Notre Dame Football: Are the Fighting Irish for real in 2017?

After jumping out to a 4-1 start, Notre Dame football is looking like a true contender, but are the Irish for real?

Following a dismal 4-8 season in 2016, Brian Kelly’s job was in jeopardy. Being the head coach of Notre Dame football means that expectations are through the roof, whether it’s fair or not. It’s one of the most prestigious college football programs in the nation.

Kelly knew that when he took the job back in 2010. He watched from a distance as coaches before him were let go after hot starts to their careers which then sizzled out into seven or eight-win seasons on a regular basis. Kelly was in danger of being the next one to be let go for a disappointing stretch of years.

However, his team has gotten off to a fantastic start to the 2017 season. In fact, the Fighting Irish are 4-1, matching their win total from all of 2016, and ranked No. 21 in the country. Not only that, but their only loss, to Georgia, was by one point and the Bulldogs are looking more legit by the week.

The Fighting Irish then avenged a 2016 loss to Michigan State by taking the Spartans down, 38-18, on their home field.

The question remains: are the Fighting Irish truly contenders or flat-out pretenders? Honestly, that question is about three weeks away from being answered. Right now, they look to be contenders, but a matchup with USC could prove much more.

Sure, the Michigan State win was impressive, but the Spartans are young and also coming off a tough 2016 campaign. The Irish blew out Temple, Boston College and Miami (OH) — they did what they were supposed to do. Contenders take care of business against weaker opponents, and that’s what the Irish did.

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As long as Brandon Wimbush improves his passing ability and excels with his legs and Josh Adams remains the most underrated back in the nation, the Irish can compete with anyone. Beating USC on Oct. 21 will really open some eyes.