Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons the Irish will beat Toledo in Week 2
By Andrew Hall
![SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 07: Fireworks explode over Notre Dame Stadium before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images) SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 07: Fireworks explode over Notre Dame Stadium before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0d70b5dff080e1a3fb8c4d462c4fa60b11357d0c60420f3c079040573dac2f32.jpg)
Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons the Irish will beat Toledo in Week 2
The return of fans in Notre Dame Stadium
Although the contest might appear boring on the outside, the coaches and players are excited about playing inside Notre Dame Stadium in front of 80,795 adoring fans. Last year, due to COVID-19, only students, faculty, and family were allowed in the stadium.
For many Notre Dame players, including all freshman and sophomores, this will be their first taste of the college football cathedral that is Notre Dame Stadium. This added juice might provide the energy that usually lacks in a contest of this nature.
Typically, the team sleepwalks through a few possessions before their ability and depth wear on their opponent. For example, in 2019, Notre Dame only led 7-0 against New Mexico after the first quarter. Further, the touchdown occurred on an interception return by then-freshman Kyle Hamilton.
The Irish offense was stagnant. With 6:35 remaining the half, Notre Dame still only mustered 14 points. However, the Irish offense woke up and exploded for 24 more points before halftime.
With the excitement and energy in the stadium, the Notre Dame football team should start fast. A quick start destroys any confidence that the Rockets have. An opponent, such as Toledo, looking to upset a ranked team on the road needs things to go well early and often.