Two days later... how's everyone feeling?

If I was in the shoes of fans on this board ... I'd be past the angry at the game stage and would just be frustrated that with this collection of talent, the team is 0-2 and showing no signs of being a playoff contender because of how bad the defense is. I wouldn't be complacent about that, and you have every right to be angry, but there isn't much point of getting too worked up over something you can't control. either this defense gets better and saves the season or it doesn't and the season is a wasted one. is what it is.

It just sucks. Hard to believe that the D could have fallen so far. I know it's not the only issue, but it is one of the biggest ones. Lots of sitting back and watching, and not a lot of attacking.

Grateful and hopeful. Grateful we get 10 (hopefully 11+) guaranteed opportunities to watch Notre Dame football this year. We still have an opportunity to win 10 games and our two losses are, for now, good losses. Hopeful for a playoff run. The odds are against us but right now...there's still a chance. It's not impossible. It's SOMETHING to root for...why not root for it? I tell my team at work and anyone I've ever coached....What's happened has happened...All you can do... is all you can do.

Just disappointed. If a Chris Ash led defense had a pulse, this team is 2-0 and top 5 right now, probably top 3. I’m ok with the progression of the offense. But outside of Leonard Moore, what is happening on defense… it’s inconceivable. The man was given the keys to a Lamborghini and has repeatedly hit curbs, got passed going 45 in the fast lane, and crashed / burned the dàmn thing into the ground. It’s honestly shocking to witness. Edited to add: It’s going to be extremely frustrating watching this team the rest of the year. The schedule is Swiss cheese the rest of the way (from my perspective anyways…), so even if / when we rattle off 9-10 wins and blow teams out - I’m not going to be able to trust what I’m seeing.

At the point where I just want a change before it’s a multi-year issue like BVG. Also wondering why ND always has to ruin an NFL caliber QB (Carr has shown that if he keeps growing he can be a first round pick) with historically bad defenses.

Juicy J said:

Grateful and hopeful. Grateful we get 10 (hopefully 11+) guaranteed opportunities to watch Notre Dame football this year. We still have an opportunity to win 10 games and our two losses are, for now, good losses. Hopeful for a playoff run. The odds are against us but right now...there's still a chance. It's not impossible. It's SOMETHING to root for...why not root for it? I tell my team at work and anyone I've ever coached....What's happened has happened...All you can do... is all you can do.

I kid, I kid. We need more optimistic ones like juice out there. haha

IrishSportsFan said:

Just disappointed. If a Chris Ash led defense had a pulse, this team is 2-0 and top 5 right now, probably top 3. I’m ok with the progression of the offense. But outside of Leonard Moore, what is happening on defense… it’s inconceivable. The man was given the keys to a Lamborghini and has repeatedly hit curbs, got passed going 45 in the fast lane, and crashed / burned the dàmn thing into the ground. It’s honestly shocking to witness.

Eric Hansen asked us on our podcast yesterday what Notre Dame's record would be if Al Golden was still the DC. I quickly said 2-0. Without hesitation. That quickly puts it in perspective. And that's why the overlaying emotion for me would be frustration.

SackLakeCity said:

At the point where I just want a change before it’s a multi-year issue like BVG. Also wondering why ND always has to ruin an NFL caliber QB (Carr has shown that if he keeps growing he can be a first round pick) with historically bad defenses.

I can definitely see a writing on the wall situation where Chris Ash is pushed out after one year. I mean, if it continues on the exact same way, that's what it has to be.

My anger has cooled and congealed into something more like disgust.

TylerHorka said:

Eric Hansen asked us on our podcast yesterday what Notre Dame's record would be if Al Golden was still the DC. I quickly said 2-0. Without hesitation. That quickly puts it in perspective. And that's why the overlaying emotion for me would be frustration.

Zero doubt in my mind that Golden keeps both of those teams under 21 points and ND is sitting pretty looking at a first round bye right now. It’s mind numbing.

TylerHorka said:

Eric Hansen asked us on our podcast yesterday what Notre Dame's record would be if Al Golden was still the DC. I quickly said 2-0. Without hesitation. That quickly puts it in perspective. And that's why the overlaying emotion for me would be frustration.

I said the same. That's not just an "Ash isn't it" take; it's a credit to just how well Golden had that operation running.

Extremely Frustrated. If we had even a solid defense we'd be 2-0. Some of the coaching is beyond bad. Players who were good last year are shells of themselves this year on both sides of the ball. I have no doubt if Golden was coaching this defense we'd all be singing the praises of how good this team is and how they could legitimately contend for a title. This is not a well-coached team and that's disappointing at the very least.

TylerHorka said:

If I was in the shoes of fans on this board ... I'd be past the angry at the game stage and would just be frustrated that with this collection of talent, the team is 0-2 and showing no signs of being a playoff contender because of how bad the defense is. I wouldn't be complacent about that, and you have every right to be angry, but there isn't much point of getting too worked up over something you can't control. either this defense gets better and saves the season or it doesn't and the season is a wasted one. is what it is.

Yup, and tired after 2 early morning flights combined with 2 hours to get out of campus Saturday.

TylerHorka said:

If I was in the shoes of fans on this board ... I'd be past the angry at the game stage and would just be frustrated that with this collection of talent, the team is 0-2 and showing no signs of being a playoff contender because of how bad the defense is. I wouldn't be complacent about that, and you have every right to be angry, but there isn't much point of getting too worked up over something you can't control. either this defense gets better and saves the season or it doesn't and the season is a wasted one. is what it is.

This is it. No reason to get angry, it's football and out of our control. The feeling is more disappointment. The 2024 team gave us a special season, despite its own limitations and frustrations. The expectation was 2025 would build upon that foundation of a strong running game + defense. Now the team looks like a shell of itself and like we've just blown up everything that was built. I'm hopeful Coach Freeman can diagnose the problems and get us back on track against Purdue.

Life goes on. Everything will be alright.

TylerHorka said:

I can definitely see a writing on the wall situation where Chris Ash is pushed out after one year. I mean, if it continues on the exact same way, that's what it has to be.

So many podcasts agree that we're in the championship window, and I would say the 2025-2027 classes will keep us right there. Losing 1 season in that window, already in September, is frustrating.

TylerHorka said:

If I was in the shoes of fans on this board ... I'd be past the angry at the game stage and would just be frustrated that with this collection of talent, the team is 0-2 and showing no signs of being a playoff contender because of how bad the defense is. I wouldn't be complacent about that, and you have every right to be angry, but there isn't much point of getting too worked up over something you can't control. either this defense gets better and saves the season or it doesn't and the season is a wasted one. is what it is.

You got it.

Life is good

TylerHorka said:

If I was in the shoes of fans on this board ... I'd be past the angry at the game stage and would just be frustrated that with this collection of talent, the team is 0-2 and showing no signs of being a playoff contender because of how bad the defense is. I wouldn't be complacent about that, and you have every right to be angry, but there isn't much point of getting too worked up over something you can't control. either this defense gets better and saves the season or it doesn't and the season is a wasted one. is what it is.

The season is essentially over in terms of the goal. So now it's just football. Fun to watch but no reason to let it kill you. I went to school during the Davie/ Willingham years, so I've grown my grey hairs and dealt with the impending damage to my immune system. Last year was absolutely wonderful, so I'll keep those memories until 2026 when we repeat it all over again.

JackSoble said:

Much like in Week 1, I generally stayed off the board yesterday to let y'all vent (and because after losses there are a million different threads and it's tough to get to all of them. But now that you've had 36-ish hours to cool off (or get angrier, depending on your vibe)... how are we feeling?

Not surprised. I picked TAM mainly due to our defense. The Texas A&M quarterback is pretty good and his receivers are outstanding. But I have no doubt if we were better on defense we would be undefeated right now

6-1/2 years ago I would be irate and let it ruin my week until the next game. But my perspective has changed since then. Disappointed for sure, but nothing that I will stew on.

JackSoble said:

Much like in Week 1, I generally stayed off the board yesterday to let y'all vent (and because after losses there are a million different threads and it's tough to get to all of them. But now that you've had 36-ish hours to cool off (or get angrier, depending on your vibe)... how are we feeling?

Feeling like a change needs made at DC, the defense is not on the same page at all. No pass rush at all!

TylerHorka said:

Eric Hansen asked us on our podcast yesterday what Notre Dame's record would be if Al Golden was still the DC. I quickly said 2-0. Without hesitation. That quickly puts it in perspective. And that's why the overlaying emotion for me would be frustration.

I could not agree more. I still can't believe Freeman sat there all spring and fall and allowed Ash to dismantle the defense that got them to the NC.