COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Out of bowl contention, Irish's focus turns to future
SOUTH BEND -- It's exam time for Notre Dame over the next four weeks.
Instead of worrying about trying to get in shape for a bowl game, the team collectively and individually is on notice for next year.
What does this mean? Well that the season has officially become what Charlie Weis said it wasn't going to become when he addressed the media on Aug. 6.
A rebuilding year.
Most observers were aware of this fact several weeks into the season. It became evident, though, when Notre Dame lost its seventh game of the season, wiping out any chance of the Irish playing in a bowl game.
Weis admitted after the loss to Southern Cal that it was time to start playing some guys who haven't played to see where they're at in their development.
"This is kind of a make-or-break time (for them). If you're going to play them, you might as well play them now," he said.
With that in mind, here is a look at some key positions and what needs to happen as the season closes out.
Quarterback
The Irish need a resolution here. Navy figures to be a key game for Evan Sharpley, whom Weis said will start. He has to play well. Given USC's stingy defense, it was difficult to make a judgement on his performance against the Trojans. However, he did miss a few receivers that were open when he had opportunities. A great performance by Sharpley against the Midshipmen gives him a chance to put distance between himself and Jimmy Clausen. Anything less than that and the quarterback situation is even more muddled going into 2008. Don't be surprised, though, if Weis decides to use both guys liberally over the final month of the season.
Running back
Armando Allen seemed to help himself immensely against USC when he rushed for 60 yards, even though it came against the Trojans' second team.
Again, this is a position where Notre Dame is looking for a clear-cut No. 1 guy for next year. An ankle injury against Boston College has slowed down James Aldridge, though he will return for Navy. Robert Hughes has looked good at times, though he hasn't received the number of repetitions that either Armando Allen or Aldridge has received, perhaps because he needs to learn how to pass block better. (Hughes is out indefinitely while he attends to the needs of his family after his brother was killed this week). All three players, depending on their health, should get ample opportunity to show what they can do.
Offensive Line
Notre Dame has tried various combinations of players on the line all year. The only guy that has a "lock" on his job for 2008 is left tackle Sam Young. John Sullivan, a fifth-year senior, won't move at center. It's hard to get a long-term view of individual positions on the line, given Notre Dame's relative inexperience here. However, the Irish should have a chance at success in both run blocking and pass blocking over the rest of the season. If their progress isn't sufficient, it's time to seriously question how well they're being coached.
Wide receiver
The most interesting plot here is what happens with Golden Tate. Tate is listed as the third wide receiver behind Robby Paris and David Grimes. After catching three passes for 104 yards against Purdue, including one spectacular diving touchdown reception, Tate has hardly been a factor. He has only caught two balls since then. Weis is hesitant to use him perhaps because he isn't as schooled on the offense yet as he needs to be. Tate, however, is the one game breaker Notre Dame has among the receivers.
Defense
The Irish figure to get hit hardest here by graduation. Trevor Laws, a fifth-year, senior, departs at defensive end as does Tom Zbikowski at safety (though Zbikowski hasn't played great). Maurice Crum, Dwight Stephenson, Joe Brockington and Terrail Lambert are all seniors as well. Kerry Neal is starting at linebacker and Brian Smith is listed as a back-up behind John Ryan at outside linebacker. Smith, another freshman, plays like a starter and no doubt he'll be in the lineup somewhere next year. Depth in the secondary is solid for the Irish.
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