Mustipher And Irish Taking Things One Day At A Time

The Notre Dame offensive line is a close group that knows each other well. Left tackle Mike McGlinchey took some heat as he allowed a sack at a crucial moment during last Saturday’s loss to Georgia.

Center Sam Mustipher and the rest of the line didn’t say much to McGlinchey, and they aren’t worried about where Notre Dame captain is at mentally this week. 

“We didn’t really have to pick Mike up,” explained Mustipher. “He’s a leader, and he’s been a great leader as long as I have been here. He’s learned from the best when Chris Watt and Zack Martin were here.

“He knows what to do. One play doesn’t define Mike as a player or a person. He’s a guy we can count on every snap.”

Mustipher is also looking forward to getting on the road for the first time this year and the 6-foot-2, 305-pounder is making sure the young guys are caught up to speed.

“It feels like we’re progressing well,” stated Mustipher. “Going on the road, you have to tell the young guys how we do things. How flying is like and what the schedule is like on the road.” 

As for Notre Dame’s recent road troubles, the Maryland native couldn’t pinpoint a problem from last year. 

“I really don’t know,” Mustipher said.  “I can’t explain it to you. If I could I give a good answer I would.” 

The Irish offensive line had some good moments against Georgia, but they also struggled during the game. Mustipher didn’t believe Georgia surprised them with different looks and the Irish have really focused in this week during preparations for Boston College. 

“I wouldn’t say they showed a lot of different things,” said Mustipher. “They were a talented group of players, and we missed some assignments. It’s something we have to work on moving forward and something we’d like to perfect. 

“One set of eyes at all times. We have to be seeing and communicating things no matter what.” 

Time in the film room is a significant part of seeing things through one set of eyes.

“We try to watch as much film as we can,” explained Mustipher. “Seeing those protections so I can make calls and Brandon (Wimbush) can make calls, but also so the tackle can make calls. That’s the biggest part of playing the offensive line.

“We’re always in the film room. I’ll probably go in there tonight too. We are looking for blitz tips and ways to pick up the blitz.”

Mustipher and the offensive line spend a ton of time in the film room each week by themselves and as a group.

“It’s honestly whenever we can get in there,” he stated. “If you can grab a few guys, that’s cool, but if you can go in by yourself to bring them up to coach, it helps. 

“It just depends on the week. I’d say most guys try to watch 30 minutes by themselves each day. You go through and watch your plays in practice to see what you need to improve on. At night, you go through film with the group, and that takes an hour. It’s a lot of time.” 

As for getting a win on Saturday, Notre Dame has been locked in on a day-by-day approach that Director of Football Performance, Matt Balis, drilled into them during the last nine months. 

“The whole offseason, we have been taking things one day at a time,” said Mustipher. “That has been something instilled in the weight. ‘If you’re thinking about tomorrow, then you’re going to get killed today.’ 

“We like to take it one day at a time. One game at a time. We are going to move forward this week and hopefully get the job done.”