Notre Dame Football: Season opener vs. Michigan will dictate 2018 success

Notre Dame football’s season opener against Michigan will have a much bigger impact on 2018 success than originally thought.

When glancing over Notre Dame’s 2018 schedule, there are a few games that stand out above the rest. The most prominent early-season matchup for the Irish happens to come against an old Big Ten foe with a rich history. That foe is Michigan.

The Fighting Irish have played Michigan plenty in years past, but it always seems like one of those momentum-shifting games.

To start the season, this game is crucial to gain any sort of momentum — something the Irish lost near the end of the 2017 season. Notre Dame must come out swinging in Week 1, taking down the Wolverines and making a statement on the national stage.

You know all eyes will be on how Brian Kelly’s coaching adjustments have benefitted his team’s morale, but more so the pressure will be on Michigan to get over that hump. The Wolverines have had three straight middle-of-the-pack finishes in the Big Ten East, so Jim Harbaugh will be preaching getting the season off to a strong start. The pressure will be on Michigan to win, but don’t discount Notre Dame’s need for victory.

This is an important game for the quarterback position as well. We will find out in Week 1 who the true starter should be, facing off against one of the nation’s top defense, led by Don Brown.

Shea Patterson will also likely be starting for the Wolverines under center, adding even more pressure on the Irish defense which is under a new direction as Mike Elko left for Texas A&M, making Clark Lea the new defensive coordinator.

No, the Irish don’t have to win to salvage any national title hopes, but a loss in the opener could hinder any potential momentum.

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Beating Michigan could give this young team the confidence it needs moving forward and playing in South Bend will make a world of difference. Buckle up, the season opener will play a huge role in the weeks to follow.