Notre Dame Football: 5 toughest opponents in 2018

Notre Dame football has a rigorous schedule ahead of them in 2018. Which of the Irish opponents will be the toughest?

Notre Dame football fans might own the best season ticket in college football. While other teams are hosting FCS squads in September and November, Notre Dame is playing some of the most storied programs in the sport. From an entertainment perspective, that’s great. From a competitive standpoint, it’s extremely perilous.

The Irish once again have their eyes set on the College Football Playoff entering 2018. To get to that rarefied air they’ll need to navigate a schedule that includes several high-profile, dangerous games. One misstep and the Irish are out. Alabama was able to sneak into the Playoff with two losses last season, but the Irish won’t have any conference-affiliated boost to work in their favor.

Ball State, Pitt and Syracuse should all be relatively easy wins for Notre Dame. The Irish draw all three at home and hold a significant talent advantage over each of them. The rest of the slate is not so easy; here are five teams that pose the most danger to Notre Dame in 2018.