Notre Dame Football: 3 overreactions after close win against Toledo

1. This is a “step-back” season for the Irish.

The big question here is, what constitutes a step-back season? Head coach Brian Kelly has raised the floor of the Notre Dame program. If the Irish win 10-games but miss the playoff, is that a disappointing season?

That would mean Irish fans view 2019 as a disappointment. Notre Dame went 11-2 and won the Camping World Bowl. The Irish lost to Georgia and Michigan (albeit in a monsoon) that season.

This season, the Irish are experienced at the skill positions but are inexperienced along the offensive line. Specifically, this group has not played together. The defense has veterans but is still learning Marcus Freeman’s defense.

Notre Dame does enter a stretch of games that includes #18 Wisconsin, #8 Cincinnati and #15 Virginia Tech. It will not be easy to win all three games, but only one of those games is on the road (Virginia Tech).

That said, the short answer is no. Notre Dame could win 10 games again and end up in the Camping World Bowl. That does not mean that this was a step-back season unless the expectation is the College Football Playoff.

What’s more likely, 9-3 or 10-2? Ten wins seem more likely. Anything less means several players aren’t playing to expectation, or there is a rash of injuries, not a step back to rebuild and play young talent.