Bulls speed on D kept big plays from happening

[USF_Grouper]

Just curious... anyone know if Notre Dame defense had the same plan?  Overshadowed by this great victory and BJ's much improved game presence is just how pathetic our offense was anytime they got close to the end zone!

[deters-]

concede the first downs and limit the points. great strategy that worked to perfection.

It worked because we had built a 16-0 lead and we were fortunate to get a turnover on ND's first drive of the 2nd half, which likely would have resulted in a TD had we not gotten the TO.  Rees was moving the ball that well.  Our D played well enough for us to win, but we had some breaks too. 

First downs normally lead to points.  I'm sure that the "conced the first downs and limit the points" was not the original strategy, but props to Holtz for making an adjustment that ultimately led us to the win. 

the strategy was to keep the play in front of them. the corners were playing off the receivers right from the start.

they let ND win between the 20's. as ND approached the goal line the defense tightened up.

the idea was to keep them from scoring TDs. not keep them from gaining yards.

they played this way the entire game. with 10 minutes left they adjusted by dropping 8 and rushing 3.

the defense was not concerned with playing tight coverage anywhere outside our 20. they gave them 10-15 yard cushions at times.

BTW ND had 2 scoring chances in the entire first half. both ended in turnovers but even if they didn't turn the ball over both chances would have ended with 2 FG attempts and that's it for the first half as both TOs were on  3rd down. The strategy to keep them out of the end zone worked to perfection.

believe what you want but Snyder said they played bend but don't break defense. that means they were willing to concede the yards in order to prevent TDs.

+1

Idk how others didn't notice this observation so easily.