From what pictures I've seen from the spring game, and snip-its of news I've heard, it looks and sounds like (for the moment) they've settled on Duncan, Turkovich, Sullivan, Carufel, and Young as the starting five, listed from left to right.

 

Considering a) the inexperience at QB, and b) the new emphasis being placed on the ground game, the way this unit gels is crucial. Our starter may not be able to shrug off sacks or hits like #10 did, and our RB's play more of a "get it and hit it" style than Walker, who danced until holes were open, and lived on more of a cutback style.

 

Anywho, does anyone have insights and/or opinions about this group?

 

http://old.irishsports.com/stories/subscription/2004/10/10/Sullivan-1-MSU-91804.jpeg

John Sullivan, the senior most member

of Notre Dame's 2007-2008 offensive line.

 

Would you rather see Wenger or Olsen in at guard?

 

Do you think we've got enough #'s to survive injuries?

 

Does it seem feasible to you that a guy like Matt Romine could earn playing time from day one?

 

Just trying to get a pulse on opinions for this group, and in general the position, heading into summer.

I believe that will be the starting five as of right now Calves. The only thing that concerns me is Sam Young. He is suppose to be this huge stud and yet they are going to keep him at right tackle instead of shifting him to left in order to protect the QB's blind side. That tells me that Charlie and the staff are way more confortable with Duncan at left tackle but I would have liked to see Young become dominant but he hasn't proven it yet.

 

The O-line should be fine in my opinion. It is a group that gets along great and has a ton of talent and potential to be one of the best in ND history. Charlie isn't an idiot and he knows this line is going to win a lot of games for them this year.

 

Now the defensive line, that is something to worry about.

I agree with what you are saying, but I could see Wenger starting at guard by the time the season starts. Also Olsen is close to being in the mix as well and he is a big guy as well. The battle for right tackle last year was Duncan and Young and Duncan did get some playing time last year. I would not take anything away from Young, but maybe give Duncan some more credit. Give Young another year to learn more about the tackle position in college before moving him over to left.

To be honest I can't say who I'd prefer to start, I haven't seen any of them play enough. But going on what I read I would like to see Olsen and Wenger play. They are supposedly fierce and have the size to get in done in the trenchs.

left tackle is a major concern............

From what I have read the reason for keeping Sam Young on the right side is to make the right side a better option for the power running game. I have read nothing concerning his inability to become dominant.

 

Regarding Carufel as part of the starting 5, I thought more positives were being said about Wenger during practices and I felt he had a better chance at cracking the starting lineup this fall.

 

Regarding Romine, since the coaches wish to keep Young at right tackle I doubt they will place a true freshman (especially one that hasn't enrolled early to gain more strength and a feel for the speed of the game let alone the playbook) in the left tackle position. I do feel however that he will be part of the two-deep come the start of the season probably backing Young. Then one of them will switch to the left side come 2008. This is just what I gathered from my reading, any thoughts?

i've been trying like hell to get information on wenger and his progression from his 1st cousin with whom i work. unfortunately, she wouldn't know the difference between a football and a communion wafer. its a little frustrating, but i will be persistent..............

i've been trying like hell to get information on wenger and his progression from his 1st cousin with whom i work. unfortunately, she wouldn't know the difference between a football and a communion wafer. its a little frustrating, but i will be persistent..............

 

That's a riot "There are 2 outs in the 3rd Quarter and ND is up 4 - Love."

Shell - tell her the football is the one that has the most flavor!

- Regarding Young staying on the right side: I'm all for it. Both Duncan and Young came out of HS with the LT pedigree, and I've seen Duncan there as a frosh in mop up duty, so he isn't unfamiliar with the position. Plus, with a line going through as much turnover as this one, keeping two starters where they were last year, rather than one, gives stability, which I like.

 

- Dude, you were right, but I think Wenger got dinged up in one of the practices, giving Carufel an opportunity to step in and solidify his mark.

 

- I get a little nervous throwing Wenger into the starting mix at guard. If Sullivan were to've been hurt in the regular season, his backup would have been the walk on Bemenderfer, who's experience at Northwestern was at tackle. And if they had Wenger starting too, his odds of injury would increase as well. Now if Wenger is so good he can't be stopped, then you have to play him, but I'd like to have a little more insurance at center. And its not like Carufel or Olsen aren't up to snuff to play guard either; both earned playing time as freshman.

 

- Does anyone agree with me that Bartley Webb is starting to sound like the forgotten man?

i've been trying like hell to get information on wenger and his progression from his 1st cousin with whom i work. unfortunately, she wouldn't know the difference between a football and a communion wafer. its a little frustrating, but i will be persistent..............

 

That's a riot "There are 2 outs in the 3rd Quarter and ND is up 4 - Love."

lmao, oh you guys have no idea.....................

Next year Wenger will most likely move to Center. But, I could see him playing Guard this season.

Calves, I did not hear that Wenger got banged up but now that makes more sense based on your saying Carufel would be in the starting five.

 

And yes, I rarely hear anything regarding Bartley Webb

 

The puck is on the 40 yard line, but the forward just got his 5th foul when the safety stole 2nd base prompting the coach to put the 3rd line in against the Designated Hitter who just recorded his first cap (soccer reference) on the same day as his first INT.

 

Sorry if that was overboard... domeanddomer inspired me

Sorry if that was overboard... domeanddomer inspired me

 

Nevertheless Dude, very appreciated.

We only have 2 real centers that could start currently on the team. The reason Wegner was playing on the other team for the B/G is they needed a center. There is a good chance that he will start at guard and if something would happen Sullivan, then he would be moved to center.

We only have 2 real centers that could start currently on the team. The reason Wegner was playing on the other team for the B/G is they needed a center. There is a good chance that he will start at guard and if something would happen Sullivan, then he would be moved to center.

 

The OL at the blue and gold game was in green and played with both teams. Sullivan, Bemenderfer and Wegner all saw time at OC. I think Bemenderfer will be a second stringer at center while Wegner shares time at OG. I think we have pretty good depth at guard and center. Tackle is the bigger concern.