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Notre Dame Football: Way-too-early 2021 game-by-game predictions

By Jackson Caudell

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 07: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stiff arms safety Nolan Turner #24 of the Clemson Tigers on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 07: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stiff arms safety Nolan Turner #24 of the Clemson Tigers on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Ben Skowronek, Notre Dame Football. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Ben Skowronek, Notre Dame Football. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. Oct. 2. Notre Dame (Ind.). Cincinnati Bearcats. 5. player. 830. Scouting Report

After a tough matchup with Wisconsin, Notre Dame will head back home to get ready for a hungry Cincinnati team that will be a playoff dark-horse to some. The Bearcats will be juiced up and ready for this game because for them to have any shot at even being considered, they will have to go to Notre Dame and knock off the Fighting Irish.

Cincinnati returns quarterback Desmond Ridder to the offense that was much improved last season, but the Bearcats did lose defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to Notre Dame, so that is an interesting dynamic in this game.

I think some things are working against Notre Dame in this game, even though it is at home. After playing against a physical Wisconsin team the week before, they will have to play a hungry Cincinnati team that is gunning for a playoff spot. If the Bearcats beat Indiana earlier in the year, this becomes their super bowl. I think the Bearcats have the defense to slow this running game down and Ridder will make enough plays to get the big win for Cincinnati.

Final Score: Notre Dame 31, Cincinnati 34 (4-1)

Oct. 9. Blacksburg (Va.). Virginia Tech Hokies. 6. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 847

After their first loss of the season vs Cincinnati, Notre Dame will have to go to Lane stadium and face Virginia Tech. Blacksburg is one of the toughest places to play in the entire country and is never an easy road trip. I am not a big believer in this Hokies team though. They lost their best playmakers to the NFL and I am not confident in the direction of the program under head coach Justin Fuente.

Virginia Tech has questions at quarterback and on the defense and that is not a good formula versus a well-coached Notre Dame team. Fighting Irish get a win in Lane Stadium.

Final Score: Notre Dame 35, Virginia Tech 21 (5-1)

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