Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME Offensive Line By Andrew Owens A major strength from 2012-13 — the offensive line — flopped in 2014. Surely that was to be expected when Zack Martin and Chris Watt departed to the NFL last offseason. But the return of three starters (Ronnie Stanley, Nick Martin and Christian Lom- bard), along with a trio of players that notched an extensive number of reps down the stretch in 2013 (Steve Elmer, Conor Hanratty and Matt Hegarty), eased the minds of Irish fans heading into 2014. The unit, however, became a Ru- bik's Cube. The coaching staff played around with many configurations in spring practice and even through Notre Dame's first bye week. After finishing second in the coun- try with only eight sacks allowed in 2013, the Irish allowed a stagger- ing 28 in 2014. That doesn't even include the breakdowns that fur- thered senior quarterback Everett Golson's turn- over woes during the second half of the season. There is, however, reason for optimism looking ahead to 2015, and it could begin in the Music City Bowl. Although Stanley could declare for the NFL Draft and leave a gaping hole at left tackle, this unit could remain intact next season with the exception of Lombard. LSU is a physical football team, and for Notre Dame to win it will require a similar performance from its offensive line. That's no guarantee after the regular season, but it would be a positive sign heading into the offseason. Mike Linebacker By Douglas Farmer Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini may not have a better chance to make a lasting impression than they will have in the Music City Bowl. At the very least, they won't have a better chance until senior Joe Schmidt has finished leaving his mark at Notre Dame. With Schmidt sidelined due to a dislocated and fractured ankle, the primary duty of stopping star LSU running back Leonard Four- nette will fall to the two freshmen swapping snaps in the middle of the field. No matter how well either Mor- gan or Martini fares, Schmidt will be the frontrunner to start come fall, but a strong showing would set either up to join Schmidt and sophomore Jaylon Smith in the starting lineup. To date, Morgan has shined thanks to his raw athleticism, fin- ishing each of the season's last three games with double-digit tackles. Martini, meanwhile, has relied on his natural savvy, garner- ing a comparison to former Irish linebacker Dan Fox from Smith. When a targeting foul led to Mor- gan getting ejected from the Louisville contest, Martini quickly managed two tackles in only six snaps, including a crucial 14-yard sack. The differences between Morgan and Martini are stark. In a few years, those contrasts may complement each other behind the defensive line. For now, whoever plays best Dec. 30 will take the lead on earning more playing time next season, not just in a few years. Point ✦ Counterpoint: WHICH POSITION GROUP HAS THE MOST TO PROVE IN NASHVILLE? Listen to the discussion in this digital exclusive F r e s h m a n l i n e b a c k e r Nyles Morgan will have an opportunity to make a lasting impression versus LSU in the Music City Bowl Dec. 30. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA