Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Northwestern

1. Cole Kmet has his breakout game

Notre Dame fans have been holding out hope for former five-star tight end Alize Mack since his arrival on campus. While Mack didn’t raise any eyebrows in his first year alongside quarterback DeShone Kizer, it was his season-long suspension in 2016 that drew the ire of fans across the country.

Mack had little effect under Wimbush, but expectations remained high by the time Book took over the starting job. However, Mack has yet to record over 61 yards despite playing on a revamped offense.

With Mack drifting towards the twilight of his college career, the Irish coaching staff has taken a liking to tight end Cole Kmet. Kmet, who also pitched as a reliever for Notre Dame’s baseball team, has been used primarily as a blocker in 2018. However, Kmet will have the opportunity to build on last week’s four catch game against Navy with Mack now in concussion protocol.

Northwestern has been decent against the pass in 2018, much thanks to top cornerback Montre Hartage who will draw a matchup against Notre Dame’s Miles Boykin. Should Book struggle to find his receivers on the outside, there’s potential for Kmet to enjoy a big day as a receiver.