What to Expect from Notre Dame Football in 2011

What To Expect From Notre Dame Football in 2011:

With the exciting end to the 2010 season and the highly successful recruiting class of 2011, many are suggesting that the Notre Dame football program is poised to make a comeback in the 2011 season.

Many have contended that the 2011 season may bring a BCS bowl berth and at least a ten-win season.

While it is easy to feel good about the way the Fighting Irish finished the season, with a four game win streak including wins over rivals USC and Miami, such lofty expectations may be a bit premature.

In a recent interview, Coach Kelly pointed out that in year one the foundation is set in terms of how Notre Dame football athletes should perform—on the game and practice field, in the classroom and in the community. The players also begin to understand the style of football the coaching staff would like to see on Saturdays.

Kelly goes on to say that in the second year, as he and the staff become familiar with the strengths and weakness of their personnel, steps can be taken to get the right people in the right positions.

In the same interview, Kelly indicated that as the season went on an identity was taking shape, and I contend that this statement speaks volumes about what we, as Notre Dame football fans, can expect in the seasons to come.

The identity the Irish seemed to forge as the season came to an end could be characterized by outstanding defense and a balanced spread offense.

The defensive coaching staff will return all but four starters from a defense that was playing outstanding football at the end of the season. Players like Louis Nix, Kendall Moore and Lo Wood will be expected to fill those voids left by the graduations of Ian Williams, Brian Smith, Kerry Neal and Darrin Walls.

The staff has collectively secured a number of outstanding defensive prospects in this year’s recruiting class, adding much needed depth on the defensive side of the ball.

On the offensive side of the ball, an intriguing battle will continue in August for the starting quarterback position. There will be a lack of depth at running back and several freshman will have to compete for reps with Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray.

With the prospect of a break out year for Cierre Wood, it would not be surprising to see the run game featured more in 2011 than in the first year of Kelly’s tenure. Also, with a number of serviceable receivers and outstanding tight end play, the pass game appears to be in good shape going forward.

However, the passing game is still looking for a deep threat, a game-changing player.

A spark is also needed in the return game. Kelly has stated there is a need for the return game to become more dynamic. If a veteran player is not the answer, this job may fall on an incoming freshman such as George Atkinson Jr.

With David Ruffer returning and with the addition of Kyle Brindza in this recruiting class, the Irish may have an outstanding kicking game. Ruffer can be counted on to take field goals and extra points, while Brindza and Nick Tausch will compete to take kick offs. Ben Turk and Kyle Brindza should also have a spirited competition for the starting punter position.

Finally, Kelly has stated that considerable gains will be evident in the second cycle of winter training under Coach Longo. So speed, strength and agility should be much improved going into the 2011 season.

While the program appears to be headed in the right direction, the 2011 schedule is a formidable one, and could potentially derail any hope of returning to the BCS in Kelly's second year. The pieces seem to be falling into place, but Kelly and his staff still needs time to return this program to its once lofty stature.

Expect to see continued improvement from the defense, a more balanced offensive attack featuring the run and improved special teams play in 2011—but a BCS bowl berth is not a reasonable expectation this soon in Kelly’s reign.