College Football Playoff 2018: Hokies out, Irish in New Year’s Six projections

Playstation Fiesta Bowl – Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Wisconsin Badgers

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have fought their way back into our projections after finding their offense in Week 4. The Irish went to a new signal caller on Saturday. Junior Ian Book took over the reigns of the offense and threw for 325 yards and racked up 5 total touchdowns in the Irish’s win over Wake Forest.

After beating Michigan in Week 1, the Irish struggled in wins over Ball State and Vanderbilt, but their reborn offense has hopes high in South Bend. A test this Saturday against Stanford could be the deciding factor on Notre Dame’s postseason fate.

The Wisconsin Badgers bounced back in Week 4 with a win over Big Ten West rival, Iowa. The Badgers proved that they are still the kings of the West but their contention for a Big Ten title isn’t as mighty. With Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan playing on the other side of the Big Ten, their chances are there, but the chances of beating either of those teams is not in the Badgers’ favor.

Despite winning on Saturday, the Badgers still don’t look all that impressive; like the team that was once thought to be good enough to win the Big Ten this year. But they’ll have their chances as they face two of those three Big Ten East teams during conference play.