3-3 At Pitt-Stop; 6 To Go

Despite a poor pass rush, costly mistakes, very tame--with two play exceptions--pass coverage by the secondary, multiple bad pass decisions by quarterback Dayne Crist, and another second half of offensive play that was thinner than vanilla--Notre Dame managed to beat Pittsburgh with a stout rushing defense and finally corralling the Panther's no-namer QB, who was performing like a big-gamer throughout most of the contest (a bad habit the Irish have yet to break). And, of course, thank God for David Ruffer, who continues his record streak of field goals. Talk about performing like a champion!

(By the way, when will we see "full go" second half offensive output compared to the current "slow go" showing?). The scoreboard was made to have points put upon it, Coach Kelly.

The Fighting Irish should win the next three games, Western Michigan, Navy, and Tulsa, although don't expect to see wide victory margins. Notre Dame started a "tradition" a few years ago by winning (and losing) very close games, and that probably won't change much, if at all! And, the WMU Broncos have a pretty decent aerial attack that will challenge the Irish tepid pass rush and erratic defensive backfield. The loss of Kyle Rudolph for the rest of the season will hurt.

We asked our large cadre of e-mailers (not commenters) to grade Notre Dame at mid-season. Here's how it fleshed out as an over-all grade, with some collective opinions and/or notes:

Passing: C+ Crist improving, but still too many costly passing decisions.
Rushing: C Allen not yet consistent, and Wood still can't break 'em.
OffLine: C+ Better than last year's edition, improving. Martin is a real comer.
Receiving: C+ Riddick is terrific, Floyd and Jones need to get open more. Where is Kamara?

Offense Over-all: C+

Pass Defense: C- Front Three were given near failing grades, as were Neal and Slaughter.
Run Defense: C+ Ian Williams got a few "pats," as did Calabrese and Shembo.
Secondary : C Gray and Blanton stood out, Walls, up and down. Smith, mostly up.
Def Line: : C- Williams had his moments. EJohnson, a loafer and soft.
Linebackers : C+ Manti Te'o not yet living up to hype. Calabrese & Shembo, thumbs-up.

Defense Over-all: C

Punts: C- Turk seems to be finally coming around.

Field-Goals: A+ When does Ruffer get a scholarship?

Returns: D Goodman, good hands, no moves or speed; Jackson, wait and see.

Over-all Team Grade: C

Coach Kelly still believes The Fighting Irish are a "work in progress" and that may be true at this half-point in the schedule. With six games remaining, the Irish passing attack and defense against the pass must shed the 'new boys on the block' image and show they can compete with anyone in the air and in the trenches. That's when we all will know that Kelly-style progress works.

--ScottB