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Notre Dame Football: 8 Myths of Spring Practice

By Pat Sullivan

Apr 18, 2015; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Montgomery VanGorder (4) throws in the fourth quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at the LaBar Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Montgomery VanGorder (4) throws in the fourth quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at the LaBar Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) rushes the ball against Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) during the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals defeat Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) rushes the ball against Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) during the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals defeat Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. This is the year that Brian Kelly runs a smash-mouth offense

I’m not sure anyone actually would believe this myth, but it still always seems to come up.

The Notre Dame offense is absolutely loaded along the offensive line, as Harry Heistand has put together a formidable group of absolute monsters who are ready to demolish the defense and plow huge holes for a stable of fantastic running backs. So, naturally, someone sees that, along with a group of incredibly mobile and athletic QBs, and asks, “Are we finally going to pound it?”

Spare me, you guys.

Never mind that Brian Kelly’s offense has actually run the ball very well of late, including an excellent year on the ground in 2012 and again last season. Never mind Brian Kelly’s penchant for throwing the ball and the exceptional passing talent of the Irish quarterbacks. Never mind the cupboard stocked with good-to-great wide receivers and tight ends. This offense is set in its ways, and anyone pining for the days of the fullback need to get with the times. College football has simply evolved.

Now, don’t get me wrong. That talented offensive line struggled mightily last season in short yardage and goal line situations. That’s something Kelly and Heistand have to fix. However, at this point, if anyone really feels the need to ask if ND is going to “pound it” and transform back into some sort of Holtzian, power-running offense, then those people are living in a fantasy world. It’s not going to happen, plain and simple. Enjoy the exciting and mostly effective offense we have, and accept that fact.

Next: We have a quarterback or two

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