Tosh Baker
FILE - Then-Ohio State's linebackers coach Al Washington celebrates a win against Michigan after an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. First-year Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman knows success in the 2022 season will depend on how strong the Fighting Irish will be on the offensive and defensive lines. Al Washington is in charge of the defensive line. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, FIle)
For new coach Freeman, Notre Dame success starts in trenches

By John Fineran Apr. 11, 2022 02:26 PM EDT

Notre Dame wide receiver Avery Davis (3) celebrates his four-yard touchdown reception with quarterback Jack Coan (17) against Southern California in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Notre Dame's o-line goes from question mark to strong spot

By Caroline Pineda Nov. 10, 2021 05:23 PM EST

Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan, right, scrambles away from pressure by Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
With QB Coan out, No. 12 Irish beat No. 18 Badgers 41-13

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 25, 2021 04:12 PM EDT

Wisconsin's Chez Mellusi celebrates his touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Penn State won 16-10. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
No. 12 Irish face No. 18 Wisconsin with OL work in progress

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 23, 2021 01:30 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2021, file photo, Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer (87) gains yardage after a catch as Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) moves in to make the stop in the second half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has seen the offense come together behind quarterback Jack Coan, a grad transfer from Wisconsin, and preseason All-American candidates in running back Kyren Williams, tight end Michael Mayer, center Jarrett Patterson and guard Cain Madden, another grad transfer. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
No. 9 Notre Dame out to score more points with new QB, line

By John Fineran Aug. 25, 2021 03:52 PM EDT

Irish hoping offensive flexibility will produce more points

By John Fineran Apr. 07, 2021 01:13 PM EDT
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Getting to the College Football Playoff hasn’t been a problem for Notre Dame. Staying in it has for Brian Kelly’s Fighting Irish, who...