I think a better passing attack may yet put up some points, but that's not a criticism -- the defensive coaches have done a magnificent job. Depending on what comes open, we may well be in our last season with Mr. Stratton.

The right side of the OL has been horrible, and that's a real problem. Cierre and Atkinson aren't very good at pass-blocking. So when they come into the game, you pretty much know ND isn't going to pass and probably shouldn't run to the right. Based on who's in the game, even the layperson has a decent idea what's going to happen.

I'm happy to be 4-0. Of the five troublesome teams on the schedule, I think we've beaten the two we match up best against. Stanford is the next-best matchup, a feeling made stronger after watching their QB play horribly against UW.

I think ND can beat Stanford. I don't think we have much of a shot against USC or Oklahoma. I don't know much about Pitt or BYU, other than Pitt's QB is not very good. I'm pretty hopeful ND can finish 10-2, which would be a very good season.

before he strikes.

And the good vibes on Golson from the first three games outweigh what happened in the first half against UM, by quite a lot. Anyone who expected a smooth upward trendline on Golson's development was kidding themselves. Luckily, we have a coach who recognizes this, as well as the long-term benefit of sticking with him.

We'll probably still lose a couple of games, but I doubt that I'll feel suicidal if we're not playing for the NC in January considering the consensus expectations back in August.

Somewhere.

As in, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Its terrible that we as ND fans have to be conditioned in this way, but that's the way it goes I suppose.

Love the fact that we're 4-0 and finally got the Michigan monkey off the back. Love the pressure we're getting with (essentially) the base defense and minimal blitzing. Love the efforts from the young'uns, particularly in the secondary.

While I am worried about the QB/WR positions, I do feel that they'll continue to get better as the year goes on, provided Golson's confidence can take the hit of another "benching" or two.

The interior OL play is really frustrating. Before the season started, I think most of us would have pegged Cave and Watt as likely NFL prospects. That certainly isn't the case right now. Cave looks overwhelmed, and I suppose I can't blame him. He's essentially tasked with running most of the offense while holding Golson's hand. But I thought he would do much better. Golic was always going to be the weak point in the line, and its disappointing that someone behind him isn't pushing harder to get in there. I think the ultimate solution is Lombard to RG, with someone else (Nick Martin? Elmer?) eventually taking the RT spot. But it looks like we're going to have to make do for the rest of the season. Tough to see that side of the line getting much better.

Particularly since Spond has emerged. I think Spond's emergence really allays my fears that the defense asks too much of the Dog spot.

Likewise, I'm a bit disappointed that Ishaq Williams isn't a factor, but there isn't much of an opportunity for the guy with the way Shembo is playing.

Isn't it that Rees as a junior seems to fully grasp the offense and has become willing to play within himself? Doesn't that lay to bed the whole "the offense is too damn complex" train of thought a touch?

Once Kelly gets a bevy of QBs that have been learning this thing for three years, I think he's gonna really start cooking with gas.

With Diaco, I think it's a matter of how badly does he want to be a head coach. He'll probably have a smattering of MAC offerings. Is that good enough for him or would he want to hold out for a higher profile spot?