What We Know, And Don't Know, About Notre Dame - Offense Edition

A look at what we know, and still need to know, about the Notre Dame offense after camp and the opener against Navy

Notre Dame has played just one game so far in the 2023 season, which means there are plenty of things we don't yet know about this team. But after evaluating this team through fall camp and the opener against Navy, there are also plenty of things we do know about this team as we project it through the rest of the season.

In our latest Irish Breakdown show I discuss what we know, and don't know, about Notre Dame as we look forward to a schedule that is going to pick up very quickly.

Let's begin with the offense.

What We Know

1. Quarterback Play Is Better - There are still questions about what the actual numbers will be for Sam Hartman, but we know the play at quarterback will be significantly better. It's not just about the efficiency and production, but the impact Hartman has had on the entire team. He brings a calm to the offense, and confidence that bleeds over to the defense. That impact alone makes the position better, and once you factor in the actual play at quarterback there is no doubt Notre Dame is much, much better at quarterback.

2. Deeper Skill Talent - There are still questions about both tight end and wide receiver (see below), but there is no doubt Notre Dame is a much deeper and more talented offensive football team. Players like Jayden Thomas, Deion Colzie and Tobias Merriweather are more experienced than they were a year ago, and Chris Tyree seems comfortable since moving to wide receiver. Of course, having Audric Estime back for a second season in a key role is important as well.

But the new faces add even more to the depth of skill for Notre Dame. Jadarian Price returning from injury is huge, and freshman running back Jeremiyah Love is a big time talent. Freshmen wideouts Jaden Greathouse and Rico Flores Jr. have already hade an impact, especially Greathouse. The offense is much deeper and talented than it was a season ago.

3. More Explosive Offense - The ceiling for this offense is unknown, but there's no doubt that from both a personnel and schematic standpoint Notre Dame is going to be a more explosive offense this season. The Irish were incredibly efficient against Navy, and the depth of weapons impressed in the opener as well. Offensive coordinator Gerad Parker seems to have a scheme and philosophy that is going to be far more player driven, and with the talent being better that will lead to a more impactful offense.

What We Don't Know

1. How Good Are The Receivers - The wide receiver position is better than it was a year ago, of that I have no doubt. We saw that in the opener, as the Irish were able to throttle Navy without the tight ends catching a single pass. The backs helped, but Notre Dame's wideouts did thrived against an inferior Navy secondary. 

What we don't know, however, is just how good they are. The reality is while the opening performance was encouraging, Navy isn't a very good secondary and the Irish ripped Navy up through the air last season as well. We need to see if this unit can carry this performance over and play well against better opponents. Can they get separation against the better secondaries? Can they rip off more big plays? Can they carry the offense when the run game isn't rolling?

We still need to find that out.

2. How Good Is The Offensive Line - Like the wide receivers, I'm more than pleased with how the line played in the opener. The difference, however, is that Notre Dame's line thrived against a Navy unit that was actually quite good last season, and Navy returned six of its front seven starters. If the offense can carry this performance into future games the Irish will be outstanding up front. We saw dominant performances like this a season ago, so it shouldn't come as a surprise. What we don't know is if the line can do this consistently, something it didn't do a year ago. Harry Hiestand laid the foundation after taking over a poor line, and now Joe Rudolph has to build on that and take the next step, which is greater consistency.

3. What Is The Tight End Role - We didn't see much of the tight ends in fall camp and the position wasn't targeted one time against Navy. They blocked very well, but we don't know what the pass game role is going to be for Holden Staes and Mitchell Evans. Also, how does this change, if at all, when Eli Raridon eventually gets cleared to play. We don't know those answers.

After the show I answered some questions during our mailbag session.

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Irish Breakdown Content

2023 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

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