Just how good has Notre Dame been to start 2023?
That question brings different answers depending on whom you ask. Some point to the schedule being Navy and Tennessee State and bring up a slow start at North Carolina State.
Others point to two games of pure dominance and a team who didn’t play well for parts of their first true road game of the year, holding a 45-17 lead before allowing a late touchdown against the Wolfpack.
Put Patrick Conn at College Sports Wire among those impressed by the Irish. In weekly rankings of the nation’s 12 best teams, he and Tyler Nettuno’s put Notre Dame sixth.
My questions about the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were quickly answered against the Wolfpack of North Carolina State. The Golden Domers built up a 45-17 lead by the efforts of quarterback Sam Hartman and running back Audric Estime. Upcoming matchups with Ohio State and Duke should give us a clear indication of how good this Irish team is. – Conn
Also worth noting in the rankings: Of Notre Dame opponents in 2023, only USC is ranked higher than the Irish. The Trojans checked in just ahead of the Irish at No. 5 Ohio State is ranked eighth.
Time will tell in short order if Notre Dame is indeed that good. After Central Michigan this weekend, Ohio State and Duke close September and are followed by a trip to Louisville and home game against USC immediately after.
You can see the entire 12-pack rankings here.
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