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Notre Dame Football

McGlinchey And Irish Ready To Move On From Tough Times

August 31, 2017
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Written by Alec Swain

In college football, a high amount of turnover in a program is a clear sign expectations were not being met in the previous year. 

Ever since Brian Kelly was hired there has not been massive turnover within the program, until now. This past year, not only does Notre Dame have three new coordinators, but they also have a new QB coach, WR coach, and LB coach. Not to mention, the changing of roles for the remaining staff members. 

The downfall of the Irish last season had a lasting impact, which will not only put Brian Kelly’s title in jeopardy but also put the national prominence of the program in jeopardy. 

This week, as the new season quickly nears, captain Mike McGlinchey took the podium. McGlinchey went into last season with lofty expectations, as many pegged him leaving after the 2016 season and being drafted in the first round. 

With captaincy comes many responsibilities, and being a captain at Notre Dame does not ease the pressure of this role. 

“Last December was one of the harder times in not only my Notre Dame career, but probably my football career as well,” McGlinchey explained. 

As a member of the 2013 recruiting class, McGlinchey has seen many ups and downs in his Notre Dame career. However, last season’s four win season definitely provided a challenge; even the veteran captain was not ready for. 

Moving into this season, Temple will provide Notre Dame its first test as the Owls come to South Bend. With a new Head Coach, McGlinchey was asked how he is preparing from a film standpoint.  

“As an offensive lineman, you really have to worry about yourself first,” stated McGlinchey.

As many remember from last season, this was something McGlinchey struggled with. The pressure of being a captain combined to create problems for Mike, many times before the ball even snapped, allowing for his false start penalties. 

However, like the program as a whole, McGlinchey is moving forward and is not going to sly away from any challenge. 

“The five of us upfront want the game on our shoulders, we want Coach Long to be able to call a run play when the game is on the line. I think we are very capable of that,” concluded McGlinchey. 

Notre Dame is a different team this year, it is safe to bet we are going to see a different Mike McGlinchey this year as well. 

 
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