Question 9 What are realistic expectations for Notre Dame in 2015?

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 10^th (FOX), 12^th (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).