Where It All Starts: Notre Dame's Offensive Line

Phil Steele predicts that Notre Dame will win a lot of games this season. In fact, he has them ranked No. 7 in his preseason poll.

Why shouldn't they be expected to do well? Look at what is returning on offense. Jimmy Clausen is going into his third year as the starting quarterback. He is loaded with weapons around him. Armando Allen, James Aldrige and Robert Hughes are all good out of the backfield.

Clausen will also have an awesome receiving corps with Golden Tate, Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph. Duval Kamara and Mike Ragone will also have key roles as backups.

All this offensive firepower has to be the reason Steele has the Irish doing so well this year, right? Wrong!

One of the key ingredients in Steele's formula is experience on the offensive line. In fact, he adds up the total number of starts by the whole offensive line heading into the season.

According to Steele, the most experienced offensive line in all of college football is Notre Dame. This unit that consists of LT Paul Duncan, LG Eric Olsen, C Dan Wenger, RG Trevor Robinson and RT Sam Young. This group has been together for a long time. Most have been starting since their sophomore season.

These guys definitely had their struggles. In 2007, the 3-9 record was the result of poor and inexperienced line play. In 2008, the 7-6 record was the result of inconsistent line play. Clausen was sacked much fewer times. That was a positive sign.

The unit really game together in Hawaii and they played great. The nation saw what the rest of the team can do when they are given the protection.

In 2009, Weis wants to establish more of a running game to go along with the passing game. If he is to be successful, the line is a huge part of that. I have always liked how Armando Allen hits the hole. If the holes are there, he can be a great runner.

The offensive line is definitely a huge key to the Irish's success. Without them, it will be tough. Can you imagine a super fast sports car without any gas? Then the car isn't quite so fast.

I am optimistic that the line will be solid with all their experience.

But as Clashmore Mike says, I won't give them credit until they deserve it.