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Notre Dame's defense/special teams: A detailed look
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:46 pm
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:46 pm
Here's the thread about ND's offense from Monday. Some good discussion/debate (and some not so good 
).
LINK
ND's base is a 3-4, but they'll often go with four DL, as well. There's a lot of talent on the D, but its success is also largely from coaching. D-coordinator Bob Diaco won the Broyles for top assistant in the country. As great as the D is, it does give up some yards, particularly through the air. No. 1 in the country in scoring D, but No. 6 in total and No. 21 against the pass (No. 4 against the run). Definitely a bend but don't break. As bad as ND's O is in the redzone, its D is that good in the redzone. ND has allowed just 8 TDs on 33 redzone attempts (24.2%), easily tops in the nation.
Defensive line
In a 3-4, most consider the nose tackle the most important player on the defense, especially against a run-heavy offense. Likewise, junior Louis Nix (#9) is probably the most important player on ND's defense, especially against a team like Bama. When he commands a double team, it allows players like Te'o lots more room to make plays. Nix is a very good player, with a good shot to be selected in the first half of the first round in 2014. He's had a lot of problems with his conditioning in the past, but has lost a lot of weight after coming in at 368. I think the Jones vs. Nix battle has a high likelihood of determining which team wins this game. It's probably the most important matchup on the field on Jan. 7 on either side of the ball.
Sophomore Stephon Tuitt (#7) is one of the DE starters. He's a stud. Came in as the second-rated strongside DE in the country in the class of 2011 according to Rivals behind a certain someone named Jadeveon Clowney. Tuitt has 12 sacks on the year and Walter Football currently has him the No. 9 overall pick in its 2014 NFL mock draft. He is also great against the run, not just a pass rusher, at 6-foot-6, 303, and extremely athletic. Had a 77-yard fumble return where he outran everyone against Navy. Basically just a great DE. The other DE starter is graduate student Kapron Lewis-Moore (#89). KLM is in his fourth year starting for ND and is a rock. Not as physically talented as Tuitt, but more experienced, and a great leader. One of ND's four captains (Te'o, Eifert and Zack Martin are the others). Has six sacks on the year. Very smart, very disciplined player.
ND does rotate significantly three other players on the DL. It is a drop off, like for most teams, but they can hold their own. Freshman Sheldon Day (#91) and sophomore Tony Springmann (#69) are the ones who typically come in at DE, while junior Kona Schewenke (#93) is the NT. Schewenke has started twice this season when Nix was battling injury/illness and actually in the spring was outperforming Nix for a stretch. These three can't get dominated when they're in or ND is in trouble, but I doubt they will. Bama will probably have some success, though.
Linebackers
Because it's the 3-4, the two outside linebackers are actually pretty different. One is called the "cat" (primarily a pass rusher, on the boundary side) and the other is the "dog" (usually a drop backer, on the field side). Junior Prince Shembo (#55) starts at cat. Very athletic player with 7.5 sacks on the year. He'll often get down in a three-point stance if ND moves to a 4-3 for a play, with KLM shifting inside. Started at dog last year and was a bit out of place. The move to cat has helped him a lot. Junior Danny Spond (#13) starts at dog. Solid player, sure tackler. Not going to "wow" you or anything, but does his job and does it well. Suffered a very serious injury during August camp where he eventually was transported to the University of Michigan medical center for an operation (some think it was a minor stroke of some sort) and missed the first two games but started every game since. Sophomore Ishaq Williams (#11) will also see the field a lot at cat/as a down lineman normally on 3rd and long situations.
You already know a lot about Te'o. Most takeaways in the country (7 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries), least amount of missed tackles of anyone in the country with 85+. The emotional leader of Notre Dame. He lost a lot of weight this year, which allows him to be more useful in coverage and getting sideline to sideline. The emergence of players like KLM, Shembo, Tuitt and even Nix in getting to the QB has allowed him to not have to blitz as much. Last year, besides Aaron Lynch (who transferred to USF this offseason), no one else could get to the QB, so Te'o had to from the MLB spot, and finished with 5 sacks. He doesn't have to do that this year and is not asked to much. His tackles are also down this year (103 vs. 128 last year) largely because ND's D is better so he's not on the field as much to rack up stats. The other MLB spot is basically split in half. Dan Fox (#48) and Carlo Calabrese (#44) are both seniors and essentially equal, except Fox is better against the pass and Calabrese against the run, which affects when they're used based on team and/or situation (Fox is a little quicker, Calabrese a little stronger). Both are good, not great. I'd expect you'll see #44 more than #48 on Jan. 7, but both will play a lot.
Defensive backs
Coming into the season, I, like most ND fans was really afraid about our secondary, after losing three starters from last year. That fear increased when junior Lo Wood, who would have started at CB, sustained an injury in August camp that knocked him out for the season. Graduate student safety Jamoris Slaughter sustaining a season-ending injury in the third game And yet, the secondary has been solid all year. You'll hear them described as the "weakness" of ND's D. When comparing them to the front 7, yes they are "weaker". To say they are a weakness is an incorrect label, though. They are very good, and very well-coached, which has allowed them to outperform their talent/experience a bit.
The returning starter is Zeke Motta (#17). He was named ND's defensive player of the year at the team awards (largely because Te'o was named MVP, and you can only get one). The other is sophomore Matthias Farley. Both can play the run, particularly in goalline, but are used primarily in the pass, especially with the strong front 7 against the run and inexperienced CBs. Joey Galloway made a good point on CFB Live today when he said that all year, the safeties had been deep for ND. Getting them up with run success could get the PA going with McCarron to Cooper. It's common sense for anyone that knows football, but really accurate against a team like ND.
The CBs are junior Bennett Jackson (#2) and freshman KeiVarae Russell (#6), both first year starters, who both came in as offensive players. Jackson was moved last year, Russell in August. Russell had some issues as expected against Navy but has been solid since. He plays the boundary. Great tackler, especially for a DB. Jackson plays the field. Very good athlete, with four INTs on the year.
That's the D. ST in the next post.
). LINK
ND's base is a 3-4, but they'll often go with four DL, as well. There's a lot of talent on the D, but its success is also largely from coaching. D-coordinator Bob Diaco won the Broyles for top assistant in the country. As great as the D is, it does give up some yards, particularly through the air. No. 1 in the country in scoring D, but No. 6 in total and No. 21 against the pass (No. 4 against the run). Definitely a bend but don't break. As bad as ND's O is in the redzone, its D is that good in the redzone. ND has allowed just 8 TDs on 33 redzone attempts (24.2%), easily tops in the nation.
Defensive line
In a 3-4, most consider the nose tackle the most important player on the defense, especially against a run-heavy offense. Likewise, junior Louis Nix (#9) is probably the most important player on ND's defense, especially against a team like Bama. When he commands a double team, it allows players like Te'o lots more room to make plays. Nix is a very good player, with a good shot to be selected in the first half of the first round in 2014. He's had a lot of problems with his conditioning in the past, but has lost a lot of weight after coming in at 368. I think the Jones vs. Nix battle has a high likelihood of determining which team wins this game. It's probably the most important matchup on the field on Jan. 7 on either side of the ball.
Sophomore Stephon Tuitt (#7) is one of the DE starters. He's a stud. Came in as the second-rated strongside DE in the country in the class of 2011 according to Rivals behind a certain someone named Jadeveon Clowney. Tuitt has 12 sacks on the year and Walter Football currently has him the No. 9 overall pick in its 2014 NFL mock draft. He is also great against the run, not just a pass rusher, at 6-foot-6, 303, and extremely athletic. Had a 77-yard fumble return where he outran everyone against Navy. Basically just a great DE. The other DE starter is graduate student Kapron Lewis-Moore (#89). KLM is in his fourth year starting for ND and is a rock. Not as physically talented as Tuitt, but more experienced, and a great leader. One of ND's four captains (Te'o, Eifert and Zack Martin are the others). Has six sacks on the year. Very smart, very disciplined player.
ND does rotate significantly three other players on the DL. It is a drop off, like for most teams, but they can hold their own. Freshman Sheldon Day (#91) and sophomore Tony Springmann (#69) are the ones who typically come in at DE, while junior Kona Schewenke (#93) is the NT. Schewenke has started twice this season when Nix was battling injury/illness and actually in the spring was outperforming Nix for a stretch. These three can't get dominated when they're in or ND is in trouble, but I doubt they will. Bama will probably have some success, though.
Linebackers
Because it's the 3-4, the two outside linebackers are actually pretty different. One is called the "cat" (primarily a pass rusher, on the boundary side) and the other is the "dog" (usually a drop backer, on the field side). Junior Prince Shembo (#55) starts at cat. Very athletic player with 7.5 sacks on the year. He'll often get down in a three-point stance if ND moves to a 4-3 for a play, with KLM shifting inside. Started at dog last year and was a bit out of place. The move to cat has helped him a lot. Junior Danny Spond (#13) starts at dog. Solid player, sure tackler. Not going to "wow" you or anything, but does his job and does it well. Suffered a very serious injury during August camp where he eventually was transported to the University of Michigan medical center for an operation (some think it was a minor stroke of some sort) and missed the first two games but started every game since. Sophomore Ishaq Williams (#11) will also see the field a lot at cat/as a down lineman normally on 3rd and long situations.
You already know a lot about Te'o. Most takeaways in the country (7 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries), least amount of missed tackles of anyone in the country with 85+. The emotional leader of Notre Dame. He lost a lot of weight this year, which allows him to be more useful in coverage and getting sideline to sideline. The emergence of players like KLM, Shembo, Tuitt and even Nix in getting to the QB has allowed him to not have to blitz as much. Last year, besides Aaron Lynch (who transferred to USF this offseason), no one else could get to the QB, so Te'o had to from the MLB spot, and finished with 5 sacks. He doesn't have to do that this year and is not asked to much. His tackles are also down this year (103 vs. 128 last year) largely because ND's D is better so he's not on the field as much to rack up stats. The other MLB spot is basically split in half. Dan Fox (#48) and Carlo Calabrese (#44) are both seniors and essentially equal, except Fox is better against the pass and Calabrese against the run, which affects when they're used based on team and/or situation (Fox is a little quicker, Calabrese a little stronger). Both are good, not great. I'd expect you'll see #44 more than #48 on Jan. 7, but both will play a lot.
Defensive backs
Coming into the season, I, like most ND fans was really afraid about our secondary, after losing three starters from last year. That fear increased when junior Lo Wood, who would have started at CB, sustained an injury in August camp that knocked him out for the season. Graduate student safety Jamoris Slaughter sustaining a season-ending injury in the third game And yet, the secondary has been solid all year. You'll hear them described as the "weakness" of ND's D. When comparing them to the front 7, yes they are "weaker". To say they are a weakness is an incorrect label, though. They are very good, and very well-coached, which has allowed them to outperform their talent/experience a bit.
The returning starter is Zeke Motta (#17). He was named ND's defensive player of the year at the team awards (largely because Te'o was named MVP, and you can only get one). The other is sophomore Matthias Farley. Both can play the run, particularly in goalline, but are used primarily in the pass, especially with the strong front 7 against the run and inexperienced CBs. Joey Galloway made a good point on CFB Live today when he said that all year, the safeties had been deep for ND. Getting them up with run success could get the PA going with McCarron to Cooper. It's common sense for anyone that knows football, but really accurate against a team like ND.
The CBs are junior Bennett Jackson (#2) and freshman KeiVarae Russell (#6), both first year starters, who both came in as offensive players. Jackson was moved last year, Russell in August. Russell had some issues as expected against Navy but has been solid since. He plays the boundary. Great tackler, especially for a DB. Jackson plays the field. Very good athlete, with four INTs on the year.
That's the D. ST in the next post.
15
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:46 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Special Teams
Sophomore Kyle Brindza (#27) is the kicker. Huge leg, but inconsistent. He's made some very clutch kicks this year. Kicked the game-winner against Purdue under a minute, the tying FG to force OT against Stanford with less than a minute, and a FG to force the second OT against Pittsburgh. Also went 5/6 against USC. But he's also had some "WTF?" kicks, too. I wouldn't be "afraid" of him having to kick a tying/winning FG, but I wouldn't exactly be comfortable, either. Brindza does kickoffs, which often go for touchbacks, but sometimes it seems he mis-hits the ball. The kickoff coverage unit is okay. Doesn't give up any huge returns, but normally a team will get it past the 25 if they return it.
Senior Ben Turk (#35) is the punter. In the past he's been inconsistent, but seems to have improved there this season. Averages 40.6 per punt, 38.0 net. Normally his punts aren't returned, but if they are, the coverage is okay, not great. No huge returns, but the opportunity's there to steal some yards.
Sophomore George Atkinson III (#4) is the kick returner. Mentioned in the offense thread that he's the third string running back. Very big and fast. He hasn't broken one this year but had two TD returns last season. Did have a huge return against USC. Punt returns are from freshman Davonte Neal (#19). He's a big threat... if we block, which we don't. We basically just fair catch every punt. Of course, that was also the case last year, and first punt of the Champs Sports Bowl against FSU, Michael Floyd returned one for about 40 yards, so that may happen again.
There you have it. Hopefully we'll get some good discussion again.
Sophomore Kyle Brindza (#27) is the kicker. Huge leg, but inconsistent. He's made some very clutch kicks this year. Kicked the game-winner against Purdue under a minute, the tying FG to force OT against Stanford with less than a minute, and a FG to force the second OT against Pittsburgh. Also went 5/6 against USC. But he's also had some "WTF?" kicks, too. I wouldn't be "afraid" of him having to kick a tying/winning FG, but I wouldn't exactly be comfortable, either. Brindza does kickoffs, which often go for touchbacks, but sometimes it seems he mis-hits the ball. The kickoff coverage unit is okay. Doesn't give up any huge returns, but normally a team will get it past the 25 if they return it.
Senior Ben Turk (#35) is the punter. In the past he's been inconsistent, but seems to have improved there this season. Averages 40.6 per punt, 38.0 net. Normally his punts aren't returned, but if they are, the coverage is okay, not great. No huge returns, but the opportunity's there to steal some yards.
Sophomore George Atkinson III (#4) is the kick returner. Mentioned in the offense thread that he's the third string running back. Very big and fast. He hasn't broken one this year but had two TD returns last season. Did have a huge return against USC. Punt returns are from freshman Davonte Neal (#19). He's a big threat... if we block, which we don't. We basically just fair catch every punt. Of course, that was also the case last year, and first punt of the Champs Sports Bowl against FSU, Michael Floyd returned one for about 40 yards, so that may happen again.
There you have it. Hopefully we'll get some good discussion again.
This post was edited on 12/19/12 at 5:48 pm
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:46 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Nice post 
This post was edited on 12/19/12 at 5:48 pm
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:49 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
I can honestly say I give no fricks
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:51 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
TLDR
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:54 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Shembo = rapist
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:56 pm to TreyAnastasio
Investigated and not charged, and wasn't even accused of rape anyway by the girl, so wrong on both accounts, but nice try.
Posted on 12/19/12 at 5:58 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Posted on 12/19/12 at 6:01 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Good thing she offed herself after being threatened to shut her mouth, right? Could have gotten really ugly for y'all.
Posted on 12/19/12 at 6:15 pm to TreyAnastasio
quote:
Could have gotten really ugly for y'al
Low blow...never mind
This post was edited on 12/19/12 at 6:16 pm
Posted on 12/19/12 at 6:18 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Looking to be a great game. We have your talent on D covered. We have a more experienced and poised QB, and Jesse Williams 6'4 330 is awesome in the Jumbo package inside your 4 to goal line....AJ Lines up gives the handoff to Lacy or Yeldon Williams ( who bench presses 600 Pounds) hits your DLine and in goes lacy or yeldon...Touchdown Alabama!!....gonna be fun!!
Posted on 12/19/12 at 6:20 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Great post, thanks
Posted on 12/19/12 at 6:29 pm to SabanIsAGod
Great Post solid info
The Back-ups got dominated by USCw's running game.
Do you really think they will hold their own?
I have watched the USCw game mutiple times and if I can see the weaknesses on live TV, I fear for the Irish that Saban/Smart will too
quote:
These three can't get dominated when they're in or ND is in trouble, but I doubt they will. Bama will probably have some success, though.
The Back-ups got dominated by USCw's running game.
Do you really think they will hold their own?
I have watched the USCw game mutiple times and if I can see the weaknesses on live TV, I fear for the Irish that Saban/Smart will too
Posted on 12/19/12 at 6:37 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
PITT PUSHED YOUR FRONT SEVEN AROUND, BAMA WILL RAPE/ thread.
This post was edited on 12/19/12 at 6:40 pm
Posted on 12/19/12 at 7:17 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Were all 34,000+ posts this long?
Posted on 12/19/12 at 7:23 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
I don't know why you waste your time typing all of that.
Hopefully it was a C&P
Hopefully it was a C&P
Posted on 12/19/12 at 7:35 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
Nice post, but a key to this is the number of tackles the obvious leader of the defense has for ND, compared to the position played by the next leading tacklers on the team.
Then, when you compare the leading tacklers on Alabama's defense you clearly see something is wrong when DBs on ND are having to make so many stops compared to LBs by the Tide.
Then, when you compare the leading tacklers on Alabama's defense you clearly see something is wrong when DBs on ND are having to make so many stops compared to LBs by the Tide.
Posted on 12/19/12 at 7:39 pm to TreyAnastasio
quote:
Good thing she offed herself after being threatened to shut her mouth, right? Could have gotten really ugly for y'all.
Actually, it would have been better for Shembo had she stayed alive. There was absolutely no evidence that could have been used against him (which is why there was never a charge even after the investigation). But now, because she killed herself, it's somehow labeled as his fault, despite the fact she had a history of mental problems and false accusations in her past at another institution before she transferred to Saint Mary's. NDSP should be at fault for not engaging in the investigation in a more timely fashion, but once they did, there was nothing at all that indicted him.
The whole situation is horrible and tragic. Falsely calling someone a rapist though doesn't help.
Posted on 12/19/12 at 7:49 pm to LarryDavid
quote:
Nice post, but a key to this is the number of tackles the obvious leader of the defense has for ND, compared to the position played by the next leading tacklers on the team.
Then, when you compare the leading tacklers on Alabama's defense you clearly see something is wrong when DBs on ND are having to make so many stops compared to LBs by the Tide.
I think it's more just a product of the defense than anything, though. As I said, it's a bend but don't break. ND will give you 6-yard passes and allow you to work it methodically up the field. ND's fine with giving up FGs (if they have to). Also, our DBs are basically the only positions that aren't rotated at all (and Manti) so I'm sure that plays a role in their numbers a little bit.
Posted on 12/19/12 at 7:50 pm to Buckeye Fan 19
numbers arent skewed by those amazing offenses ND played?
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