Notre Dame Reveals Unexpected Achilles Heel in Week 1 Loss to Miami

Yet when the rubber hit the road at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, that highly-touted offensive line all-but pulled a Houdini disappearing act. 

Not only did the Notre Dame O-line allow freshman quarterback CJ Carr to go down three times (and be pressured a handful more times), but it was non-existent in run-blocking in too many key situations. The Fighting Irish ground game went for a measly 94 yards – 30 of which came on one Jadarian Price tote – on 27 carries. 

In total, Miami’s defense racked up three sacks and five tackles for loss (along with forcing two intentional groundings). And while young, inexperienced quarterbacks can be prone to holding onto the football for too long and may play an integral role in getting sacked, that was hardly the case for Carr.

Especially on Notre Dame’s final drive, the pocket continuously collapsed on Carr in the blink of an eye, leaving the freshman quarterback with zero options. 

Left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who was named a Freshman All-American last year by multiple outlets, was clearly hindered by the heat and humidity (he dealt with cramps per Freeman), but struggled immensely in pass protection. Protecting Carr’s blindside, Knapp is the key piece in Notre Dame’s O-line puzzle, and was expected to be its anchor. 

On the right side of the line, all three of right tackle Aamil Wagner and right guards Sullivan Absher and Guerby Lambert (split snaps at RG) couldn’t hold their own against the Hurricane’s pass rush. And although both center Ashton Craig and left guard Billy Schrauth were a touch better, neither were quite stalwarts. 

And with a meeting against a stingy Texas A&M front four on the docket in two weeks, Notre Dame must hope that Week 1 was simply a work-the-kinks-out contest for the O-line, or the College Football Playoff door may be shutting on the Fighting Irish.