Notre Dame Football: Ranking the Hardest Games of the 2016 Schedule
The 2016 schedule should be relatively kind to the Notre Dame football team, but the Fighting Irish certainly won't be waltzing toward the College Football Playoff.
Still, though head coach Brian Kelly's squad begins and ends the year away from South Bend, most of his team's toughest games will be played in the comfort of Notre Dame Stadium.
That home-heavy slate bodes well for the Irish's aspirations to compete for a national championship, especially because the toughest opponent—both collectively and individually—must travel 2,200 miles.
Five teams—and one wild card—present the greatest obstacles in the path of Notre Dame ripping off an undefeated regular season.
Wild Card: Virginia Tech Hokies
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When you give an offensive mastermind a few explosive skill-position weapons, good things—read: lots of points—can happen.
To replace longtime head coach Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech hired Memphis' Justin Fuente. He played an integral role in developing Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton while at TCU and, most recently, a probable first-round pick in Paxton Lynch.
If Fuente can groom an efficient starter, the Nov. 19 clash in South Bend might be a trap game for the Irish. They'll hit the road to battle rival USC the following weekend.
The Hokies boast a strong group of pass-catchers, most notably first-team All-ACC wideout Isaiah Ford and third-team All-ACC tight end Bucky Hodges. Plus, 1,000-yard rusher Travon McMillian and No. 2 receiver Cam Phillips both return.
Virginia Tech could be sneaky-good early in 2016 and progress into a flat-out dangerous opponent for Notre Dame.
5. Texas Longhorns
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Texas was a disaster. Its victory over Oklahoma was probably the most unexplainable result of the season. After all, Notre Dame had already whipped the Longhorns 38-3.
Head coach Charlie Strong is bound to steer Texas back to relevance, and a hard-fought performance in the season opener would set the tone for an encouraging 2016. Using some highlights of last year's beatdown should help get the Longhorns ready.
Plus, Texas will host the 12th meeting of the series. The program's average margin of defeat was just 2.3 points at home compared to a ridiculous 30 on the road.
Notre Dame probably won't lose, but an inspired team in front of its home crowd is a tough matchup.
4. Miami Hurricanes
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If not for two important factors, the Oct. 29 bout versus Miami would likely be No. 3. First, the Irish have a bye the week prior. Second, all impending defensive changes should be settled by late October.
Well, Notre Dame fans will at least hope that's the case, because Brad Kaaya is the most talented quarterback on the slate.
A third-team All-ACC honoree last season, Kaaya tallied 3,238 yards and 16 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions. He should become even more efficient with head coach Mark Richt calling the shots instead of James Coley, a connoisseur of play-action calls on 3rd-and-long.
The Irish will be fresh, so they must take advantage of a Hurricanes squad that may be worn down after challenging Florida State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech in preceding weeks.
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3. Michigan State Spartans
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While the Irish are working to choose between two fantastic options at quarterback, Michigan State is looking for one to emerge and replace three-year starter Connor Cook.
However, the Spartans received a boost over Miami due to timing and defense. The showdown is set for Sept. 17, and MSU brings back a strong contingent of starters headlined by D-lineman Malik McDowell.
Additionally, defensive tackle Damon Knox and linebacker Ed Davis are expected to receive a sixth year of eligibility, according to Mike Griffith of MLive.com.
Points may be at a premium for the Irish, which wouldn't necessarily bode well for a Notre Dame defense that must reload. Besides, we've learned to never doubt MSU head coach Mark Dantonio when he can play the disrespect card.
2. USC Trojans
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Notre Dame's drive for a national title in 2015 came to a crashing halt during the regular-season finale on the road against a rival from the Pac-12. Could history repeat itself?
If the Irish avoid a blemish through 11 games, they must outlast USC in the Coliseum on Nov. 26 to secure a College Football Playoff berth.
Ronald Jones II and JuJu Smith-Schuster highlight a Trojans offense that must replace quarterback Cody Kessler. By this point, however, USC will have settled the situation.
The Trojans would certainly enjoy ending Notre Dame's push for a championship—especially if they're already eliminated from the Pac-12 conversation.
1. Stanford Cardinal
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Last season, Notre Dame managed to limit Christian McCaffrey to just 3.5 yards per attempt on 27 carries. Now that Sheldon Day and Jaylon Smith are gone, though, repeating the feat is unlikely.
So, the new Irish will be tasked with containing the nation's most versatile player when Stanford travels to South Bend on Oct. 15.
The pivotal matchup also marks the seventh game in seven weeks for Notre Dame. While the negative spin focuses on fatigue, the positive outlook touts a cohesive unit.
Either way, McCaffrey will be a challenge to defend, and Stanford's methodical offense should shorten the game. But if Notre Dame edges the Cardinal, there won't be a more difficult opponent standing in the way of a championship run.
Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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