2011-2012 Football Previews – Independents I-A – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame football has a proud tradition not just in the NCAA, but almost as importantly as a part of the American fabric.
Independent 2011-12 Football Previews: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Coach: Brian Kelly
2010 Record: 8-5
Notre Dame Gambling Odds from Sportsbook.com to win BCS: +2000
Notre Dame Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
Lately, though, the Irish have been milking the tradition and have had only mediocre results on the field.
The name brand of the Golden Domers has been enough to net some talented players, however, so it’s looking like the recruiting should pay dividends for Kelly.
Last year, the Irish were only 4-5 when starting QB Dayne Crist went down injured; Tommy Rees came in and went unbeaten to finish the season. With Crist back along with most of the starters, optimism is high in South Bend in 2011.
Granted, Notre Dame had appearances in the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl in 2005 and ’06, respectively, but that is a fairly long lull for the proud Notre Dame faithful. This season’s roster has the potential to perform as strong as Notre Dame has played in quite some time.
Team Strengths
The Irish should have a strong offense whether Crist or Rees are making the calls under center. The receiver corps is in good shape – especially so after the news that troubled but talented WR Michael Floyd will return. Converted RB Theo Riddick and TE Tyler Eifert round out a strong unit.
If he stays healthy, RB Cierre Wood should also have a very productive 2011. He finished with just over 600 rushing yards in ’10 but has a veteran offensive line in front of him this time around.
Defensively, everything funnels through phenomenal junior LB Manti Te’o. He of the remarkable 133 tackles last year joins S Harrison Smith, last year’s second-leading tackler, on a defense that has talent at each unit. Both the offense and the defense should be more comfortable in the second year of Brian Kelly’s scheme.
Team Weaknesses
Crist should almost certainly start at QB, but the Irish needs to be careful that a quarterback controversy does not start brewing if Crist doesn’t get off to a hot start. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Rees played well in his absence last year and a talented team like Notre Dame does not need that sort of distraction.
The Irish have considerable experience at each positional unit this season, so the biggest worry may be living up to expectations. Kelly agreed to the post as Irish head man with a strong reputation and the strong pedigree of the football program must feel the pressure to perform up to its considerable street cred.
2011-12 Notre Dame Football Prediction: 11-2
The Fighting Irish have been through some trials and tribulations since Kelly came to town last year. Between Notre Dame’s fairly miserable 4-5 start, the death of a fan at an Irish practice and Floyd and WR Duval Kamara’s documented troubles last season, the pristine football image perhaps had some shine rubbed off the apple.
Yet, this is a very talented football team and Kelly still ought to have credibility after turning around the Cincinnati Bearcats.
If Notre Dame gets consistent, harmonious QB play from either Crist or Rees, a double-digit win season seems quite likely, with perhaps more in store for the venerated Golden Domers.
2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule
9/3/11 3:30 PM ET SOFLA
9/10/11 8:00 PM ET @MICH
9/17/11 3:30 PM ET MCHST
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET @PITT
10/1/11 8:00 PM ET @PURD
10/8/11 3:30 PM ET AIRFC
10/22/11 7:30 PM ET USC
10/29/11 3:30 PM ET NAVY
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET @WFRST
11/12/11 7:30 PM ET MD
11/19/11 4:00 PM ET BCOLL
11/26/11 8:00 PM ET @STAN
