Thanks for the information guys, I'm really excited for this game and want to see how things look on both teams (both from a talent/experience standpoint and a matchups standpoint)
The more information you guys are willing to share about the general strengths/weaknesses of the team and each unit, the depth chart, and even individual players...the better!!
As for ND...
I wrote up a summary of ND coming out of spring ball for another forum. I'll post it here, but fair warning, it's for ND fans and it's VERY LONG (though not too homer-ish imo, I tried to stay as objective as I'm able)
But for the short version:
Notre Dame Returns (from 2014)
3,700 passing yards (100% of 2014 production)
30 Passing TDs (100% of 2014 production)
1,800 rushing yards (80% of 2014 production)
20 Rushing TDs (85% of 2014 production)
3,300 receiving yards (90% of 2014 production)
28 Receiving TDs (95% of 2014 production)
So Notre Dame returns basically every offensive-playmaker of any real significance from 2014 (plus adding quite a few more from younger classes)...and that's off an offense that was fairly production in 2014 (Top30 in CFB)
Not noted there is what will likely be the actual strength of ND's offense...the OL
This OL is going to be huge, very athletic, extremely talented, and quite experienced. It's likely to be the best OL at ND since Holtz, as long as the play calling allows them to play to their strengths and be physical
The OL will likely be:
LT -- Stanley (6'6", 325lbs) -- 3rd year starter, returned for senior season after being projected as a 1st round pick
LG -- Nelson (6'5", 330lbs) -- 1st year starter, the only "frosh" on the OL (RS Frosh) . He was a 5* recruit and is an absolute monster in the run game
C -- Martin (6'4", 315lbs) -- 3rd year starter, 5th year senior, brother of Zach Martin (1st Round pick to Cowboys), likely one of the top C's in CFB
RG -- Elmer (6'6" 330lbs) -- 2nd year starter, extremely physically talented player, improved a ton during 2014, was the most improved OL this spring
RT -- McGlinchey (6'8" 325lbs) -- 1st year starter, started the game against LSU (dominated), may have the most physical talent of any ND OL
So the offense is looking LOADED...more on the defense in a bit