Still some frustration online
Still Winning, But Still Complaining
On Saturday, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish almost blanked the Miami (OH) RedHawks, allowing only 3 points to them. However, with some known offensive struggles, maybe a more “boring” game, and the Irish still failing to cover a 27.5-point spread, there was still some ire within the fanbase.
The team got a needed home win, the first of the season, right before they play a ranked matchup against Louisville this coming week in a truly important game for the trajectory of the rest of the season. Regardless, there were still some takes flying and emotions all over the place. Let’s dive into some of those.
Some ND vs. Miami (OH) Overreactions
Leonard Riley is the absolute worse college qb I’ve ever seen throw the football.
— T. Howard (@CoachThow) September 21, 2024
So, here’s the thing. I am of the mindset that Riley Leonard’s throwing ability is not great, to put it lightly. However, he still shows promise and the ability to make SOME throws. Case in point is the TD pass to Beaux Collins. I understand the sentiment here that he has been STRUGGLING and not fully the answer, but he doesn’t run a completely anemic offense. He’s also not missing every throw. He hasn’t been great, but he is not the worst ever. Come on now.
I’m done talking Notre Dame football for the day.
Unfortunately I think we have seen the ceiling under Marcus Freeman unless a philosophical change is made. It’s unfortunate we can’t have a real conversation about it.
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) September 22, 2024
For one, what ceiling are we talking about? The one where the guy lost to Marshall and Stanford but then dismantled Clemson at home? The one that went into Kyle Field and beat a Top 25 team at night on the road? Yeah, the team and coaching staff have overall been underperforming, especially on offense, but I really feel like we can get to a higher point with Freeman and with this team and the program.
For two, we don’t need to have a conversation about it right now. Let’s see how this season plays out, but there is no real conversation that needs to be had at the moment.
I have some questions re: player leadership. Feels like the D is simply going through the motions here in the 4th.
— MikeGoolsby (@MikeGoolsby41) September 21, 2024
I understand the frustration of kinda reigning it in the fourth quarter in an already relatively boring game. But in the fourth quarter, it was garbage time. Yeah, the team could’ve put the pedal to the metal and tried to cover that spread. But, I can also see it where you’re up 25 points late in the game, and sights get set on the next game (which is a big one), and the season. I really think it’s an interesting take to call this out late in a game that had been essentially won already, but I am also not a former player. Different perspectives/strokes for different folks.