Before diving into McElroy’s evaluation, it’s helpful to understand why Notre Dame’s offensive line was under the microscope.
Key losses to the NFL Draft: Starting tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher declared for the NFL after the 2023 season.
Center instability: Zeke Correll, the previous starter at center, transferred to NC State.
Camp injuries: Charles Jagusah, a competitive guard, suffered a season‑ending injury during fall camp.
Rookie-filled front: By Week 1, with true freshmen and inexperienced linemen starting, Notre Dame’s front was considered a potential vulnerability.
McElroy acknowledged those concerns head‑on, saying on ESPN’s Always College Football:
This sets the bar: McElroy isn’t building folk hero mythology—he’s giving measured praise from a skeptical baseline.
One of McElroy’s main points is Notre Dame’s power football. He noted how this line imposed its will in the interior run game and protected its quarterback effectively.
A. Run Game Dominance
Against Texas A&M: The line enabled 198 rushing yards, with no sacks allowed. McElroy emphasized that Texas A&M has a formidable defensive front, yet Notre Dame “battled” equal to or better than expectations
Goal‑line efficiency: As reported by the Joe Moore Award committee, Notre Dame converted in all 15 goal‑line situations this season (nine rushing TDs, four passing TDs, two FGs
National rankings: The Irish were 14th nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.10/game), showing interior strength (They held five opponents to season‑low sack totals—including against high‑powered Ohio State and USC
B. Statistical Backing
Advanced analytics (albeit from 2015, but illustrative): Notre Dame ranked top‑tier in rushing S&P+, IsoPPP, adjusted line yards, and opportunity rate—metrics showing both power and consistencyLine reliability: Even amid youth and attrition, the unit’s performance measured well in mitigating tackles for loss and sustaining drives.
This combination of physical dominance at the point of attack and statistical validation makes McElroy’s praise grounded, not hyperbole.
Beyond raw power, McElroy highlighted technique, coordination, and refined skill among Notre Dame’s linemen.
A. Against Pressure
- Zero sacks vs. Texas A&M: McElroy was impressed that the line neutralized one of the nation’s best blitzing units), showing both technique and communication.
- Pocket behavior: In other games, Notre Dame’s QB Riley Leonard maneuvered effectively in the pocket—a reflection of solid protection
B. Technical Proficiency
- Coach recognition: According to ESPN’s spring evaluation, Notre Dame had possibly “the nation’s best tackles tandem” in Alt and Fisher, with experienced depth behind them. Despite a young guard group, ESPN analysts saw strong potential
- Consistency under pressure: They allowed few TFLs and sacks, even against top-tier defensive fronts .
C. Youth and Growth Trajectory
- Freshman contributions: Against A&M, freshman tackle and other inexperienced players stepped in and played capably .
- (si.com).
This framing highlights a line not merely surviving, but growing in skill week to week.
Efficiency is where technique meets strategy. McElroy shed light on how Notre Dame’s line has elevated the offense’s overall execution.
A. Methodical Ball Control
- Time of possession: Notre Dame averages nearly 34 minutes per game, seventh‐best nationally, thanks to long drives powered by their line
- Few three‑and‑outs: They ranked 13th in fewest three‑and‑outs (19.5%), again reflecting sustained possession
B. Balance and Predictability
- Week‑to‑week consistency: McElroy pointed out that even after a lopsided loss to Northern Illinois, the offense—bolstered by the O‑line—stayed on course
- Conversion threats at goal line: Perfect conversions in short‑yardage situations show both skill and scheme execution .
C. Early-Down Success & Playability
- Advanced metrics: Notre Dame’s running game excelled in adjusted line yards and rush success rate, showing strong foundational play
- Explosiveness: They ranked near the top in rushing explosiveness, indicating their ability to not just grind but break big gains
Altogether, this efficiency reveals an offense that’s not just strong—they’re steady, reliable, and unpredictable.
V. McElroy’s Broader Observations & Implications
McElroy didn’t just highlight the line in a vacuum—he connected it to the broader offensive identity and Notre Dame’s playoff hopes.
A. Quarterback Comfort & Play‐Calling
- Riley Leonard’s growth: Since a shaky start, Leonard has completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games—775 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT—and added 217 rushing yards and 5 scores
- Offensive coordinator praise: McElroy singled out Denbrock’s schematics as “rock solid,” showing how the line allows varied play-calling (si.com).
- Response to NIU upset: After their shocker loss to NIU, the Irish rebounded—and McElroy emphasized that progress since then is what matters
- Evidence of cohesiveness: Their fourth-quarter blitzing vs. A&M and other signs of composure show a maturing unit .
C. National Title Contender?
- Coach testimony: ACC coaches at midseason called Notre Dame’s offensive line “maybe the best in college football” .
- Championship credentials: McElroy noted they were “one of the most complete teams in college football” and a “real national championship contender” based on the offensive line and complementary offense (slapthesign.com).
No analysis is complete without acknowledging potential weaknesses or criticism.
- Early-game lapses: Against NIU, both lines got pushed around—suggesting that the O‑line can be vulnerable to elite front squads “15‑minute dominance”: McElroy remarked that Notre Dame has shown excellence in quarters or periods—but not 60 minutes consistently
B. Question Marks in Pass Protection
- Ohio State matchup: McElroy expressed skepticism about the Irish generating an edge rush and questioned if the line can consistently neutralize top-tier pass rushers
- Big-game testing: While A&M and Navy were strong performances, the line’s mettle against elite Power 5 fronts remains to be fully proven.
Including these caveats shows that McElroy’s praise comes from a place of honest evaluation, not hype.
McElroy’s perspective on the O‑line holds implications for the rest of the Irish season.
With power, skill, and efficiency, Notre Dame can grind out games, control time of possession, and limit opponents’ possessions—hallmarks of championship-caliber teams.
- Seeding advantage: Long drives and explosive run game can neutralize elite defenses. McElroy’s “machine” tag implies a team built to thrive in postseason play
- Player development: Youthful linemen gaining confidence at key moments (like fourth-quarter stands) bode well for late-season peaks.
The line isn’t flawless. Improving consistency across the full 60 minutes, refining technical pass protection in elite matchups, and more continuity in freshmen starts will be necessary as the stakes rise.
Power: The Irish O‑line physically dominates downhill plays and thwarts powerful fronts.
Skill: Even youthful spots showed polish—low sacks allowed, good pocket work, technique under pressure.
Efficiency: Time-of-possession, few three‑and‑outs, goal‑line success—these stats underpin why the unit matters.
Context: McElroy sees Notre Dame as a complete team, a real playoff contender, with a foundational O‑line supporting QB growth and run-heavy identity.
Challenge Ahead: Lines must prove consistency vs. elite pass rushers and avoid early-game lapses.
