Farrell's Week 1 Thoughts: Irish Don't Miss Kelly, UNC's Improved Defense, and More

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mike Farrell | Last updated 9/5/23

Random week one thoughts Part One

— Notre Dame fans are laughing as they’ve always felt Brian Kelly was overrated as a coach. I’ve always been a BK defender but some of the things I saw in the loss to FSU can’t be defended. From using Harold Perkins the wrong way to a weak portal group in the secondary and rushing attack that hasn’t been addressed since it was a weakness last season, it’s all bad.

— If UNC truly has an improved defense they are the second-best team in the ACC, well ahead of Clemson and only behind Florida State.

— The SEC took it on the chin this week with Florida, South Carolina, and LSU all losing games they weren’t overly competitive in. The same can be said for the Big 12 as Texas Tech, Baylor, and TCU all appear to be headed for disappointing seasons already.

— Penn State QB Drew Allar is a dude and could be a difference-maker. Michigan looked solid but Ohio State’s offense didn’t click and they are still looking for a QB so keep an eye on Penn State this season. The question I had was if Allar was ready and while it’s early I think he could be.

— QB Caleb Williams is a magician and the USC offense will be tough to stop but I’m telling you this team could lose three games. The recipe to beat them is there, run the ball and play physical and there are a few teams (Utah, Oregon) that can do this. Nevada didn’t have rushing success but they also foolishly never focused on the run. I’m not saying they would have ever come close to winning that game but a team with a strong running game and a good running QB (Rising and Nix) could be a real issue.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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