Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season
By Jacob Wilson
1. Brandon Wimbush combines for 35 total touchdowns
Somehow this prediction seems to be the least likely and the most feasible at the same time. On one hand, it seems crazy to think Wimbush would outscore his predecessor DeShone Kizer in only his first year as a starter.
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On the other hand, should Wimbush live up to the hype of the Notre Dame fan base and bring the team to the college football playoffs, it’s going to take that kind of consistent performance. While it’s much more likely Wimbush brings the team to a decent bowl game than to the national championship, it’s fun to imagine him accomplishing the latter.
Wimbush is similar to Kizer in many ways, and is an incredibly gifted runner and passer. Kizer’s rushing ability provided him with eight touchdowns on the ground last year, and Wimbush may enjoy similar results should Long properly utilize his many talents.
While Wimbush is certainly capable of recording eight rushing touchdowns, it will be the passing scores that hinder him from reaching such a goal. Wimbush didn’t come into South Bend with quite as much buzz as did Kizer, but there is still a chance he surprises in regard to his arm.
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With the Irish ready to bounce back from a disastrous 2016 campaign, expect them to be all systems go on all facets. With almost every individual unit hungry for a fresh start, don’t be surprised to see many players go above and beyond their set expectations.