OddsBreakers has released it’s “Not Too Early Top 12” for the 2020 college football season and Notre Dame makes the cut. Barely, but they make it.
Before we look at the rankings and who Notre Dame is ahead of, trails and by how much, let’s first look at how they go about compiling these scores that the rankings reflect.
OddsBreakers has released it’s “Not Too Early Top 12” for the 2020 college football season and Notre Dame makes the cut. Barely, but they make it.
Before we look at the rankings and who Notre Dame is ahead of, trails and by how much, let’s first look at how they go about compiling these scores that the rankings reflect.
Their exact quote on how the scores are determined is as follows:
We have a lot of information available at our disposal to make the necessary adjustments from last year’s performance indicators.  Some of that information includes, but is not limited to returning production, returning starters, offensive and defensive schemes, the last 3 years of performance history, prior recruiting classes, and coaching changes.  Here is the top 12 teams along with my current power ratings. Each point factor represents where each team stands above the average team rounded to .25.  The average team has a point factor of 0, so for example, Ohio State is 31.5 points better than the average team according to my ratings. Please also remember that power ratings change throughout the year and especially after the first few games that are played.  My information on returning production is from Bill Connelly of ESPN, (formerly from SB Nation) and recruiting rankings are from 247 Sports.
So with that in mind, here is how they have the top-12 rated out. We’ll also share their brief write-up on Notre Dame when we get there.
1. Ohio State (31.5)
2. Alabama (26)
3. Clemson (25)
4. Auburn (21)
5. Georgia (20)
6. Florida (18.5)
7. Wisconsin (18)
8. Penn State (17.75)
9. Oklahoma (17.5)
10. LSU (17)
11. Notre Dame (16)
12. Texas 15.5
OddsBreakers says of No. 11 Notre Dame:
Notre Dame lost a lot on defense but they still retain some good talent on offense minus WR Chase Claypool. The Irish always recruits well. Ian Book is returning for his senior year and that is a good thing due to so many top tier QBs entering the draft. Notre Dame will have a new secondary for the most part and 2 new linebackers.  I do like the Irish’s upside this year but their schedule is pretty hard playing Wisconsin in Lambeau Field, Clemson and of course USC. If they somehow get through that gauntlet unscathed, then expect them to reach the playoffs. Returning Production: O66% D51%. Recruiting: ’17 – 10th ’18 – 10th ’19 – 16th.
Just a couple of things to look at here:
Claypool is a huge loss but so is Kmet. Maybe the writer is limited on amount of words but that’s a concern for me even if tight ends seem to produce year in and year out for Notre Dame.
It’s nice to see someone throw praise Ian Book’s way. I know the guy is easy to shoot down and complain about but think about where your thoughts on this team would be if he wasn’t part of it and an unproven and inexperienced quarterback was starting in his spot.
The secondary is interesting to me. Alohi Gilman was a fan favorite for good reason, when a huge play was needed he often provided it. I’d be lying if I said I felt better about him and Kyle Hamilton together in coverage than I do about Hamilton, Isaiah Pryor and potentially Houston Griffith playing together. That said, the loss of Troy Pride, Jr. is significant and one Notre Dame has to not let be massive.
And yes, if Notre Dame is to get wins over top-ten Wisconsin, likely pre-season number one Clemson and at USC then I also like their chances to make the College Football Playoff.
