Spring Game Reaction

Neither of my predicted most valuable players received MVP honors Saturday, but both of them were named captains, and I was also able to somewhat predict 3 out of Blue and Gold's top 5 spring surprises, so it looks like spring is at least off to a good start for my prediction making. Here are a few of my observations from the Blue Gold game:

The most noticeable improvement in Jimmy Clausen is definitely his improved accuracy and throwing strength, indicating that Weis obviously worked him in the NCAA '09 passing skeleton. It was very comforting to see Clausen missing on fade routes by overthrowing his target (and the coverage) instead of lofting up passes that fell dangerously short. Also, JC appears to have improved on his ability to recognize when to throw the ball away instead of forcing throws or running out of bounds for a loss. However, there are still a few concerns. Everyone has been bailing out his 10/27 completion percentage on drops from receivers and throwing the ball away, but the reality is that WRs do drop passes in games, and Clausen was unable to establish any real consistency on offense through the air. Fortunately, it makes sense for Clausen's completion percentage to increase with more practice heading into the fall, so that aspect of his game should improve. What I am more worried about is live pocket presence; Jimmy did a fine job of stepping up into pressure with the red jersey on, and he was even able to make some great throws as the defense was 'bringing him down,' but it is a lot easier to step into the hit when you know its not coming. Hopefully Jimmy can carry the poise he showed in the Blue Gold game into the season.

Barring something extraordinary happening in summer camp, Robert Hughes is the guy. Aldridge didn't do much to lose the job, but when one runningback in a heated competition for playing time receives 22 carries, it is a sign that the coaching staff is testing and expecting that back to step up. With 100 yards, a touchdown, and offensive MVP honors, Hughes was able to mix up his truck stick and juke skills enough to see significant PT early next season. It also seems that Allen will play the change of pace back, receiving exactly one carry for every two of Hughes' and gaining a comparable 50 yards while looking just about as fast as I've seen him. With top quality young runningbacks coming in fast, Aldridge will need to step it up over the summer to earn his carries this year.

Despite the occasional drops, I liked what I saw of Kamara, Grimes, and Tate. Kamara and Clausen need to develop some better chemistry in the red zone (the fade was thrown 3 times and despite being covered by a much shorter CB, Duval never really came down with it), but he seems otherwise to be a capable receiver, and I like Grimes working in the middle of the field. Tate also seems more polished, but if not, Robby Parris returning from injury and Michael Floyd coming in the fall should provide enough depth and competition to give ND a solid group.

Speaking of Floyd, he was in attendance with Dayne Crist and some of the other incoming freshman and recruited rising seniors at the game. Welcome to Notre Dame, class of 2012/13!

The O-line looks better than I thought it would. Hughes and Allen were both able to average nearly 5 yards a carry, and while the defense landed a few of their stunts in passing situations, the rate that they were successfully picked up seemed markedly better than it was early last season. The other thing I learned is that Eric Olsen is a high-energy player. I'm not just talking about his roles in the team fights this year or his ability to fire off the ball at defenders, but on Tate's long reception at the end of the game, Olsen was the second player (behind Allen) to reach the celebration. Any lineman that can sprint fifty yards at the end of a game to congratulate his receiver is okay in my book.

Anytime Notre Dame is in a short yardage situation, the Haywood should automatically call a run behind Chris Stewart and Sam Young until opposing defenses begin overloading that gap. I am confident that I could have scored the touchdown if I had been given the ball instead of Hughes.

Mike Ragone looks like he has the ability to make some big plays this year, and while he may be the only scholarship tight end on the roster this year, at least he seems capable of contributing in the passing game. As a rising sophomore, however, he does not yet have the necessary size to be a force in the running game, which is why every Irish fan should be crossing their fingers that Yeatman will be able to play in the fall. Will was the most physical blocking receiver on the team last year, and a fortunate side effect of him missing the lacrosse season is that he should be able to focus on improving his strength in the spring.

That's it for today. I'll put up a defensive recap post soon.