Notre Dame Football: Low Ranking in Early Preseason Poll Justified

It's not a surprise that early preseason polls have the Notre Dame Fighting Irish ranked in the 20s, because that is where they belong given their question marks heading into the 2012 season.

College Football Live just ranked Notre Dame No. 24 in its preseason poll. Given questions at quarterback and on the defensive line, that seems appropriate. 

The Fighting Irish entered this spring hoping whoever took over under center would play better than what was on display in 2011. Last season, Tommy Rees committed 19 turnovers (14 interceptions, five lost fumbles) and previous starter Dayne Crist threw a total of 24 passes. Andrew Hendrix, who could be the front-runner this offseason, thew just 37 passes.

Beyond that, star defensive end Aaron Lynch left for South Florida rather unexpectedly this spring. That leaves the Fighting Irish with less star power and depth on the line.

There are some dark horses who could emerge this season, like Hendrix and Everett Golson at the quarterback position, or Kapron Lewis-Moore at defensive end. Still, that doesn't change the fact that there is a lot of uncertainty. 

Notre Dame disappointed last season, finishing 8-5 despite being ranked No. 16 in the AP poll in the preseason. A lot of that had to do with quarterback play. Even if Hendrix, Golson or Rees impress this offseason, you really don't know how they'll fare until they get thrust into the starting lineup during the season. 

The Fighting Irish face some stiff competition in 2012, including Michigan State (Sept. 15), Michigan (Sept. 22), Stanford (Oct. 13), Oklahoma (Oct. 27) and USC (Nov. 24).

How the quarterbacks fare, and how much pressure Notre Dame generates, will be huge factors in how the season goes. For now, the Fighting Irish are a borderline Top-25 team.

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