Bars Goes In-Depth on S&C Program, Kraemer and Differences from '16
All offseason Note Dame fans wanted the Irish offense to ‘run the damn ball.’ Entering week four, Notre Dame has averaged 330 rushing yards a game and rank as the No. 5 team in the nation in rushing yards per game.
Offensive coordinator Chip Long is committed to the run, and senior right guard Alex Bars has felt the difference in Long’s scheme.
“Coach Long messes with the defenses in the backfield,” said Bars. “It’s pretty awesome. It helps us a lot. We know what we’re doing, but linebackers don’t know what to do. I remember when we played Temple, they were spinning around not knowing what to do.”
The Irish will absolutely need a big night on the ground at Michigan State on Saturday as it will be a grind it out game in East Lansing. Bars and the offensive line wanted that pressure on their shoulders and committed to gaining it for the past nine months.
“I’d say we’ve got 100% of the guys committed this time around,” Bars explained when asked what was different from a year ago. “Every guy wants to do their job, use their techniques and finish their guy for the guy next to them. I don’t think we’ve had that in the past.
“Guys are committed to making their weight goals, lifting super hard, doing extra drills and watching extra film.”
Bars has been one of the biggest benefactors of new Director of Football Performance Matt Balis’ intense strength and conditioning program. The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder has transformed his bad weight into good weight and made strides in his strength.
“I worked hard on it, and it’s showing,” stated Bars. “We’re not getting tired. We’re not letting teams back in the third and fourth quarter. We’re getting on them and wearing defensive lines down.
“The guys at Boston College were like ‘I’m so tired.’ They were just gassed. It’s great. Coach Balis has done a great job, and it’s starting to show.”
Notre Dame’s offensive lines have always been a close group, but there is a unique bond between the members of the 2017 line. That closeness and brotherhood were on full display last Saturday as Tommy Kraemer moved to right guard in the late moments of the game and sprung Dexter Williams for a big gain.
“This man came off the field and said ‘I’m coming for your job. I’m coming for your job,’ laughed Bars. “Tom at right guard – he did alright. He did a good job. It was awesome. Tommy’s doing great.”
Bars has taken it upon himself to make sure Kraemer and freshman Robert Hainsey, who split time at right tackle, are caught up and know their jobs.
“It’s on me to make sure they know what they’re doing,” Bars explained. “I talk to them all the time on the line. Coach Hiestand makes me be that guy for them so we can connect the left side to them.
“Both (Robert) Hainsey and Tom communicate really well. I’m really close to both of them. I know I am two years older than Tom and three years older than Hainsey, but it doesn’t really matter.
“They are smart guys and very coachable. They want to do well, and that’s a big thing. It’s been good, and they’re both doing a great job. We’re excited for them.”