360 Sports continues it's countdown of the top 10 teams in the nation today with No. 8 Notre Dame. Who will be #7 tomorrow? Here's a hint: When their stadium was built in 1905 it had a seating capacity of 500. 114 years later, the stadium has grown to hold 102, 733 fans on Saturdays.
#8 Notre Dame
Coach: Brian Kelly, 81-35 (10th season)
2018: Had a memorable season with big wins over Michigan and USC but lost in the College Football Playoff Semifinal to eventual National Champ, Clemson.
Key Losses: CB Julian Love (Broke single season record for passes defended in 2018), DT Jerry Tillery (8 sacks in 2018), LB Drue Tranquill (86 Total Tackles, 9 for loss in 2018)
The good news: The Irish return many of the important pieces from last season like QB Ian Book, who took over the starting job in Week 4, WRs Josh Finke and Chase Claypool, and S Alohi Gilman.
3 Ws
Who will be their key leaders on offense and defense?
Wide Receiver Chase Claypool- Heading into his season year, Claypool is primed for a big season as Book’s “go-to” receiver. Last season, he pulled in 50 receptions for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns. Head Coach Brian Kelly is expecting big things out of Claypool this season especially with leading receiver Miles Boykin. Fun fact: Claypool is the first Canadian born player to play at Notre Dame since 1994.
Defensive End Julian Okwara- A danger for opposing offensive lines, Okwara led the team in sacks with 8 and had 21 QB hurries in 2018.
What is their projected overall record?
10-2 overall (no conference)
What will be their toughest opponent?
September 21st against Georgia will probably be their most challenging game. Not only do they have to travel 736 miles to Athens, GA to face the Bulldogs. It’s also the third game of the season, a time when teams are still trying to get the kinks out. To add to the challenge, Georgia has Quarterback Jake Fromm, who is dangerous in the passing game along with junior Running Back D’Andre Swift, who led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns last season. The Bulldogs have a strong offense that the Irish Defense will need to handle quickly in order to earn an important victory in Athens.
My take:
Notre Dame retains a level of experience that many other top tier programs don’t have. They are balanced on both offense and defense and because they don’t play a conference schedule like the other teams on this list, they get the opportunity to face top teams like Michigan and Stanford late in the season and when they have begun to gain momentum. Returning their starting quarterback is also a positive. Ultimately, their season will hinge upon three key games, Georgia, Michigan, and Stanford, and how they can contend, especially since all three will be on the road. If they succeed, a New Year’s Six Bowl is likely waiting for them at the end of the season.
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