<center>
![FullSizeRender.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSv4cKaQsxZW1t7qjtv4yY9x6cnfe4aK5JGJy7Lo5WUBo/FullSizeRender.jpg)
</center>
<hr>
<b>SteemSports Presenter: Scott Frank,</b>@scottybuckets
<hr>
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ready for a bounce back season after going 4-8 in 2016. Head Coach Brian Kelly survived the off season without being fired. They have 15 returning starters back and plenty of talent but play a brutal schedule this year. We will breakdown the offense, defense, and where we see the season going for the Irish.
<hr>
Offensive Breakdown: 
<hr>
Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is poised to take over the offense. When Deshone Kizer and his 26 touchdowns declared early for the NFL draft last year, the door was opened for Wimbush to finally get the chance he has been waiting for. Wimbush is a dual threat quarterback and although Kizer was good on his feet, Wimbush is much more of a running quarterback. He has looked great all spring and summer and has the chance to lead one of the most deadly offenses in college football this season.
<hr>
<center>
https://steemitimages.com/DQmd7AhX26u5Rd7pdBBoWKr5bnfRzJocbdRZTGY45xYTaWm/FullSizeRender.jpg
</center>
<hr>
The Irish have one of the best offensive lines in the country. They boast 4 seniors and one redshirt junior including potential first round draft pick, Mike McGlinchey. They will open up holes for Wimbush and running backs Josh Adams and Dexter Williams. They will also give Wimbush plenty of time to look for one of the best wide receivers in recent Notre Dame history, Equanimeous St Brown. He caught 9 touchdowns last year and nearly 1,000 yards. Chase Claypool is also a ready for a good season as he steps into the starting role at wide receiver. The next great tight end may have arrived as well with Brock Wright looking to have an immediate impact, even as a freshman. 
<hr>
Defensive Breakdown:
<hr>
Notre Dame has 7 returning starters back on the defensive side of the ball that struggled mightily last year. They gave up 25+ points in 8 of their games including 45 points against USC who they face on October 21st. They do have their top 2 tacklers back and the defensive line should be strong. They will have to be the anchor to make up for the weak secondary. The Irish will have 2 sophomore starters playing in the defensive backfield that is going to be their biggest challenge. 
<hr>
<center>
https://steemitimages.com/DQmZPP6v7WjAoPsuXDgFrrPWuzR7HMGE8Wrrg9sxJcAerms/FullSizeRender.jpg
</center>
<hr>
The Irish made a great hire though with Defensive Coordinator, Mike Elko. After some great years at Wake Forest, he is ready to help Notre Dame finally put more focus on that side of the ball. His first big challenge will be on September 9th as the Georgia Bulldogs come to South Bend. Georgia has a ton of talent on offense and one of the best running back duos in Chubb and Michel. We will know just how improved this unit will be after this game.
<hr>
The Schedule:
<hr>
●	September 2nd vs Temple
●	September 9th vs Georgia
●	September 16th at Boston College
●	September 23rd at Michigan State
●	September 30th vs Miami, OH
●	October 7th at North Carolina 
●	October 21st vs USC
●	October 28th vs NC State
●	November 4th vs Wake Forest
●	November 11th at Miami, FL
●	November 18th vs Navy
●	November 25th at Stanford
<hr>
If Notre Dame can make it through this schedule with just 1 loss, then they will have a great shot at making the college football playoff. The offense is definitely good enough to accomplish that. The biggest question is if the defense can hold up their end of the bargain. Head Coach Brian Kelly’s 8th year had better be a good one, or it could be his last one for Notre Dame.