2009 Previews: Notre Dame

By Tim Cottrell
Sports Writer/Designer
Published: July 4, 2009

In honor of the day we celebrate America, we preview America’s team, Notre Dame, with Preview No. 18. Previews of all 65 BCS conference schools, plus Notre Dame and state schools, in no particular order, will run daily through Aug. 22.

Notre Dame fans should thank heavens NBC agreed to let the Irish ease their schedule down just a little bit.

That’s not to say Notre Dame is terrible again, because they aren’t, but this team has a much better shot at a big season than it would against a schedule like, say, this one.

But this ND squad is without question the best since Brady Quinn left town three years ago, and they had better get results if Charlie Weis wants to keep his job. If he doesn’t win eight games, he absolutely should be fired.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen is back, and assuming the residual effects of the beating he’s taken his first two years on the job isn’t too bad, he should have a big year. He has all his main targets in wide receivers Michael Floyd and Golden Tate and tight end Kyle Rudolph. He also has lots of running backs, though none of them have been particularly strong.

That might speak more to the offensive line, which has been horrendous the last two seasons. After finishing dead last in rushing in 2007, they were only 100th last season. Four of five starters are back, so assuming a lot of guys realize their potential and start playing well the offense might actually be explosive this season.

Defensively, there are some problems. The defensive line lacks playmakers and toughness. Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta is apparently working hard on that unit.

The secondary will mostly be new as well.

The linebackers, however, despite not returning a lot of starters are loaded with talent. Brian Smith leads the group from the outside, and guys like Manti Te’o, Toryan Smith and Darius Fleming will find their way to the ball.

It’s unclear if Notre Dame will ever find its way back to being the premier program in the country, or even one of them. But they’re definitely back to being a competitive program, and their new, lighter schedule will allow them to get themselves in the title picture from time to time.

Here’s the schedule:

Sept. 5: Nevada
I really can’t believe NBC agreed to broadcast this.

Sept. 12: at Michigan
This game is dangerous, but the Irish should be experienced and battle-tested enough to win over this green group, even on the road. That’s really the only variable here.

Sept. 19: Michigan State
While MSU is rebuilding just a tinge, they haven’t lost in South Bend since 1995 and I kind of have a feeling they’ll extend it.

Sept. 26: at Purdue
The Boilermakers are just not very good right now.

Oct. 3: Washington
Well, at least Weis won’t have to deal with Willingham comparisons this time around.

Oct. 17: USC
There’s a decent chance ND will come into this game undefeated. At worst they should have one loss. Having USC at home gives them a chance, but the Trojans are just too tough. Look for this game to be hyped well out of proportion to its actual significance, though.

Oct. 24: Boston College
Look for the Irish to snap their six-game losing streak to Boston College (WHAT? It’s true. Look it up. I’m not lying).

Oct. 31: vs. Washington State (at San Antonio)
I really can’t quite figure out why this game is being played in Texas. I kinda can, but this whole thing just makes my head spin.

Nov. 7: Navy
The Irish make it 45-for-46 in the series.

Nov. 14: at Pittsburgh
This game might be the difference between a BCS bowl and the Gator Bowl (Here’s a hint: The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce will be rooting for Wannstache).

Nov. 21: Connecticut
ND signed some sort of nine-for-one deal with UConn a year or two ago. Luckily for them, the first game of it comes with the Huskies down just a bit.

Nov. 28: at Stanford
This game could be a disaster in the waiting. But ND has more talent.

Well there you have it. The possibility is there for an 11-1 season with this schedule, maybe even undefeated if they can somehow beat USC (don’t hold your breath). But this team is just too shaky. I’m calling for 9-3.