Notre Dame's offensive line started this season under fire after their woeful performance against Miami in week one. All three of the offensive tackles looked lost, right guard Guerby Lambert was making his first start and for the majority of the night, the Hurricane's defensive line handled the Irish offensive line. Since then, Joe Rudolph's unit has improved drastically which has led to an offensive turnaround. They currently rank No. 11 in the country in points per game, No. 11 in the country in rushing touchdowns on the season (20) and No. 11 in the country in yards per play (7.05). That doesn't happen without drastic improvement in the trenches.
After allowing 11 pressures and five hits plus sacks on the quarterback in week one, the Notre Dame offensive line hasn't allowed double-digit pressures since. They allowed seven pressures against Texas A&M, four pressures against Purdue, five pressures against Arkansas, four pressures against Boise State, three pressures against NC State and four pressures against USC. A big reason for the turnaround has been the improved performance from left tackle Anthonie Knapp and right tackle Aamil Wagner.
According to PFF, Knapp hasn't allowed a sack or hit on the quarterback in the last four games. Wagner hasn't allowed a sack or hit on the quarterback since week one against Miami and has only allowed one additional pressure since Texas A&M. Quarterback CJ Carr's jersey has been kept relatively clean due to the elevated play from both offensive tackles. Their level of competition in their last five games should continue their trend of keeping Carr clean in the pocket, but they'll have to continue to build once they reach the College Football Playoffs.
The interior of the offensive line is in a different spot. Lambert has continued to progress each week and has been one of their most dominant blockers, at times. Unfortunately, center Ashton Craig is out for the season with an ACL injury suffered against NC State and left guard, and offensive captain, Billy Schrauth will be out the next few weeks recovering from an MCL injury. Redshirt sophomore Joe Otting stepped in at center against USC and played an exceptional game. Fellow redshirt sophomore Sullivan Absher, who rotated with Lambert in week one, will step in and replace Schrauth at left guard for the time being.
Last season, we saw Rudolph work his way through multiple injuries on the offensive line on route to the National Championship game. This season, he finds himself in a similar spot, but here's the good news; at some point Schrauth will return at left guard and projected starting right guard Charles Jagusah will also be eligible to return from injury. Rudolph will have to make sure the correct and best starting five are on the field if the Irish wish to make a run at the playoffs. They've shored-up as pass protectors and have been strong in the run game. That will have to continue if the Irish wish to end their regular season in a position to host a home playoff game in back to back seasons.
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