2. Replacing players at skill positions
Notre Dame should have a good defense, but they don’t really seem to be good enough for the offense to coast. Notre Dame will have to put points on the board if they want to beat Michigan and Georgia on the road this season. Ian Book will be a big part of the offense as a senior, but he can’t do it alone.
The Fighting Irish lost their best running back and wide receiver from last season. You never want either of these things to happen, but the issue intensifies when they both happen at the same time.
Dexter Williams took the pressure off of Book’s shoulders with his work in the running game, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards. In the rushing and passing game, he averaged a touchdown a game.
You also have to replace Miles Boykin, Notre Dame’s leading receiver from last season. They will also be without Chris Finke, the third-best receiver on the team. A guy like Boykin gave Book faith to make throw the deep ball with confidence, and his pairing with Finke made the passing game that much better. Without them, other players will have to step up.
In the passing game, look for Chase Claypool to have an increased role. He only had four touchdowns, but he’s the best returning receiver from last season, and he will be a leader as a senior.
In the running game, my best bet for a starter would be Tony Jones Jr. He had a limited role behind Williams, but he will also be a senior this season for the Fighting Irish. No matter who replaces these guys, the question will be whether or not they will be enough.