Notre Dame OL Liam Eichenberg Focused on Run Game, Not Doubters
The Irish run game will be significant in Friday's Rose Bowl as it is what has got Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame didn't run the ball effectively against Clemson and while there isn't a set number to reach, Irish offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg knows they need to be effective on first and second down.
"We need to run the ball," Eichenberg stated. "It didn't show up in the last game. They showed us some looks that we weren't ready for, we weren't prepared for and we took bad approaches.
"This week, our coaching staff has done a better job at preparing us, I feel like and for the future practices as well, I feel like they have a good plan.
"They're showing us a lot of looks that will potentially show up and Alabama is a good defense. They're going to line up, hit you in the mouth and it's the type of football we like. We're excited about it. They're a very talented defensive line, great linebackers. It should be good."
Eichenberg is one of four starting offensive linemen who started the last time Notre Dame was in the College Football Playoff, so experience shouldn't be an issue on Friday.
The center position is a concern as starter Jarrett Patterson is out for the year and it falls on Zeke Correll or Josh Lugg to elevate their game in a hurry.
"Jarrett is the best center in the country, if I'm being honest," explained Eichenberg. "It sucks, to be honest with you. We miss one of our best players. You kind of get in the groove with things. He calls everything out. He's very vocal at the line, does a good job communicating.
"But at the same time, Josh has stepped in. He's doing well. I only expect him to improve every game from here on out. I'm excited about it. I'm excited for him."
Outside of the center position, Notre Dame will need to execute at a higher level and be efficient in the red zone as they'll need touchdowns this weekend.
Offensive line coach Jeff Quinn has drilled home the areas his group fell short against Clemson and it's been taken to heart.
"For us, it's understanding certain looks, certain blitzes, what formation they'll be in, what defense. A lot goes into it, what's down and distance and are we going to run the ball, pass the ball.
"I feel we've taken more time out of this week. The offensive line has spent more time looking at situational plays and downs. So it's just one of those things that you have to ante up on because the last game it didn't work out well.
"We're looking forward to it against Alabama, and practice has been more consistent. There are a lot more loud periods in regards to third and long and third and short, red zone, stuff like that."
Notre Dame has also heard all the experts state Alabama to blow the Irish out and while motivating, Eichenberg is focused on the present and not past performances.
The Irish aren't the only team to have gotten blown out on the big stage as Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Oregon have all been run out of the building in the College Football Playoff.
"In past years, I'm pretty sure Alabama got blown out by Clemson," Eichenberg explained. "I'm pretty sure other teams have been blown out as well in the playoffs. I'm not specifically concerned about that.
"This is a different year. This is a different team. We're taking it one game at a time. I personally don't care about the past, if I'm being honest with you. I'm just focused on this week and preparing the best we can to attack this opponent."
Eichenberg's time at Notre Dame is also coming to an end. The 6-foot-6, 302-pounder is a finalist for the Outland Trophy and while he wants to win the award, Eichenberg wants to finish his collegiate career with another trophy.
“I was excited but at the same time that's not my end goal, I guess you could say,” Eichenberg said. “I want to win a National Championship with this team, with this program. It's been a long time since we've been in that position. Coach Kelly has done a great job these past years getting us to this point and this team just needs to finish it. We need to finish what we started.
But at the same time, I'm a finalist. It's a great honor. Quenton Nelson was a finalist the past couple of years. That outcome is -- a lot of people argue about that. You probably know where I stand on that. But I'm excited.”