Notre Dame Football: Ranking each 2019 opponent by toughness

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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Lamar Jordan #13 of the New Mexico Lobos passes the ball during the first half of a game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

11. New Mexico Lobos (Sept. 14 — Notre Dame, Ind.)

Notre Dame’s season opens up with a couple of easy games, this one being the second. Notre Dame fans can brag about never playing FCS opponents, but this is almost just as bad. I don’t blame them for scheduling New Mexico, but their starters should not play more than a half at most. Ideally, they can get out of this one by the end of the first quarter.

The timing of this game is strategic for Notre Dame. They will be preparing for a big game against Georgia in the week after, and they certainly don’t want any injuries or struggles. They need to go into Athens prepared, healthy, and full of energy. Without scheduling a bye in Week 2, this is about as close as Notre Dame can get to ensuring that.

The Lobos are coming off of a 3-9 season last year. However, they did play a few tough opponents. This game will mostly be for exposure. It’s one of those games where Notre Dame has to no only win but win convincingly. If they leave with a 28-14 victory, this game will be seen as a failure.

Watch for some future starters get chances to show that they can provide depth for Notre Dame. Other than that, this game is simply a formality. If this was a video game, Notre Dame would simulate this week and move on to the next one.

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