Northern Illinois at Notre Dame - 9/7/24 Simulation (EA College Football 25)

welcome to Notre Dame Stadium where they will shake down Thunder from the sky to cheer on their Fighting Irish and hoping that plenty of Echoes will reverberate in Victory at the end of the game today we have one of those games that test your focus top 25 team against an unranked opponent can you take care of business as we'll see a squad from the back the Northern Illinois hus taking on the eighth ranked team in the land the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4 EA Sports college football Reese Davis with you alongside David Pollock and Jesse Palmer and guys can't wait to get this one started L Dame lining up to kickoff and get this one [Applause] started and he's going to bring it out of the end zone not nearly as much as he'd hoped when he brought it out out in the end zone he'll be stopped at the 15 the Huskies will have some work to do after that short return and this mcell can beat you in a number of different ways in the passing game David yeah so much fun to have a guy that I can rely on that can beat guys over the middle of the field that can beat man-to-man coverage this guy's the Ultimate Weapon and I love that this guy has an awesome catch radius you don't have to be perfect as a quarterback when you throw to him he can make you look good you can barely hear yourself thinking here they're trying to get this defense off to a good start looking to throw it's Hampton he is lucky to get that one back and the last thing you want is to turn it over on your opening drive and that's why these guys played defense if that were an offensive player receiver that would have easily have been a catch come on man you got to catch that make at a pick decb Rising as the crowd Gets behind this defense on third down from the gun wants to pass caught near the sticks it's Lewis good job running that route to get past the sticks because he got nothing after the catch wow and what a great job by that quarterback finding his open receiver on third down you know guys one of the most telling stats at the end of the game is third down conversion percentage if you're a great third down team it's in valuable to your offensive success and that's why teams drill third down so much in practice they'll go to the ground these little gains can start to add up as he gets it up to the 34 well it's plays like that that will help this offense stay in Rhythm all game long if you can have that kind of success on first down run into football it just opens up your entire Playbook room for good spot after that seven yd pickup on first down it's second and three off play action and that's going to fall to the ground incomplete that was a physical match up there third down coming and the big tight end a lot of times that's a bigger Strike Zone a bigger dude and you could tell they put the hit on him and that ball came out and it came to the turf nice job playing physical by this defense wants to throw on third got it in the middle it's bar they get the conversion there he used his size and nice moves to get past the chains man I like that third and short find the big fella the soft hands make a quick little move make the completion get the first down the huskys are moving quickly down the field they're looking for an advantage in the running game to the right and here's a fumble way behind the line defense coming up with a huge fumble recovery as a Defender you love the big hits and you know what the cherry on the Sunday is you get the big hit and force the fumble here comes the offense on first down from the gun they'll try to impose their running game got a lot of Running Room he's brought down but he's got him inside the 10 first and goal from the eight what a run great speed great vision elusiveness and David he's tackle down close to the goal line yeah and this offense when you can run the football like this man you will have success especially in the Red Zone trying to get touchdowns Notre Dame has it now first and goal they'll try to get it in with the run and he waltes in for the score touchdown another day and that touchdown just got this whole place going didn't it you got everybody doing the Irish jig Touchdown Jesus is happy you got the leprechaun he's dancing the energy in this place right now is on another level after that score no wonder this is such a tough place to come in and try to get a win on the road they'll try to attack one more on their score and the extra point makes it s nothing they got the ball in great field position and Bam Bam two plays and into the end zone almost ready to kick it away after scoring the touchdown on the move from inside is SP find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 guys we'll see what the plan is for this Northern Illinois offense that last fumble proved to be costly as they cashed it in for a touchdown yeah so this defense now is Juiced they're excited and ready to go so this offense David they've got to get something going yeah those turnovers can be contagious man it gets you excited and then when your offense takes it down the field does something withn this offense better be ready to play against a motivated defense after trying the running game on first down they come to the line on second down to throw it's Hampton takes the easy one to the back the defense wouldn't let him loose and even though it's a completion they lost yardage how about the job and recognition by the defense they knew exactly what they were trying to set up and they had multiple Defenders surrounding that intended target so that there was nowhere for him to go once he caught the the Roar of the crowd trying to fuel this defense to keep them pinned in their own end and he can't connect on the throw it's incomplete third and long situation they tried to go screen I think they were hoping it was going to be a big Zone and they could get those offensive linemen down the field but the defense sniffed it out forcing the incompletion Northern Illinois will line up to punt it away getting our first look of the afternoon at the punter Fields the punt wants to make a play and the returner goes down here come the Irish back on offense David they'd love to do what they did last time and put this one in the end zone you ain't lying they did a great job the offense was clicking everything went well Palmer they executed and got the touchdown and they really were in a nice Rhythm as well and I'd love to see that here on the next drive too just keep doing what you're doing everything seems to be working and you seem to have this defense on their heel got eight on first down now looking at a second and two he'll ride his man on the option he breaks a tackle good pick up there he gets up for the first down QB's that can run completely change your game plan I mean every single bit of it you have to understand now as a pass rusher I got to keep him in the pocket I got to understand all the Zone read Concepts and the power read the jet read all the different things things they can do to you so you know having a guy back there at the helm that can run the football you better be alert of it from the first play to the end of the fourth quarter Nifty little dance step ripping off a good chunk inside the 25 and they're set up with a first down and under the watchful eye of touchdown Jesus the Irish are starting to roll on the ground starting to get that big physical ground game going and one thing you know about Notre Dame traditionally over the years off defensive line play is always great they're always making holes and they're always playing Super physical they'll ride the running back and leave it with him tackle is made right at the 20 yd line after a pick up of four solid pickup of four on first down it's second and six give to the back he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three defense is about seeing it and pulling the trigger and you could tell they pull the trigger so fast get to the back get him on the ground quickly quite a bit of work to do on third down from the 23 and this D would love to force a field goal try back to pass it's Leonard trying to get to him quick strike complete defense is there to make the stop but he's got the first down and they'll have it first and roll at the six and that is a huge conversion on Third and long for the offense I think a lot of people thinking hey we're just going to try to get a couple yards help our kicker out here to kick a field goal but instead they get a massive play and now all of a sudden they're thinking touchdown here first and goal it's complete on the right side and they pick up just a few on that complete must be nice for this quarterback knowing he's got this type of accl playing the tight end position that can work the middle of the field form he's a guy who can stretch it vertically as well but this is a guy the QB will look for early and often this game they've pushed it ahead to the four they'll try to cash in on second and goal somewhat not clear on the snap count it'll be a false start he'll move it back the officials offer the deal and the coach accepts it they will take the penalty back to the ground game on the left he works his way all the way down to the three and the defense is reeling and with the stuff there Jesse on second down this little third to midrange you got two downs what are you thinking here maybe getting your quarterback out on the perimeter and giving him a run pass option see if you can get the defense in a bind well they've gotten it down to the three but now it's third and goal Let's It Fly te makes the catch in the end zone touchdown Iris really nice job by the quarterback there have just letting the play develop he had his eyes down in the middle of the field and I think when he saw that deep middle area vacated he said to himself I've got a guy running right into that area I'm throwing this thing on time and this is going to be a touchdown and that's exactly what happened ready to try the point after and the extra point makes it 14 nothing they went 54 yds on that last touchdown drive and they finish it up with a three- yd scoring toss lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown [Music] Drive he'll start the return inside his five and good work by the coverage team to knock down the Return Man Northern Illinois takes over at as the offense heads to the field to say this has been a slow start it's a bit of an understatement and they really need to get it going here Jesse that's right the opponent they're firing on all cylinders right out of the gate offensively for this unit they've been slow and struggling they need an explosive play to wake themselves up yeah and it's just the first quarter so it's not the end of the world you've seen slow starts but you got to continue to pick and pick and pick until you find that play or or that scheme that you can use against this defense throws for the tight end oh it's a fumble oh and just like they threw it up put it on the ground fall on top of it still get the first down and it looks as if they've buzzed down replay wants to have another Peak at that last play so after reviewing the undisputable video evidence the replay booth has decided to overturn the call try to get the edge with a quick touch pass and I think they'll give him two on that one second and eight coming up and these little touch passes man they're just the easiest completions ever for quarterbacks Palmer I bet you would have loved being able to just Flip It Forward that counts as to your completion percentage which is good and then it's all right after the catch so pretty easy for a QB you wouldn't have been the only allamerican in this booth day if I were allowed to have Push passes when I was playing quarterback I'll tell you that it is so hard to defend it's so hard to seal that edge especially when this guy's full speed head coming around the first thing you have to do to make these plays successful offensively is I have to block The Edge I I got to get my speed s in space they didn't do a good job of getting that guy out there in space where he can really use his Jets nice job by the defense understanding it seeing it rallying to it and tackling that guy for a l fires to the wide out he's got it able to work it to the 39 yd line and that'll be a first down third down the focus of the defense has to shift it has to change we have to understand now exactly where the sticks are we can't give up those plays for them to get beyond the sticks and get those first downs this Northern Illinois offense continues to move quickly showing off the arms we'll give him a couple on that one second and eight coming up [Music] went to the running game on first down now here they come again back to throw it's Hampton working that left side now he brought down when he went backwards after that completion not the way they had it drawn up they're able to find the tight end for an easy completion but good job tackling not allowing him to get the first down better fly the pluged here comes the noise backing this defense on third [Music] down looking downfield and he needs a bunch grabbed over the middle it's Mitchell they convert on third down as he gets it to the 46 yd line I love the start for this quarterback on third down third down obviously money down got to have success but to have success early now it opens up everything like we trust him he's got a rhythm going he's feeling good and he got a lot of confidence and and the huskys will snap it on First and 10 he's looking to throw it fires to the right complete downfield what a throw not a lot of room he fits it in beautifully they've got it at the 30 nice Patience by the quarterback here working against Zone coverage he was allowing his receiver an opportunity to find that open space in the defense before pulling the trigger from the gun they'll try to impose their will so much change of Direction he's down to the 23 this running back just doesn't go down easily it's just difficult for defenses to get him on the ground not a really huge but if I'm an offensive coordinator I'm going to continue to find ways to feature him and just hey you know what let his talent be the rest and now on second down for this offense guys we've come to the end of the quarter and Notre Dame has the lead really strong performance so far to be able to build a lead here in the first period as we look at the stats now to see if they can answer this early Blitz here in the second quarter quarterback and running back set up in the pistol back to pass it's Hampton and that pass will be J loose on second down that brings up third down and that's your goal separate man from ball try to get your shoulder in there on the catch point and really make give him something to think about physically jar that football and knock it out nice job by the def headed to the line at the 23 trying to convert this third and short from the gun wants to pass with the catch it's Mitchell tackle is made but not until he gets the first down and up First Northern Illinois putting together a threat in the Red Zone keeping it on the ground with the single back that play just never had a chance a knock him down for a loss of five I love this linebacker because he's able to dissect what's happening in front of him and he reacts downhill uses his speed to get to the line of scrimmage and create the negative CL he'll try to make up for that last one on second and 15 he's looking to throw and the pass is incomplete Jarred Loose by the hit they've got a ways to go on third down from the 24 as this defense tries to force him into a field goal try he's looking downfield to throw they're bringing heat time running out and he goes down at the 34 on Third and long you know what's coming that's exactly where you want to get an offense the passing game has to come out you go nickel bring some more speed on the field and the defensive line gets home and gets gets the sack to force the fourth down and on fourth down here comes the field goal unit looks as if this will be a 51 yd attempt and it's right down the boulevard [Music] so they were able to put up a three spot on that last drive and now the kickoff team out there as they prepare to put boot to leather on the run from inside his zone five nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 good Dame has the ball and ready to get moving and David how they would love to stick it in the end zone one more time after that last drive and once you get the defense on their heels and you back them off a little bit you get in a little bit of Rhythm it's really hard to stop Jesse and they're going to try to do it again right here and if you're this play caller you're loving what's happening right now because everything you dialed up on that last Drive ended up working out you're just looking at your play sheet everything you're picking is working let's see if they can pull it off again here the give to the running back from the shotgun not a lot of room but found his way ahead for two out to the 26 the Run game just has not been working for this offense all game long you saw it on that last play as well just not getting enough push up front on the offensive line they haven't been physical enough they're going to keep this drive going they'll have to make a play on Third and long from the 26 and the incomplete pass will bring up fourth down and on that third down play there just wasn't any timing between the quarterback as an intended target as a result ball Falls incomplete setting up fourth the Irish send out the punt unit he'll try to really get in into this one a fair catch taken just inside the 40 yd line the Northern Illinois offense ready to go back to work they've been pretty much stifled on offense so far David only able to muster three points in their previous three drives and you got to find a way to open this up and create some explosive plays like the passing game is obviously the easiest way Jesse put more speed on the field find the those guys down the field you know they're frustrated too because they felt like there was some matchups they could take advantage of to get some points on the board early in this one they just haven't been able to connect on those opportunities but I like David's idea maybe move some guys around and see if you can create some better one-on-one matchups that is a great play by the defensive end the most athletic players on the field play defensive end Yes you heard me Jess Reese exactly what I said great get off great job getting the Back Field making the playe Northern Illinois right back to to [Music] line looking to throw it's Hampton and they couldn't hold off the heat and he goes down with the sack well quarterback went down behind Center pretty quick that time and it makes you wonder as a play caller against this pass rush do you start thinking about maybe rolling your quarterback out and changing the launch point Northern Illinois will line up to pun it away he's going to try to flip the field with this one hauls it in looking for space he gets it up to the 34 yd line before he stopped and that's where the offense will set up shot Notre Dame has the ball in ready to get moving they'll have another opportunity to extend this lead after punting last time David and it's important to put that punt behind you it's it's over let it go get back to what you were doing that built this lead po yeah and defense obviously they won a few Downs uh that last drive so we got to put them on their heels here maybe mix up a few Personnel groupings try to show them some pictures they haven't seen didn't get much on first down it's second and nine grab near the sticks it's Thomas he's out of bounds after a big pickup but there's a flag on the field in this might be coming back so instead of having a first down they'll back it up the offensive pass interference that defenses everywhere wish would be called more often get it out on the screen at the 35 he's got room and they executed that running back screen to infection quarterback held on to it he let the rush get to him offensive lineman got out in position and the running back sold it too once he had the ball in his hands he just had blockers and Green Field out in front of him they pick up an explosive play on a running back screen now they'll line it up from the 44 on First and 10 got him downfield and he was loose and in the open field and on his way a tremendous pick up on that one he picked up a big chunk of yardage there and there will be Irish jigs going in the stand yeah and a lot of excitement if if they can find these down the field explosive plays and find a wide receiver out there they can depend on this offense can really explode and take off to a new level wants to throw on first down finds a man on the left defense makes a stop but the chains move and it's first and goal from the eight everything seems to be working for this offense right now and if they keep this up this could get ugly by the fourth quarter on first and goal Notre Dame will try to get it in the end zone they'll try to get it in with the Run forges ahead for one to the8 yd line defense roll up deep in its own end on that last play now a second and long coming he's going to the right looking for a path to the end zone he works his way ever closer all the way down to the one yd line well he gets tackled down at the one yd line so offensively do you feel confident enough on third here trying to hand it off again yeah and I'm taking both these downs and I'm coming downhill I'm running the football trying to get this in the end zone I only got a yard to go I got to be physical they'll try to blast their way in and he takes it in for the score touchdown Fighting Irish that was a great example of a running back toing the rock with conviction there's not a lot of time to hesitate if you see a split second you see a hole you've got to hit it right now nice job by the RB [Music] there now they'll line up for what they hope is automatic and with the extra point they pushed the lead out a little further 76 yds on the drive for the touchdown and they capped it off with a one yd punch about to kick it away after scoring the touchdown coming out with it it's Mitchell I know he thinks he can house every return but sometimes you just have to take a knee as he stopped at the 14 the give to the back not much there they'll give him one to the 14 Run game is good balance is good now listen if the Run game isn't good then you got to pass the football a little bit more but sometimes you got to keep them honest take them chunk by chunk didn't get much on first down it's second and nine the playaction fake fires one high indeed oh what a grab by the defense trying to take it back and he's wrapped up after a solid return on the pick defensive backs have tough jobs I mean you think about whether you play nickel whether you play dime whatever it is you put more DBS on the field it's more speed it's more guys that can cover but they also got to cover that ground but to cover the ground and make the Pick A lot of times you don't see that superb effort by that guy here come the Irish back on offense they Unleashed an aerial assault last time that took them right to the end zone David So Reese with that drive I think you've accomplished something you wanted to accomplish make this defense think you put them back on their heels now shoot lmer you might be able to slip a few runs in on this drive to really Jack him up yeah I like that idea but I also like the fact that speed kills they've got it at the receiver position so if you got one-on-one matchups man take advantage picked up two yards on that last one they need eight on second down down nice move to keep running they'll make the Stop and he gets four on the play balls at the 25 listen I know that's not a huge game but those run plays add up they make you tackle the back every single play physically you have to get some guy on the ground it takes its toll throughout a fourth quarter game balls at the 25 they're in field goal range but they love to convert this third and short gets it out fast real really nice job there by both guys the throw and the catch to work that defense and get the first down just beautiful and that's a great feeling as a quarterback when you make that throw it keeps your offense on the field keeps the offense in Rhythm obviously not as good as throwing a touchdown pass but I'll tell you this way better than having to trot up over to the bench and wait for your turn to get another shot run the gun he leaves it with the back he rumbles all the way down to the 2yd line he gave a little bit of everything on that one first down physicality wins football games being able to run the football and create balance and and right here just chews up another first down gives you another chance to maybe continue to run the football and I feel like this guy too is just an explosive play waiting to happen his vision his quickness and he's got a burst if you give this guy just and he takes it to the house touchdown Notre D and the running back gets the second rushing touchdown of the game you want to continue to feed this guy you can tell he's got a nose for the End Zone knows how to get in there knows how to make things [Music] [Music] happen they'll try to add another to their lead and the extra point gives him a 283 lead a very efficient five play scoring drive and finish to deal with the short touchdown run from the [Music] two they're just about ready to kick it [Music] away here he comes from inside his own five and the coverage team able to make the tackle guys we'll see what the plan is for this Northern Illinois offense one of the most valuable things a quarterback can have David shortterm memory just forget that last pick you dang right clear the mechanism it's over moving behind some players can't do that real well and it leads to more mistakes Jesse you got to just forget about it and move on and I think the coaching staff can help him too David I think he can get the running game going here and also give him some easy throws 8yd pickup on on first down leaves him with second and short give to Brown he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three and I think a lot of times when offenses run these counters you're going to fake one right right pull guys the other direction if you can get some penetration really quickly get behind those pullers you got a chance to get in the back field just like right there in cre a tfl third and short they've got them backed up inside the 20 and the D can get the ball back here running back goes in motion looking downfield it's Hampton and he will be sacked at the 6yd line you got to be impressed with this defense early in this game guys they've got a big lead because they are getting after the quarterback they've already generated multiple sacks they thought coming into this game they could take advantage of this offensive line and that game plan is working to Perfection we've made our way to the two-minute warning and now they'll try to at least cut a little something off of this lead before the break Northern Illinois will line up to punt it away three and out and not much choice but to get rid of the ball so from his own End Zone the punt is away and the returner runs out of real estate as he goes down M Dame has the ball and ready to get moving really good balance on that last Drive they mixed it up all over the place Jesse yeah how nice too to have the defense on their heels because at this point they don't know what's coming at them they had problem stopping everything that last Drive did so I think this defense would come back with a little more aggressiveness I mean they let them have what they wanted now they got to dictate to this offense a little bit [Music] more this offense is about to face the one thing that can stop it time EXP firing in the first half before then they can get another score he caught it and he won't be able to push his way in he stopped at the one it's definitely the wide receiver's job to create space right so whether you're running a go or you're running a hitch like this right here I got to find a way to push off legally or just create a little bit of space to get some positive yards looking for just one more yard it's second and goal they'll try to pass on their way in Into The End Zone he goes touchdown Irish seems as if he has reservations for six every time he touches the ball what is that that's that's the three already I think for him in the first half so great start I keep feeding him I think he's he's doing okay lining up to tack one more onto that lead the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead quick strike offense on that three playay scoring drive and they capped it off with a one yd punch so they got the touchdown and as they kick off really important for the defense to shut them down here he'll bring it back from inside to five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 Northern Illinois takes over as the offense heads to the field boy they've been caught in a buzz and the pressure was too much they get him at the 15 there's a timeout called as this offense tries to find a way to draw a little closer and now to try to put things in motion on second and long from the 15 looking downfield it's Hampton oh he drops it right down the middle of the field and he couldn't make to play just got to finish the play for the wide receiver you got to look that one in and complete it that's a bad drop you make up the game plan and not a lot on the play sheet for this third and long from inside their own 20 fast motion from the offense Brown has it and he's not going to make it the defense denying him the first down Northern Illinois will line up to punt it away fourth time tonight we've seen this guy come on to punt makes a move coverage team able to put a stop to that return at the 42 yd line here come the Irish back on offense they've been outstanding here in this first half might as well try for The Knockout Punch David yeah confidence has to be at an all-time high great first half I'm going to get more I'm not scared with the lead when I got the football L yeah if it ain't broke don't fix it you can see the quarterback's body language he wants to go he wants to go Tempo he wants to take shots they're trying to light this scoreboard up clock winding toward zero they'll get one more snap off he's back to throw on second down makes his connection he'll be brought down and that's the final play of the half we played two quarters here time to go to Kevin Connors in our halftime update all right guys looks like we've got a great one in South B going on talk about a first half from that dude out of the back field he's been a total Game Changer and how many top plays moments have we seen on Miss tackles Alone video game moves from one of the shiftiest players in all of college football and with that let's send it back to the home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Northern Illinois will kick it away to start the second half and he takes this from inside the five nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 lunard Dame has the ball and ready to get moving off the play fake on first down throw got the Quick Pass and they'll finally catch up to him but not before a big chunk of yardage is picked up well the tit end trying to work the middle of the field nobody even close to him in coverage it's not going to get any easier than that for the quarterback that's an easy first down after the big play to start now they are on the move at their own 45 he'll PLL it on the read got enough for the first down and they'll finally get him down after a terrific pickup I love wide receivers that want to get involved in the running game it's not enough today in college football to want to catch the ball you got to be able and willing to run down the field and block somebody as well and you saw it right there in that QB run it's a first and 10 from the 42 yd Line running back searching for a hole and he's almost to that first down marker there saying he's a little bit short they might want to bring out the sticks and measure but it looks as if he'll be just short of the first down second and very short here for the offense they'll run the option he'll pitch it and the fourth option there is to throw it in reverse and that's what happened on that one well this defense obviously knows they have to be able to stop the run now in the second half if they're going to win this game and you wonder if they were able to make some tweaks and some adjustments at halftime maybe getting some more bodies close to the line of scrimmage to give themselves a chance to come back in this game they'll try to move the chains on the ground now well within Striking Distance as that third down play gets him a first at the 29 it's a nice run there to get the first down I got to tell you I'm impressed with the stable of backs and the weapons this offense def has a lot of different guys can touch the football in a variety of ways but they've been running it very very well in this game so far on the run it's price and how about that interior defense stuffing the run for nothing well this is a defense that we know takes tons of Pride stopping the Run that's where it all starts and ends with them and you saw a great effort on that last play got stuffed on first down it's second and 10 they've got him looking run now they're going to throw it wide open downfield he's brought down but he's got him inside the 10 first and goal from the eight man that quarterback knew that was a tiny window to throw into and he just showed off his Cannon of an arm Notre Dame has it now first and goal they'll try to get it in with the Run he steps and powers and works his way they finally get him down at the two well he's had the hot hand three TDS in the game already I like just force speeding this guy that rocks some War here PA if it ain't broke don't fix it they've been the more physical team he does a really good job finding the end zone running the football that's why they' featured him today on second and goal they go right back to him a run up the middle is stuck for No Gain it's looking like they're going to have to throw this one in now on third down David and you know the execution just has to be spot on timing especially at the quarterback position here and thinking about the defense they're aggressive in these situations they're going to play man they're going to play uptight on you so I know that now how do I counter punch and attack touchdown Fighting Irish and the route is on have yourself a day Young fella you know why they handed him the ball a lot because he did that that's his fourth trip to perer this dude has shown you a little bit of everything what a great back and four touchdowns on the day ling up to add another and the extra point will tack another one onto this lead hey 78 yds down the field and Clos the deal with a three- yd touchdown run they're lining up to boot it away and they thought about a return Then thought better of it they'll bring it out to the 25 the Northern Illinois offense ready to go back to work the gift to the back runs through a tackle they stop him just a link or two short of the first and man what they can do on second down here and that would be the definition of first down success putting yourself in a good position it's second and inches I can do whatever I want next I can take a shot down the field I can run the football and get a new set of downs like nice first down execution the give brought to the ground but not before getting it up for the first down you got to wonder if that's a moral victory for this offensive line cuz they have not been running the ball while at all all game long but on that short yardage situation they finally pick it up and maybe that's going to be the Catalyst for them to get this thing going and Spark the Run game they've got it at the 37 it's first and 10 they'll give it on the counter he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three it's been that kind of day for this offense right it seems like anything they're dialing up just simply isn't working but at this point David I don't know if it's even worth trying to run the ball probably not you're getting destroyed right now nothing has gone your way and when you're down this much I I think the running game is used sporadically not as a staple let's throw this football around and see what can happen he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple yeah they're just going to need more push up front there was nowhere for that running back to go the offensive line got moved right back into his lap and as a result they lose yards on the when you've already set your punter out four times at least he knows is's going to get his varsity letter and his leg might get a bigger work out if they don't lofs one deep down the right side and they can't hook up on the big play and that brings up a fourth down third and long situations are really hard to convert the defense knows it's going to be passed the pass rushers are getting up field you're under pressure you don't have timing and as a result now fourth Northern Illinois will line up to punt it away they may have to pay him overtime he's running for the fifth time today wants to bring it back tries to find a little more Running Room on that return but he'll be stopped at the 36 here come the Irish back on offense how about the way they attacked the last time they had the ball mixing run and pass and winding up in the end zone Jesse that's why recruiting is so important they've got weapons at every skill position on the field any of these guys is dangerous if they touch the football let's see what they do on this drive David and so Palmer I got to take away something I can't let them have everything and have success I got to be aggressive against the run or play for the pass I can't give him everything coming after it quickly out to the tight end and they'll move the chains and get it to the 47 yd line ever since they invented the forward pass the tight ends have been running the drag and getting the first down I I think it's because the tight ends is so much versatility they can block and stay in the formation or they can release and come out but either way if the quarterback's patient most of the time that drag route's going to come open from the gun the running back has [Music] it halfway there on first down it's second and five wide out in motion to the air it's Leonard makes the grab on the left they make the stop but there is a flag on the field we'll see what that's all about def you just can't hit the quarterback like that that is a dumb play and the defender got caught red-handed used the play fake now to throw looking left not in locked step there with the receiver and I tell you what I know it's little when these QBs Miss and and the ball's not right to him but man it makes such a difference with yards after the catch and in this case even catching the football it was just a little bit off and it just made it a little bit difficult for his wide receiver to try to make the catch right back up top on second and 10 makes a connection and he makes a completion there set up an in buisiness at the 20 love the accuracy on that curl throw by the quarterback putting it right in the numbers right in the Bread Basket of his wide receiver this Notre Dame offense carving it up they're working with another first down he wants to throw using the quick game he make the stop after the catch and still some work to do to pick up that first down nice quick throw there and it's so important for quarterbacks to be able to find a rhythm and to be comfortable and confident you want to just get the ball out quickly make it an accurate and easy throw and you can tell that these two guys they rep that play in practice all the time and it's now showing up here on G snags it touchdown Notre Dame and The Stomping has miss the offense flexes its muscle a bit and widens the Gap take a little exhale you know you did your job you got points now you put your defense in a position where hey go out and get another stop we're in great shape so the offense definitely taking care of their business [Music] on to attempt the try is on exra and with the extra point they pushed the lead out a little further so that drive didn't have to cover a lot of ground going 47 yds and they finish it off by connecting from 10 yds out about to kick it off after punch get in for the touchdown and he'll bring it out of the end zone I know he thinks he can house every return but sometimes you just have to take a knee as he stopped at the 14 they'll throw it on first down he finds his man and good coverage by the defense just a short gain ready to fire from the pistol receiver on the Move gets the touch pass just a sovage stop by this sophomore well on these little push passes timing is so important you're trying to snap it right as he's getting a full head of steam when he gets the ball he's hitting the outside and David it puts the defense in such a difficult spot you immediately have to be rotating when you see that motion so everybody's got to communicate and kind of bump over that's why offenses love to run it just it makes the defense communicate and see if you can just get them out of a spot he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three and that's a great play by the defensive end the best athletes on the field play defensive end you can ask anybody yes I agree Jesse re see they agree with me same thing but you watch them get off the football make the play that's why you put your athletes there fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way slips through the line he was able to get that ball up to the 48 yd line before he stopped on the return M Dame has the ball and ready to get moving this offense has really been clicking in the game so far Jesse no doubt everything their play caller is the express way is wide open and chunk plays are the name of the game and they get one here before the defense finally makes the Stop and obvious ly this offense has had their way getting the huge lead and now when you know it's a running situation later in the ball games you're still getting pounded this defense has to step up at some point and be a lot more physical D coordinators down the road that have to play this offense man they're going to have nightmares because this unit has so much speed and so much skill at running back receiver tight end a quarterback making good decisions it is so tough trying to stop them and prevent explosive players that throw and catch gets him down to the six and the defense is running out of answers one of the things that makes this guy so dangerous is how good he is after the catch if he's got any space around him he's able to burst he's able to make people miss and get extra yards for his offense you saw it right there on first and goal Notre D and will try to get it in the end zone they'll try to get it in with the Run nowhere to run on that one he loses four on the carry when a running back has has had as much success as this guy's had so far listen defense has got to queue in they got to queue in to him he's priority number one number two and number three that's a good start to maybe turning this defensive effort [Music] around and talk about spreading the ball around everyone getting a chance to show off the hands based on the number of targets we've seen [Music] I guess if you're an optimist the stage is set for a massive fourth quarter comeback he'll run it up the middle trying to pick it way to the endend Zone brought down at the seven after picking up three and this offense trying to be physical inside the five yard line I get it but I tell you what Palmer this quarterback has earned some trust for me with the day he's had yeah right now he's thinking put the game in my hands I'm playing well and I'm seeing the defense well I see what they're doing from a coverage touchdown Irish and the beat down has ensued points points and more points this offense has had their way they just keep their foot on the gas keep putting up points keep putting up touchdowns and you know what this is one of those stats days you look back and you're like that guy had 12 touchdowns on the year well four or five of them might have been in this [Music] game getting set for the point after the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead a very efficient five place scoring drive and they close the deal with the seven Y for the score lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown Drive the returner will field it and bring it back nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 guys we'll see what the plan is for this Northern Illinois offense pressure coming good job to avoid the negative play and just get rid of that thing this defense has just been all over this guy all game long Under Pressure they're finding a way to get to him in eff his rhythm of course they have an interception in this game that's why they've got a big lead here in the fourth quarter this guy has never gotten into a rhythm the incompletion brings us to Second and 10 motion by the back forces the defense to adjust caught in the back field it's brown he is stopped behind the line of scrimmage they'll lose yards on that one and listen if I'm the quarterback I'm trying to dump the ball off to my playmaker and make this a manageable third down get something positive but how about the defense just reacting so fast getting to the running back and getting that sucker on the ground in the open field this defense has kept them backed up now one more stop and they can get off the field on Third and long the short hands it's Mars and he laid the lumber to stop him from getting the first down now this offense has their work cut out for him man because the coverage has been so tight and if you're not throwing to the sideline or you're not getting past the sticks this defense is going to tackle you inbounds like they just did on that last play and bleed the clock Northern Illinois will line up to pun it away he only needs a sliver of daylight he was working his way toward Midfield but they'll stop him at the 46 yd line here come the Irish back on offense on that last Drive defense had no idea what was happening run or pass n wound up in the end zone Jesse yeah you saw the experience in this offense that last drive too on that touchdown everybody on the same page these guys have repped these plays over and over in practice and in games and it's working yeah so I got to find a way to disrupted I I got to find a way to maybe be more aggressive maybe Blitz mess up this Rhythm they got going they're lining up on First and 10 from the 38 they're going to ride this running back they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one well the defense finally able to make a play getting a tackle for loss they haven't had many of those today because this running back really has answered the Bell they knew coming in they were going to have to give him the football Force speed it to him and let him go to work he's done that well over a 100 yards rushing in this game and the defense just has not had the answers consistently for him grabbed in the middle it's Evans how about this backer in pass coverage and bringing the big hit stick with him too you know sometimes when you're throwing against Zone coverage you need time for the routes to develop so nice job by the quarterback there being patient allowing his receivers to work themselves open they probably feel good about their field goal chances from the 29 but they'd love to convert this third and short they've got it just outside the Red Zone they'll move the chains it's at the 21 this guy's been special today coming into this one they thought they had an opportunity really to get him going running the football and he has delivered you've seen the speed the vision his ability to break tackles well over a 100 rushing yards in this game and that's why they have a nice lead here late comes out throwing on first down a shot toward the end zone touchdown Fighting Irish and the punishment has been extended if he can keep putting together games like this he might have a shot at Brady Quinn's career touchdown record of 95 all the great quarterbacks the Irish have had guys like Joe thyman John hu nobody's even close to that yeah and that's that's crazy to think about being in that kind of a company and and Notre D's always been a good running team and when they find quarterbacks and have great quarterback play then I think they start to take off to that next level and so far he's showing that here today he'll try to add another to their lead and the extra point will tack another one onto this lead a very efficient five playay scoring drive and they finish things off with a 21 yd touchdown [Music] pass kickoff team has the ball teed up in there about ready to go on the move from inside is five didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 Northern Illinois takes over as the offense heads to the field their Drive chart is starting to look a little monotonous punt punt punt David and their defense is starting to get a little frustrated too they just keep putting me back on the field possession after possession Jesse this offense needs to get their heads out of there you know what the punter's on the sideline with the oxygen mask right now he's been playing so much he's not used to this this offense they just got to stay on the field they' got to put a drive together and get some balance going running and throwing the ball got a in it's Lewis offense breaks the Huddle it's third down to the air it's Hampton right down the middle good quickness to grab it off the deflection and the tackle was made but not before that completion gets him 30 plus the offense is struggled they're not going to win this game but trust me this coaching staff is still trying to find things to build off of for next week and after an explosive play like that maybe they can generate just a little bit of momentum and gain a little bit of confidence that they can keep coaching up heading into their next game Northern Illinois back to work after picking up the first down used the play fake now to throw shoots it to the left makes the grab he's run out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down they just can't see and let's hold on just a minute here as the officials are going to have a second look and they take another look at the play with the officials on the field were right and the play will stand touch pass on the right a solid pick up there before the defense is able to make the stop going to work on second down in the red zone is still some ground to cover to pick up that first down from the shotgun they'll run it he's got it down to the one yd line right on the doorstep of Peter and now a big third down coming up down multiple possessions this is one Palmer I'm looking for six I'm not trying to kick a field goal I want to cut into this lead with a touchdown no you got to have it and also considering all that this is four down territory too so you need to identify who are your best players on offense and how can you give them a chance to score this touchdown he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple really nice job by the defense under understanding first and goal what do most people do on first and goal they're going to try to run the football in the defense says nah bro not in my house nice job getting in the back field get the stop can the defense stop them again on second and goal and they try to run inside and there is nowhere to go and so how physical are you willing to be offensively at this point on third down coming up do you want to keep trying to run the football I mean you're right there at the goal line how do you want to do it though you want to spread him out maybe go Zone read in the middle give your quarterback the option to keep it or do you want to bring the Big Fellas in go jumbo formation and just try to impose your will they'll run it here on Third and goal and he was fortunate not to lose yardage on that play able to wedge it back to the line of scrimmage so now they've been denied three straight times from the two do you dare try it again yes you have to stay aggressive all the points in today's college football stay aggressive keep the hammer down try to get six now on fourth down they'll settle for a field goal try just drives it between the uprights and the field goal is good they get three on the board but it really doesn't matter much in terms of the deficit [Music] after putting three on the board the kickoff unit ready to go he'll start the return inside his five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 Notre Dame has the ball and ready to get moving what a good mix of plays keeping that defense off balance last time David and Reese they don't know if it's run or if it's pass they got him right where they wanted this defense doesn't know how to react from getting punched in the mouth on that last drive so in this next Drive David I think you keep running the football because that sets up the play action it sets up the RPO game and then you keep this defense guessing it's first and 10 from the 31 they'll ride the hot hand still on his feet at the 45 and they drag him down but not before he picked up the first down and the defense down in this game they just can't do anything to stop this offense at this point David right now they know they're going to be trying to run the football and try and Ice the game but there's nothing at this point it seems they can do yeah and it's frustrating I got to sell out man I I got to bring as many guys to the line of scrimmage as I can I got to find a way to get this ball back to my offense the the clock is not my friend and them running the football is only going to run this thing out quicker I got to find a way to make something happen strip the football do something after the three- yd pickup they come to the line Second and seven they'll try to keep this clock moving on the ground and a decent gain there before the defense makes the stop I think that was an example of the offensive coordinat trying to help out his quarterback he's trying to keep these third Downs manageable you know you throw the ball on second down and it's incomplete now you've set up third and long and now you're set up to fail here on third down will they go back to the running game they'll try to run for it nice job to pick up the first down and they'll spot it at the 42 all right nothing flashy there he just did what it took to get the first down [Music] Notre Dame coming to the line with another first down to the ground he's got it again nice solid form tackle from this sophomore we reached the two-minute warning and this offense is that much closer to salting away a victory this offense has a second down play they go to the ground he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and sometimes for the defense it just takes one play right to create some momentum obviously this guy's been eating him up he's got over 100 yards rushing on the day but finally David they get something positive here in the Run game defensively but you kind of know that coming in he's going to get his such a great back and he's had a great day need to put more plays together like that right there out of the gun the inside give he gets it oh so close to the first down marker but I think he's going to be a touch short and there's nothing more frustrating than when you get late in the game and you know they're running the football and you don't stop it it's been that kind of day for this defense they haven't played well they're going to have to go to the well they're going to have to figure some things out practice this week I can promise you will not be a lot of fun with these coaches never a doubt for this big-footed guy 49 yd field goal is good well you're always going to wonder what would have could have should have happened on Fourth and inches had they gone for it but with this kicker I like taking three points and putting it on the board first order of business here don't give up a big return then the defense just has to keep them out of the end zone fielded In The End Zone it's Mitchell nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 the Northern Illinois offense ready to go back to work not a lot to feel great about in this one Jesse but I'm sure they'll try to seek out some positive this might be an opportunity to to go back when they watch this game and just find the plays and the schemes that we're working they weren't a lot obviously David but maybe an opportunity for the coaching staff to condense The Playbook a I was going to say there's not a lot of good to go back to that' be a quick film session cuz there was more negatives than positives but when you you look at this this week you got a week to figure it out figure out what your offense is going to be moving forward looking to the big tight end just missed his man gave him just a little too much and that's just the kind of game it's been for this quarterback in this offense you got a great game plan all week long you're watching it throughout practice you think you're going to have a chance to light up the scoreboard but they're just not able to hook up you got to give this defense a ton of credit they've done a great job in coverage they've been breaking on passes they've had their number and that's why they're leading by as much as they are got it in the middle it's Barns and he's not going to get there the defense Stands Tall and makes the stop [Music] [Music]