Notre Dame Football: Commentary – A Magical Season Still Possible
By Andrew Hall
Despite Saturday night’s loss, this season produced magic and more magic could come.
On Nov. 13, 2016, the Irish sat with a 4-6 record. Notre Dame was desperately trying to make a bowl game. The program was in flux.
A year later, the Irish sit was an 8-2 record. Their record includes blowout victories against three Top 25 teams including rival USC. Clearly, Brian Kelly completely turned the program around, almost over night.
Notre Dame fans were spoiled with a possible College Football Playoff run. Before Saturday night, the Irish basically need to win out to make the final four. The loss to Miami (FL) made the Irish fans quickly forget about the about-face Notre Dame made in the 2017 season.
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The hires of Defensive Coordinator Mike Elko, Offensive Coordinator Chip Long and Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Balis were exactly what the Irish needed. The program is in the right direction.
Despite a loss to Miami (FL) on Saturday night, the Notre Dame football team still has a lot to play for. According to several bowl projections, the Fighting Irish appear primed to land a New Year’s Six Bowl game.
Following Notre Dame’s victory against Temple, ESPN projected that the Irish would land in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl or Camping World Bowl. Clearly, the Fighting Irish should be proud that they have outplayed everyone’s expectations including Slap the Sign’s.
An 11-2 season would outpace almost all of the expectations for this year’s team. It would also be the second best final record for a Brian Kelly coached team. Further, an 11-win season would finish as the second best season. The Irish have only finished with 11 or more wins twice since 1993.
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This group could return 9 starters on offense and 10 starters on defense. The best is ahead of this group. Yes, A blowout loss to Miami is tough but this will not define the 2017 team.