Notre Dame Football: Irish Lower Bowl Expectations
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame’s outlook shifted immensely after another finale loss in California.
Following a 38-20 loss in Palo Alto, the Notre Dame football team must lower its bowl game expectations. Instead of playing in the College Football Playoff or the New Year’s Six Bowl, a lower-level contest awaits the Fighting Irish. Perhaps the good news, Notre Dame most likely will face a “lower-level” opponent. This gives the Irish a better chance at ending the season on a high note. Here are the bowl projections for Week 13.
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- Jerry Palm (CBS Sports): Camping World Bowl (Dec. 28) – Notre Dame vs. Iowa State
- Kyle Bonagura (ESPN): Camping World Bowl (Dec. 28) – Notre Dame vs. Iowa State
- Nate Hale (ESPN): Citrus Bowl (Jan. 1) – LSU vs. Notre Dame
- Sports Illustrated: Camping World Bowl (Dec. 28) – Notre Dame vs. Iowa State
According to many projections, the Fighting Irish appear destined to play in the Camping World Bowl. The Camping World Bowl was formerly known as the Russell Atheltic Bowl. In 2011, Notre Dame faced Florida State in the same bowl. The Irish fell to Florida State in a tightly contested football game, 18-14.
Iowa State, a likely Irish bowl opponent, finished the season with a 7-5 record. Despite a mediocre record, the Cyclones played well this year. They managed two upset victories over No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 4 TCU. All of their losses came by 10 points or less. Matt Campbell’s team would be a worthy opponent for the Irish.
Despite falling apart in November, the Irish still can still cap off a turn-around season with their 10th win. With Iowa State as a possible opponent, the game would be winnable but poses enough of a challenge. If Notre Dame played LSU, the game would be more challenging but possibly more satisfying.
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Regardless, these bowl practices will be invaluable for a team that is still young. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush needs to utilize this time to prove he deserves to be the starter.