Way Too Early Predictions: Notre Dame’s 2013 Season
By Andrew Hall
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; (From left to right) Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly, linebacker Manti Te’o
11 of Notre Dame’s 12 2013 opponents played in a post season game. The schedule next season does not relax but there are significant losses to some of the major teams that the Irish will face. With Notre Dame returning much of its 2012 team including 6 starters on Offense and 8 starters on Defense. Furthermore, Notre Dame could improve from talented players seeing the field such as Greg Bryant, Max Redfield and Jaylon Smith.
Temple Owls (2012 Record: 4-7) W
The Owls will be out matched by the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame should cruise to an early season win against Temple. Golson will display that he is a tremendous player and that the Defense is stil stout.
Michigan Wolverines (2012 Record: 8-5) W
In a game that will likely be a night, the Irish will play a Wolverines team that is rebuilding. Will Michigan be better with Devin Gardner at Quarterback? Do the Wolverines have enough talent on both sides of the ball to be success next season? A lot of young talent will see the field for Michigan.
Purdue Boilermakers (2012 Record: 6-7) W
The Boilermakers are an improving football team. They will be breaking in a new Head Coach. This should make a difference for the Boilermakers. This will be their first big game of the season. It has upset written all over it. But Notre Dame has dominated this series recently.
Michigan State Spartans (2012 Record: 7-6) W
Michigan State is another team that will lose a lot on both sides of the football. The Spartans have been consistent in the past few years. Notre Dame still should have the advantage at home against Michigan State. A three game winning streak in this series is a little strange though.
Oklahoma Sooners (2012 Record: 10-3) L
Notre Dame crushed Oklahoma in Norman in 2012. Oklahoma is always a talented team. They lose Landry Jones but Blake Bell will be ready to take over for the Sooners. Notre Dame got a lot of breaks last season. These things usually even out. This is where Notre Dame’s regular season winning streak comes to an end.
Arizona State Sun Devlis (2012 Record: 8-5) W
Arizona State is a solid program. After torching the Midshipmen in a bowl game, expectations should be high for the Sun Devils. They may have the Offensive firepower to outscore the Fighting Irish. But Notre Dame has more talent than Arizona State. Notre Dame has not lost in the Shamrock Series. This will not change.