[SpartyOnInChitown]

Originally Posted by wingfanjim

Notre Dame may have a better record this year than last year, but in all honesty, they won't be a better team. Sure Tenuta may come in and make the defense better. The problem is that the defense wasn't what was wrong with the team. In fact, last year's defense was actually pretty decent. However, since the offense couldn't move the ball or score points, by the 4th quarter, ND's defense had been on the field FOREVER!
Last year, on average, ND's opponent had the ball for 32 minutes during the course of the game. That means that ND's defense was on the field 4 minutes more per game than their offense. That is a LOT of extra time spent defending the ball. The defense was worn down by the 4th quarter in just about every game. If the offense can't move the ball again this year, it doesn't matter how good the defense is, ND will continue to struggle.

QFT. I don't care if Tenuta or Jesus Christ himself is coaching ND's defense. Unless their offense line can actually protect Clausen and the offense can actually stay on the field, ND's D will get worn down.