Offensive Line Thread

[Irish YJ]

In regards to our current OL, Aaron Banks is really coming along right now. He's made a fairly significant contribution to the OL since his full time addition. Expect really big things from him going forward.

love what he has brought to the line up. it "feels" much different since he was added.

#3 got away because he wanted to play tackle. I can't remember if he played much at Auburn or if they stuck him at guard

and he's playing T no for the Colts. i do think he will end up at G at some point. regardless, Ballard did a terrific job of improving the Colts OL this draft. went from one of the worst, to arguably bullies.

 

[IrishLax]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame’s offensive line has been named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, which the group won last year.<br><br>Other semifinalists: Alabama, Arizona State, Clemson, Georgia, Memphis, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Washington State, Wisconsin</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1064932701701136384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I mean....

 

[zelezo vlk]

Umm...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[ab2cmiller]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame’s offensive line has been named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, which the group won last year.<br><br>Other semifinalists: Alabama, Arizona State, Clemson, Georgia, Memphis, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Washington State, Wisconsin</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1064932701701136384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I mean....

I knew we wouldn't miss Harry Hiestand

 

[NDBoiler]

Is Joe Moore himself on the committee for that award?

 

[greyhammer90]

 

[DONTH8]

I knew we wouldn't miss Harry Hiestand

#quinning

 

[Whiskeyjack]

[webm]https://i.imgur.com/B5TBhZr.mp4[/webm]

 

[notredomer23]

Throwback to 2007 when we had the worst offensive line imagineable. I mean 2007 alone we allowed 58 sacks. In the last two seasons combined we've only allowed 45. BK & Co have really done a remarkable job especially in regards to the OL.

 

[beryirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame’s offensive line has been named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, which the group won last year.<br><br>Other semifinalists: Alabama, Arizona State, Clemson, Georgia, Memphis, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Washington State, Wisconsin</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1064932701701136384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I mean....

Absolutely floored by this. How is their Oline nominated for the Joe Moore award but Coney is not a finalist for the Bednarik/Butkus award. Baffling.

I mean, good job Oline for being a finalist but I definitely didn't see it being earned on the field in a consistent manner like last year.

 

[BobbyMac]

Aaron Taylor makes the rules. So quit whining and say... Thanks Aaron!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

We currently rank 96th in Adjusted Line Yardage.

'Bama is 2nd. Clemson is 25th.

 

[BobbyMac]

But ranked 1st in: Award founders who are ND grads.

 

[ThePiombino]

So the award committee is on autopilot. Great to know.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame’s offensive line has been named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, which the group won last year.<br><br>Other semifinalists: Alabama, Arizona State, Clemson, Georgia, Memphis, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Washington State, Wisconsin</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1064932701701136384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I mean....

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[NDMIA]

Football Outsiders Power 5 Rankings of Offensive Lines

Joe Moore Award Semifinals (Rank in Parentheses)
(1) Alabama
(4) Oklahoma
(7) Georgia
(8) Wisconsin
(9) Clemson
(10) Pittsburgh
(12) Washington St
(35) Arizona State
(45) Notre Dame
NR Memphis

Mississippi State's LG and C are going to play on Sunday's. Florida has a top 10 pick at RT and some really really other good pieces on their line. I think ND and Arizona St being on the list is a bit bizarre. I'd be surprised if it didn't go to Bama, but Wisconsin has a pretty special line.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Well, despite being an OLine fan, I agree that we shouldn't be on this list. But having said that, our OLine has seemed to take a big step up lately since Aaron Banks got inserted into the LG spot and Tommy Kraemer got his health back. Both of those guys are bull-dozing DTs, stuffing their interior rushers, and fairly often pancaking people. If Hainsey could control his "twitches" we'd be pretty good right now --- but awards should be about the whole body of work ... so thanks, ATaylor, but not us this year.

 

[ND88]

I don't know anything about offensive lines, but pass protection has been generally solid this year.

Not gonna complain about a nomination to an award we won't win.

 

[calvegas04]

I think the OL is doing amazing this year considering what we lost last year, think they will be great next season

 

[ab2cmiller]

Well, despite being an OLine fan, I agree that we shouldn't be on this list. But having said that, our OLine has seemed to take a big step up lately since Aaron Banks got inserted into the LG spot and Tommy Kraemer got his health back. Both of those guys are bull-dozing DTs, stuffing their interior rushers, and fairly often pancaking people. If Hainsey could control his "twitches" we'd be pretty good right now --- but awards should be about the whole body of work ... so thanks, ATaylor, but not us this year.

We used to have a Tackle by the name of McGlinchey that had a false start problems. I'm sure that Hainsey will get things worked out, just like Big Mike did.

 

[Irish YJ]

Better since Banks. still not close to award worthy. Do these guys even stat? Eye test? lol.

 

[ND88]

Better since Banks. still not close to award worthy. Do these guys even stat? Eye test? lol.

Not to take away from Book, but how much of his completion rate is attributable to ND's Oline protection? Again, this is just for the sake of curiosity. I know some of you can drop objective knowledge on the subject. It seems like Book has had very solid pass protection overall. He has also definitely made some plays with his feet, patience, and intelligence, so I am not taking away the great attributes he has brought to the team.

Also, to play devil's advocate, we aren't winning the award. The OL is simply being acknowledged for something positive. We are hypercritical of our own, because we can be (lol). However, maybe there is some merit to their reasoning, given our overall team success, the challenging adjustments that have been necessary bouncing between two QBs, and sustaining the major loss of an experienced captain for the season. We know there is much growth to be made, but I think they have continued battling through adversity. I respect that.

 

[EddytoNow]

I think the OL is doing amazing this year considering what we lost last year, think they will be great next season

The offensive line lost two first round draft picks to the NFL and this year's starting guard to an injury. Despite those losses, the OL has done a very good job of pass protection for our quarterbacks. While the OL has been inconsistent in the run game, they have been more than satisfactory when not facing a stacked defense.

We should have a good offensive line again next year with Kramer, Hainsey, and Banks all returning. Quinn did a great job recruiting this year, and that will pay dividends in the future. You can't produce two first round offensive lineman every year. Coach Quinn and the offensive line has earned their nomination for the Joe Moore Award.

With stacked defenses, dominant offensive lines are rare. We may not be dominant when facing a strong run defense, but Book and Wimbush have been protected pretty darn well when they drop back to pass.

Things are much better than they were when Jimmy Clausen was getting sacked regularly, and we should be thankful that Quinn was there to take over as OL Coach when Heistand left. Harry was a great offensive line coach. Jeff Quinn has filled the position more than adequately.

 

[Sea Turtle]

A question for those who may know:

How does our offensive line stack up to Alabama's? Talent wise and performance.

 

[Irish YJ]

A question for those who may know:

How does our offensive line stack up to Alabama's? Talent wise and performance.

https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaol

good on talent (stars), bad on performance this year

 

[Old Man Mike]

The comment on next year's OLine mentioned Hainsey, Kraemer, and Banks, but of course Eichenberg should be in that sentence too. If the Universe makes sense, that (obviously again) means four pretty good starters returning and striving to find a Center.

Ruhland has trained at Center. Lugg probably REALLY wants to start, and has been praised as a very good OLineman, though not in terms of Center. And we have guys in the pipeline.

So, to my seeing, the only question is who plays Center? Ruhland? Lugg? Hainsey moves? New guy? If Lugg could adapt we'd probably get back to having a Top Ten OLine again next year. Book's health will be safe.

 

[Mavericknyc1980]

We have a solid foundation here. The line against some very good defenses has stabilized

 

[Dizzyphil]

The comment on next year's OLine mentioned Hainsey, Kraemer, and Banks, but of course Eichenberg should be in that sentence too. If the Universe makes sense, that (obviously again) means four pretty good starters returning and striving to find a Center.

Ruhland has trained at Center. Lugg probably REALLY wants to start, and has been praised as a very good OLineman, though not in terms of Center. And we have guys in the pipeline.

So, to my seeing, the only question is who plays Center? Ruhland? Lugg? Hainsey moves? New guy? If Lugg could adapt we'd probably get back to having a Top Ten OLine again next year. Book's health will be safe.

Anyone heard any news/reports on Grunhard? He will be a Junior next year. Was Center in HS. If I remember right, Armstrong had a lot of great things to say about his play.

 

[Crazy Balki]

The comment on next year's OLine mentioned Hainsey, Kraemer, and Banks, but of course Eichenberg should be in that sentence too. If the Universe makes sense, that (obviously again) means four pretty good starters returning and striving to find a Center.

Ruhland has trained at Center. Lugg probably REALLY wants to start, and has been praised as a very good OLineman, though not in terms of Center. And we have guys in the pipeline.

So, to my seeing, the only question is who plays Center? Ruhland? Lugg? Hainsey moves? New guy? If Lugg could adapt we'd probably get back to having a Top Ten OLine again next year. Book's health will be safe.

My guess is it'll be a battle between Ruhland and Gibbons.

 

[snoopdog]

My guess is it'll be a battle between Ruhland and Gibbons.

That would keep a lot of potentially much better linemen on the bench.

 

[BobbyMac]

When trying to read the tea leaves, can anything be read from the FSU game?

With 12 min left in the 4th, Quinn sent in Grunhard at OC & Lugg at LG and kicked Banks out to LT

On the next series at with 6 min remaining, the same crew took the field then at 3:45 Gibbons was subbed in for Kraemer at RG.

Finally at the 3:00 mark, Patterson subbed in for Banks at LT, Logan Plantz came in at LG kicking Lugg out to RT replacing Hainsey.

I found this along with the Depth Charts showing Grunhard ahead of Ruhland interesting enough to make a profile for Grunhard.

Grunhard looked really good. And was behind the Jones-Push 16 yard. Here --> https://youtu.be/holMcwGg7Ec?t=8173