Notre Dame Football: What To Expect From the Fighting Irish in 2011

With an exciting end to the 2010 season and the highly successful recruiting class of 2011, many are touting that the Notre Dame football program is one poised to make a comeback.  Some have even speculated that the 2011 season may bring a BCS bowl berth and double digits in the win column. 

While it is easy to be pleased with the four game win streak the Fighting Irish finished the season on, which included wins over rivals USC and Miami, such lofty expectations may be a bit premature. 

In Kelly's first year, the players began to grasp a deeper understanding of the style of football the coaching staff would like to see on Saturdays.

In a recent interview, Coach Kelly was explicit in defining the expectations that Notre Dame football athletes should be expected to perform at, not only on the game and practice field, but in the classroom and in the community. 

Coach Kelly goes on to state that in the second year, as he and the staff became more familiar with the strengths and weakness of their personnel, steps can be taken to get the right people in the right positions.

In the same interview, Coach Kelly indicated that as the season progressed, an identity was taking shape, and I contend that this statement speaks volumes about what we as Notre Dame football fans can expect in the seasons to come. 

The identity the Irish seemed to forge as the season came to an end could be characterized by outstanding defense and a balanced spread offense. The defensive coaching staff will return all but four starters from a defense that was playing outstanding football at the end of the season.  Players like Louis Nix, Kendall Moore and Lo Wood will be expected to fill those voids left by the graduations of Ian Williams, Brian Smith, Kerry Neal and Darrin Walls.

And the staff collectively has secured a number of outstanding defensive prospects in this year’s recruiting class, adding much needed depth on the defensive side of the ball. 

On the offensive side of the ball, an intriguing battle will ensue shortly for the starting quarterback position.  Coach Kelly has already stated that a profile has been established for their starting quarterback, and six young men will have to compete for four spots (those four would receive all of the quarterback reps). 

If the Irish don’t secure the services of Savon Huggins at the running back position, it has been suggested that Theo Riddick may return to his natural position and compete for reps with Cierre Wood, Jonas Gray, and newcomer Cameron Roberson. 

With the presence of our most explosive offensive weapons in the backfield, it would not be surprising to see the run game featured more in 2011 than in 2010.  Also, with the return of a deep receiving core led by Michael Floyd and outstanding tight end play, the passing game appears to be in good shape moving forward. 

However, the offense is still looking for a deep threat and game-changing player. Bennet Jackson may be that player.  Only time will tell. 

Jackson may also be counted on to provide a spark on special teams.  Coach Kelly has stated there is a need for the return game to become more dynamic, and if Jackson is not the answer, this job may fall on incoming freshman George Atkinson Jr. 

With David Ruffer returning and with the addition of Kyle Brindza, the Irish may have an outstanding kicking game.  Ruffer can be counted on to take field goals and extra points while Brindza and Nick Tausch will compete to take kick offs.  Ben Turk and Kyle Brindza should also have a spirited competition for the starting punter position.     

Finally, Coach Kelly has stated that considerable gains will be evident in the second cycle of winter training under Coach Longo.  Speed, strength and agility should be much improved going into the 2011 season. 

While the program appears to be headed in the right direction, the 2011 schedule is a formidable one and could potentially derail any hope of returning to the BCS in year two of Kelly’s tenure.  The pieces seem to be falling into place, but Coach Kelly and his staff still need time to return this program to its once lofty stature.  Expect to see continued improvement from the defense, a more balanced offensive attack featuring the run, and improved special teams play in 2011.