CHALK TALK BRYAN DRISKELL
Notre Dame facing 30 fewer third-
down situations than in 2014, some-
thing it cannot assume it will repli-
cate in 2016 with Fuller and Prosise
now in the NFL.
Notre Dame will have to make
these improvements with an offen-
sive line that loses three starters who
had a combined 106 starts. Its line
will be inexperienced, but it could
arguably be a more talented. Getting
the line to jell is crucial to success in
the run game.
Having senior running back Tarean
Folston back should help the ground
attack become more proficient. Dur-
ing the 2014 season — behind a far
less effective line — Folston was
stuffed on only 13 carries, a rate of
just 7.5 percent. Only 57.2 percent
of his carries went for three yards
or less.
Losing Fuller, Chris Brown and
Amir Carlisle from the pass game
also leaves a void that must be filled.
If Notre Dame cannot find playmak-
ers as replacements, teams will be
able to focus more and more on slow-
ing down the run.
If Notre Dame can establish a more
effective ground attack while main-
taining its big-play ability from the
2015 season, the Irish offense could
emerge as one of the nation's more
productive units. ✦
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Bryan Driskell has been a football
analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated
since April 2015. He can be reached
at bdriskell@blueandgold.com.
