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29. Notre Dame
Coach:
Charlie Weis
Last year:
10-3. However, the Irish got blasted by LSU (41-14) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Offense:
The Irish offense is loaded with talent but bereft of experience. How long it takes Charlie Weis to mold this young group of players into a confident and efficient unit will determine whether this year will be a success or a rebuilding year. Quarterback Brady Quinn is busy in the NFL and posing for fashion spreads. Receiver Jeff Samardzija is a pitcher in the Chicago Cubs minor league system. Of course, everyone is watching the progress of young Jimmy Clausen, the most heralded high school quarterback recruit since Ron Powlus. Clausen, the younger brother of two former Tennessee quarterbacks, was 42-0 as a starter in high school passing for more than 10,000 yards and 146 touchdowns. However, he hasn't thrown one touchdown for the Irish yet.
Defense:
Corwin Brown has taken over as coordinator after Weis lured him away from his defensive backs coach job with the New York Jets. He's bringing in a 3-4 scheme but it's not clear that the Irish have the personnel to run it as more than a wrinkle. Safety Tom Zbikowski surprised many by staying in South Bend another year rather than heading to the NFL.
Schedule:
Really, really tough. Four of the first six games are on the road and there aren't any breathers until November.
Prediction:
7-5
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