Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for September 2018

3. Brandon Wimbush averages 90 rushing yards per game

Quarterback Brandon Wimbush’s most obvious flaw throughout the 2017 season was his inability to serve as a capable passer against most defenses. While both Wimbush and the Irish as a whole had enough talent to make up for this flaw at times, games against the likes of Miami and Stanford displayed his struggles front and center.

In turn, Wimbush’s passing game has been a point of emphasis this summer. His efforts have received mixed reviews, but more reps paired with a second year alongside offensive coordinator Chip Long should aide Wimbush’s development in some fashion. Regardless of how he does it, the Irish will need more out of Wimbush’s arm if they are interested in making a playoff run.

However, human nature has a way of reverting us back to what is comfortable in times of trouble. For Wimbush, that comfort zone lies in the most refined aspect of his game, his legs. Despite limited playing time prior to the start of last season, Wimbush looked like a natural in the run game, compiling 804 yards and 14 scores on 140 attempts in 2017.

While averaging 90 rushing yards per game over the course of a month is a tall task for a quarterback, Wimbush put up over 100 yards in a game four times last season, making it possible, albeit unlikely, that he is able to string a few games of that caliber in a row. However, Wimbush will be aided by a September schedule that features only two defenses ranked within the top 75 in rushing yards per game throughout the 2017 season.