We’re at that point again where outlets are making their own top 25 polls for the college football season. Although we’ve passed the “way too early” stage in terms of titling these (that’s reserved for mid-January through February according to all college football writing bylaws) I’d argue we’re still a bit early in doing anything other than guessing.
That said, Bill Bender of The Sporting News does a great job gaining knowledge of all college football all year long. He released his latest top 25 ahead of the 2020 season today and Notre Dame fans will be happy to know he has Notre Dame ranked higher than any other outlet we’ve seen recently.
Bender says of No. 8 Notre Dame:
The return of veteran quarterback Ian Book is the biggest plus for Brian Kelly heading into his 11th season, and Jafar Armstrong and Jahmir Smith need to step up at running back. Javon McKinley, Braden Lenzy and Tommy Tremble give Book solid options in the receiving game. Liam Eichenberg’s return is a plus for the offensive line. The secondary will be a question mark on defense. The schedule is fun with a trip to Ireland against Navy in the opener, an Oct. 3 visit to Lambeau Field for Wisconsin and the Nov. 7 blockbuster against Clemson in South Bend. The Irish are 33-6 the last three seasons. They will be in the Playoff conversation again.
Of Notre Dame’s 12 opponents in 2020, Bender ranks only Clemson (1) ahead of the Irish. Wisconsin at 16 and Louisville at 22 are the only other two opponents to make Bender’s latest top 25.
It’s not about everyone else though, it’s about getting better from within. Can the offensive line take a step in the run game? Who becomes the go-to target with the departures of both Chase Claypool and Cole Kmet? And will the rest of the secondary rise to the level of Kyle Hamilton?
Answer those questions for me and I’ll tell you how high Notre Dame’s ceiling is in 2020.
