From the Cheap Seats

David Silverman offers his thoughts on the state of the ND program and Saturday's game.

*I apologize for my absence last week. I had a total-knee-replacement surgery with a few complications that actually got a touch scary for a few days. It helped give me perspective on this ND Football season. Life is short. ND needs to win NOW! I really hoped that my life experience would render me somewhat more apathetic when it comes to 18-22-year-olds playing a game. No luck. In fact, I am even more passionate about supporting what I view as one of the world's greatest institutions and its flag ship, its football team. I love this school. I love its history. I love this team. Passion renewed. I am all-in.

*The players deserve better than this. I believe in my soul that choosing Notre Dame is a far more difficult choice for football players to make than it was 30 years ago. These kids are signing up for obstacles that simply don't exist at most other schools, and it comes free with a side of never-ending lake-effect snow for the majority of the academic year. For the first time in a several years, I feel that the kids' seasons were made incredibly more difficult by the leadership which is paid a ton of money to, at the every least, do no harm.

I would feel like we are in the spin cycle down the drain if this were a talent issue. This year, it is not. On a game-by-game basis, ND took the field with a better roster than its opponent. That has been turned into four wins. I don't call for jobs, but Kelly has been paid far too much this year to turn it arguably the worst coaching performance in all of college football this year. Maybe it's not even arguable. Kelly might get an opportunity to turn around this nightmare, but it won't because he deserves it based on his performance for the past 12 months.

*Thank God it is USC week! The Trojans rank just behind Miami in terms of teams I can't stand. Smart money is on USC. However, Kelly has shown an ability to get his team to play an unexpectedly good game away from home (Oklahoma,MSU, LSU). This game has 49-14 written all over it, but I am calling for an IRISH INSURRECTION. I want every player to play with his hair on fire. I want every coach to coach like his career is on the line. I want the water boys to watch Rocky movies all week and figure out what Mick put in Balboa's refreshments to make him rise above against the greatest of odds.

It is kitchen sink week for the offense. Every trick play or misdirection that has not been used needs to be used. On defense, pick a few first downs to blitz the house. Dance and actually mean it! This team needs to leave every thread of football acumen and effort it has on the Coliseum turf on Saturday. Why? Because it's USC, for the love of Mike Frank!

*I think that we are in for an enormously pleasant surprise next year from the offensive line. Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson I assume are embarrassed by their performances this year, although neither has been bad. Whatever plan they used last season in order to get better failed. However, I trust those two more than any others I have in decades to hold themselves accountable and take every possible measure to get it right in 2017. If the other three positions get fundamentally more sound, then look out.

*DeShone Kizer will be very solid in the NFL. He has the intangibles that the League covets. He can be taught the rest. I wish him well next year, as I have to assume he is leaving after Saturday in L.A.

*I am intrigued by Brandon Wimbush. He has the type of talent that excites a fanbase. He will be in his third year and will be surrounded by some really good talent. With very few things to be excited about regarding 2016, the idea of having a dynamic playmaker at QB again eases some of the concerns.

*One more reason to be optimistic about next season: Alize Jones. He seems contrite and resolute about being at Notre Dame and fulfilling his promise. He is an immense talent.

*Justin Yoon should be a real weapon going forward. He has righted his ship and looks ready to have an excellent final two years. He needs to get his partner in kicks to settle down a little bit, as Tyler Newsmen has a huge leg that is inconsistent. Special teams can be a strength.

*Kelly and Malik Zaire don't even speak when the latter is in the game. That is simply bizarre.

*I like rooting for Josh Adams. He looks like a kid I would love to coach. He has persevered through tough situations following a stellar freshman year when seemingly everything went his way. That is a trait you either have or you don't.

*I wish every fellow member of Irish Sports Daily a very Happy Thanksgiving. May you and all of your families experience safe travel and all of the good cheer the holiday offers. To Jaime U, happy Thursday.

*Finally, I have to offer one more hardy "Thank You!" to Mike Frank for allowing me to write this each week. I had a blast!