Notre Dame Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Jacob Wilson
Notre Dame football has a lot to prove after finishing last season with a disappointing 4-8 record. We give game-by-game predictions for the Irish in 2017.
More: 2017 Notre Dame season preview
With only six of Notre Dame’s season-long starters departing next season, there is plenty of room for improvement. That goes for the entire team, especially the defense. With the most notable departing defenders being cornerback Cole Luke and linebacker Isaac Rochell, this young defense will have the chance to prove if it has overcome the many struggles of last year.
Despite the excitement over new defensive coordinator Mike Elko and what he brings to the table, it will instead be offensive coordinator Chip Long who will draw the most attention. What will he be able to get out of quarterback Brandon Wimbush?
Notre Dame played very mediocre on both sides of the ball in 2016, finishing 53rd in points scored and 62nd in points allowed. In comparison, Chip Long’s Memphis Tigers finished 15th in points scored while the recently added Elko’s Wake Forest defense recorded a top 25 finish in points allowed. While different players will surely produce a significant variation in results, the Notre Dame coaching staff is sure to supply a change from last season, whether for better or worse.
Notre Dame will open up their 2017 campaign at home against the Temple Owls. There is not much history between the two. Their lone meeting two years ago resulted in a 24-20 Irish win. This will be another case of two teams with little knowledge of each other facing off in a season opener.
This kind of situation may serve as the perfect storm for a strong Temple defense that finished last season in the top 15 for points allowed. With the inexperienced Wimbush still ironing out the kinks that come along with a first start, the Temple defense will be ready to pounce at any provided opportunity.
On the same token, the Owls will also be without their record-setting quarterback in P.J. Walker, thus leaving last year’s backup Logan Marchi to man the helm. A revamped Irish defense will be anxious to get last year’s putrid taste out of their mouths, effectively putting both teams in the same boat.
Expect this to be a low-scoring affair with Notre Dame’s offense making just enough plays, most by way of star running back Josh Adams, to get them the win. With such similar scenarios in both corners, Notre Dame gets the nod on pedigree alone.
Final: Temple 13, Notre Dame 17 (1-0)