Irish Breakdown

Why Notre Dame's Offensive Line Doesn't Need to Be Perfect in 2024

The Irish offensive line must be good enough vs Texas A&M - it doesn't have to be dominant.
John Kennedy|
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; A general overall view of helmets at the line of scrimmage as Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Zeke Correll (52) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; A general overall view of helmets at the line of scrimmage as Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Zeke Correll (52) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Notre Dame's O Line vs Texas A&M's D Line was already the top storyline

Even before Notre Dame's starting left tackle, Charles Jagusah, suffered a season-ending injury, the matchup between Notre Dame’s offensive line and Texas A&M’s defensive front was a key storyline. It highlighted A&M’s clear strength versus Notre Dame’s biggest uncertainty.

Now, with Notre Dame forced to rely on its depth to fill the void left by Jagusah, this matchup has become an even bigger concern. As the Irish head into what feels like a must-win game for Freeman, questions arise: Is this narrative overblown? How vulnerable is the offensive line in Week 1?

Notre Dame doesn't have to be perfect, just be good enough

This positional matchup understandably has Notre Dame fans worried, but let’s be realistic about what’s expected of the offensive line on August 31st. It doesn't need to be perfect or flawless. It simply needs to be good enough to win and improve from there.

Against Texas A&M, the line’s job is to avoid major mistakes like allowing blindside hits or unblocked defenders, and give the offense room to operate. If they do this, paired with a strong defense, it should be enough to win the opener.

From there, everyone can take a breather, exhale and the offensive line can focus on becoming more refined and cohesive as a unit as the season rolls along. But for Game One in this type of chaotic environment, just being good enough is great.

Notre Dame Football 2024: 5 Things to Know About Texas A&M, August 3

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John Kennedy
JOHN KENNEDY

Founder and content creator of the Always Irish LLC Notre Dame Football social media, podcast, and radio show brand since 2016 covering all things Irish football daily from the fan's perspective. Previously Notre Dame Football staff writer for USA TODAY Fighting Irish Wire before joining Notre Dame On SI. Known as the “voice of the Irish fan.”

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