College football 2018: Biggest X-factor on every Top 25 team

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Miles Sanders (24) of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a gain in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6 of 25

SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons (76), Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg (74), Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Josh Lugg (75), Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Jimmy Byrne (67) and teammates listen in on a huddle during the college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Miami Redhawks on September 30, 2017, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

20. Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s first game of the season might be their most important when the Michigan Wolverines come to South Bend. It is a tough test against the best defense on their schedule. A win could set the tone for the strong season for the Fighting Irish. While a loss could turn the heat up on Brian Kelly once again. There are a few more speed bumps on the schedule with Stanford, Virginia Tech, Florida State and USC.

The Irish lost two offensive linemen in the first round of last year’s draft. Quenton Nelson went sixth overall to the Indianapolis Colts while guard Mike McGlinchey went ninth overall to the San Francisco 49ers. Facing a defense like Michigan with the weapons they have there will be no time for their x-factor Liam Eichenberg to easy into the left tackle position.

He saw limited action in 2017 just seeing the field in five games. Considering the talent, he was behind it is understandable. He is a highly touted prospect for the Irish and they are really hoping he can be a strength for them. He had a strong showing in the Notre Dame Spring game which cemented his status as starting tackle.

Run blocking will be the key to success for Notre Dame. They work with an up-tempo offense and try to wear teams down. If their blocking is not working they are not built to air it out. Their main wide receiver target is gone and quarterback Brandon Wimbush is much better running than throwing.

Eichenberg does not need to have an Outland trophy type season but he needs to be reliable. Any extra time the line can give Wimbush is a boost. It will give him time for his receivers to get open or for the line to break down and open a running lane.