New Season On the Rise

Connor Fitzharris
Jul 30, 2017 · 2 min read
Brandon Wimbush is ready for his turn to lead the Irish

For Notre Dame fans across the country, last season couldn’t be over with any sooner. You don’t have to remind us of the 4–8 embarrassment that occurred last season. It started with the heartbreaking overtime loss at Darrell K Royal — Texas Memorial Stadium. As Tyrone Swoopes tumbled into the end zone fans were crushed. It ended with much of the same, a mortifying loss at The Coliseum against rival USC.

Last season is done. In the books. None of it matters. Out of all the questions about Brian Kelly, he is still in South Bend pulling recruits left and right. In the past week, Notre Dame has pulled big recruits such as Jacob Lacey (DT) Jack Lamb (LB)and Shayne Simon (OLB). Kelly continues to prove he can get players to Notre Dame, but can he transform them to their highest potential? In the last three seasons, the Irish have gone 31–20, not exactly up to Golden Dome standards.

If the Irish want to improve that record, they will do it behind Brandon Wimbush, highly recurited out of New Jersey. Wimbush has waited for his moment, and it is finally here. He will have a great offensive line led by senior Mike McGlinchey. The backfield and recievers contain stars from last year like Josh Adams, Equanimeous St. Brown, and C.J. Sanders. Bottom line is if Notre Dame is going to win, it will start with Wimbush.

The schedule is arugably tougher than last year. Week two they get to battle one of the SEC powerhouses: Georgia. The backfield is possibly the best in the country lead by Nick Chubb. Week four they travel to East Lansing for a night game against Sparty. Week seven they have to face Sam Darnold and the Trojans who ripped them apart last year, putting up 45 points. Week 10 and 12 they get to travel to Coral Gables and face the Hurricanes, then have their final regular season game against Stanford. There are five tough games for the Irish to try to get past. Here’s a closer look at how I look at this year’s matchups:

Powerhouse Games: Georgia (2) at MSU (4) USC (7) at Miami (10) at Stanford (12)

Trap Games: Temple (1) at Boston College (3) at UNC (6) Navy (11)

Cupcake Games: Miami OH (5) NC State (8) Wake Forest (9)

The first Brian Kelly press conference of the year is July 31st, with the first camp practice at Culver starts August 1st. Time will tell for the Irish if they can improve from the worst season in 11 seasons. There is only one way to go from last season. Up.

Written by: Connor Fitzharris

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•Taylor University '20• “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it" Lou Holtz

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