Notre Dame Football Preview: Perhaps Most Improved Program in 2008

    The Irish are going to look for some core leadership from their defensive veterans next fall.  Seniors David Bruton and Terrail Lambert lead a secondary that may be the Irish's strongest area, a vast improvement from the porous pass defense of years past.  Maurice Crum Jr. anchors what looks to be a strong linebacker core.  The biggest area of concern for the Irish though may be up front where they lost their leader in tackles and sacks in Trevor Laws.      On the opposite side of the ball remains the biggest question mark-the line.  Notre Dame held arguably the worst offense in the country last year due in large part to a meager offensive line.  They finished dead last nationally in sacks allowed with 58 (averaging 4.8 a game), in tackles for loss with 113, and fifth to last in the country in rushing with only 75 yards per game.  The line has beefed up though with RT Sam Young adding 50 pounds in the off-season.  All of the line which is comprised of Young, Paul Duncan, Mike Turkovich, Dan Wenger, and Eric Olsen weighed in at over 300 pounds this spring, plus all saw playing time as starters for a time in 2007.  With the added size and experience head coach Charlie Weis hopes to protect sophomore QB Jimmy Clausen, who struggled in his freshman campaign but ended the season with his best play.  Clausen will not be struggling to find talent at the wide-out position as both starting receivers Duval Kamara and Senior captain David Grimes return, accompanied by one of the most hyped freshman in the country Michael Floyd.  Dual sport athlete Golden Tate looks to improve his playing time and is off to a convincing start with a 56 yard catch in the Irish's spring game.      Despite the struggles the Irish faced in 2007 there is much optimism that the Golden Dome will be one of the most improved programs next year which now boasts three former NFL coordinators with the addition of Defensive guru John Tenuta of Georgia Tech.  Notre Dame faces a easier schedule than past years in the upcoming season, but only time will tell if the Irish can bring back the storied success of years past.