Notre Dame football: Three ways to fix the running game
The biggest glaring weakness in Notre Dame football’s 2026 offense, is the rushing attack, and while there was a 100-yard performance against Michigan State, it has still left plenty to be desired.
Collectively as a team, taking out quarterback CJ Carr’s five rushes, the backs have gained 387 yards on 102 carries for a 3.79 average rush. That’s not great, as Nolan James leads the team with 169 yards, most of them coming this past weekend.
While it seemed like head coach Marcus Freeman was fairly happy with the backs performance against the Spartans, they certainly left meat on the bone. After have some time to think about how to fix this issue for the Irish, here are three ways Notre Dame
can get the run game clicking.
Notre Dame elevates Nolan James Jr. to RB1
There's plenty of reasons to go with Nolan James Jr. as RB 1. This is one of them. Not sure Aneyas Williams gets beyond the LOS after the missed James Flanigan block. James somehow gets five yards. pic.twitter.com/CJ6BUzljuW
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) September 20, 2026
As noted earlier, he’s had the best season so far, and been the most effective. The explosive plays just aren’t there like we’ve seen in years past, with his long being just 17 yards. James and Aneyas Williams both have virtually the same amount of touches, and he’s been better than the first three games starter. It’s time to move Williams to the backup role, although he should still get plenty of action. James has earned the starting job with his play, and it makes sense to ride the hot hand.
Notre Dame’s offense plays in reverse, pass to set up the run
FULL STEAM AHEAD! An amazing catch by Micah Gilbert! 🤩
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 19, 2026
📺: Notre Dame Football: Michigan State @ Notre Dame on NBC + Peacock pic.twitter.com/QjodGYh7vN
You have to play to your strengths, and Carr is that for the Irish. With the struggles the backs have had so far this year, it makes sense to unleash the star quarterback. Carr didn’t really push the envelope against Michigan State, but when he did he was finding Micah Gilbert. It’s no coincidence that the run game started working once a few big pass plays were made. Keeping the safeties back to play the pass opens up running lanes, and at this point, playing backwards makes perfect sense.
Notre Dame’s offensive line has more cohesion
Offensive snap counts for #NotreDame vs. Michigan State, per @PFF_College (68 max):
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) September 20, 2026
QB/
Carr 68
OL/
68-Black, Knapp, Craig, Absher, Lambert
The first two games it was trial by fire for the Irish offensive line, but against MSU, it was Will Black, Anthonie Knapp, Ashton Craig, Sullivan Absher and Guerby Lambert. The five took all 68 snaps, and by the end of the game started to find a groove. They surely wore down the Spartans defensive line, but that’s part of game plan. It’s hard to mix-and-match lineman during a game, as it’s hard to find a semblance of cohesion with a group. It looks like Notre Dame now has that, and with more time, this unit will be much better.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame football: Three ways to fix the running game
