Notre Dame 2020

[IrishInOntario]

Looking ahead to next year, there are 4 games on the schedule that stick out "make or break" games in the ND season.

Vs Wisconsin (Lambeau Field)
At Pitt (for obvious Pitt / ND reasons)
Clemson
At USC (they will be much improved)

ND is set to return a ton of starters / co starters.

The offense could return 9 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
WR: Chase Claypool
Slot: Chris Finke

Returning
QB: Ian Book
RB: Tony Jones Jr
WR: Braden Lenzy (co-starter)
WR: Lawrence Keys (co-starter)
WR: Kevin Austin Jr (new starter)
TE: Cole Kmet
TE: Tommy Tremble
LT: Liam Eichenberg
LG: Aaron Banks
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Tommy Kraemer
RT: Robert Hainsey
OT: Josh Lugg (co-starred due to injury)

Defense could return 7-8 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
DE: Khalid Kareem
DE: Julian Okwara
LB: Asmar Bilal
CB: Troy Pride Jr
CB: Jalen Elliot

Returning
DE: Daelin Hayes (co-starter)
DE: Ade Ogundeji (new starter)
DT: Myron Tagavailoa-Amosa
NG: Kurt Hinish
Rover: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (may move to buck)
Mike: Drew White
Buck: Jack Lamb (new starter)
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Tariq Bracy (new starter)
S: Alohi Gilman (would be HUGE)
S: Kyle Hamilton (co-starter)

We have to see how things play out with 5th / 6th year players, but if the guys expected to return do infact wind up returning, ND could have another quality team, with quite a bit of proven depth to sustain injuries.

Notre Dame could have as many as 17 out of 22 returning starters / co-starters and both starting specialists backs.

IMO, that sets up for another 10-2 season if ND can split the 4 games I listed above. 11-1 and being right back in the thick of the playoff conversation is possible as well if they can go 3-1 in that slate and their lone loss isn't at USC (too late in the season).

Thoughts?

 

[d1042]

with Helton, SC will not be improved. The Roster is being depleted.
2-3 stars and small classes.
So now you are down to 3 games and s/b 2.

 

[d1042]

A loss to Clemson will be hard to overcome for playoff credibility. It would = losing the CCG.

 

[ftnfan62]

Feasible. A beat down on Stanford will help. IF, IF ND was in the ACC everyone would be talking about Clemson vs ND in championship game. Best Clemson and you might even slide in. I don’t get the one game out of the 5 or 6 ranked teams making people believe we are not worthy. We could easily be 11-1.

No, not top 4. Not top 8. 10 is legit. Maybe 9

 

[ZORO50]

I remember when times were bleak looking at 2018& 2019.
Especially 2018 with FSU, Michigan, USC.
saying good luck.

Looking at 2020- we get past Navy in Ireland.
have a few games to get ready for Wisconsin.

We have Clemson at home in November.
I’m hoping it’s freezing and we are both undefeated.
Could feel like FSU- 1993?

I like our chances with that roster making our best shot at it.
Hopefully, the 5 star running back that comes in and can provide the lightning with the Thunder already in place.

 

[Golson5]

Looking ahead to next year, there are 4 games on the schedule that stick out "make or break" games in the ND season.

Vs Wisconsin (Lambeau Field)
At Pitt (for obvious Pitt / ND reasons)
Clemson
At USC (they will be much improved)

ND is set to return a ton of starters / co starters.

The offense could return 9 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
WR: Chase Claypool
Slot: Chris Finke

Returning
QB: Ian Book
RB: Tony Jones Jr
WR: Braden Lenzy (co-starter)
WR: Lawrence Keys (co-starter)
WR: Kevin Austin Jr (new starter)
TE: Cole Kmet
TE: Tommy Tremble
LT: Liam Eichenberg
LG: Aaron Banks
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Tommy Kraemer
RT: Robert Hainsey
OT: Josh Lugg (co-starred due to injury)

Defense could return 7-8 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
DE: Khalid Kareem
DE: Julian Okwara
LB: Asmar Bilal
CB: Troy Pride Jr

Returning
DE: Daelin Hayes (co-starter)
DE: Ade Ogundeji (new starter)
DT: Myron Tagavailoa-Amosa
NG: Kurt Hinish
Rover: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (may move to buck)
Mike: Drew White
Buck: Jack Lamb (new starter)
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Tariq Bracy (new starter)
S: Alohi Gilman (would be HUGE)
S: Kyle Hamilton (co-starter)

We have to see how things play out with 5th / 6th year players, but if the guys expected to return do infact wind up returning, ND could have another quality team, with quite a bit of proven depth to sustain injuries.

Notre Dame could have as many as 17 out of 22 returning starters / co-starters and both starting specialists backs.

IMO, that sets up for another 10-2 season if ND can split the 4 games I listed above. 11-1 and being right back in the thick of the playoff conversation is possible as well if they can go 3-1 in that slate and their lone loss isn't at USC (too late in the season).

Thoughts?

You forgot Jamir Jones and Jalen Elliot in the losing category. Also Vaughn if you want to count co starters

 

[Golson5]

with Helton, SC will not be improved. The Roster is being depleted.
2-3 stars and small classes.
So now you are down to 3 games and s/b 2.

They were a good top 20 team this year and return most of the team and their good qb. They will be better than the good team they had this year

 

[Golson5]

Looking ahead to next year, there are 4 games on the schedule that stick out "make or break" games in the ND season.

Vs Wisconsin (Lambeau Field)
At Pitt (for obvious Pitt / ND reasons)
Clemson
At USC (they will be much improved)

ND is set to return a ton of starters / co starters.

The offense could return 9 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
WR: Chase Claypool
Slot: Chris Finke

Returning
QB: Ian Book
RB: Tony Jones Jr
WR: Braden Lenzy (co-starter)
WR: Lawrence Keys (co-starter)
WR: Kevin Austin Jr (new starter)
TE: Cole Kmet
TE: Tommy Tremble
LT: Liam Eichenberg
LG: Aaron Banks
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Tommy Kraemer
RT: Robert Hainsey
OT: Josh Lugg (co-starred due to injury)

Defense could return 7-8 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
DE: Khalid Kareem
DE: Julian Okwara
LB: Asmar Bilal
CB: Troy Pride Jr

Returning
DE: Daelin Hayes (co-starter)
DE: Ade Ogundeji (new starter)
DT: Myron Tagavailoa-Amosa
NG: Kurt Hinish
Rover: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (may move to buck)
Mike: Drew White
Buck: Jack Lamb (new starter)
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Tariq Bracy (new starter)
S: Alohi Gilman (would be HUGE)
S: Kyle Hamilton (co-starter)

We have to see how things play out with 5th / 6th year players, but if the guys expected to return do infact wind up returning, ND could have another quality team, with quite a bit of proven depth to sustain injuries.

Notre Dame could have as many as 17 out of 22 returning starters / co-starters and both starting specialists backs.

IMO, that sets up for another 10-2 season if ND can split the 4 games I listed above. 11-1 and being right back in the thick of the playoff conversation is possible as well if they can go 3-1 in that slate and their lone loss isn't at USC (too late in the season).

Thoughts?

Wr position will be very green and bring back little production. Major concern

 

[IrishInOntario]

Wr position will be very green and bring back little production. Major concern

Wide receiver, across college football, is one of the easiest positions to replace in college football. Notre Dame has talent at receiver on the roster, if they can't adequately replace Claypool and Finke, they don't deserve to be very good. Between Kmet, Tremble, Lenzy, Keys, Austin and Johnson, they better be able to move the ball through the air. I don't think any of them are going to be a true #1 like Claypool is this year, but they could get as a group they should be more productive.

 

[jcswoopnh]

Looking ahead to next year, there are 4 games on the schedule that stick out "make or break" games in the ND season.

Vs Wisconsin (Lambeau Field)
At Pitt (for obvious Pitt / ND reasons)
Clemson
At USC (they will be much improved)

ND is set to return a ton of starters / co starters.

The offense could return 9 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
WR: Chase Claypool
Slot: Chris Finke

Returning
QB: Ian Book
RB: Tony Jones Jr
WR: Braden Lenzy (co-starter)
WR: Lawrence Keys (co-starter)
WR: Kevin Austin Jr (new starter)
TE: Cole Kmet
TE: Tommy Tremble
LT: Liam Eichenberg
LG: Aaron Banks
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Tommy Kraemer
RT: Robert Hainsey
OT: Josh Lugg (co-starred due to injury)

Defense could return 7-8 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
DE: Khalid Kareem
DE: Julian Okwara
LB: Asmar Bilal
CB: Troy Pride Jr
CB: Jalen Elliot

Returning
DE: Daelin Hayes (co-starter)
DE: Ade Ogundeji (new starter)
DT: Myron Tagavailoa-Amosa
NG: Kurt Hinish
Rover: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (may move to buck)
Mike: Drew White
Buck: Jack Lamb (new starter)
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Tariq Bracy (new starter)
S: Alohi Gilman (would be HUGE)
S: Kyle Hamilton (co-starter)

We have to see how things play out with 5th / 6th year players, but if the guys expected to return do infact wind up returning, ND could have another quality team, with quite a bit of proven depth to sustain injuries.

Notre Dame could have as many as 17 out of 22 returning starters / co-starters and both starting specialists backs.

IMO, that sets up for another 10-2 season if ND can split the 4 games I listed above. 11-1 and being right back in the thick of the playoff conversation is possible as well if they can go 3-1 in that slate and their lone loss isn't at USC (too late in the season).

Thoughts?

Do you think the coaching staff remains intact? The USC game scares me. I think they go into that game with 1 loss. I don't think the Clemson game is an automatic loss. The Wisc game will be a slugfest with ND speaking by.

 

[jcswoopnh]

Do you think the coaching staff remains intact? The USC game scares me. I think they go into that game with 1 loss. I don't think the Clemson game is an automatic loss. The Wisc game will be a slugfest with ND speaking by.

USC will probably have a New coach and the speed and talent is crazy

 

[d1042]

USC will probably have a New coach and the speed and talent is crazy

you guys need to look more objectively at SC, rather than SC under McKay!
2+ sub par OL and DL recruiting classes, and almost no class in 20!
Speed and talent with no OL or DL ? how do you think that works out?

 

[TheSodFather]

I think you are spot on with a conservative 10-2. 11-1 or better comes down to steadying the ship on the Oline. As you mentioned there are multiple candidates for breakout stars among the skill group. This Oline needs to play to its potential and 12-0 becomes a real possibility.

Defensively they appear to have multiple breakout candidates and the peace of mind of terrific front 4 depth.

 

[iwish]

Personally not convinced Gilman won’t come back. Obviously he will get his NFL grading but his season was “solid, not great.” Would also love to see the freshman Johnson give us some immediate help at WR.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Do you think the coaching staff remains intact? The USC game scares me. I think they go into that game with 1 loss. I don't think the Clemson game is an automatic loss. The Wisc game will be a slugfest with ND speaking by.

No. I think you see Todd Lyght move on at a minimum. Not sure about 9ther changes at this point.

 

[mirer03]

No. I think you see Todd Lyght move on at a minimum. Not sure about 9ther changes at this point.

Thats a shame. I think Lyght has been a great coach. Im not sure joseph is an upgrade to secondary recruiting.

 

[Golson5]

Wide receiver, across college football, is one of the easiest positions to replace in college football. Notre Dame has talent at receiver on the roster, if they can't adequately replace Claypool and Finke, they don't deserve to be very good. Between Kmet, Tremble, Lenzy, Keys, Austin and Johnson, they better be able to move the ball through the air. I don't think any of them are going to be a true #1 like Claypool is this year, but they could get as a group they should be more productive.

Hopefully. Because the receivers you mentioned haven't shown much at all yet. Im hopeful on Austin

 

[Quest4Twelve]

Also didn't Shawn Crawford announce he's forgoing his remaining year of eligibility?

 

[Zorich 88]

Looking ahead to next year, there are 4 games on the schedule that stick out "make or break" games in the ND season.

Vs Wisconsin (Lambeau Field)
At Pitt (for obvious Pitt / ND reasons)
Clemson
At USC (they will be much improved)

ND is set to return a ton of starters / co starters.

The offense could return 9 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
WR: Chase Claypool
Slot: Chris Finke

Returning
QB: Ian Book
RB: Tony Jones Jr
WR: Braden Lenzy (co-starter)
WR: Lawrence Keys (co-starter)
WR: Kevin Austin Jr (new starter)
TE: Cole Kmet
TE: Tommy Tremble
LT: Liam Eichenberg
LG: Aaron Banks
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Tommy Kraemer
RT: Robert Hainsey
OT: Josh Lugg (co-starred due to injury)

Defense could return 7-8 returning starters / co-starters...

Losing
DE: Khalid Kareem
DE: Julian Okwara
LB: Asmar Bilal
CB: Troy Pride Jr
CB: Jalen Elliot

Returning
DE: Daelin Hayes (co-starter)
DE: Ade Ogundeji (new starter)
DT: Myron Tagavailoa-Amosa
NG: Kurt Hinish
Rover: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (may move to buck)
Mike: Drew White
Buck: Jack Lamb (new starter)
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Tariq Bracy (new starter)
S: Alohi Gilman (would be HUGE)
S: Kyle Hamilton (co-starter)

We have to see how things play out with 5th / 6th year players, but if the guys expected to return do infact wind up returning, ND could have another quality team, with quite a bit of proven depth to sustain injuries.

Notre Dame could have as many as 17 out of 22 returning starters / co-starters and both starting specialists backs.

IMO, that sets up for another 10-2 season if ND can split the 4 games I listed above. 11-1 and being right back in the thick of the playoff conversation is possible as well if they can go 3-1 in that slate and their lone loss isn't at USC (too late in the season).

Thoughts?

The biggest question mark to me is at QB and RB.

Book as to get better this off-season. I really believe QB is the key.

Now, if QB play does not improve then please get the running game back to at least what it was last season.

ND does not have a RB with breakaway speed. That is a problem when the QB play is average at best.

 

[d1042]

The biggest question mark to me is at QB and RB.

Book as to get better this off-season. I really believe QB is the key.

Now, if QB play does not improve then please get the running game back to at least what it was last season.

ND does not have a RB with breakaway speed. That is a problem when the QB play is average at best.

The advantage to not having the elite 5*’s, is you get 5 years out of the players!
So you have a 20-22 year old team playing 18-20 year olds. And add the experience it is a big advantage.

 

[stu4don]

I agree 10-2 with a hopeful 11-1 (it is so hard to undefeated) with the team you list. A lot of experience. Tony Jones blocking for Ian in passing downs. The o-line needs to step up. And how big would it be for Crawford and Gilman to return?!

We are so overdue for a big win. Clemson would do it.

 

[stu4don]

IIO -- what is your two-deep for next year? We seem to be very deep.

 

[stu4don]

Kelly seems to share your opinion re: Wu at Buck.

On if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could make the move to inside linebacker:

Kelly: "I think your assessment is right. He's definitely gaining an instinct for the game that he lacked early on. Maybe the Louisville game was a good example of him being out there in space and not being as aware.

"I think what happened on Saturday was probably more revealing as a box player. His instincts we're really tested yesterday as a box player, as a linebacker in a box, and he passed with flying colors.

"He played downhill, played physical, played with his hands, looked like a linebacker yesterday. But the week before against Navy, he looked like a really good rover playing on the edge of your defense. We're in a pretty good position there with a guy that we think has got some versatility."

 

[IrishInOntario]

Kelly seems to share your opinion re: Wu at Buck.

On if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could make the move to inside linebacker:

Kelly: "I think your assessment is right. He's definitely gaining an instinct for the game that he lacked early on. Maybe the Louisville game was a good example of him being out there in space and not being as aware.

"I think what happened on Saturday was probably more revealing as a box player. His instincts we're really tested yesterday as a box player, as a linebacker in a box, and he passed with flying colors.

"He played downhill, played physical, played with his hands, looked like a linebacker yesterday. But the week before against Navy, he looked like a really good rover playing on the edge of your defense. We're in a pretty good position there with a guy that we think has got some versatility."

I'm projecting him to move inside as well, but for the sake of the "returning" list I left it as is... Whether it's JOK at Rover and Lamb at Buck, or JOK at Buck and Moala early Rover, I trust Lea to get his beat three on the field and because he coaches them, they'll play at a high level.

 

[IrishInOntario]

IIO -- what is your two-deep for next year? We seem to be very deep.

Some positions are deeper than others, IMO... I think the offensive line will be 7 deep in terms of guys that can play. Tight end will be very deep, as is usually the case. Defensive line is not a position I worry about. I think they'll have 5 defensive ends who can play and 5 guys on the interior as well. Safety could be very deep if Gilman returns and still fairly deep if he doesn't...

Positions where there won't be a lot of depth or it will be largely unknown...

QB (unknown)
RB (unknown)
WR (not deep)
Linebacker (unknown)
CB (not deep)

 

[d1042]

I agree 10-2 with a hopeful 11-1 (it is so hard to undefeated) with the team you list. A lot of experience. Tony Jones blocking for Ian in passing downs. The o-line needs to step up. And how big would it be for Crawford and Gilman to return?!

We are so overdue for a big win. Clemson would do it.

How bout you bet everything you own on ND!

 

[Golson5]

I'm projecting him to move inside as well, but for the sake of the "returning" list I left it as is... Whether it's JOK at Rover and Lamb at Buck, or JOK at Buck and Moala early Rover, I trust Lea to get his beat three on the field and because he coaches them, they'll play at a high level.

I agree Lea wil get the best out of whichever 3. Haven't seen much at all out of Lamb. So I'm going with JOK and Moala. Or Simon and JOK

 

[IrishInOntario]

I agree Lea wil get the best out of whichever 3. Haven't seen much at all out of Lamb. So I'm going with JOK and Moala. Or Simon and JOK

No argument here really. Simon would be my first bet too if he wasn't missing valuable practice time in the spring, rehabing from injury.

 

[stu4don]

Bo Bauer is going to be tough to keep off the field. That hit he made on the return was one of the best of the year!

 

[echowaker]

Crawford being granted a 6th year would be a huge benefit. If Gilman decides to return thats great for ND but i just don't see how it would help him going forward. I highly doubt his skill set will improve to a point where his NFL draft position would be any better than it is right now. I'd bet he's gone. if he has his degree he has little to gain returning in my opinion.

 

[echowaker]

I agree Lea wil get the best out of whichever 3. Haven't seen much at all out of Lamb. So I'm going with JOK and Moala. Or Simon and JOK

loved what Lamb was doing pre injury in the dime package.

 

[mirer03]

Crawford being granted a 6th year would be a huge benefit. If Gilman decides to return thats great for ND but i just don't see how it would help him going forward. I highly doubt his skill set will improve to a point where his NFL draft position would be any better than it is right now. I'd bet he's gone. if he has his degree he has little to gain returning in my opinion.

Basically it comes down to if he gets a grade outside the top 2 rounds does he end his college career and take a shot, or play one more with hopes of getting into top 2.

The defense should be better next year with regards to the linebackers which should help him flash more. Early this year he was exposed a lot as the dline and backers tried to get their communication and play together.

Its a tough call for him. If im kelly im im sell hard though.

I also hope they reduce the numbers of captains. Seems we have more captains in years with less real leadership. Hopefully someone emerges on both sides this offseason

 

[nemeth#5]

Really looking forward to next year.... Love having these big games. Hoping Book can take that next step.... and he should he has the tools and the experience.

 

[spenna]

Crawford being granted a 6th year would be a huge benefit. If Gilman decides to return thats great for ND but i just don't see how it would help him going forward. I highly doubt his skill set will improve to a point where his NFL draft position would be any better than it is right now. I'd bet he's gone. if he has his degree he has little to gain returning in my opinion.

A little different subject, I think Pyne should de-commit. I am really worried we will lose the kid from California , once the big names go after him

 

[Leahylads]

Too bad Kelly will still be coach. That means automatic losses to Clem and Wisc so no playoff again.

 

[echowaker]

Too bad Kelly will still be coach. That means automatic losses to Clem and Wisc so no playoff again.

how did they make the playoff in 2018 ?

 

[d1042]

Too bad Kelly will still be coach. That means automatic losses to Clem and Wisc so no playoff again.

the probable CU loss will be a ‘talent’ loss.
ND has a 50/50 chance to beat Wisc. That will be a pretty equal matchup of coaches and players: a good game for fans!

No way ND loses to another Helton coached USC.
Stanford is in a deep downturn.
Another 2 game schedule. Not your fathers ND.

 

[d1042]

A little different subject, I think Pyne should de-commit. I am really worried we will lose the kid from California , once the big names go after him

The threat is gone, with SC standing pat. They have a QB commit similar.
None of the other big name southern teams are after a QB, they are stocked.
Oregon might make a-run at Buchner. He’d start day 1.

 

[IrishFforida]

Too bad Kelly will still be coach. That means automatic losses to Clem and Wisc so no playoff again.

More empirical evidence that ingesting copious amounts of lead paint chips can cause brain damage.

 

[Get Nasty]

the probable CU loss will be a ‘talent’ loss.
ND has a 50/50 chance to beat Wisc. That will be a pretty equal matchup of coaches and players: a good game for fans!

No way ND loses to another Helton coached USC.
Stanford is in a deep downturn.
Another 2 game schedule. Not your fathers ND.

That's just not true.

Yes Clemson is slightly more talented than ND, but slightly. Having a generational QB helps but ND has a shot vs them at home next year if book comes back and continues trajectory. Clemson is a few Key five star players more talented than ND.

Wisconsins is SIGNIFICANTLY less talented than ND at every position other than Oline, RB, and CB.

This isn't an NFL evaluation but it's a start.

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Football/CollegeTeamTalentComposite/