Alabama scored 48.5 points a game last year. ND scored 33.4 a 2 touchdown and 1 2 pointer gap per game.

 

Scoring average wise we were even on defense. both just under 20 points.

Players? Plays? Coaches?

Do new rules like image and likeness help.

This is a big picture question with no wrong answers

 

Theoretically, ND currently has and has had the players to do better on offense. 

That said, there has been a lack at putting QBs, RBs, and even WRs into the NFL. 

So I say that we need better recruiting and development of QBs, WRs, and RBs. (I consider both OL and TE to be at least Top 5)

Also, I do not believe that ND's offensive scheme is considered "best-in-class" by anyone outside of South Bend so I think that plays (i.e. scheme) can be improved.

Finally, if both players need to be better recruited/developed and the scheme needs to be improved, then that falls on the coaches.

 

In the early Saban years I would have sworn the gap was on defense. Then Saban's like I'm tired of beating teams like LSU 9-6, I'll hire kiffin and sarkisian to make my recruiting and offense unstoppable.

I know there's a gap in coaching but I don't think Nick's changing jobs again. I commend Kelly for fixing the defense, am frustrated, that he allowed to be broken(BVG), am thankful that its fixed again(Elko, Lea) and hope it stays fixed(Freeman)

I just feel offense has been much more mediocre regardless of who Kelly's hired, its been the Kelly offense with a brief chip long appearance.

 

The plays work much better with good players.  The coaches recruit the players......

players.  at the college level, athleticism is all it takes to dominate.

Here's my personal opinion : Way back in the early days Kelly made this comment that said you can get by on offense because of plays and coaching but on defense you get exposed.

I could see his point up till you get to the top 5 games. We weren't clearly winning many individual match-ups on offense anymore. I know people say there were a few stalemates vs Bama where we were equal, so on that rep IF the QB WAS PERFECT there are completions, but BAMA had an option on almost every play. 

So I'd need to challenge now and Say Coach, ND can't just scrape by on offense anymore. ND might beat USC year after year after year post Caroll but the prize you are seeking is in Alabama so you gotta get players that will win matchups vs Alabama and thats a high bar.

I was at the Bama game in Arlington and there's no magic to throwing crossing routes, swing passes and watching the boys outrun/hurdle the defense. 

They just have dudes. UND doesn't have as many skill players. 

They didn't get pushed around on the D Line like they have in the past, so that was promising.