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Notre Dame Football: Irish should capitalize against top rivals

By Walt Kosin

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O /
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Breaking down Notre Dame football’s chances against its three toughest opponents of 2016.

In a short time, Notre Dame football will begin its summer camp, and we will move closer to the start of the regular season. Let’s take a look at three of the Irish’s toughest games: Michigan State, Stanford and USC. In addition to being the most difficult teams on the schedule, all three teams are also traditional rivals of the Fighting Irish, adding extra significance to these matchups.

Michigan State

Looking back, Michigan State has had perhaps the best three-year period in its history as of late. Yet the Spartans lose six starters on offense from last season, including three offensive linemen and two wide receivers (including Aaron Burleridge). Still, their heaviest loss is quarterback Connor Cook, a three-year starter and the winningest quarterback in Spartan history.

Conversely, the Spartans return five starters on offense, including several skill positions in running back, tight end and wide receiver. Those coming back will have to help out Cook’s replacement at quarterback: senior Tyler O’Connor. Last year, with Cook injured, O’Connor lead Michigan State to its epic upset of Ohio State last November in Columbus.

Defensively, Michigan State loses six starters, including defensive end and NFL draft pick Shilique Calhorn. The Spartans will have Malik McDowell at nose tackle and starters at two linebacker positions, as well as three members of their secondary.

So all told, Michigan State is losing 12 starters who formed the foundation for a great three-year run, with most being multi-year starters. With the Spartans losing so many great players and with the game being played in South Bend, I think the Fighting Irish will defeat Michigan State and march to an undefeated September.

Stanford

Stanford enters this season with plenty of momentum. The Cardinal finished last season with a 12-2 record, including a 45-16 romp over Iowa in the Rose Bowl. However, the Cardinal return just five starters from last year’s offense. Among those not returning are quarterback Kevin Hogan, a three-year starter, and four of their five offensive linemen. Keller Chryst, a highly touted sophomore, will guide the inexperienced offense this year.

Nov 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal kicker Conrad Ukropina (34) kicks the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal kicker Conrad Ukropina (34) kicks the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

On defense, Stanford has six returning starters. Unfortunately for them, they lose two of their three defensive linemen and two of their four linebackers. Still, they should be strong in the secondary with three returning starters.

Like Michigan State, Stanford loses a lot of quality starters, including a long-time starting quarterback. Notre Dame plays Stanford at home this season and appears to have a stronger team, and if that’s not enough, the Irish will also have revenge to play for, as the memory of last year’s loss on a game-ending field goal probably still stings.

USC

USC, Notre Dame’s most hated rival, will be loaded on offense, as the Trojans return nine starters. All they lose is a tight end and quarterback Cody Kessler, but the return the likes of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and All-American tackle Zack Banner. The Trojans will start junior quarterback Max Browne and should have a highly potent offense.

Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; USC Trojans running back Tre Madden (23) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (45) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; USC Trojans running back Tre Madden (23) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (45) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

On defense, the Trojans are weaker, returning only four starters, almost all of which are in the secondary. They’ll compensate with a boatload of four- and five-star recruits competing for playing time.

Southern Cal, with a loaded offense, should face some growing pains with Browne at quarterback, but he will be more experienced by the time he faces Notre Dame in the last game of the season in Los Angeles. But USC could be exhausted by one of the most difficult schedules in the country. The Trojans begin their season against Alabama in Arlington, Texas, and also go on the road to play Stanford, Washington, Utah and UCLA. Look for the Irish to win a close game.

The Fighting Irish have another difficult schedule this season. Against the three schools mentioned, they play Michigan State and Stanford at home. The last game of the season with Southern Cal should have playoff implications. The great news for Fighting Irish fans is that all three schools have first-year, inexperienced quarterbacks. This situation is great for Notre Dame as it will give the Irish defense a better opportunity to shut down these teams.

Going 3-0 against these rivals should put the Fighting Irish in a great position to be in the four-team playoff.

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