[Lefty Noob]

If you look back at the bowl game against Ohio State last year, it seems pretty clear that the Notre Dame secondary has some issues. According to Tim Prister of IrishIllustrated.com, it isn't speed, though.

"Does Notre Dame have enough speed in the secondary? I believe so, except on those extreme occasions when a secondary gets caught in a bad coverage for the pattern and gets burned deep," Prister writes in his article Is it speed or technique? - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports. "But that isn’t necessarily a lack of speed as much as it is poor recognition and reaction... So if Notre Dame’s secondary is athletically gifted enough, and it’s technique and recognition improve through experience... then the Irish secondary should be an improved unit over the 2005 edition."

What what do you think is wrong with Notre Dames secondary, and how do the coaches fix it?

[david murray]

One way to fix it would be to improve pressure on the opposing QB and give him less time to pick the secondary apart. I'm wondering if Rick Minter will go with more blitzes this year, or rely on the push from his defensive line. Victor Abiamiri is a good pass rusher from his DE position when healthy. One problem with more blitzing will be that the Irish have two new starting linebackers this year, and it may be that the coaching staff won't try to do too much too soon--what do you think?

[Lefty Noob]

Replacing Hoyte and Mays will prove daunting; Street & Smiths has Anthony Vernaglia and Steve Quinn as the starting OLBs with Maurice Crum Jr. playing in the middle. The entire front four is back, which should help. It would be nice to see them improve on those 31 sacks from 2005, but that may be hard without the aforementioned Hoyte and Mays, who themselves contributed 11. Someone has to step up and keep Victory Abiamiri from being double-teamed all the time. Who's it gonna be? Crum? Ronald Talley?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

If you look back at the bowl game against Ohio State last year, it seems pretty clear that the Notre Dame secondary has some issues. According to Tim Prister of IrishIllustrated.com, it isn't speed, though.

"Does Notre Dame have enough speed in the secondary? I believe so, except on those extreme occasions when a secondary gets caught in a bad coverage for the pattern and gets burned deep," Prister writes in his article Is it speed or technique? - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports. "But that isn’t necessarily a lack of speed as much as it is poor recognition and reaction... So if Notre Dame’s secondary is athletically gifted enough, and it’s technique and recognition improve through experience... then the Irish secondary should be an improved unit over the 2005 edition."

What what do you think is wrong with Notre Dames secondary, and how do the coaches fix it?

See, I stil lhave them down or a slightly overrated team...everyone is talking national championships, but they have chinks in their armor.

[david murray]

With the possible problems in the secondary and inexperience at linebacker, there may be games where the Irish are simply just going to have to score at will and outscore the opposition. One guy who could really step up big is safety Tom Z---here is a guy who could sneak in a blitz, or come up close on third down and short--he is big enough to be a linebacker almost, and tough--he's a golden gloves boxer, former option QB--and he was a sprinter in high school. Against Tennessee last year he scored on a punt return, scored on an interception, and had a sack. If he has an All-American season, watch out---

[david murray]

Thinking about Tom Zbikowski started me wondering about the old MONSTER MEN or rover backs that some teams used to have when I was a little boy--my brain is getting kinda feeble boys, can anybody help me out? Who were some of these guys--didn't Ohio State always used to have a guy like this?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by david murray

With the possible problems in the secondary and inexperience at linebacker, there may be games where the Irish are simply just going to have to score at will and outscore the opposition. One guy who could really step up big is safety Tom Z---here is a guy who could sneak in a blitz, or come up close on third down and short--he is big enough to be a linebacker almost, and tough--he's a golden gloves boxer, former option QB--and he was a sprinter in high school. Against Tennessee last year he scored on a punt return, scored on an interception, and had a sack. If he has an All-American season, watch out---

I like Tom Z, but is the boxing bit going to be a distraction this year?...Its an odd combo really.

Anyone remember when Too Tall Jones took up boxing for a year?

[Lefty Noob]

It was one fight and I believe it may be over already - not sure though, anyone know for sure? At any rate, I don't think it'll be a distraction for him. And even if it is to start, Weis and his staff won't let it stay that way for long.

[bautch24]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

See, I stil lhave them down or a slightly overrated team...everyone is talking national championships, but they have chinks in their armor.

ANd what team at the top does not have chinks in their armor this year?

USC~ they have to replace 2 Heisman Trophy winners
Texas~ Have to replace some guy named Vince Young
Ohio State~ Lost 8 starters on defense
WVU~ Lost some key players, and sophmores are never a guarantee + beating Luisville will be tough.
....... You get the point

It is wide open this year and If you step up its yours for the taking. Notre Dame has just a good a chance if not better then all the other top teams.

[bautch24]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

I like Tom Z, but is the boxing bit going to be a distraction this year?...Its an odd combo really.

Anyone remember when Too Tall Jones took up boxing for a year?

If I recall correctly Zibby's next pro fight is not until the season is over.