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.

Weekly Awards: Week 6

The Goodyear Blimp flies over Notre Dame Stadium
amidst sunshine and 83 degree heat

Several players and plays stood out as the Fighting Irish outlasted Pitt 23-17 on a picturesque Saturday afternoon at Notre Dame.  Here are the picks for the Week 6 edition of our Weekly Awards:


TheNDleprechaun:


Overall MVP: David Ruffer
- accounted for 11 of Notre Dame's 23 points with field goals from 32, 50, and 31 yards out; His long-range leg has given this Fighting Irish team something it has lacked over the past several seasons


Offensive MVP: Michael Floyd
- got Notre Dame on the board with a 1 yd TD reception; finished the day with 7 catches for 59 yards; now tied with Tom Gatewood for fifth most receiving touchdowns in school history

Defensive MVP: Harrison Smith
- finally looked comfortable as a cover-two safety, leading the team with 11 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and adding an interception

Special Teams MVP: David Ruffer
- Set an all-time school record by hitting 16 straight field goals; praised by Kelly for confidently kicking the sixth longest field goal in school history at a critical point in the game

Breakout Player: Ben Turk 
- played a crucial role by helping the FIghting Irish win the field position battle; showed consistency for the first time in his career, netting over 46 yds per punt and landing 3 inside the 20

Best Play: Dayne Crist's 10 yard TD run
- As Kelly noted last week, our offense is tremendously more successful when Crist presents a running threat; on this play he showed athleticism that future opponents will have to account for

The victorious Fighting Irish sing the alma mater