Notre Dame Football: Fighting Irish primed for 2018 playoff run

Schedule and Predictions

Let’s face it, Notre Dame should join the ACC. Since 2015, the Irish have had five ACC opponents on their schedule, and 2018 will be no different. And as always, their non-ACC schedule is one of the toughest in all of college football.

In Week 1, the Irish take on the Michigan Wolverines, which should be a tone-setter for both these teams and how their seasons could play out. A win over the Wolverines would obviously be huge as the should win their next three, entering their game against the Stanford Cardinal 4-0. The Cardinal will be the Irish’s toughest opponent in 2018. If Notre Dame is undefeated and suffers a quality loss against the Cardinal, the Irish’s playoff hopes will stay alive.

Heading to their bye week, the Irish — at 6-1 or 5-2 — will be in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth and at worst, a New Year’s Six Bowl.

Of their remaining five games, the two games on the road should be circled by all Notre Dame fans. Yes, the Florida State game could be and should be tough, but with it being a home game for the Irish and the Seminoles being in year one of Willie Taggart, the luck should go the Irish’s way. But the road games against Northwestern and USC will be pivotal for Notre Dame’s success.

Northwestern is not a powerhouse, but ask any Big Ten who see the Wildcats on a regular basis and they’ll tell you going into Evansville could result in a trap game. And of course, any game at the Coliseum is huge, especially when it could potentially determine your playoff fate.

For the Irish, they have all the tools they need to make a run at their first visit to the College Football Playoff. With their schedule, an undefeated season is not likely, but do not be surprised if the Irish come out on top with two and maybe even one blemish. The Fighting Irish are ready to prove themselves, and it is time the college football world takes notice