Way-too-early Notre Dame football game-by-game predictions for 2024

9. Florida State (Nov. 9)

Florida State has to be thrilled that it kept Mike Norvell through all of the wild coaching changes, including Alabama which was one of the rumored programs targeting him. Unfortunately, he'll be tasked with following up a 13-1 season after losing guys like Jordan Travis, Johnny Wilson, and Keon Coleman on the offensive side of the ball.

The Seminoles will likely take a bit of a step back but they are bringing in former rival quarterback DJ Uiagalelei who played last season at Oregon State after a couple of years at Clemson. I don't think that's going to be enough to topple Notre Dame in South Bend, however.

This will be a classic, but too many question marks to predict an FSU win.

Prediction: Win (8-1)

10. Virginia (Nov. 16)

Facing Virginia after an emotional win over Florida State has all the makings of a letdown or hangover game, but I don't think Marcus Freeman will let that happen. The Irish will take care of the Cavaliers in what might be a low-scoring affair in mid-November to improve to 9-1 (potentially 10-1 based on scheduling changes) and remain in the playoff race.

Prediction: Win (9-1)

11. at USC (Nov. 30)

Notre Dame's playoff hopes come down to this final game of the regular season in Los Angeles. The Irish will head to the Coliseum to face USC in one of the best rivalry games in all of college football and we'll see another classic.

Miller Moss might be the starting quarter or it could be UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava, but one thing is for certain: neither will adequately replace Caleb Williams.

USC will be a shell of itself this season as fans will start to question if Lincoln Riley is really the right man for the job. Notre Dame rolls in surprising fashion in LA.

Prediction: Win (10-1)