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Notre Dame Football: Brandon Wimbush can prove himself vs Temple

By Andrew Miller

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Brandon Wimbush #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up before the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Brandon Wimbush #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up before the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame football quarterback Brandon Wimbush is a special talent who could successfully replace former starter DeShone Kizer, now in the NFL.

Notre Dame did not have the result expected in 2016. Head coach Brian Kelly led the Irish to four wins. The same will not be tolerated in 2017. The guy to lead Notre Dame back to contention is Brandon Wimbush. Notre Dame does not have an easy start this year. Temple is a good opponent for a Group of Five team.

The junior quarterback does not have much starting experience. Running back Josh Adams does, though. He will be instrumental in helping Wimbush transition to the starting role. Wide receivers like Equanimeous St. Brown make Wimbush’s life easier. He’ll be able to get away with a few bad passes. Chase Claypool and C.J. Sanders are good options. The offense all comes together around Wimbush.

A challenging road ahead for Wimbush

Without Matt Rhule, Temple’s defense is still good. They could win the American Athletic Conference this year. The following week does not get any easier for Notre Dame. Georgia comes to town with an electric running back duo with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

Notre Dame takes the easier victories when they have them. Temple is one of the easier opponents. Notre Dame’s slate is not easy. Michigan State, North Carolina, NC State, USC, Miami, Navy, and Stanford, also loom.

Momentum for Wimbush is needed. Notre Dame’s offense does not function without a quarterback. DeShone Kizer could not bring the Irish to life with good production. Wimbush has the talent to match Kizer and there isn’t a viable backup option behind him.

If Wimbush does not pan out, Notre Dame will turn to sophomore Ian Book. Wimbush’s ceiling is higher than Book. Failure isn’t an option for the Irish. Pressure falls on Wimbush’s shoulders to perform.

Next: 5 reasons why Wimbush will be better than Kizer

Kelly’s job is on the line if another losing record results this year. Notre Dame is a program accustomed to success. A return to the top 25 rankings is needed for Kelly and Wimbush to keep their jobs.

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