Notre Dame Football: 10 Biggest Questions for the 2011 Season

There's a high level of optimism surrounding the Notre Dame Football program heading into the 2011 season.

However, there are still a few question marks that remain with roughly two months left until kickoff against South Florida.

What are those questions that need to be answered?

Find out as we count down the 10 biggest questions for the 2011 season.

10. Which Freshmen Will Play a Significant Role?

Head coach Brian Kelly and his staff reeled in an excellent 2011 recruiting class, headlined by defensive linemen Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt and Ishaq Williams.

Those three players figure to be the favorites when it comes to significant playing time.

They will make major contributions in the defensive front seven.

The other freshman destined to earn playing time is running back Cam McDaniel.

His position is a very thin one, so he will be receiving third-string carries behind Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray.

9. Will the Offense Finally Take Off?

Brian Kelly is a great coach who is known for running a high-octane offense.

His offense last season was anything but.

That was largely due to the loss of Dayne Crist in the Tulsa game.

Tommy Rees did a great job down the stretch, but the offense was maybe 30 percent of what it has the potential to be.

Year Two figures to be a much different story.

With more experience in the system, the players will have a better grasp on the terminology and concepts.

That will result in a much faster, high-scoring offense.

8. Will the Coaching Staff Bring in an Elite 2012 Running Back Recruit?

Every Irish fan knows that the running back position is very fragile with Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray being the only scholarship players at the position at this point in time.

Jonas Gray is set to graduate following this season, so it is crucial that the coaching staff secure a commitment from an elite back in the 2012 class.

I recently published a recruiting update with running back being the main focus of Brian Kelly and his staff. 

As you'll see in that article, Notre Dame is in the mix for a number of high-profile running backs.

7. Will Cierre Wood Be a 1,000 Yard Rusher?

It is evident that the Irish offense, as well as any offense, needs production from the running game to be an effective unit.

When Cierre Wood was on a roll, so too was the entire offense.

This season will be considered a success on the offensive side of the ball if he can achieve 1,000 or more yards on the ground.

Also, because of the lack of depth at the position, Cierre Wood must avoid injury.

6. Can Bennett Jackson Be a Reliable Defensive Back?

Heading into spring practice, Brian Kelly knew that the secondary was a paper-thin unit.

That caused him to consider making a position change or two.

One of those changes was moving Bennett Jackson from receiver to cornerback.

He is a lightning-fast player who is also a fixture on kick returns.

Reports from spring practice tell a promising story of him as a defensive back.

5. Will Louis Nix Live Up to His Potential?

Louis Nix was the last elite defensive recruit of the Charlie Weis era.

A 6'2", 320-pound defensive tackle out of Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Louis Nix figures to be in the mix for playing time at nose guard in Bob Diaco's 3-4 defensive scheme.

Conditioning problems have dogged him during his two years in South Bend, but a little time with strength and conditioning coach Paul Longo is sure to benefit him.

He has the ability to be one of the nation's best defensive tackles.

However, Louis Nix needs to prove that on the field this season.

4. Will the Defense Be a Top Ten Unit?

In the last four games of last season, the Irish defense gave up 40 points to Utah, Army, USC and Miami.

It was the best stretch of play by any Notre Dame defense since the Lou Holtz era.

The question is, will that momentum carry over into this season?

The answer is yes.

The defensive line, which has been a weakness of the program in recent memory, will be solid with the addition of talented freshmen Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt.

Manti Te'o and Harrison Smith return as the leaders of this defense which will be a top ten unit by the end of the regular season.

3. Will Michael Floyd Play?

Michael Floyd was indefinitely suspended from the team back in March for being charged with a DUI.

As a result of that, Brian Kelly outlined a list of things for him to achieve before he can be considered for reinstatement.

All signs are pointing toward Michael Floyd being allowed to play this season, but nothing is official yet.

It will be a devastating blow to the team if he is not reinstated as the success of the offense largely rests on his shoulders.

However, Brian Kelly said that he was pleased with the progress that Michael Floyd has made up to this point in time.

2. Who Will Be the Starting Quarterback?

The starting quarterback controversy has been the top headline this off-season.

Dayne Crist performed at a high level in the first eight games of the season, passing for 2,033 yards to along with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

However, he went down with a season-ending knee injury in the Tulsa game.

In stepped true freshman Tommy Rees who went on to a 4-0 record as the starting quarterback to finish the season.

Both players have shown that they are capable of running the offense and each deserves a shot at being named the starter.

It is my opinion that Dayne Crist gives the team the best chance to win.

He needs to avoid injury at all costs if team is to achieve its goals in 2011.

1. Are the Irish a BCS-Caliber Team?

Last season's 8-5 record certainly isn't on par with the expectations of the administration and fans, but was sufficient given the circumstances.

8-5 simply won't cut it this season.

With 19 of 22 starters returning and a decent schedule, this team should be dreaming big dreams.

A BCS game should be the main goal for Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish heading into this season.

They have the talent and coaching to reach that destination.

It's simply a matter of proving it on the field of play.