Notre Dame Football: Five must-see Fighting Irish games in 2015

Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong reacts against the Baylor Bears during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Baylor beat Texas 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

5. Texas – Sept. 5

Not many people are expecting the Longhorns to win this game, but if Texas is stronger than assumed, and if Notre Dame somehow overlooks this game, it could be a shocker. In Charlie Strong’s second year, Texas is anticipated to take steps forward, but will it be soon enough to pull off an upset in week one?

It’s pretty doubtful that Texas is going to have a solid quarterback performance here, and given that it’s a season opener that Notre Dame gets this game, it should benefit the Irish to play Texas sooner than later. Texas has had frequent problems with their quarterback play, and was 90th in passing yards last year. Surprisingly, Texas was worse in rushing yards (101). However, Texas shouldn’t have much of a problem turning the running game around, and I expect that facet to be stronger for them in 2015.

Notre Dame fields a very strong defense and has a major advantage, especially since it’s at home. Texas should also field a good defense right off the bat (32nd last year in points allowed), which should keep Texas competitive. They may need to have big special teams plays and key turnovers to pull of the upset in South Bend against a potential 2015 Playoff contender.

I see Texas hanging around for at least the first half, but Notre Dame gets the win by two touchdowns.

Next: Georgia Tech