Way Too Early Predictions: Notre Dame’s 2013 Season
By Andrew Hall
USC Trojans (2012 Record: 7-6) W
USC is currently a mess. Even worse, they are a mess with limited depth. It is unclear where USC goes from here. They definitely have talent but they do not seem to have enough to play against the tough physical teams. Notre Dame should win another against the Trojans.
Air Force Falcons (2012 Record: 6-7) W
Notre Dame pounded the Air Force Academy the last time they played. The Irish are done losing to the Academies because they can dominate up front against undersized Linemen. Notre Dame should smoke the Falcons in Colorado.
Navy Midshipmen (2012 Record: 8-5) W
One of the best things about scheduling these teams back to back is the team will be throughly prepared for the option. The only bad thing is that they could suffer injuries due to the cut blocking techniques of both teams. Notre Dame should win regardless.
Pittsburgh Panthers (2012 Record: 6-7) W
Pittsburgh has played Notre Dame tight the last two seasons but they lose their Starting Quarterback and Running Back. The Irish will not have trouble beating Mark May’s Alma Mater. Chalk another one up for Lou Holtz on College Football Final.
BYU Cougars (2012 Record: 8-5) W
BYU gave Notre Dame a great game in October 2012. They have been one of the most consistent teams in the country. Notre Dame still should be able beat them in Utah. But players like Kyle Van Noy could help the Cougars upset the Fighting Irish.
Stanford Cardinal (2012 Record: 12-2) L
The Cardinal played the Irish very tough last season. They won the Rose Bowl. They will lose a lot on Defense but David Shaw is one of the best coaches in the nation. The Irish will drop a game in Palo Alto. This may push them out of the National Title mix.
After a 10-2 season, Notre Dame should head to a BCS Bowl because they will be in the Top 14 of the BCS standings. Any bowl game with an at-large selection will choose the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame will get an opportunity to finally win a BCS Bowl Game. They have been dominated in their 4 appearances.