SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 15: Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball after a reception as Joey Alfieri #32 of the Stanford Cardinal moves in for the tackle at Notre Dame Stadium on October 15, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 17-10. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Between the experience, talent and size returning on offense, it might be tough to keep the Notre Dame football team out of the end zone in 2018.

The identity of the Notre Dame football team in 2017 was very much tied to the team’s elite rushing attack. It was simple, really. When all else failed, the run game worked. When the run game didn’t work, the Irish lost.

Heading into 2018 and according to what we’ve seen and heard in the Spring, it looks like Notre Dame’s offense might be slightly more balanced that what we’ve seen recently.

The offensive line seems to be making strides as they work to find a solid five-man unit in the wake of losing Quenton Nelson and McGlinchey.

Brandon Wimbush is making progress on his footwork and can only get better as a passer.

The running back spot looks like it will be occupied by a more dynamic group of players who can all run, catch and block well.

Then then there’s that giant receiving corps.

It looks like Miles Boykins and Chase Claypool are going to be the No. 1 and No. 2 options at receiver respectively. Both stand 6-foot-4. Both weight over 225 pounds. Both will be matchup problems in the red zone for averaged-sized college football cornerbacks. And don’t forget about tight end Alize Mack.

What does this all mean?

Not only will the Irish have more options in terms of plays and playmakers when it comes to moving the ball up and down the field between the 20s, they’ll have the personnel to keep opposing defenses endlessly guessing in the red zone.

Both aformentioned receivers have the speed to beat their man on slants over the middle as well as be physically dominant going after jump balls. The running backs will be motioning all over the field, trying to draw matchup advantages and preventing defenses from stacking the box like they routinely did a season ago.

Brandon Wimbush is always a threat with the ball in his hands, and having these dangerous weapons for defenses to account for may give him more room to operate on designed quarterback runs.

And let’s not forget that offensive line.

Even with the loss of a couple of first-round NFL Draft picks, this unit is experienced and has the look of a group that could once again shape up to be one of the best in the country.

Like everything else at this time of the year, all of this is based on hopes, woulds, coulds, mays, mights and potential. Be that as it may, if you’re a Notre Dame fan, you still probably like what you see on offense from a personnel standpoint.

We won’t really begin to know what we have until we see these guys working together in pads. Next weekend’s Spring game can’t get here soon enough.