Why Notre Dame Doesn't Have a Fighting Chance To Win More Than Eight Games

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

For the first time in a while Notre Dame has high hopes for their football season. Some expect 11 wins and BCS bowl berth. WHOA WHOA WHOA! Lets take a back a bit, they did lose to Syracuse last year. Here is a game by game assessment of what will happen this year for the Irish. 

Game 1: Nevada

Oh, this look winnable, Nevada is in the WAC. Wrong. Nevada has a very good offense and returns Colin Kaepernick who is a Offensive MVP for the WAC possibility. He can beat Notre Dame with both his legs and his arm. If his improvement continues he will throw for roughly 3,500 yards and rush for another 1,000. He could join the Vince Young and Dan Lefevour club. 

Nevada was fifth in total offense which should be a good test of Notre Dame's defense. If Notre Dame's offense is SO good then they should be able to run all over Nevada as they were 91st last season. Although Nevada's pass defense was last, they had the number six pass rush defense. Golden Tate and Co. should have a big day.

Prediction: Notre Dame 38 Nevada 34

Game 2: AT Michigan

Notre Dame goes to the "Big House" for game number two. With the recent news about practicing too long I believe this means that Rodriguez has lost the team. They have a QB that fits the system (Tate Forcier), but is a freshman so he won't get all the snaps. Michigan's defense should be more solid than last year (67th in the nation).

Senior running back Brandon Minor will test Notre Dame in the rushing attack and Michigan has a plethera of wide receivers at their disposal. If Rodriguez can figure out the QB situation and get their rotation set then it should be a good game. 

Prediction: Notre Dame 24 Michigan 14

This is where it gets tough Irish fans.

Game 3: Michigan State

Oh, how the Irish have struggled against Michigan State. Even playing in South Bend in front of Touchdown Jesus hasn't saved them. This will be the best team Notre Dame will have faced to this point. Michigan State doesn't have any standout talent, but they have a good scheme with good coaches. 

Michigan State has a solid defense (41st in scoring D last year) and return plenty of starters. Especially in the secondary. This will give Tate, Jimmy Clausen, and Co. some trouble. The offense isn't talented but steady and should put up enough yards to compete. They were 49th in turnover margin so they don't turn the ball over. On the flip side, Notre Dame was 73 with more TO's than against. 

Also, Notre Dame was, to say the least, overmatched last year against MSU and MSU's team isn't much different.

Prediction: Michigan State 28 Notre Dame 13

Game 4: At Purdue

Purdue is the worst team the Irish will face to this point in the season. They have a new coach and don't have as much talent as years past. Purdue is especially weak at the QB position because of departure of their scheduled starter due to academic reasons. They have strength at the running back position with three up and coming prospects.

Purdue was 61st and 48th in defense and offense last year and should be worse in those categories this year. This game should be a lock for Notre Dame.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31 Purdue 13

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