Notre Dame embarks on a new era with Marcus Freeman as the head coach and on 2022 season as it should be a fun one. While a lot of questions need to be answered, expectations are always the same in South Bend. This preview will take a look at some of the storylines that will take place in the 2022 campaign.
Quarterback Play
Right off the bat there is a massive question that is going to be answered. While there was a battle for the starting position, it was clear the more talented player, Tyler Buchner, was going to be the guy. Buchner has a big arm and uses his legs well, so he’s a dynamic talent. There’s a bit of an Ian Book comparison, but he certainly can run the ball better than Book. While he did get some playing time last season, this will be his first season as the starter. It will be interesting to see if Buchner is up for the challenge and help lead Notre Dame to the playoffs. If Buchner can use his skillset to compliment the Irish’s offense, it should be a very potent offense and score a good amount of points. If he struggles, then so will the offense. Plain and simple. While there is a lot of optimism, experience is something Buchner lacks and that might hurt him. If Drew Pyne replaces Buchner as the full time starter then something went seriously wrong, though Pyne should get some reps on occasion considering he’s more experienced and his accuracy.
Replacing Kyren Williams
With Williams departing for the NFL, Notre Dame will have to find ways to replace his type of production. Fear not, the Irish have three running backs who can make up for that and possibly open up the offense even more. Chris Tyree is likely to be the starting running back, but that doesn’t mean the other two will be fighting to get reps, they should be expected to share them. Tyree is speedy, but Diggs can use both his speed and hands, while Audric Estime is a bruiser. These three are very talented and it will be interesting how they’ll be used, but expect them to replace Williams with no problem.
The Offensive Line
This has always been a strength for the Irish and expect nothing less as this group is very deep. With Jarret Patterson (depending if he is healthy enough to go in week one), Joe Alt, Blake Fisher, Josh Lugg, and Zeke Correll, that’s a stacked offensive line, plus they have the depth in players such as Michael Carmody, Rocco Spindler, and Andrew Kristofic. If the offensive line can do what they usually do and protect Buchner at all costs then this will be a very successful season for the Irish.
The Defense
The defense lost a lot of talent, but that’s the name of the game when players enter the draft or graduate. That being said, there is a lot to like here. While replacing safety Kyle Hamilton is pretty much impossible, the transfer from Northwestern Brandon Joseph will be as close as possible to what Hamilton was as he is an excellent talent. Isaiah Foskey is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line, but he will certainly need help from Rylie Mills and Jayson Ademilola. The linebacker corps is going to be the strongest part of their defense as players such as Bo Bauer, JD Bertrand, Marist Liufau, Jack Kiser, Jaylen Sneed, and Prince Kollie feature and makes them deep. The cornerbacks have good players in Cam Hart and Clarence Lewis as well as TaRiq Bracy.
Depth At Wide Receiver
While the tight end spot with Michael Mayer, one of the best if not the best at his position in the country, is solidified, there’s questions about the wide receivers. While talented, the depth got thinner when Avery Davis was lost to injury for the season. Yes, Braden Lenzy, Deion Colzie, and Lorenzo Styles are all talented, plus a player like Tobias Merriweather should give Buchner another option, but there’s a lack of a proven wideout in this group. This will be a huge question mark. Maybe a player like Matt Salerno can help calm any nerves for Irish fans.
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