seems like there are an awful lot of tackles for loss or minimal gains. I can't really recall when ND has ever been able to get a 4th and short in the last couple decades. Even in 15 and 17, it seemed like many stats were skewed by one long run per game. I rarely feel like ND owns the LOS with a visible push like I sometime see with other teams.
After spending more time than I care to admit contemplating this while on a treadmill or bike, a couple challenges come to mind:
1) RB's rarely have that running start like they do when a QB is under center (I do like that Long has started putting Book under center)
2) the RPO game limits how aggressively an OL can fire out
3) DL nowadays are more about getting up field than stringing out plays, and penetration kills a running game
4) I don't see many inside traps, which I've always felt are key to a strong running game
5) DL are just bigger and stronger than they've been in the past
It would be an interesting conversation to have with someone who played OL during the time of Joe Moore.