Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1313320
www.BLUEANDGOLD.com DEC. 5, 2020 5 FAN FORUM INDEPENDENT THINKING In response to Todd Burlage's Nov. 14 column "Changing Times Require A Change Of Thought," if the ACC wants Notre Dame to join, they need to pay, pay, pay. Imagine how much money the ACC current members would garner if Notre Dame joined as a football member. I am in Illinois and can't get the ACC Network. The ACC Network would become a nationwide network, part of all cable systems, if Notre Dame joined. Giving that away to a conference, any conference, would make no sense. Notre Dame saved the college football season this crazy year, and should be continually applauded for its efforts. Two undefeated regular seasons (2012 and 2018) in the last eight is remarkable, playoff worthy, and only looking better for the fu- ture. Notre Dame would do much more for any conference than the conference can do for Notre Dame. Stay independent, without question. Mike Chmell Via the Internet COMPARE & CONTRAST There has been a lot of talk of com- parisons of this 2020 team to 2018 and 2012. I think the one to 2012 are more intriguing because so much has changed since then. The O-line comparisons would be fascinating, and the coaching staffs of both teams would be interesting as well: Tommy Rees as a rising star? Clark Lea's results speak for them- selves — but has Lance Taylor had an influence on Brian Kelly to be willing to utilize the young talent of Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree? Mike Mickens' aggressive nature is clearly showing in the secondary — and of course "Body by [Matt] Balis." But the most important and inter- esting question: Would 2012 Brian Kelly win that game versus Clemson this year? I think a big part of Notre Dame's resurgence has been his willingness to change and adapt. I wonder if 2012 Kelly would have been purple-faced and in the grill of Ian Book following the turnover inside Clemson's 5-yard line late? And if he was, would Book have been able to bounce back and lead Notre Dame on that 91-yard touchdown drive? So much is made about the X's and O's and importance of recruiting. It is often overlooked how much impact a coach's interaction with his players shape their performance. Keep up the great work. I enjoy the coverage and hope we can continue this magical ride. I have needed it in 2020! Dave Smith Via the Internet Mr. Smith, in due time we will feature our own comparisons. BE HEARD! Send your letters to: Letters Blue & Gold Illustrated P. O. Box 1007, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or e-mail to: lsomogyi@blueandgold.com Thoughts from our BlueandGold.com message board during the bye week: McDrew: I've been an Irish fan for many years, graduating in '74 when we beat Bama for the national championship. Many years there may be a player or two (other than offensive linemen whose only role is to block), who become fan favorites for their blocking. However I don't recall any year when we've had so many players who seem to love and excel at blocking. They are our heroes. Each week announcers rave about Tommy Tremble. When he arrived my anticipation was that he was going to be a wide receiver playing tight end, a guy who would destroy teams down- field, not on the line of scrimmage. There's more. Never have I seen an Irish run- ning back pick up blitzers better than Kyren Wil- liams. He too gets national raves not only for being the runner he is, but for his unreal pass protection. The Irish receivers all block well. I am sure they know their time will increase if they can block (a reason Jordan Johnson's not yet ready). And they do. I am dismayed that Javon McKinley does not get more accolades. He is a terrific blocker. It goes on and on. We've got to give shouts out to the coaches. They are doing something right. Anyone remember a better year for blocking? Golden Judge: Excellent points. And no, I can't remember a better year for that. This is what "coaching" is all about. Caguilar9: It is also the scheme. It seems the OL feel more comfortable with outside zone blocking than the pin and pull. Yes we still do a lot of pin and pull, but more of a base zone scheme. I believe this OL is better as a unit than even the Nelson/McGlinchey line. Plus, the RBs are better taught to exploit the blocking. Pappa Bear: Best since Holtz, no doubt, but not as good as those lines. Quenton Nelson would have fit right in with those guys. Zack Martin and Ronnie Stanley also. Mike McGlinchey perhaps. This year's line as a whole is great, but not sure there is one GREAT player amongst them. They are all above average and play well together and are experienced. What sets this line apart is the help blocking they get from Kyren Williams in pass pro, and Tremble and McKinley are excep- tional on running plays. MMcCormick: I can't remember a better block- ing line since the Holtz era. Holtz had some lines that just abused teams. So did Ara for that mat- ter. Best post-Holtz, and it's not close in my mind. Days of 93: I look forward to seeing Tommy Tremble block on Saturdays. I love it when Tony Dungy shows his highlights and breaks his blocks down. Thoroughly enjoyable! FROM THE WEB JOIN THE CONVERSATION! GET A 60-DAY FREE TRIAL WITH CODE IRISH60 Junior tight end Tommy Tremble has been a big part of Notre Dame's exceptional run blocking this season. PHOTO COURTESY NOTRE DAME ATHLETICS