“Things are never as bad or as good as they seem.”
It’s a universal saying and one that fits Notre Dame’s offensive line perfectly through four games.
The Notre Dame run game hasn’t matched the high standard the program holds for running the football. Whether it’s inconsistent line play or running backs missing the hole, there is still work to be done.
That said, Notre Dame has been able to run the football when it has absolutely needed to, and that’s a positive development for offensive line coach Joe Rudolph.
“You always want to maximize whatever opportunity that you have,” explained Rudolph. “At times we've maximized it and at times we haven't. But we've been pretty efficient.”
Rudolph has settled on a starting five after pushing Sullivan Absher to reach new levels of consistency and conditioning.
Now, he hopes that continuity allows the chemistry to start shining through because there is no question this group is willing to put in the work.
“The more guys that play, the more guys that have to learn how to work together, and the more you're trying to fit the right schemes into what you do and why you do it,” Rudolph said. “But total trust in this group of kids. This group of kids wants it and they'll continue to refine. They'll continue to work together and I think we'll continue to bring out the best of each other.”
On the flip side, Notre Dame’s offensive line has been elite at protecting quarterback CJ Carr, which is priority No. 1.
The Irish rank No. 4 in the nation in sacks allowed per game at 0.50 and have given up just two sacks this season.
Rudolph saw his group execute in fall camp against one of the best front-seven units in the country, but Saturdays are always different.
“As much as you go against each other, you get pretty used to who you line up against, the way they line up, the leverages, the schemes they use. Now, each week you got what you see on film in preparation for the team you're going to play, and then you have that team’s game plan. The things that they change out, the things that they do, and so seeing the kids continue to grow and learn is pretty fun. It's a great group to work with that way. They embrace it, they work at it, and I'm proud of their growth so far.”
Another area Rudolph has taken great pride in is Notre Dame entering the weekend as the least-penalized team in America.
The Irish have been flagged just 10 times through four games, which is a direct reflection of players embracing the coaching in practice.
“The big thing for us is we’ve been trying to teach them to play efficiently,” said Rudolph. “That’s making sure we get that play started and get that guy through the line. You’ve got to take that on your shoulders. We talk about doing the little things better than anyone else and if we continually do the little things better than everyone else, then we’ll be at our best when our best is needed.
“We’ve made it an emphasis. It only matters if the kids embrace it. But they do, they embrace it. They want to do stuff right. They’re not afraid to be accountable for it and I appreciate that.”
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