Smith, a Heisman Trophy finalist and the first at his position to be named AP Player of the Year. With fellow Heisman finalist Mac Jones running the offense, Smith has had more than enough opportunities to prove he’s the best at what he does at the collegiate level, and he’s met every expectation. The only disadvantage he has against McKinley is at yards a catch, but even that is only by a couple of yards. Objectively, no Irish receiver belongs anywhere near the same breath as Smith, and unless the secondary can figure out some way to bottle him up, he’s going to treat the AT&T Stadium turf like he’s going for a nice run in the park.

Tale of the Tape: Starting Quarterbacks – Ian Book vs. Mac Jones

Ian Book has a tall order in trying to be the better quarterback when Notre Dame plays Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Ian Book has a tall order in trying to be the better quarterback when Notre Dame plays Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. What he has going for him is his versatility and penchant for avoiding turnovers. If the Irish are forced to abandon their passing game and go to the ground, he can provide some help there. The question is would that be enough to keep the Irish in the game and drive them to victory?

The Crimson Tide have Heisman Trophy finalist Mac Jones, likely the best quarterback the Irish will see face this season, including Heisman finalist Trevor Lawrence. Jones has the best passing efficiency in the country by a wide margin and ranks in the top three nationally for completions, touchdown passes and yardage. His numbers on the ground are nothing to write home about, but his talent and production as a passer he doesn’t need that part of his game. To say the least, the Irish will have to force him to play a game he’s not comfortable with, including taking the ball himself when his number wasn’t called, if they’re going to have any chance of limiting his effectiveness.

Scouting Clemson ahead of the matchup with Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl

Ohio State will be facing Clemson for the second-straight season in the College Football Playoff. Here’s the Sugar Bowl scouting report.

Once again we get to see Ohio State take on Clemson in the College Football Playoff. We all know what happened last year, and I am sure the Buckeyes will remember and rehash it all leading up to the game. Both teams had some turnover, but the quarterbacks remain the same.

Before we get into scouting Clemson, the 2020 season has been an up and down roller coaster. The two weeks probably help the Buckeyes more than it does Clemson as the Buckeyes have had some COVID issues as well as questions on defense that need to get cleaned up. Let’s get to breaking down the 2020 Clemson Tigers.

It, of course, all starts under center with what will most likely be a Heisman finalist in Trevor Lawrence.

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NEXT…Understanding Trevor Lawrence

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BREAKING: Michigan-Ohio State Game Canceled

A college football season without the annual clash between Ohio State and Michigan just doesn’t seem complete.

A college football season without the annual clash between Ohio State and Michigan just doesn’t seem complete. But in the crappy year that is 2020, nothing seems off limits. So much to the chagrin of our brethren at Buckeyes Wire and WolverinesWire, the unthinkable has happened:

This bombshell undoubtedly will have implications on the Big Ten and maybe even the College Football Playoff. While it didn’t mean as much for the Wolverines in a trying season, the Buckeyes really needed this game to show they were worthy of competing for a championship. Now, it becomes more difficult to justify keeping them in the running. The worst part for them is that this wasn’t their fault.

The Game always is a highlight on the schedule up there with the Iron Bowl and the Army-Navy Game. You don’t even need to look at the different seasons these teams have had. Not playing the game makes an already wacky year for college football feel more empty. Then again, we’ve all given up something this year, so consider this the latest in a series of metaphors.