For the Notre Dame offensive line, the only way to go is up

by Greg Carroll (carroll@wsbt.com)

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Navy cornerback Ram Vela, top, sacks Notre Dame quarterback Evan Sharpley in the fourth quarter of college football action in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007. Navy defeated Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 18, 2008 at 4:52 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2008 at 5:01 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — With the Blue-Gold game set for Saturday, the Notre Dame offensive line is well into its mission to improve.

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After last year, it's a must. To say the ‘07 Irish offensive line struggled would be an understatement: 58 sacks — an NCAA record; no consistent running or passing game; an embarrassing 3 wins.

It's spring, but all signs point to improvement.

"Tough, nasty, mean offensive line that we’ve always been,” suggested Eric Olsen.

“[Like] animals!” laughed Mike Turkovich.

This bunch knows that they might be good offensive linemen, but that doesn't make them a good offensive line.

"The fact that we’re all gelling together and getting this continuity is going to make us into a pretty good offensive line,” said Dan Wenger.

Coach Charlie Weis credits the group becoming more cohesive and mindful of the past.

"If you're not embarrassed, then you're not going to get any better,” he said. “How many times can everyone tell you, ‘it’s the offensive line, offensive line, offensive line,’ it’s a very prideful group.”

And a creative, fun-loving one, too.

“Notre Dame’s offensive line is going to block like Chris Stewart protecting his food from anyone that gets near it,” Wenger joked.

"We're going to block like Eric Olsen's arteries," added Paul Duncan.

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