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Notre Dame Football: 3 biggest questions heading into 2020

By Dante Pryor

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Notre Dame Stadium on October 05, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Notre Dame Stadium on October 05, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot carries the school flag after a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot carries the school flag after a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Who will be the explosive playmaker on offense?

Last season, the Fighting Irish offense had one Achilles’ heel: they were not explosive. Chase Claypool was as reliable a receiver as there was in the country last season. Cole Kmet was great in the seam at the tight end position. Tony Jones Jr. found himself the featured back when he was not supposed to be the featured back. Ian Book was efficient and did a great job of taking care of the football.

When the offensive line was in rhythm, they ran the football well. What the offense was missing last season was someone who could score from anywhere on the field.

If we believe Brian Kelly, this season the Irish want to change the narrative about who they are. Right now, they are the top of the second-tier of college football programs. They are in the same class as Michigan, Texas, Florida and Oregon. They want to be elite.

One thing elite teams have that the Irish do not is speed. Clemson had Tee Higgins, Alabama had, well, all of their receivers. LSU had Justin Jefferson and JaMarr Chase. Notre Dame needs to find speed if they are going to compete on an elite level.

They do have candidates next season.

Braden Lenzy can fly, and he needs to step up next year. Incoming freshman Chris Tyree is extremely raw and extremely fast. They are deep at running back, but his speed — and the fact that Jahmir Smith and C’Bo Flemister were not impressive last season — will get him some touches. Lenzy, however, is the x-factor.

Kelly wants to run the football. He needs someone to take the top of the defense on play-action and keep safeties honest. If they get that next season, this offense can be dangerous.

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