Notre Dame Football: Three Bold Predictions for the Irish against Louisville
By Chase Eyrich
Louisville keeps it close early
Notre Dame enters the season opener as 19.5-point favorites on the road against Louisville. But, anyone who has watched the Irish religiously knows the likelihood of this game being closer than most are comfortable for a while.
For anyone, a win over Notre Dame is something to hang their hat on no matter what else happens throughout the season. For Louisville, a win in week one would be the ultimate kick start for a program trying to turn things around.
The Cardinals have absolutely nothing to lose in this game. Like most of Notre Dame’s opponents, expect them to throw everything and the kitchen sink at the Irish.
The atmosphere will be a heavy influence in giving Louisville a chance as well. Opening up the season in prime time under the lights on a Monday night with a planned blackout theme is enough to keep dreams alive in hopes of the upset.
On the other hand of things, curating a game plan for the first game of the season is challenging enough. This time it will be even more challenging for Brian Kelly.
Louisville comes in with a new coaching staff leaving the Irish even more in the dark.
The reality is, however, that Notre Dame is vastly more talented.
Louisville struggles with depth, which won’t leave much room for anyone to deal with an injury or struggling with in-game conditioning.
Even as the Irish deal with the unknown that Louisville brings, Notre Dame will be able to let the Cardinals burn through their playbook.
There may be enough momentum to keep things interesting for a while, but the Irish will eventually be able to run away with this one.