Notre Dame’s toughest opponents should roll this weekend, but two trendy Irish upset picks will get unique tests this week, with North Carolina State at UConn on Thursday and Louisville at Georgia Tech on Friday.
Notre Dame sidelined its star running back for more than a quarter against Navy after Audric Estimé fumbled, a chance to show the entire Irish roster that no player is above facing consequence.
The Irish knew they would have a travel hangover coming back from Ireland. After topping Navy 42-3 on Saturday, No. 13 Notre Dame earned taking off Sunday and making Monday an easy practice.
Sam Hartman may be physically incapable of panic, and that is a luxury Notre Dame may not have properly appreciated this preseason. It took the pressure off the Irish defense, not that Jack Kiser left there much reason to worry against Navy.
Notre Dame kicks off the 2023 season this weekend against Navy. But beyond the evening in Ireland, what should be expected from the Irish this season? Is a Playoff appearance in the offing?
The Irish offense needed a better quarterback in 2022. Now that Notre Dame has Sam Hartman, will the Irish passing game be dangerous enough to raise the program’s ceiling?
A new head coach, possibly a new quarterback and an offense that may have some new wrinkles. This is not the same ol’ Navy, though at the core, expect the Midshipmen to still rely on the triple-option attack.
If things can always get worse, Stanford in 2023 may be proof. After a 3-8 season led to David Shaw’s departure, the Cardinal could be lucky to reach three wins this year.
With quarterback Sam Hartman now at Notre Dame, Wake Forest and Dave Clawson turn to first-year starter Mitch Griffis to lead the unique Deacons’ offense. As that offense goes, so goes Clawson’s program.
In the last decade-plus, only 15 coaches have been in Marcus Freeman’s shoes. Almost universally, they found notably greater success in their second seasons, including four Playoff appearances.
Notre Dame will have an out-of-order practice schedule this week, understandably so as the Irish fly to Ireland on Wednesday for the very first game of the entire college football season.
The Tigers hardly struggled last season, but by their standards, it was a lost year. With offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney hopes to have restored proper balance.
USC’s offense is a known commodity, perhaps the best in the country. A Heisman-winning quarterback assures that. But is it good enough to cover up a questionable defense for another year?
Jeff Brohm has brought his pass-happy offense to Louisville, relying on an influx of transfers to spark it. Will QB Jack Plummer fit better than he did at Purdue?
Only one or two teams in college football can match No. 3 Ohio State for talent. Can the Buckeyes find a quarterback up to the task of showcasing that roster?
Central Michigan needs to revamp its entire offense. That reason alone should lessen any Notre Dame worries about another shocking upset under Marcus Freeman.
The Irish may be fortunate to visit North Carolina State so early in the season. By the end of the year, Brennan Armstrong could look like his prolific 2021 self.
