Notre Dame football: The best schedule never played

Game 5: Kentucky:

Kentucky is coming off it’s best two-year stretch since 1976-77 when they also had 18-wins. The Wildcats have also had four consecutive winning seasons, something they’ve only done one other time since 1953-56. If you’re looking for a storyline, this could serve as somewhat of a revenge game after Kentucky’s basketball program defeated Notre Dame in the 2015 Elite 8.

Game 6: At Oregon State:

One of three teams Notre Dame has played, but this one is different: the Beavers are 2-0 against the Irish. Oregon State was victorious in both the 2001 Fiesta Bowl (41-9) as well as the 2004 Insight Bowl (38-21.) The Beavers have been better as of late, improving their win total each of the last two seasons. Their five wins in 2019 were the most since 2014. A little PAC-12 After Dark with Notre Dame would be highly entertaining.

Game 7: At TCU

The second opponent Notre Dame has a history with. Notre Dame has played only one game against TCU, a 21-0 Irish victory in 1972. TCU has been one of the most underrated programs in college football history, as the Horned Frogs have played in all six of the New Years Six Bowl games, winning all but two. TCU has won ten games in 12 of the last 20 seasons with a non-winning record in just four of those seasons. Another Power Five road game that would help Notre Dame’s schedule and would be a great physical matchup.

Game 8: Kansas State

This game would be much more interesting if it happened in 2012 when Bill Snyder was the head coach, but it’s still a solid Power Five opponent. The Wildcats don’t have a top tier football history but have been one of the better teams since the mid-90s. Since 1993, Kansas State has more 11 win seasons (7) than losing seasons (6) and 13 finishes in the AP Top 25.