Freeman shows how moving Aneyas Williams changed Notre Dame’s blocking angles

Notre Dame ran toward the same side on two touchdowns against Wisconsin. Moving Aneyas Williams before the snap helped make the second one easier. Marcus Freeman walks through the difference in this edition of Wake Up the Echoes.

On the first play, Williams lines up behind the quarterback in the pistol. Freeman explains that Wisconsin’s linebacker flows quickly toward the run, leaving the Irish with individual blocks. Williams has to cut back, and sustained blocks by Will Black and the tight ends help him reach the end zone.

For the next example, Notre Dame offsets Williams alongside the quarterback. That changes the linebacker’s alignment and gives the offensive line better angles. The blockers can work together on the defensive tackle before climbing to the linebacker; Williams can stay on his original path. Freeman also credits the backs with slowing down enough to let their blocks develop.

The final clip is a kickoff late in the 41–13 win. Freeman highlights young players using their hands to get off blocks, including Jacoby Clapper on the tackle. It is an unusually useful coach interview: the film is on screen, and Freeman explains what changed between the plays. Watch the full breakdown below.