Notre Dame football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2023

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Nov 5, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) drops back to throw under pressure from Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Justin Ademilola (9) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Fresh off a second loss which could potentially be the playoff eliminating defeat against USC, Notre Dame will host Pitt right before Halloween to close the month of October.

Like last year, Pat Narduzzi is bringing in a transfer quarterback in Phil Jurkovec who has plenty of experience and who’ll be able to lead this team without a ton of growing pains. If he doesn’t work out, Penn State transfer Christian Veilleux is waiting in the wings.

Still, I don’t think the Panthers have enough to pull off this win in Notre Dame Stadium.

Prediction: Win (7-2)

I think we’re actually going to see Clemson take a step back in the right direction after a couple of disappointing seasons post-Trevor Lawrence. Cade Klubnik is taking over at quarterback for DJ Uiagalelei who just never lived up to his five-star high school rating.

Klubnik didn’t have a great bowl performance but I think we’ll see him become one of the best young passers in the nation next season.

For that reason alone, I think the Tigers take down Notre Dame yet again in what is turning out to be a fun rivalry. Home-field advantage wins out.

Prediction: Loss (7-3)

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