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10 Things that will define the 2021 Notre Dame football season

By Daniel Morrison

Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; A Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet sits behind the bench during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; A Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet sits behind the bench during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2021; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) runs the ball during the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2021; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) runs the ball during the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /

10 Things that will define the 2021 Notre Dame football season

5. The Week 1 Tone

We have a guess what Notre Dame football is going to be this season. We think they’re gonna be a tough running game that is going to dominate teams defensively. We think Jack Coan is going to be a solid quarterback and leader.

None of this is anything that we know for a fact though. We also have a list of things we expect out of Florida State, but again, and especially if McKenzie Milton is anything like his former self, then the Seminoles could be a tough Week 1 game.

As is always the case, the first game of the season is going to set the tone for the entire year. Win convincingly and you’re making a statement about who you can be and grab momentum. Barely win, and you can find things to work on. If things go worse, then your whole season can lose momentum, or you could lose confidence in your transfer quarterback.

In 2016, Notre Dame lost to Texas early in the year and that was a sign the season was going off the rails. The same happened against USF in 2011. 2018, however, saw Notre Dame propel forward after a great win over Michigan.

So, you need to find a good win here and set the season down the right path.

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