Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/366772
BY LOU SOMOGYI T hroughout the bulk of head coach Brian Kelly's first four sea- sons at Notre Dame, the defense has taken the lead role — even though Kelly arrived with a reputation as an offensive-minded coach. His 12-0 Cincinnati Bearcats aver- aged 39.8 points per contest in 2009 (the Notre Dame record is 37.6, set in 1968). Yet his Notre Dame offenses have never ranked higher than 49th in scoring, including 78th (25.8 points per game) during the 12-1 campaign in 2012 and 74th (27.2) last year. In those same four seasons from 2010-13, Notre Dame never finished lower than 27th nationally in scoring defense — a first since 1974-77. This year, popular projections hold that Notre Dame's offense will have to be the strength while the defense is rebuilding under first-year coordina- tor Brian VanGorder. It will likely have to win more like 37-34 versus Arizona State or 38-34 against Navy last year. Beyond senior Everett Golson offi- cially being named the starter at quar- terback Aug. 13, here were three prime stories from the start of training camp Aug. 4 until we went to press Aug. 20. 1. The top five on the offensive line is settling in with sophomore Steve Elmer's shift to right tackle and senior Matt Hegarty at left guard. At the end of spring, the four top of- fensive linemen were known: • Junior Ronnie Stanley started 13 games at right tackle in 2013 and was moved to left tackle to replace first- round draft pick Zack Martin. • Senior center Nick Martin was OFFENSE OVERVIEW Scores To Settle The offense is expected to tally more points than in recent years Sophomore Steve Elmer (79) started four games at right guard last year and worked at left guard in the spring, but was moved to right tackle at the beginning of fall practice. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA