[2024] Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stories

[LordLittlebutt]

Article originally published April 10, 2024 in The Observer, a student run publication serving the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Re-posted on delay with permission from co-editor P. White, reporter L. Lane and photographer J. Olsen.  

 

Rally Sons of Notre Dame

 

Since the 2023 narrow loss to Marshall in the Sun Bowl, Notre Dame football has been making some changes. A new head coach will be leading the Fighting Irish, Izaah Plawecki has been named starting quarterback, and a new scheme will be in place on the offensive side of the ball.

 

As preparations are under way for the 2024 Notre Dame football season, The Observer had a chance to catch up with new coach @LordLittlebutt (LLB).

 

TheO:    Coach, what drew you to the head coaching job here at Notre Dame?

LLB:       Almost too many things to mention: the tradition and history of course, not to mention how

attractive ND is to potential recruits. There aren’t many other schools that offer the academic value here, and the small school atmosphere with giant game day crowds is really attractive.  Add in the religious background that is becoming more appealing to some of the youth of today, and the fact that the Fighting Irish are consistently front runners, we’ve got a combination that’s hard to beat.  Plus, the existing starting talent in place on this roster is very strong, even breath-taking in some areas.

TheO:    What are the best examples of this?
LLB:       Well, the skill positions on offense jump right out at you. Izaah at QB is an undeniable talent,

there’s no way he isn’t going to be playing on Sundays. He is clearly a true student of the game, well versed in what it takes to command the field. Combined with pinpoint accuracy in his throws to all spots on the field, we really think the passing game will be very successful this year.

TheO:    Who else?

LLB:       It’s almost a new four horsemen, it’s been 100 years since that term was coined, and with

today’s game so pass focused, expanding it to pass catchers makes a lot of sense. But’s start with

our primary running back, Zhaire Philon. Just incredible, another really bright player, with tremendous vision, he’s got the agility and strength to bust through the smallest of holes on the line, good speed and the ability to break some ankles as he comes out of routes to catch the ball. With him and Izaah, let’s add that Josh Gaudin might be one of the best receivers playing college ball today. Great speed, slippery and super strong to bust tackles, he’ll be truly fun to watch, I saw him as one of two preseason All-Americans. And of course, there’s Torrey Barbato listed as a second team All-American. There isn’t much he can’t do, strong, fast, smart, great route running and hands, and a super blocker in the running game.

TheO:    That sounds fantastic! Any drawbacks or weaknesses?

LLB:       Depth. Like I said, our starters are solid to great, but looks like there may have been some misses

in recruiting over the past couple years, we’ll need to make up a bunch of ground there.

TheO:    We hear that you’re making some scheme changes? Why and what’s entailed with that?

LLB:       Yep, we’re putting in what you’d call the West Coast offense, replacing the Run and Shoot.

I really like the short passing game, but we need a bit more balance with the run to keep opponents on their toes. This scheme is also a slightly better fit for the roster as well.

TheO:    Any predictions for this season?
LLB:       There is a lot of talented teams out there, but I think we’ve got a decent schedule and we’re

certainly expecting to uphold the winning tradition that is Notre Dame football.

TheO:    Thanks so much for your time, Coach.

LLB:       Thank you, Lois, GO IRISH!!