Clausen Trying to Return the Gold to South Bend

It is complicated to truly visualize a Notre Dame team that is not a viable National Championship squad. Nonetheless, Irish enthusiasts have been disappointed for two decades. Now, Charlie Weis hopes he possesses the elements to make a run at the grand prize—with, of course, his quarterback leading the way.

Junior Jimmy Clausen was a highly touted high school phenom with a Montana like arm. After a Freshmen year where he exhausted most of the semester on his back and a sophomore year he spent most of the season heaving hail maries, he may be set to orchestrate the Notre Dame offense the way Coach Weis has dreamt since Brady Quinn graduated. Countless options surround Clausen.

The returning skill players on offense for the Fightin’ Irish may be some of the best in college football. Clausen has three talented young running backs behind him. Between Armando Allen, James Aldridge and Robert Hughes, you have to believe there will always be fresh legs on the field. These three have matured over the past two seasons. Coach Weis could label any one of them the starting running back, but rather Weis will rotate them in and out during particular game situations.

Those backs should keep defenses honest to allow Weis and Clausen the option of play-action passes over the top of the defense. Michael Floyd and Golden Tate likely will force defenses to double team them because the threat of the deep ball. If defenses do double them or drop even one safety in deep coverage, the flats and middle of the field will be wide open for Tight End Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph was standout freshmen last season and a monster presence for the Irish in the deep middle of the field.

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What if defenses play zone against these deep threats? Clausen is going to be given the option of Duval Kamara slashing across the middle of the defense and/or a running back sneaking through the line and playing underneath the linebackers.

Now, Weis and Clausen just have to hope the offensive line holds up.

The Irish got in trouble on offense for two reasons last year—sticking to the game plan, and not sticking to the game plan. With Weis returning to the role of offensive coordinator, the Irish hopeful are planning on better designed play calling—and success.

By Ben Barrick
CollegeSports-fans.com Guest Writer