Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season
By Jacob Wilson
2. The offensive line allows less than 20 sacks
After suggesting the potential for an uptick in sacks on the defensive side of the ball, one can’t forget about the very issue on the other side of the ball. The Irish have hovered around the late twenties in sacks allowed over the past few seasons but will need to lower that total if the team plans on truly succeeding with Wimbush.
The Irish offensive line, much like the tight end position, has boasted deep talent over the years. This year is no different as Notre Dame has already had the left side of their line locked onto the AP All-American team.
Left tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Quenton Nelson will serve as the linchpins of the line, seniors Sam Mustipher and Alex Bars will hold down the rest of the interior, and the young Tommy Kraemer will look to showcase his abilities at right tackle.
With the recently added offensive coordinator in Chip Long looking to mix things up on the offensive front, look for the line to take advantage of a new situation in the midst of a quarterback change. While the line allowed 28 sacks this past year, a more stable situation going into the season should allow the unit the advantage it needs to pull off a twenty or fewer sack campaign.
The pressure placed upon this line to perform well for Wimbush will either strengthen or break it, but my money is on the former. With a good amount of experience mixed in with just enough youth, look for a renewed Irish team to put the pieces together in the trenches this year.