Offensive Line Thread

[Trait Expectations]

It's a combination of the o line getting a little bit better and the schedule getting easier.

The OSU defense will eat our offense for breakfast. If the defense doesn't get burnt out the might be able to keep it close. This offense will not challenge OSU at all.

lol, "Dwight, you ignorant slut".

I love definitive statements a year in advance. What is "this offense" when referring to next year's team?

 

[Irish#1]

The OSU defense will eat our offense for breakfast. If the defense doesn't get burnt out the might be able to keep it close. This offense will not challenge OSU at all.

OSU's offense is clicking, but they aren't fielding a stout defense.

 

[Rogue219]

This has been quite a turnaround for this unit. They have run the ball considerably better since the UC loss.

Need two more to close it out.

 

[Crazy Balki]

It's a combination of the o line getting a little bit better and the schedule getting easier.

The OSU defense will eat our offense for breakfast. If the defense doesn't get burnt out the might be able to keep it close. This offense will not challenge OSU at all.

You lost me with "a little bit better", they are night and effin' day better.

The first half of the season, the line was terrible, I mean near bottom of the country levels of terrible. They've been solid to good for much of the season post-VT.

Some of it is that the defenses aren't as good, but there's a A LOT more to it than just that. For one, Alt and Kristofic have simply provided a lot more sheer talent and size than what we had there prior. Those guys are only going to get better and bigger. Then you bring back Fisher, that's a unit that will be absolutely stout.

And this idea that Ohio State's defense will eat our breakfast is laughable. Their defense isn't eating anyone's breakfast, despite playing some downright mediocre offenses. Their LB play has been abysmal and they're also losing a good chunk of key guys that are starring for their defense this year, so it'll be a fairly young unit on top of that.

 

[Dale]

It's a combination of the o line getting a little bit better and the schedule getting easier.

The OSU defense will eat our offense for breakfast. If the defense doesn't get burnt out the might be able to keep it close. This offense will not challenge OSU at all.

I’m curious what exactly you know about the OSU F7 for next year? Names? Expectations? Guys leaving?

 

[Wild Bill]

I’m curious what exactly you know about the OSU F7 for next year? Names? Expectations? Guys leaving?

Harrison will probably enter the draft. I'm guessing Vincent will stay for his senior year but not sure. If Vinson stays they'll only have three 5 stars with Vinson, Tuimoloau and Sawyer. Tyleik Williams is another freshman who has played a lot and looks good.

Linebackers could be an issue for them next year but their d line will a tough assignment for any oline. Tuimoloau and Sawyer against Alt and Fisher will be a good battle for the next two years.

 

[Dale]

Harrison will probably enter the draft. I'm guessing Vincent will stay for his senior year but not sure. If Vinson stays they'll only have three 5 stars with Vinson, Tuimoloau and Sawyer. Tyleik Williams is another freshman who has played a lot and looks good.

Linebackers could be an issue for them next year but their d line will a tough assignment for any oline. Tuimoloau and Sawyer against Alt and Fisher will be a good battle for the next two years.

Definitely have the recruiting talent that’s for sure. I think the production of the 2021 DL and Sawyer and JTT have had their chances to be a part of that has left most Buckeye fans wanting more. Granted they are used to Bosa/Bosa/Young. Tyleik Williams is the one name I have read as kinda making a name this year. Their LBs just seem very unathletic and that’s coming from watching our crew which is admittedly limited. In short, they will certainly have a good F7 but when we’ve lined up in these Bama, Georgia, Clemson type games I think all of those F7s in recent years have been better than what we will see in Columbus next year, barring a big step forward by Sawyer/JTT to live up to their billing.

 

[Wild Bill]

Definitely have the recruiting talent that’s for sure. I think the production of the 2021 DL and Sawyer and JTT have had their chances to be a part of that has left most Buckeye fans wanting more. Granted they are used to Bosa/Bosa/Young. Tyleik Williams is the one name I have read as kinda making a name this year. Their LBs just seem very unathletic and that’s coming from watching our crew which is admittedly limited. In short, they will certainly have a good F7 but when we’ve lined up in these Bama, Georgia, Clemson type games I think all of those F7s in recent years have been better than what we will see in Columbus next year, barring a humongous leap by Sawyer/JTT to live up to their billing.

Both are improving already and I think you'll see them get quite a bit better by next year. We'll see.

What's the deal with Palaie Gaoteote? I remember seeing him play in HS and he looked like the real deal. Is he a bust or is there something more to the story?

 

[Dale]

Both are improving already and I think you'll see them get quite a bit better by next year. We'll see.

What's the deal with Palaie Gaoteote? I remember seeing him play in HS and he looked like the real deal. Is he a bust or is there something more to the story?

I caught myself and edited humongous leap was exaggerating too much haha. Big step forward will be needed to strike fear like a Clemson, Bama, Georgia front that you go into these games fearing.

No idea. He was part of the turnover against Purdue but that was ST. He was injured at one point I know it’s basically been a revolving door of all their scholarship LBs and Steele Chambers has been the one that came out on the other end of the chances.

Also wondering if they see a bit of transfer portal turnover with what should be defensive staff changes.

 

[BrownerandFry]

Just a point of order. This is the OL thread not the OSU hate thread, I think.

But going back to last Spring, our Ol was up in the air. Patterson was coming off an injury, and they were still deciding whether or not he would play Center. Kelly's decision to keep Patterson at center was good for Patterson and a good signal to future recruits but did not optimize ND's chances for 2021.

Further, we were assimilating Cain Madden, in more ways than one.

And we were still exploring the freshmen

It seems we have stability going into the offseason, and the questions about Blake Fisher being overrated due to lackluster Indiana competition have been resolved.

And Alt, who was NOT an early entry, well, DAMN he is Joe Alt, and the apple didn't fall far from John Alt's tree.

1/21 was chaos.
1/22 is the time of Balis and three guys, Spindler, Alt and Fisher, playing a tad earlier than thought. One of last year's strengths was supposed to be Zeke Correll at Center. At this juncture, with an offensive line of Fisher, Kristofic, Correll, Spindler and Alt it would appear that Correll is the weakest link. that is progress, gentlemen.

 

[ulukinatme]

Wait, someone thought Fisher was overrated? Point them out, I'll throw down fisticuffs with such an individual.

 

[BrownerandFry]

Wait, someone thought Fisher was overrated? Point them out, I'll throw down fisticuffs with such an individual.

Well Farrell, for one, in one of his podcasts sort of said he GAVE Fisher the fifth star.
further, I think it was a consensus of the cognoscenti of the Notre Dame Sites that it was Spindler that would be battle ready, that Fisher's "body would need some work and conditioning"

Further, you may wish to remember that the first rule of fisticuffs is "scheduling" to wit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQBc8yxjdSs

If the Jabba the Hutt of Irish Maven said something like that would you go after him? I would Bob Arum that one!

 

[ulukinatme]

Honestly Fisher was the player I was highest on in the 2021 class coming in. I thought there was a ton of talent there, and watching his film and performance in camps he looked to be an absolute mauler. I'm not surprised if some people may have thought Spindler would be more battle ready first, but never did I think Fisher was considered overrated.

 

[Irish#1]

Honestly Fisher was the player I was highest on in the 2021 class coming in. I thought there was a ton of talent there, and watching his film and performance in camps he looked to be an absolute mauler. I'm not surprised if some people may have thought Spindler would be more battle ready first, but never did I think Fisher was considered overrated.

Fisher faced good competition in HS playing in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference. It's one of the top two conferences in Indiana. The MIC has been the best for a while, but the Hoosier Crossroads has held their own against them the last couple of years.

 

[NDdomer2]

Fisher's body did need work and he put it in. Kudos to him and a shame we didnt get to see him progress over the season.

 

[StPaul_Irish]

Just a point of order. This is the OL thread not the OSU hate thread, I think.

But going back to last Spring, our Ol was up in the air. Patterson was coming off an injury, and they were still deciding whether or not he would play Center. Kelly's decision to keep Patterson at center was good for Patterson and a good signal to future recruits but did not optimize ND's chances for 2021.

Further, we were assimilating Cain Madden, in more ways than one.

And we were still exploring the freshmen

It seems we have stability going into the offseason, and the questions about Blake Fisher being overrated due to lackluster Indiana competition have been resolved.

And Alt, who was NOT an early entry, well, DAMN he is Joe Alt, and the apple didn't fall far from John Alt's tree.

1/21 was chaos.
1/22 is the time of Balis and three guys, Spindler, Alt and Fisher, playing a tad earlier than thought. One of last year's strengths was supposed to be Zeke Correll at Center. At this juncture, with an offensive line of Fisher, Kristofic, Correll, Spindler and Alt it would appear that Correll is the weakest link. that is progress, gentlemen.

100%, that is why I should be the offensive line coach. I would let Kristofic and Carmody battle it out in the spring, with the other playing a guard spot. So hypothetically in my brilliant Offensive line mind. ( My resume is a 6' 180lb FS in HS) and I know nothing of OL technique, but I watch a lot of ND Football so.....

LT: ALT
LG:Kristofic
C: Carmody
RG: Spindler
RT: Fischer

Flip flop the left and right side if you wish, but I would like to think that Spindler and Fischer developed a little chemistry last spring/fall and same goes for the current left side. Kristofic and Alt seem to be doing a great job together. Keep that rolling

 

[IRISHMAN]

LT: ALT
LG:Kristofic
C: Carmody
RG: Spindler
RT: Fisher

having Alt at LT and Fisher at RT is intriguing to me. Alt has the size, length and athletic ability to play LT and Fisher while athletic in his own right is 330 lbs. and would make a nice road grader at RT. imo i'd love to have spindler and fisher on the same side and build that chemistry together for years to come. also i'd like to see how pat coogan and caleb johnson look after this spring.

 

[Trait Expectations]

100%, that is why I should be the offensive line coach. I would let Kristofic and Carmody battle it out in the spring, with the other playing a guard spot. So hypothetically in my brilliant Offensive line mind. ( My resume is a 6' 180lb FS in HS) and I know nothing of OL technique, but I watch a lot of ND Football so.....

LT: ALT
LG:Kristofic
C: Carmody
RG: Spindler
RT: Fischer

Flip flop the left and right side if you wish, but I would like to think that Spindler and Fischer developed a little chemistry last spring/fall and same goes for the current left side. Kristofic and Alt seem to be doing a great job together. Keep that rolling

Blech. Fisher was the best LT as a true freshman. Assuming no lingering injury issues, you put him back there because he is likely the best of the bunch. There is no reason to believe Kristofic and Alt have some magical chemistry that Blake and Kristofic couldn't develop (Or whoever takes RG this coming year). Alt will be a great tackle on either side and he's already expressed openness to sliding over. If we can keep him long enough for Blake to depart, then he can have his golden ticket year at LT.

LT: Blake
LG: TBD, likely Kristofic but maybe Carmody
C: ?
RG: Carmody/Spindler
RT: Alt

The tackles are almost guaranteed for next fall, it's the interior I'm most intrigued with. LG, C, RG are all under competition. Who knows if we have another true freshman in the 22 class who can compete for snaps.

 

[BrownerandFry]

Blech. Fisher was the best LT as a true freshman. Assuming no lingering injury issues, you put him back there because he is likely the best of the bunch. There is no reason to believe Kristofic and Alt have some magical chemistry that Blake and Kristofic couldn't develop (Or whoever takes RG this coming year). Alt will be a great tackle on either side and he's already expressed openness to sliding over. If we can keep him long enough for Blake to depart, then he can have his golden ticket year at LT.

LT: Blake
LG: TBD, likely Kristofic but maybe Carmody
C: ?
RG: Carmody/Spindler
RT: Alt

The tackles are almost guaranteed for next fall, it's the interior I'm most intrigued with. LG, C, RG are all under competition. Who knows if we have another true freshman in the 22 class who can compete for snaps.

Not only was Fisher the best LT, he may have been the best lineman in the Spring.

And there is a hidden value in what he did. Foskey was considered a disappointment in the Spring. Part of the reason is that he was matched up against Fisher.

The problem was not Foskey, it was the dominant excellence of Fisher.

But pro scouting departments turn over every rock and find every fact (their conclusions are oft shaky, but they have the facts, Ma'am) and they will unearth one way or the other that Foskey struggled against Fisher. Perhaps, just perhaps, that strand of knowledge will bring Foskey back.

 

[Nanny36]

Wait, someone thought Fisher was overrated? Point them out, I'll throw down fisticuffs with such an individual.

I'm in!!!

 

[Irish4life]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/pff_college/status/1456410936974135296?s=21[/TWEET]

BYU OC was the hot commodity hire for Baylor. I’d have to guess the OL coach Mateos he brought with him will be this offseason. Grimes and Mateos call their wide zone scheme “RVO”. Reliable Violent Offense. Baylor is a fun watch if you haven’t this season

As an aside, I think the BYU (and now Baylor) offense is a perfect fit for ND.

 

[ulukinatme]

Not only was Fisher the best LT, he may have been the best lineman in the Spring.

And there is a hidden value in what he did. Foskey was considered a disappointment in the Spring. Part of the reason is that he was matched up against Fisher.

The problem was not Foskey, it was the dominant excellence of Fisher.

But pro scouting departments turn over every rock and find every fact (their conclusions are oft shaky, but they have the facts, Ma'am) and they will unearth one way or the other that Foskey struggled against Fisher. Perhaps, just perhaps, that strand of knowledge will bring Foskey back.

This is the most sense you've made in a dog's age. It's refreshing. Big Fish is an absolute monster when you see the film. If Foskey did struggle it would make sense it's against a kid with pistons for hands.

 

[ulukinatme]

I'm in!!!

Oh, Nanny boy...the pipes, the pipes are calling...

 

[Nanny36]

Oh, Nanny boy...the pipes, the pipes are calling...

I didn't hear any calling, stay seated and get some beer...
just watch them hunt for the winnings!

 

[Irish2155]

Fisher faced good competition in HS playing in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference. It's one of the top two conferences in Indiana. The MIC has been the best for a while, but the Hoosier Crossroads has held their own against them the last couple of years.

Agreed. Center Grove is on a whole other level this year but besides them it could be argued that the HCC is right there with the MIC. Brownsburg beat the snot out of Carmel a week or two ago, Westfield will be in another State game next weekend, and traditional MIC powers Ben Davis and Warren have been down the last few years.

The HCC will probably surpass the MIC as IN’s top conference in a few years or so as the burbs continue to grow.

 

[Trait Expectations]

The sooner Josh Lugg moves on, the happier I'll be. I'm grateful he played for ND because he's obviously the best option we have at RT but he routinely puts us in terrible situations: false starts, holding and getting beat for untimely sacks. Really look forward to the Fisher/Alt tackle combo next season!

 

[Crazy Balki]

If Fisher is healthy, I'd say get him some reps at RT against Stanford and start him in the bowl game.

Got nothing to lose. Lugg is the unquestionable weak link and he's clearly playing injured again.

 

[Luckylucci]

It was pretty telling that they never moved Lugg to LT. In fact, it was rather bizarre that you’d go 4 deep at LT without giving your starting RT a shot. Makes me wonder whether or not a healthy Carmody should be at RT.

 

[Riddickulous]

Seems likely we'll have a Fisher/Alt duo at tackle next year but the interior OL is a mystery to me. A lot of guys will be in the mix there.

 

[T-Boone]

If Fisher is healthy, I'd say get him some reps at RT against Stanford and start him in the bowl game.

Got nothing to lose. Lugg is the unquestionable weak link and he's clearly playing injured again.

Is there mail that he is even close to being ready ?