ISD Sweet 16 | Most Important in 2020: No. 4 vs. No. 13
It's Sweet 16 week!
Well, at least for Irish Sports Daily.
Jamie and Matt came up and seeded the 16 most important players to Notre Dame's 2020 campaign and we're giving ISD members the chance to advance them in a single-elimination tournament.
Wednesday’s matchup is No. 4 offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg vs. No. 13 Tommy Tremble.
Liam Eichenberg
2019 Stats: The fifth-year senior returns with 31 games played and has given up just three sacks as a starter the last two seasons. That’s 1,784 plays, which includes zero sacks given up in 2019 on 845 snaps.
Why he is the No. 4 seed: The left tackle is a position vital to any team's success and the Irish have one of the best in the country. In talking to several scouts, Eichenberg will likely have a first-round grade next spring.
Eichenberg starting is also vital to Notre Dame’s success as Notre Dame doesn’t quite a second option behind him. If Eichenberg went down with an injury, Jeff Quinn would likely have to a ton of shuffling on the offensive line. Starting left guard Aaron Banks and center Jarrett Patterson have worked at left tackle as well as reserve Josh Lugg, who started the second half of last season when Tommy Kraemer went down with an injury.
Mike McGlinchey cleaned up false starts his final year in South Bend and left as an All-American. Eichenberg has the potential to do the same.
Why Eichenberg should advance: Eichenberg missing at left tackle could be problematic for the Irish.
Tommy Tremble
2019 Stats: 16 receptions for 183 yards and four touchdowns
Why he is the No. 13 seed: Tremble showed flashes last fall and was expected to fight for the starting role with Brock Wright this spring. The Georgia native improved his blocking and showed he has the potential to be a dangerous weapon downfield. He’s a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators.
When it comes to importance, Tremble’s big-play ability separates him from Wright at this point regardless of who starts. If Tremble can take a step forward, Notre Dame’s offense could very well be taken to the next level despite losing Cole Kmet.
Why Tremble should advance: Notre Dame is Tight End U and Tremble is next in line.
No. 1 vs. No 16: Winner - Ian Book with 62%.
No. 8 vs. No. 9: Winner - Braden Lenzy 51.4%
