Subscribe
Jobs
Cars
Real Estate
Apts
Classifieds
Shop
This is not what Charlie Weis had in mind.
Notre Dame looked sluggish on offense, mediocre on defense and awful on special teams -- at least in the kicking game -- in the first half and are tied with San Diego State, 7-7.
Mistakes have haunted Notre Dame, from a Robert Hughes fumble, a botched hold by Eric Maust and multiple penalties from Maurice Crum Jr. Jimmy Clausen looks shaky at best and the offensive line that is supposed to be much improved doesn't look it considering San Diego State is getting pressure and are starting a bunch of freshmen due to injuries.
A blocked punt saved Notre Dame from going into the half scoreless, as Sergio Brown got his hands on a punt and three plays later, Clausen found Michael Floyd in the end zone on a fade route where his defender, Vonnie Holmes, fell down. Even then, though, the ball was not thrown in stride.
Armando Allen has looked OK, but not spectacular. The defense has been decent, but can't seem to pick up the shovel pass and Darren Mougey wide open on a pass play that led to San Diego State's score.
The only positive for Notre Dame: The play of Sergio Brown. He's been all over the field and blocked a punt.
Either way this one ends up, Charlie Weis has to be disappointed in what he's seen so far, especially since he's preached starting fast since, oh, before the preseason even started.
And to make things better or worse, Digger Phelps is on the field right now performing with the Notre Dame band, yelling something about a cowbell, fearing the reaper and more cowbell. Yikes.
Guaranteed -- this is ending up on YouTube.
First half stats of note: Rushing: Allen 11-40. Clausen 10-20-1-122, 1 TD. Kyle McCarthy 6 tackles. For SDSU: Ryan Lindley 14-33-0-151. Receiving: Mougey 3-55.
