A Year's Difference: '09 vs. '10 Irish

We looked at eight major statistical categories to chart ND’s similarities and differences relative to a year ago against the same six opponents. Some opposing teams have changed for better (MSU, Michigan, Stanford) and others for worse (Pitt, BC), but let’s assume those variations even out within reason.

Through six games, the stats tell the same story that’s pretty obvious watching the games: the defense is better than a year ago and the offense has taken a step back.

Most upsetting is that ND hasn’t been able to run the ball better. Perhaps most surprising is the downgrade in turnover margin, especially considering it’s been lost fumbles rather than interceptions.

Improvement against the run (.53 yards per carry) is the biggest reason to believe Kelly is building from the ground up. Putting aside aspirations of 5.0 yards per carry on offense or even an improvement at the same rate as the defense, I’d like the 2010 Fighting Irish to outdo the 2009 Irish in terms of yards per carry against the remaining two opponents from last year (USC, Navy).

Dayne’s growing experience means almost automatic improvement, but increasing yards per carry would be about as accurate a predictor for late-season wins against teams that beat us last year. The Kelly-Longo focus on mental and physical toughness gives these trends more likelihood of improving over the course of a season.