Podcast: The Optimism (Or Lack Thereof) of Notre Dame Football Ahead of the Michigan Game

Notre Dame Football renews its rivalry with Michigan in what should be a fantastic matchup on Saturday night.

When the Notre Dame football team meets Michigan inside Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday night, plenty will be on the line for the Irish and the Wolverines. A year after their an uplifting season, the Irish look to take the next step and gain footing as a staple of the overall landscape of college football.

In the spring, confidence with the Irish was sky high. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush made improvements to his throwing motion designed to help his accuracy, while offensive coordinator Chip Long raved about Wimbush’s improvements physically and mentally as Wimbush gets a better grasp on the offense.

But as the season has drawn closer, the questions surrounding Wimbush and the Irish offense have loomed large. Will Wimbush be able to translate his improvements when the lights are brightest? What is there to make of Brian Kelly’s comments that both Wimbush and backup quarterback Ian Book could see time if the situation dictates a change be made?

Whatever the case and whatever the reason may be, it seems as if the optimism that was felt in the spring and in the early parts of the summer has dissipated as the game approaches.

One thing is for sure, though: Notre Dame and Michigan will be an entertaining game to watch if you’re interested in physical, hard-nosed football. Whether or not it has College Football Playoff implications won’t be evident until much later in the season.

For the Irish and Brian Kelly, finding a way to manage the game and play to Wimbush’s strengths will be key, as well as will Notre Dame’s ability to handle a talented Michigan pass rush.

For all these topics and a few more, have a listen to the latest episode of the Under the Dome Podcast: