Robot Genius

That's how folks at the ND sites were describing Charlie Weis; Inspirational, Invulnerable, and Invincible. A year ago ND Fans were hoping 2006 would be a good year because they didn't have much hope for 2007. Losing the big four on offense and having a senior class of only nine scholarship players didn't bode well for 2007.
But, as frequently happens, as the 2007 season approached fans grew more hopeful and even optimisic. The sophmores and juniors might be able to step in as new starters and win a lot of games. The addition of Defensive Coord. Corwin Brown sparked hope that the defense would be so much improved that a little fall off on the offensive side of the ball wouldn't spoil the chance for a successful season.

Saturday's 33 to 3 loss to Ga Tech provided a rude awakening. Most of the criticism has been directed at the offensive line which was unable to protect Soph QB Demetrius Jones from an agressive Ga Tech rush. Some point out that Demetrious looked indecisive and a little intimidated by the rush, and failed to take advantage of the few opportunities he had. Ditto Travis Thomas, the senior running back. The question remains, as it was last year, is the offensive line incapacitated by a lack of talent or poor coaching by line coach Latina?

But now there's a new wrinkle: did Charlie Weis strategize badly? I'm not expert enough to evaluate the argument that Charlie erred in trying to adopt the West Virginia "spread option" offensive model. By playing his most mobile quarterback to neutralize Ga Tech's aggressive defense he gave up the possibility of using a quick read short passing game which might have worked better against Ga Tech.

The defense is improved, but probably became discouraged as well as fatigued as the game progressed. Another loss by a similar margin should drown the hopes of the Irish fans, but I don't think that's going to happen.

The stage is set for the emrgence of a new hero and a new legend in the person of freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen. If the offensive line can't play better than they did on Satuday though, maybe they should leave Jimmy on the bench and play Frazier (if U Conn will let us have him back.)