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Notre Dame Football

ISD Staff Season Predictions

September 11, 2020
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It’s that time again!  That means it’s season prediction time for the ISD staff.  Will anyone pick a perfect regular season for the Irish?  

Mike Frank

The Irish are a bit sloppy to start the game, but then they just roll over the Duke defense with their ground game.  Ian Book throws three touchdowns as well as Notre Dame looks strong in the opener.

Notre Dame  37,  Duke  14

South Florida was added late to the schedule, and while it will be a good payday for their program, they’ll leave taking a solid beating by the Irish.  Notre Dame’s defense impresses in this game as well. 

Notre Dame  55,  South Florida  10

The Irish travel for the first time to play Wake Forest.  The Demon Deacons have played Notre Dame quite a bit already in recent years, and I expect much of the same in regards to outcome.  Notre Dame plays another solid game in their first game on the road.

Notre Dame  38,   Wake Forest  17

I’m think the Florida State game will be a bit closer than some think.  Florida State has some real talent on defense that will make it more difficult for the Irish offense.  This should be the first real test to see if Notre Dame’s running game is legit.  The Irish struggle a bit early, but lead throughout.  

Notre Dame  29,   Florida State  17

I think Scott Satterfield is a really good coach, and I expect the Cardinals offense to be explosive this season.  Their defense won’t be as good, however, and I expect to see a lot of points scored by both teams.  

Notre Dame  42,  Louisville  35

Pitt isn’t a very good football team, but they’re getting better, and they play the Irish tough almost every time these two teams play each other.  We know Pitt will have a good defense.  What about offense?  Not enough to beat the Irish.  

Notre Dame  27,  Pitt  14

Georgia Tech has quite a rebuild to do after playing option football on offense for many years.  It takes time for an offense to switch between two extremes, and I think Tech will find themselves struggling to score against a lot of team, especially Notre Dame.  The Irish will be coming off a physical game against Pitt, and I expect them to start a bit slow in this game.  

Notre Dame  35,  Georgia Tech  13

Everyone wants to pick Notre Dame over Clemson including me.  I want to, but I won’t.  Clemson’s offense might struggle a bit early as they have to replace a lot of talent on offense, but they’ve recruited well and it shouldn’t be a problem by the time they travel to South Bend.  Notre Dame keeps it respectable, but still can’t get over the big game hump.  

Clemson  33,  Notre Dame  24

You just know the Boston College game is going to be in miserable weather and a Noon kick right the weekend after a disappointing loss to Clemson.  Some might say the Irish will pound BC because they’re mad, but I wonder how much energy they’ll have after a difficult loss the week before.  Throw in the fact that former ND QBs always come back to bite ND in the butt and I think you have a recipe for an ugly game.  

Notre Dame  31,  Boston College  17

People keep praising North Carolina like they’re this amazing team.  They still lost 6 games last season, and the teams they beat were not very good.  There’s no doubt this is an improving team, and they have talent on offense and will score some points, but I think the Irish run all over the Tar Heels and keep the ball away from North Carolina’s offense.  

Notre Dame  38,   North Carolina  27

I can’t see any way Syracuse beats Notre Dame.  I think Notre Dame could start their second string and beat Syracuse pretty handily.  

Notre Dame  58,  Syracuse  10

Christian McCollum

The Irish get out of the gates fast and while new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees proves a commitment to the running game, it’s Ian Book who stars with his efficiency and four touchdown passes. Kyle Hamilton is re-introduces himself to the College Football world with a stellar performance that includes an interception.

Notre Dame 34, Duke 10

The Irish roll over an overmatched Bulls squad and the final score is even closer than the game itself as Notre Dame pulls its foot off the break after the third quarter. Book delivers another super-efficient game, but it’s the one-two punch of Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree that proves impossible for USF to stop. Clark Lea’s unit holds South Florida to seven points before the backups come into the game.

Notre Dame 44, South Florida 17

The Demon Deacons cause Book and the Irish offense some problems with a relentless pass rush, but Wake Forest doesn’t have the playmakers on offense to keep pace. Tyree and Williams help grind out the win for Notre Dame while graduate transfer receiver Ben Skrownek leads the passing attack. Ade Ogundeji, Daelin Hayes and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah register late sacks as the Demon Deacons become one dimensional.

Notre Dame 28, Wake Forest 17

The Seminoles have the talent to hang with the Irish, but in Year One of the Mike Norvell Era, things aren’t quite put together to truly allow them to compete. Book lights up the Seminoles secondary in the first half and welcomes back a weapon in Kevin Austin, who is eased in during his return, but tantalizes when he is on the field. The Irish defense delivers its most impressive performance of the season considering the caliber of the opponent.

Notre Dame 31, Florida State 14

In the first truly lackluster performance of the season, the Irish are fortunate to squeak this one out. Early penalties and two turnovers keep Notre Dame’s offense from getting on track, trailing 14-7 at the half. Louisville wide receiver Tutu Atwell shows why he’s a “keeper,” but the Irish defense keeps them in the game with a couple key sacks and second-half turnovers, but it’s not until a fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Book to Skrownek that the Irish take their first and final lead of the game.

Notre Dame 24, Louisville 21

The Panthers have a couple front-line players on their defense, including one-time Irish DB recruits Damar Hamlin and Paris Ford, but it isn’t enough to keep the Irish in check. Book has one of the finest games of his career at Notre Dame, throwing for over 300 yards, four passing touchdowns and running for another. One-time ISD staff favorite Kenny “Football” Pickett makes some plays, but not nearly enough.

Notre Dame 35, Pittsburgh 17

The most complete, dominating performance of the season to date for the Irish. Everything is clicking for Notre Dame’s offense and the Irish defense truly outclasses the Yellow Jacket attack. Georgia Tech running back Jordan Mason is the lone bright spot with a couple nice runs, but this game – and ultimately season – is another for the Yellow Jackets to forget about.

Notre Dame 42, Georgia Tech 7

One of the biggest games of the season in College Football lives up to the hype, but unfortunately, the Irish come up just short. Notre Dame goes blow for blow with Clemson, proving it definitely belongs in that upper echelon of college football, but in the end, Trevor Lawrence makes one more play on offense and a new cast of freak show defensive players introduce themselves to ND Nation. Book and Austin don’t look out of place and neither do freshmen Tyree or Michael Mayer against college football’s best, but somebody has to lose and this time, it’s Notre Dame.

Clemson 31, Notre Dame 28

The Irish shake off a sluggish start, which has some worrying about a hangover from Clemson, to run off 28 straight points. Clark Lea’s unit shuts down former Irish quarterback Phil Jurkovec, who finishes with less than 200 yards of total offense. Meanwhile, Book looks super sharp and the Irish rushing attack ices the game.

Notre Dame 34, Boston College 10

One of the sneakiest games on the Irish’s 2020 schedule almost sneaks up on them. Tar Heel quarterback Sam Howell shows why he’s one of the league’s most underrated passers with a pair of underrated weapons in Dazz Newsome and Dymani Brown. Two late touchdowns, including the game-winner from Book to Austin the fourth quarter provide the difference.

Notre Dame 24, North Carolina 21

The Irish put the final touches on an impressive regular season with an impressive win over the Orange. Notre Dame pretty much dominates every aspect of the game from start to finish even if the final score doesn’t show it. A thoroughly balanced performance secures the Irish a place in the ACC title game.

Notre Dame 31, Syracuse 14

John Brice

Duke is well-coached, typically does not beat itself and has perhaps the best secondary, aside from perhaps Clemson, that Notre Dame is scheduled to face this season. 

The Fighting Irish are, however, buoyed by a gifted and veteran offensive line and an exceptional quarterback in Ian Book. 

Plus, Notre Dame’s own defense is fast, fairly deep in key spots and led by one of the best defensive coordinators in the game. 

Notre Dame 34, Duke 14

The Fighting Irish simply are too good, too skilled and too powerful for this to be much of a contest for a Bulls program in full rebuild. 

Notre Dame 41, USF 10

The Demon Deacons lost their quarterback to Georgia, which in turn lost Jamie Newman to an opt-out season to prepare for the NFL. Then, Wake Forest lost its best wideout for the same reason: NFL Draft preparation. 

Wake won’t have enough offense to run with the Irish. 

Notre Dame 28, Wake Forest 10

How the mighty have fallen. The Seminoles have some overall roster talent, and Mike Norvell has proved a strong offensive mind. 

Still. It is Year 1 for Norvell in Tallahassee and there’s need for program improvements on and off the field. 

Notre Dame pulls away throughout. 

Notre Dame 34, Florida State 17

Louisville was a bit of a pleasant surprise last season in its first year under Scott Satterfield. 

But the Cardinals faded a bit late and, again, still have some gaping holes on their roster and a rebuilt offensive line. 

Notre Dame 37, Louisville 17

The Panthers consistently have tenacious defenses under Pat Narduzzi, and each year seem in position to pull off a signature upset. 

I don’t see it here, though I think this game is mostly close throughout until the Irish simply overpower and outrun the Panthers. 

Notre Dame 30, Pitt 13

Ian Book’s continued march through the Notre Dame record books continues in this game, as he lights up the Jackets and ND rolls. 

Notre Dame 37, GT 16

It won’t be a packed-out Notre Dame Stadium but it will be a homefield advantage with loud students and cold weather. 

The Irish win. Round 1. 

Notre Dame 20, Clemson 19

The Eagles are rebuilding under Jeff Hafley and they don’t have AJ Dillon. 

Notre Dame 29, BC 10

The Heels were a darling surprise for many a year ago, and the Mack Brown Renaissance is intriguing. 

But the Heels are not yet there to beat a veteran, complete Irish squad. 

Notre Dame 34, UNC 24

The Orange and Dino Babers suffered a huge drop a year ago, and I don’t see them returning quickly to their same upward trajectory of earlier in Babers’ tenure. 

Notre Dame 41, Syracuse 13

Jamie Uyeyama

Duke has some talent on defense that could play on almost any team in the ACC, especially at defensive end and defensive back. Chris Rumph II would be celebrated as an awards candidate if he played for Notre Dame. He's a dynamic pass rusher that gave the Irish a ton of problems last season.

Even with Rumph, Duke still got blown out by Notre Dame because they couldn't stop the run. I don't see them being much better at it this fall now that linebacker Koby Quansah and safety Dylan Singleton are gone. I think we'll see a big day on the ground for Notre Dame.

On the other side of the ball, Duke isn't good at the skill positions or up front to hang with Notre Dame's defense. They were one of the least explosive teams in the country on offense last season and the big play receiver they are counting on had two catches in 2019. 

The game might start sloppy and that could give Duke and their new quarterback Chase Brice a chance to make some noise early, but it won't last. Notre Dame will win big in the opener.

Notre Dame 38, Duke 10

Charlie Strong had South Florida going in the wrong direction so it wasn't surprising that he was replaced by former Clemson assistant Jeff Scott. A strong recruiter, Scott should help bring the talent level back up and get the Bulls back on track.

They aren't there yet, though. This is a bit of a rebuild and they are picked to finish near the bottom of the AAC. I expect to see a game where most of the roster ends up seeing the field against USF.

Notre Dame 56, South Florida 13

I would have viewed this game a lot differently if Sage Surratt didn't decide to opt out for Wake Forest. It would have been a good test for Nick McCloud and the Notre Dame corners against one of the top receivers in the country.

I don't think they have enough there on offense without him to hang with the Irish. Carlos Basham will be a problem for Notre Dame's tackles, but he can't do it all. 

Notre Dame 35, Wake Forest 17

Florida State has top-15 level talent on most of their roster and I think the defense will make a big leap under new coordinator Adam Fuller. He did a great job in his one year at Memphis and transformed an average group into a good one.

The defense might make this game close, but I won't believe in quarterback James Blackman until I see it and I'm not sure if they have an electric running back like the ones Memphis had over the last few years. I know they don't have a very good offensive line and I expect Mike Elston's group to have a day against them.

Notre Dame 28, Florida State 16

This Louisville team should have one of the best offenses Notre Dame will see this fall. They have playmakers everywhere and TuTu Atwell is a 80-yard touchdown waiting to happen.

The defense should be better, but not nearly enough for them to win a game like this in anything but a shootout. If you like offense, then you'll be in for a treat because I think this might be the most entertaining Notre Dame game of the season.

Notre Dame 42, Louisville 31

This game against Pitt might be the least entertaining game of the year for Notre Dame fans. Mostly because Pitt's defense is going to be really good. I can see the Irish struggling to put up points against them.

Pitt's offense is going to struggle even more, though. Freshman Jordan Addison has special potential, but I don't see quarterback Kenny Pickett being good enough to make things happen against Notre Dame's pass rush.

Notre Dame 23, Pitt 13

Georgia Tech is about a year away from being good. The transition from a triple option to a spread attack isn't an easy one and they suffered through that last year. I think they'll be better, but not close to where they will need to be to compete with the best in the ACC.

Geoff Collins is a great defensive coach. He'll get his guys going on that side of the ball with almost everyone coming back this season. They might make this game feistier than expected, but not for four quarters.

Notre Dame 33, Georgia Tech 10

Ah, the game everyone has been waiting for. Unfortunately I don't think it will be the result Notre Dame fans have been waiting for.

Clemson is too deep and too talented. They have a generational talent at quarterback. I can't pick Notre Dame to win this game and won't pick Notre Dame to win one of these games until I see them get it done in a big spot.

Clemson 33, Notre Dame 21

Notre Dame will take out their frustrations from the previous week by stomping Boston College. Phil Jurkovec is going to make some plays, but mostly have a long day picking himself off the ground with flashbacks of playing behind Notre Dame's second team O-line in camp last year.

Their defense doesn't have the studs up front to hang with the Irish. Set the over/under at 300 yards rushing for Notre Dame.

Notre Dame 49, Boston College 16

I really like North Carolina's team. They have some weapons on offense and a quarterback who can create something out of nothing. I think they can score on anybody this year and Notre Dame will not be an exception.

My guess is this is another shootout, but Notre Dame's pass rush will seal it for them in the end.

Notre Dame 40, North Carolina 30

Syracuse is bad. This is going to be a rough year for Dino Babers and company and by this point in the season I think it will be them playing out the string. 

Notre Dame BIG. If I could go bigger than all caps, I would. BIG.

Notre Dame 55, Syracuse 6

Matt Freeman

Notre Dame wins this one easily as they have the athletes and Duke doesn't. It's an excellent game for Notre Dame to open with as the Blue Devils are good enough to challenge in some aspects, but not enough for the game to be in doubt. Ian Book starts the 2020 season off in a significant fashion.

Notre Dame 41, Duke 20

Notre Dame will host one of the worst FBS teams in week two with a first-year head coach. The only thing stopping the Irish winning by 50 will be a lightning storm. 

Notre Dame 51, South Florida 10

Ian Book returns to where it essentially started for him and Wake Forest might be a worse team in 2020 than 2018. Notre Dame's offense and defense should dominate the trenches from start to finish. 

Notre Dame 44,  Wake Forest 13

This will be Notre Dame's first challenge of the year due to Florida State having talent and athletes. Notre Dame's veteran experience pays off over four quarters as they are able to take the will from Florida State with a steady run game.

Notre Dame 31, Florida State 17

Louisville will be ready to play and Notre Dame likely starts a little slow as it's that time of the year. The Cardinals have plenty of speed on offense to score with Notre Dame, but in the end, Louisville's lack of depth on defense is the difference. 

Notre Dame 38, Louisville 24

This will be an interesting game as Pitt seems to play Notre Dame tough. Pitt's defense will give Notre Dame's offense all they can handle, so be prepared to drink. The good news for Irish fans is Pitt's offense will struggle greatly to score points. 

Notre Dame 27, Pitt 10

I'm not sure what to expect from the Yellow Jackets. It's a good thing Notre Dame won't have to prepare for the triple-option and Georgia Tech is probably still two years away from being able to compete with a Notre Dame. 

Notre Dame 34, Georgia Tech 13

Notre Dame needs to win a big game, but this is not the night as the Tigers hold advantages where the Irish have weaknesses. Clark Lea will have to likely sell out to stop the run, which leaves Trevor Lawrence free to pass against a secondary that will be outmatched in this game. In these games, you need to outscore the opponent and  Notre Dame's offense hasn't shown they can do that in these games. Tommy Rees and Ian Book will have a chance to prove the narrative wrong, but it's a wait and see. 

Clemson 34, Notre Dame 13

The storylines won't lack in this game, but when the ball is kicked off, the talent gap is noticeable. Boston College has some nice skill players on offense, but this is another game where Notre Dame wins on depth and athletic ability.

Notre Dame 31, Boston College 14

Notre Dame returns to Chapel Hill and it will likely be a shootout. UNC's offense is a big play waiting to happen, but they also have weaknesses on defense. Sam Howell almost beat Clemson a year ago as a true freshman. Lea will have his hands full here, but Notre Dame's experience should pay off in the end. 

Notre Dame 41, North Carolina 34

Regardless of how the season goes and if Notre Dame gets to December 5th, the Irish will have a great senior night. Syracuse is bad. Notre Dame will be looking to advance to the ACC Title game and this one won't be close. 

Notre Dame 55, Syracuse 20

 
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