Under Brian Kelly's watch, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have come close to winning a national championship and/or making the College Football Playoff. But they've come up just short each year, with injuries usually playing a big role in that. The defense lost some key pieces, but Notre Dame has two Heisman caliber QBs this year.
While there is still plenty of talent, the question remains if this is finally the year for Notre Dame to get back on top. They'll be a 10-win team, but can they make it to the College Football Playoff? Find out what we think with our game-by-game prediction of Notre Dame Football's record in 2016.
Week 1 - at Texas Longhorns
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
I don't think it will be quite as easy a win as it was last year, but even on the road, Notre Dame should win this one. Texas would kill to have any of the QBs on Notre Dame's roster as the Longhorn's starter.
Week 2 - vs. Nevada Wolfpack
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
Unless Notre Dame gets caught looking ahead to next week, this should be an easy win.
Week 3 - vs. Michigan State Spartans
Prediction: WIN (3-0)
Even without Connor Cook, MSU represents one of the tougher games on the Irish's schedule this year. Playing at home and better QB play gives the Irish the advantage in this one.
Week 4 - vs. Duke Blue Devils
Prediction: WIN (4-0)
Duke has been a lot better under David Cutcliffe. And even those Duke could put a scare into Notre Dame, I don't see them upsetting the Irish.
Week 5 - at Syracuse Orange
Prediction: WIN (5-0)
I think Dino Babers has what it takes to turn the Orange around, assuming he doesn't leave for a better job again. But, Syracuse won't be beating ND this year.
Week 6 - at N.C. State Wolfpack
Prediction: WIN (6-0)
Back-to-back road games is never easy, but N.C. State shouldn't pose a major threat to the Irish.
Week 7 - vs. Stanford Cardinal
Prediction: LOSS (6-1)
I'll be honest, I'm looking for a loss to give Notre Dame with this one. This is one of the few games that should be a major challenge to Notre Dame, although I think Stanford will take a big drop-off from last year. This one will be close, but I'm just not convinced the Fighting Irish will go undefeated this year. This game could end up being a College Football Playoff preview or elimination game.
Week 8 - BYE
Week 9 - vs. Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Prediction: WIN (7-1)
Had this game not been coming off the bye, I might have picked this as the Notre Dame loss for the season. It's a Catholics vs. Convicts matchup, and I think Miami could be a dangerous team this year. It should be a fun game to watch.
Week 10 - vs. Navy Midshipmen
Prediction: WIN (8-1)
This one is being played in Jacksonville. Navy went 11-2 last and this will be a test. However, the Irish will still come out on top.
Week 11 - vs. Army Black Knights
Prediction: WIN (9-1)
Unlike the Navy game, this shouldn't be a challenge. Army was just 2-11 last year, so Notre Dame should cruise to a win. This game is being played in the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Week 12 - vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Prediction: WIN (10-1)
Long-term, I like the Hokies' prospects under Justin Fuente. But this year, I'd be very surprised if they upset ND.
Week 13 - vs. USC Trojans
Prediction: WIN (11-1)
This is one of the hardest games on Notre Dame's schedule and one of the few challenging road games. This could have serious College Football Playoff implications as well. But with USC's QB questions, I like Notre Dame in this one. By the way, I think a one-loss Notre Dame team gets into the College Football Playoff.
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