Having seen this game in person I'll offer some observations from the stands. There still remains an outside chance that Ohio State will face up to this team on neutral turf around New Years. So, I think its interesting to see what they bring and don't bring to the table.
First ND caught them completely flat-footed early. The TD catch that Stovall brought in was a real dagger through the TN team and then they give up the big return for another 6. Frankly a lesser team would have just crumbled, but to the Vols credit they did not.
In not simply shrinking into their shell they were helped by ND themselves. I guess being up by 3 scores can allow a squad to lose focus, it shouldn't and ND gave up the ball to Tennessee in good field position - which the Vols took full advantage from.
However, the truth of the matter is that the Vol D deserves a good deal of their lofty ranking. They certainly stymied ND's running game all day, the Irish gained net yards under 50.
By way of contrast ND's defense was as advertised against the pass for most of the day. Their DB technique at times was atrocious. Not looking back for the ball was the most common error, the DBs seem to like timing and if it were not for Ainge 's over-throws the Vols could have been the ones with stellar numbers through the air. What was more surprising, given their historical reputation for producing good linebackers, was their inability to stuff a muscular rushing attack from the Vols.
Should the Buckeyes end up facing this current defense at years end they should have their way by air, by ground and if the game is anywhere other than the desert by sea also.
Now for the aerial attack and play-calling when ND had the ball. If I took the 1st quarter and the 4th I could come away with the impression that Brady Quinn is all he is said to be. His numbers would have been better yet had there not been some key drops. Samardzija had some drops in the 2nd quarter that did not help ND's cause, plus his inattention to the basics of the game directly led to the start of the Vol comeback when he failed to cover Quinn's errant lateral. Despite that he ends up with great numbers, though at least 70 yards come on one play when ND finally found a spine and stopped getting shoved around by the Vols. The point is that with the play-calling of Weis Quinn needs little time to unload the ball. Give him a second or so extra and you likely will pay. But, many of the big plays ND gets through the air depend on yards after the catch. So, a disciplined DB corps, keeping the plays more in front of them can survive and turn away ND's aerial attack. Not every time, but perhaps more so when the field is shortened.
Moreover, as the Vols showed in Q2 and most of Q3, if you can get full pressure on him his passes will either not be made, or its moot as Quinn is flat on his back.
Sum and substance, ND IS a team that has to outscore its opponent this year. Take away the quick strike and YAC, stymie their running game and it is likely you can carry the day. Frankly, I think the Buckeyes are up to such a challenge, despite our relatively poor pass defense.
Last but not least, if any of you get a chance to go and see a game up in South Bend - take it. This, like The Shoe is one the Shrines of College Football. The stadium, campus and entire atmosphere of the place on game-day were marvellous. The campus itself is simply beautiful in the fall. Think of the area around Orton Hall in architecture, but like that everywhere. A very consistent architectural style, I liked that. More importantly, the ND fans are good hosts and with no exceptions that I can recall were extremely classy to all the Vol fans in victory.
