On January 16th
UND.com posted an article "20 Questions for Notre Dame Football for
2015". This
is question 9.
9.
The very early preseason looks at the 2015 season listed the Irish 10th
(FOX), 12th (ESPN.com) and 22nd (USA Today) in several of those
polls. What are realistic expectations for Notre Dame in 2015?
Answer;
Expectations for Notre Dame Football always have been and
should be higher than "realistic" and this year is now exception. There are two things that should be taken
into consideration when looking forward to 2015; returning starters and
schedule.
The Irish have a lot of experience coming back next season
and hopefully the talent to go along with it.
Expectations will be high for a number of players. Based on experience and potential from a
players perspective expectations should be reasonably high.
As usual the schedule is a formidable one. There will be tests both at home and away but
seemingly not as strong as years past.
There are defiantly tams that could trip up the Irish if they aren't
focused. This 2015 schedule is set up
for wins however is also may hurt Notre Dame in terms of strength of schedule.
in the end the Irish should have a top 10 record, potentially
a top 4 however their strength of schedule may mean they need to be perfect
(which is not out of the realm of possibilities) or no more than one lose
(which is a bit more likely) to make the playoffs.
It's reasonable to expect a top 5 to top 10 final ranking
with possibility of a playoff appearance.
It is more probable that the Irish should finish top 10 to the top 25
(which did not happen last season).
