Notre Dame Football: Reviewing Statistical Predictions

Two weeks before the start of fall camp, Slap the Sign published these five statistical predictions. Now, three weeks into the season, Notre Dame has given fans and writers a solid picture of how they will play in the 2014 season. Here is a look at where Notre Dame stands in relation to those predictions:

Nov 30, 2013; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (10) catches the ball for a touchdown against Stanford Cardinal cornerback Wayne Lyons (2) during the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

DaVaris Daniels Will Have a 1000-Yard Season

A Notre Dame receiver has surpassed the 1000-yard mark five of the last six seasons. Last year, TJ Jones caught 70 balls for 1108 yards and 9 touchdowns. The only year in the past six that an Irish receiver did not surpass the 1000-yard mark was in 2012. That year, Tyler Eifert and TJ Jones both caught 50 passes. Eifert racked up 685 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jones collected 649 yards and 4 touchdowns.

In the 2013 season, DaVaris Daniels caught 49 passes for 745 yards and 7 touchdowns. He finished second to TJ Jones. These totals were with Tommy Rees who was limited throwing the football. However, last year’s passing totals were the highest under Brian Kelly.

A seasoned Everett Golson should help Daniels excel. But, with Kelly taking over the play calling, it is likely that the Irish will call more passing plays than ever before. This should help Daniels have a fantastic season. Daniels Season Projections: 70 receptions for 1064 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Update: The biggest surprise during fall camp was the suspension of five Notre Dame Football players. Notre Dame Senior Wide Receiver DaVaris Daniels was one of the players suspended by the University. While Daniels and his fellow suspended players, collectively “The Frozen Five”, await their fate, the Notre Dame Football team moves on without them. If the Daniels returned against Syracuse, including a bowl game, he would have to snare 7 passes for a 107 yards and 1 touchdown in each game to equal these predictions. Daniels definitely has the talent to produce those numbers. However, he has not shown the consistency necessary to produce those types of numbers. Result: Wrong