Notre Dame 2012 Schedule Outlook

The Irish are coming off a rather disappointing season at 8-5, but that is because the expectations are always sky high in South Bend.

Season three under Brian Kelly looks opportunistic for the Irish to finally crash the BCS party, that is if they can avoid stubbing their toes in September.

Going from their opener in Ireland against Navy all the way to Los Angeles when they go up against the USC Trojans, I break down every game and put a way-too-early prediction on the foreseeable future of the Fighting Irish.

September Woes No More?

Notre Dame opens their 2012 season against the Navy Midshipmen in Dublin, Ireland in what should bring back some memories.

It was the Irish who creamed the Midshipmen 54-27 back in 1996, and an opening season beatdown may just be what the doctor ordered.

Navy lost a few of their key players on offense and with a solid defense returning up front for ND, the Irish will not allow too many long runs right off the bat.

The following week they get to host a Purdue Boilmakers squad that should be improved, but they won't hold a serious threat, either.

However, the following week could bring a difficult challenge as they travel to East Lansing. Michigan State should be close to the top 10 if they can avoid a season-opening loss to Boise State, so the Irish will likely be underdogs. 

Plus, the Spartans' defense will be improved, with Denicos Allen, Williams Gholston and company waiting to tee off on Cierre Wood.

That said, I like for the Irish to bounce back the following week against a Wolverines squad that has Alabama early in the season.

Denard Robinson can look like the most electrifying player on the planet during parts of a game, and at other times you wonder if he can get over the hump and get to a Rose Bowl.

Both of those two games could go either way, but I'd like to think the Irish find a way to win one of those at the moment.

September Projection: 3-1

October Equals Toughest Slate in Country?

People are already discussing how tough this schedule will be for the Irish, and right now it does not look impossible, though, it could be a grueling one.

BYU and Stanford should both be tough, physical opponents that will have the ability to punish on the defensive side of the ball.

Whoever is under center for the Irish must avoid turning it over and let Cierre Wood, Tyler Eiffert and T.J. Jones do their thing.

Deontay Greenberry could make an immediate impact filling in for Michael Floyd, but Notre Dame may need him to live up the hype right in order to be effective on offense.

The loss of Floyd will not be something easy to overcome, and the schedule is what gives you some concern in the month of October.

Before Stanford and BYU come to South Bend, the Irish must go to Soldier Field against the Miami Hurricanes.

Nobody will be talking about their program, which could make them a dangerous squad, though, they look to be another few years off before becoming challengers for a BCS bid.

Last but not least in October will indeed be the near-impossible test against the Oklahoma Sooners in Norma.

Landry Jones is back and will have most of his toys (minus record holder Ryan Broyles) returning, which is a scary thought. The month of October could be a dreadful one, though, at the moment, I look for Kelly to squeak out a few wins with an improved defense.

October Projection: 3-1

November Quiets Down Until Finale in L.A.

Luckily, the Irish have a quite November since they could be licking their wounds. However, this is a month where Notre Dame could finally be on the verge of playing in a BCS bowl, perhaps.

They will likely need to run the table in September since the brutal October slate will likely bite them once, but anything will be possible in season number three for Brian Kelly.

Pittsburgh, Boston College and Wake Forest will all be fighting just to become .500, so I would look for the Irish to be double-digit favorites in those three contests.

The real challenge will be against a USC team that perhaps will be fighting for a BCS national championship, and boy, would there be anything better than ruining their national title aspirations?

Not saying the Irish could not be playing for their own title or BCS dreams, but USC is looking like they will be a top two team come August.

If they were to run the table (including home date with Oregon), then it would come down to a home test with Notre Dame and ultimately a rematch with the Ducks the following week.

November Projection: 3-1

Expectations and Final Thoughts

The Irish have been ranked from No. 16 to anywhere just inside or outside the Top 25 because they still are Notre Dame, but things should be better in Brian Kelly's third season.

That is even taking into account one of the tougher schedules in the country, even though it is manageable. ND better find a way to go no worse than 3-1 in September or else their BCS dreams will be over before the season really gets underway.

I honestly will look for them to be around the low 20s come next August (I have them at high teens) because they have essentially everybody back on offense, save Mr. Floyd and Jonas Gray.

They need to decide who their QB is (Andrew Hendrix, Tommy Rees or Everett Golson) and pray that he succeeds in the red zone. Cierre Wood is dynamic and could have a fantastic year behind an offensive line that will return three starters (Cave/Golic at center, with one possibly moving to guard).

The only problem is that USC and Oklahoma (both road games) have two of the best quarterbacks in the country, and the two teams could both be in the top three when the Irish come to town.

If they can split or perhaps sweep the games against the schools from Michigan, then a BCS destination is more than likely. 

I look for a split and major improvement on both sides of the ball, though, they may still be another year away from becoming a legit top 10 team.

Way-Too-Early Projection: 9-3 (Top 15)