Notre Dame Football: Ranking Irish's Toughest Games in 2012

Notre Dame's strength of schedule will not be questioned this season. According to Bruce Feldman of CBSSports.com, the Fighting Irish have the country's most difficult schedule for the upcoming 2012 season.

What makes the schedule so daunting is the number of high-caliber opponents waiting for their shots at the Fighting Irish.

For a closer look at Notre Dame's toughest opponents, scroll through the following slides.

Enjoy.

5. Stanford

The Andrew Luck era at Stanford has come to a close, but the Cardinal will still be a force to be reckoned with.

In his first season as head coach, David Shaw led the Cardinal to an 11-2 record, which included a date in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State.

Year two of the Shaw regime will be a true test of his coaching ability, as he won't have the luxury of Andrew Luck leading his offense. Josh Nunes and Brett Nottingham will battle for starting duties through the summer and fall camp. 

And while Stanford only has 10 returning starters, the program has been set up to reload, not rebuild.

4. Michigan State

Notre Dame's matchup against Michigan State this season will be the Fighting Irish's first trip to East Lansing since an epic loss in 2010.

The battle for the Megaphone Trophy has long favored the home team, and there's no sign of that trend changing this season. The Spartans are an early top 15 pick, despite having lost three-year starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and starting wide receivers B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.

However, much like Stanford, Michigan State is a team that has set itself up to reload.

A veteran offensive line, along with the usual deep stable of running backs, will likely provide for yet another successful season under head coach Mark Dantonio.

3. Michigan

If there's one game in particular that Notre Dame fans are chomping at the bit for, it's the home game against hated rival Michigan.

Last season's contest was one of the most memorable games of the storied series, with the Wolverines overcoming a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Irish 35-31 in dramatic fashion.

While a similar outcome is unlikely this season, the fireworks will still be on display, as both teams have key players returning in 2012.

This game will be the lone home night game for the Fighting Irish in 2012, which will provide for a more hostile crowd and larger television audience.

2. Oklahoma

Oklahoma versus Notre Dame. It sounds like old times, doesn't it?

It's been a few decades since the Sooners and Fighting Irish have met on the gridiron, but this season's matchup in Norman should make for an astounding revival of the once-historic rivalry.

Many Fighting Irish fans would like to chalk up a win for Notre Dame at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, but the Sooners have been virtually unbeatable at home under head coach Bob Stoops.

However, should Notre Dame steal a win in Norman, it would go a long way in Notre Dame proving itself as a legitimate Top 25 team.

1. USC

The consensus preseason No. 1 team in the country, USC proves to be the most difficult opponent on Notre Dame's 2012 schedule.

The Trojans return All-American quarterback Matt Barkley, along with elite receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, making the offense in Troy nearly unstoppable.

Add in the fact that Notre Dame will face the challenge of beating the Trojans in Los Angeles in prime time, and it's evident that Brian Kelly and Co. have their work cut out for them in this rivalry game.