Success for Notre Dame in 2008 Starts Up Front

By Nick Shepkowski It seems idiotic to even imply that Notre Dame could be the biggest surprise team in 2008, but the statement alone makes everyone realize how far the Irish have fallen. One year ago they were coming off back-to-back BCS appearances and seemed primed for the spotlight for years to come once again.  However, three wins and nine losses later, they enter 2008 looking to gain back some of the respect that was lost on the national level a year ago. So what does Notre Dame have to do to at least get back to a bowl game?  How can they make sure a repeat of 2007 does not occur? It's pretty simple with Notre Dame in '08: The Irish need to get back to the basics, and that starts up front. Jimmy Clausen will never come within shouting distance of All-American status, and Robert Hughes and the rest of the Irish stable of running backs won't reach their full potential if the offensive line does not improve. If we learned one thing towards the end of last year, it was ... (link)