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Notre Dame football vs. Oklahoma State Fiesta Bowl: 3 things we learned

By Daniel Morrison

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame’s Jack Coan (17) throws during the 2022 Playstation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame’s Jack Coan (17) throws during the 2022 Playstation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY Sports /
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PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting runs the ball behind a block from teammate Joe Alt #76 during an NCAA football game against the Stanford Cardinal on November 27, 2021, at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California; Stanford defenders include Ricky Miezan #45 and Jordan Fox #10. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting runs the ball behind a block from teammate Joe Alt #76 during an NCAA football game against the Stanford Cardinal on November 27, 2021, at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California; Stanford defenders include Ricky Miezan #45 and Jordan Fox #10. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football vs. Oklahoma State Fiesta Bowl: 3 things we learned

No. 2: The Irish Have their Tackles of the Future

Marcus Freeman made a bold decision to start two true freshmen tackles in the Fiesta Bowl. That’s almost completely unheard of, and through a difficult season for the offensive line it would seem like this would be a sign of trouble. However, this is something to be optimistic about. It means that Notre Dame has figured out its left and right tackle spots for years to come.

Joe Alt got the start at left tackle. He came to Notre Dame raw, but with tons of potential. His size is also ideal for a tackle, at 6ft 7in and 305lbs. With time in a college strength program and some time to get his technical skills down, he could easily become an elite player. At the right tackle spot, Blake Fisher was supposed to be the next great Notre Dame offensive lineman from the time he stepped onto campus. He had started this season at left tackle, but an injury cost him extensive time. Now, he’s in a position to roll across from Alt.

Neither Alt nor Fisher was perfect in the Fiesta Bowl. But, you have to remember the circumstances surrounding the game. Oklahoma State had an incredibly experienced, elite defense. In particular, their front seven had been dominant all season long. Jack Coan also struggled all season with his pocket awareness. Those things make it harder to thrive as a young offensive lineman.

Importantly, these two are in a position to dominate going forward with growth and development. This was a great experience for them. So, if you need a reason to be excited about the future, here it is for you.

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