Notre Dame Football News: 1st Round quarterbacks, Lance Taylor, freshmen, and the Empire

We still have a few weeks before spring practice starts for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, so we might as well settle into the routine of scouring of interesting news to share with our loyal OFD readers.

LANCE TAYLOR IS OFFICIALLY A NOTRE DAME COACH

Despite having known about the hire for quite some time now, Notre Dame did what Notre Dame does — which is an extended investigative period for coaching hires. That time is over, and they officially announced the hiring of Lance Taylor as the new running backs coach for the Irish.

GET A DEEP DIVE PREVIEW OF THE FIGHTING VANGORDERS

Bill Connelly gets his 130 team preview train rolling down the track with an extensive look at the Bowling Green Falcons. I’m still underwhelmed with Notre Dame’s home slate this season, and this game really helps justify my low opinion.

NOTRE DAME IS STILL BETTER THAN OHIO STATE HERE

For all the back and forth of one things here and one thing there between fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes and fans of Notre Dame... quarterbacks picked in the first round over the past 35 years is firmly in the corner of the Irish. Ohio State hasn’t had a first round pick at quarterback in the NFL Draft since Art Schlichter in 1982. Notre Dame has two in that time with Rick Mirer, and Brady Quinn. Even if Dwayne Haskins is picked in the first round, the Irish still hold the lead.

FIESTA BOWLS BE DAMNED!

FRESHMEN FRENZY

Every year, one of the bigger questions leading up to the season is always about which freshmen will play. Tim Prister wrote an interesting piece about the Brian Kelly era and takes it a little bit further; which freshmen played every game that first year? Last year, it was only Bo Bauer that saw action in all 13 games. I’m not sure if anyone would have guessed that would be the case.

What about in 2019? Outside of Jay Bramblett, who is most likely taking over Tyler Newsome’s job at punter, which freshman will play in all of Notre Dame’s games? Just choose one, and see how prophetic you really are.

I’ll take Jacob Lacey.

CHAMPIONSHIP EMPIRES

Have fun with this one if you love a good map.