Even before feeble offensive line play last weekend left Notre Dame’s season totals at 15 sacks allowed and minus-8 yards rushing, the coaching staff hung a “Help Wanted” sign.
Irish coach Charlie Weis had made it clear: If the reserves played better than the starters, changes would be made.
Though no changes are in the offing, Weis says the offer still stands.
“I’ve always believed in going by what I see in practice,” Weis said Tuesday. Those clamoring for dramatic recasting may be in store for a wait. Offensive line coach John Latina said the second-stringers were not necessarily on the verge of seizing a spot.
Regardless, the starters appear to recognize that accountability — and any hope for improvement — begins with each of them.
“I’m not worried about the people behind me,” guard Mike Turkovich said. “I’m worried about myself. If I do what I need to do, I won’t have to worry about anything.”
Open … and shut
The offensive repertoire with which quarterback Jimmy Clausen worked in his first start was “minimal,” according to Weis.
But ranking dead last nationally in yards per game (133.0) and lacking an offensive touchdown through two weeks trumps protecting an inexperienced freshman from making mistakes. So the Irish apparently will expand the playbook Saturday at Michigan.
“I’d rather not open it up, but you have to open it up just to give yourself the opportunity to score some points,” Weis said.
What’s not expanding is Clausen’s public-speaking experience. The freshman is again unavailable to the media this week. Weis said he still is formulating a plan for access to his first-year starter.
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bchamilton@tribune.com
