Notre Dame Football
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It is no secret that Notre Dame has been struggling for a few years now. Brady Quinn’s senior year was the only season that really had a flash of greatness for the career of Charlie Weiss, and even then there were skeptics. With the rumor being that this is the make or break season for Charlie Weiss, the question becomes, “Is this the season that Notre Dame returns to greatness?” As with every school, the schedule can make or break the team and Notre Dame’s schedule is no different this year. When looking at the schedule for this year this looks to be a decent season for the Irish. The combined record of last season of the teams they play is 76 -77 with USC being the only team going to a major bowl game. Below is a breakdown of each game that the Irish play in the 2010 College football season.
Nevada (7-6 in 2008)
The Nevada Wolf Pack come to South Bend for this first game of the season and Charlie Weiss and the Fighting Irish will be ready for them. Hoping to make a statement to the rest of the nation Notre Dame will easily manhandle their first opponent of the season.
Winner: Notre Dame
At Michigan (3-9 2008)
Many people are looking at this game as an easy win for the Irish, but nothing could be further from the truth. Michigan coming off of one of their worst seasons ever will not allow a repeat for this season. Rich Rodriguez is starting to amass the pieces that he wants and will be a formidable foe for the Irish. In the end though Weiss and crew will out score the Wolverines on their home field and take the victory.
Winner: Notre Dame
Michigan State (9-4 2008)
This may be one of the most difficult games to call of the schedule because you never know what team the Michigan State Spartans are going to show up with. Coming into South Bend the Spartans will be undefeated and looking to continue the pattern with another win against the Irish. Missing Javon Ringer this year is really going to limit the game plan for the Spartans though leaving them unable to finish off the Irish.
Winner: Notre Dame
At Purdue (4-8 2008)
Purdue’s Boilermakers will be looking for a third win when Notre Dame stops by but will not find it. Notre Dame emboldened by their recent undefeated season will play intent on coming out of the game unblemished and will succeed.
Winner: Notre Dame
Washington (0-12 2008)
Maybe the easiest game on the Irish schedule the danger here is for the team to look ahead at the USC Trojans and forget about the Washington Huskies. The Huskies have a strong possibility of being winless at this point in the season and will be looking to cease the opportunity for an emotional victory. Unfortunately for the Huskies no victory will be had in this sloppy closer than it needs to be game.
Winner: Notre Dame
USC (12-1 2008)
Possibly the game that every Notre Dame fan wants to win more than any other on the schedule is this game against the Trojans. Both teams have the opportunity of coming into this game undefeated as long as the Trojans get past the Ohio State Buckeyes earlier in the schedule. The Trojans will use its entire arsenal and will ultimately defeat the Irish at the Coliseum handing the Irish its first loss of the season.
Winner: USC
Boston College (9-5 2008)
Still licking their wounds from the loss to the Trojans, the Irish will host the Boston College Eagles. Notre Dame will then take out their frustrations on the Boston College Eagles and take the win in an offensive battle in South Bend.
Winner: Notre Dame
Washington State (2-11 2008)
The third PAC-10 team that the Irish play is the Cougars of Washington State. After four straight loses the Cougars will be looking for some hope of victory when they enter South Bend. The Irish getting back into the groove of winning will have none of it and will coast to an easy win against the Cougars.
Winner: Notre Dame
Navy (8-5 2008)
Over looked by many teams last year, Navy put together a respectable season with an eight and five record. This year will be no different as Navy wins the six games leading up to the game and hope to run over the Irish as the seventh. Notre Dame will be able to stand in the ring with the Navy and hold strong through the onslaught ending in victory of the Irish.
Winner: Notre Dame
At Pittsburgh (9-4)
The first of two Big East games the Irish will have sealed a Bowl bid in the previous game and falter in this game against the Panthers. Pittsburgh, though not a powerhouse, will be able to overcome the Notre Dame Irish and obtain a bowl bid by beating the Irish in Pittsburgh.
Winner: Pittsburgh
Connecticut (8-5 2008)
Connecticut comes into South Bend looking to upend the Irish after losing to the Cincinnati Bearcats the week before. The Irish having been dismantled by the Pittsburgh Panthers will return the favor to this Big East team.
Winner: Notre Dame
At Stanford (5-7 2008)
The Final game of the Season is away against the Stanford Cardinal. Stanford will be playing for pride as their losing season comes to an end. In the end, Notre Dame will coast to another victory and a possible BCS bowl selection.
Winner: Notre Dame
At 10-2, it looks like the Irish have a great chance to improve on last season’s record of seven and six and move on to a solid bowl game. Obviously everything depends on the durability of the starters and the play calling of the coaches especially since Charlie Weiss has taken over the offensive calling. Hopefully the Irish are able to capitalize on their weaker schedule this year and show the nation why they are one of the best programs in the country.
