Notre Dame Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions
By Jacob Wilson
One year removed from one of head coach Brian Kelly’s best rebuilds, here’s a look at Notre Dame football’s schedule heading into the 2018 season.
It’s been a while since we’ve last seen the Irish take the field, so there’s no better time to take a look into next year’s schedule than in the heart of the offseason. Notre Dame has a very interesting schedule next season and will once again have a chance at a playoff spot if they put together another strong season.
With much of the depth chart now set, Kelly and his coaching staff can shift their sights to their Week 1 matchup vs. Michigan. Without further ado, here’s a look at Notre Dame’s 2018 schedule and how those games might play out.
After 13 straight years with the Wolverines on its schedule, Notre Dame will take on Michigan for the first time following a three year break. Their last matchup resulted in a 31-0 Notre Dame win, but the series as a whole has remained extremely competitive with the Wolverines currently leading 24-16-1.
Michigan started the Jim Harbaugh era off strong, going 10-3 in each if its first two seasons. However, 2017 wouldn’t be as kind as the team went on to finish with an 8-5 record that included an Outback Bowl loss to South Carolina. There’s no better way to get back on track than against a rival like Notre Dame, so look for the Wolverines to come out hot in Week 1.
Notre Dame’s most important asset against the Wolverines will be quarterback Brandon Wimbush. After putting together a huge first half of the 2017 season, Wimbush’s game fell apart near the end of the year. Notre Dame will need to see a similarly hot start from him if they want to kick off 2018 with a win.
Look for a strong start out of Wimbush to be more than enough for the Irish in what should be a great start to the 2018 season. On the other side of the ball, Notre Dame’s defense has the potential for a field day depending on how Shea Patterson performs in his first game in a Michigan uniform. Besides, there’s nothing like winning your home opener.
Final: Michigan 17, Notre Dame 31 (1-0)