Notre Dame Football: Young Fighting Irish Will Be Tested by Tough Schedule

The Fighting Irish better be ready, this 2012 schedule is brutal. Generally, Notre Dame's schedule is pretty tough, but this year is even nasty by the Irish's standards.

The youngsters on this squad will face a serious test weekly, with little to no reprieve. As I scan the schedule for 2012, the only game on the docket that I would even begin to mark as an easy win is the November 17 game hosting Wake Forest.

Notre Dame has depth and experience issues in the secondary, and against passing attacks like USC (November 24), Oklahoma (October 27) and Stanford (October 13), they will have their mettle tested.

That is part of the problem the Irish face going into this season. It appeared that the team had significant experience at all positions, the secondary certainly being among that number.

But the ruptured Achilles tendon of junior Lo Wood quickly changed things at the position. 

Wood is out for the season per Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times. The Irish had experience at the position, but not depth, and the injury is going to expose that problem.

Against pass-oriented teams, the Irish will be at a significant disadvantage because of their cornerback situation.

The schedule strength will be felt on offense as well. Michigan State, Michigan, Oklahoma and USC will show top-notch defenses to the Irish.

Can Everett Golson handle the pressure?

Tight end Tyler Eifert will likely be his best weapon, as the 6'6" stud from Fort Wayne can play with anyone. But Notre Dame fans have to be worried about other aspects of their offense. 

This is going to be a rough year in South Bend unless there are some pleasant surprises from underclassmen on this roster.

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