Notre Dame football: 3 bold predictions vs. Central Michigan in Week 3

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Sep 9, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman (10) warms up prior to a game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sam Hartman throws five touchdown passes with no picks

Central Michigan’s defense isn’t what you’d call “stingy” by any means. The Chippewas have given up 472 yards per game this season against teams like Michigan State and New Hampshire and Notre Dame has the best offense that they’ve seen yet.

To me, this means that the Irish are going to go nuclear offensively.

While Audric Estime is rushing for over 100 yards on well over 8.0 yards per touch, Sam Hartman is going to be torching that secondary for over 300 yards and five touchdowns. What this means is that after this game, he’s going to have over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns with no interceptions on the year.

If you’re a math expert, that means he’ll be on pace for around 3,300 yards, 45 touchdowns, and no picks. Obviously the touchdowns and interceptions will likely level out, but the yards should increase.

Either way, Saturday will just aid his Heisman Trophy campaign.

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