Notre Dame’s run game has continued to evolve throughout the season, but over the last month, the Fighting Irish have found their stride.
On Saturday, Notre Dame rushed for 276 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and scored twice as Nolan James Jr. and Jonaz Walton found the end zone.
Walton once again led the Irish in rushing, totaling 141 yards on 15 carries, including runs of 28 and 50 yards.
The freshman running back knew early that it could be a big day because of the confidence he has in the offensive line.
“I would say kind of when I got in,” Walton said when asked about when he knew it was going to be his day. “I have so much confidence in our line, our play calling, that whenever I get in, whenever I get a few yards after that first hit, I think that's when things kind of got rolling.”
Walton has typically been the second back into the game and it's a role he's more than comfortable embracing. The Georgia native uses the opening drive to study the defense and identify where he might have an advantage.
“I love to see Nolan play,” stated Walton. “I kind of look up to him in a way, the way he runs the ball and the way the defense reacts to how he's running, I kind of pick up off of that and then when I get in the game, it can help me be more explosive. The rotation is good and I'm excited about it.”
Right guard Anthonie Knapp has been part of an offensive line that continues to deliver, as the Irish have set the tone early and consistently finished drives with the ground game.
But does the offensive line approach things differently when Walton is in the backfield?
“We don't really notice,” explained Knapp killing the narrative the line blocks harder for Walton. “If you're in, you're on. It's kind of our saying. They do a great job picking it up, you know and they're both super talented.
“Sometimes we don't always give them the best. If we don't pick something up, and they're able to make that, break that tackle and get that extra yard, that's something we appreciate. But kind of as a whole, we don't really know who's in.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has also noticed the growth of his offensive line.
Part of that improvement has come through experience, as all five linemen have settled into their positions and developed a better understanding of what they're seeing before each snap.
“They're just continuously getting better,” Freeman said. “They're continuously working together. They're seeing things that maybe they didn't see a month ago or two months ago, different alignments. Hey, how are we going to block this combination? The backs are trusting them. You just keep seeing a cumulative effect of that and it turns out to be pretty good on Saturday.”
As for Walton, there's still plenty of room for improvement. He didn't get into specifics, but the freshman understands he hasn't reached his ceiling.
“There are some moments in my game where I think I could have done better and I try to use those to help me play better in this game,” Walton explained. “So really just improving on what I've learned and what I went through in practice, went through in games to get better and better in my game so I can be the best player I can be.”
Just a year ago, Walton was playing high school football. Now, he's a key contributor for a Notre Dame team in the middle of a playoff push.
It's quite the transition, but Walton is enjoying every minute of it, and his teammates are right there with him.
“I would probably say being in the locker room after a big win,” said Walton when asked about the best part of the team’s chemistry. The excitement on people's faces, but to know that we've worked for that. It's been a long, not just season, but through winter, through fall camp. Just seeing all that hard work pay off and everybody really enjoying themselves playing in a sport that can sometimes be stressful. I think we're enjoying it and I think it shows up on the field.”
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