Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons the Irish will beat Toledo in Week 2

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) looks to pass. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lead the Florida State Seminoles 17-14 at the half Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Fsu V Notre Dame835 /

Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons the Irish will beat Toledo in Week 2

The offensive line cohesion

Despite scoring 41 points in the season opener, the offensive line struggled against a solid Seminole front. The Irish offense only generated 65 yards on the ground. Kyren Williams, perhaps Notre Dame’s best offensive player, rushed for 42 yards on 18 attempts, an average of 2.3 yards. Sophomore running back Chris Tyree faired only slightly better, recording 31 yards on seven carries.

For Notre Dame to make a run trip to the College Football Playoff, the offensive line must find better cohesion. The injury to freshman left tackle Blake Fisher complicates the situation. According to multiple reports, Fisher will miss eight weeks with a meniscus injury.

Sophomore left tackle Michael Carmody steps into the starting lineup. Fellow sophomore Tosh Baker could also see time at tackle.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

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The unit of Carmody, Correll, Patterson, Madden, and Lugg needs to find its groove on Saturday before facing tougher opponents like Wisconsin and Cincinnati. Ultimately, a new line needs time to gel. Last year’s experienced group was ready on opening day. This will take some time.

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