Quick question: when does it stop being “way too early” to make a pre-season top 10 or top 25? I agree the day after the national championship seems a bit early but as we approach spring ball is that still the case?
Probably, but it makes a bit more sense today than it probably did a month or so ago. Either way, ESPN and Mark Schlabach released their latest “way too early top 25” and Notre Dame remains in the same position they did a month and five days ago.
Number 10.
ESPN/Schlabach’s latest outlook for Notre Dame:
Despite a lopsided loss to Clemson in the CFP two seasons ago, it might be argued the Irish are as close as ever to returning to the sport’s elite. They’re 33-6 since 2017, matching the most victories in a three-year stretch in the program’s history (the Irish also won 33 from 1988-90). After early losses at Georgia and Michigan, Notre Dame won its final six games in 2019, including a 33-9 rout of Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl. With quarterback Ian Book and all five starting offensive linemen returning, there’s good continuity on that side of the ball for 2020. Kevin Austin, who was suspended for the 2019 season, and Northwestern grad transfer Bennett Skowronek are two receivers to watch this spring. Coach Brian Kelly promoted former quarterback Tom Rees to offensive coordinator; he called plays in the bowl game after Chip Long was pushed out. There’s much work to do on defense, especially in the secondary.
Essentially this is exactly what was said in the first write-up. There was no movement for any of the top three teams in Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama while Georgia moved to four and LSU dropped from four to eight. Penn State’s climb from nine to five was also noteworthy in the top ten.
Listen, like it or not Notre Dame is entering the season as a top ten squad. Perhaps you think they aren’t getting enough love or you may think they’re getting too much. Either it really doesn’t matter much beyond for fun off-season arguments.
What’s much more important is if Notre Dame can improve the ability to run the ball against the better fronts and how quickly their now young secondary can grow. If the growth at both of those improves and Ian Book can take a step, not even a leap, then Notre Dame should be looking 4-0 in the eyes before the showdown versus Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.
Win that and all bets are off before Clemson comes to town the first Saturday in November.
OK – can we fast forward to fall already? Starting to get a bit excited.