It’s hard to believe that week 7 is about to begin for the Fighting Irish. To this point the Irish have faced some stiff competition. Leading up to week 6, the Fighting Irish had defeated a week 6 number 12 Michigan, a week 6 number 14 Stanford, and last week number 24 Virginia Tech. Folks in football circles will say that the Fighting Irish have played their toughest part of their football schedule. I would beg to differ.
The Uneasy Road Ahead
With Pitt coming into town this weekend, Coach Kelly is 4-1 vs Pitt, including a triple overtime win in 2012. Pitt is a tough blue-collar team that will play you to the end. Coach Narduzzi has an ax to grind against the Irish. That Story is down below in our weekly picks.
Notre Dame plays at Navy on the West Coast on Saturday October 27th. Coach Kelly is 6-2 vs Navy. Navy always play the Fighting Irish tough. With the triple option offense and with the graduation of Greer Martini, Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo can’t wait to play the Fighting Irish minus Greer.
Notre Dame “travels” to Northwestern Wildcats on November 3rd, Coach Kelly is 0-1 vs NW. To date NW signature win came against Michigan State who was ranked 20th in the country in that contest.
Florida State comes to town on November 10th(Senior Night), Coach Kelly is 0-2 including a bowl loss in 2011 Champs Sports Bowl. FSU is in the midst of a head coaching change. That doesn’t mean they can’t play the spoiler and beat the Fighting Irish at home.
Syracuse will play the Fighting Irish in Yankee Stadium on November 17th in the Shamrock Series. Coach Kelly is 2-0 against Syracuse. Syracuse has played some real close games against teams on the Fighting Irish schedule. Cuse beat FSU 30-7, Syracuse lost to Pitt 44-37. Syracuse will look to spoil the Irish season for sure.
The Fighting Irish travel to USC on November 24th. Coach Kelly is 5-3 against USC, two of those wins coming at USC. USC was stunned last year when they lost to ND last season. The Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry trophy will be on the line as well. This team doesn’t want see this trophy reside on the west coast. More importantly the implications of a BCS bid on the line.
Every game is important. A loss a long the way will have a serious impact on a College Football Playoff National Championship bid. The key to getting to the College Football Playoff National Championship bid will be to win decisively against the remaining schedule and prove the Fighting Irish are the correct fit for a national championship shot.
Pitt at ND 10/13/18
Jimmy-“This is my most concerning game. Pitt is a blue-collar team with a blue-collar coach. Pat Narduzzi is their Head Coach and former Defensive Coordinator for Michigan State. Pitt returns 9 starters on defense. Narduzzi is very confident about being under the radar. This is a vengeance game for Narduzzi. As ND stopped Michigan State from playing for a chance for a National Championship in 2013”. Pitt wins a heart breaker 28-27.
George-“Pitt is just one of those teams. Blue collar, they will leave it all on the field. Pitt will play like it’s their National Championship game. Pitt wants to play spoiler, but not this time.” ND wins 42-27.
Their will be a flyover by the Air Force T-38s. The Black Knights from the 49th Fighter Training Squadron based out of Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. They will perform the ceremonial flyover after the National Anthem.
Kick-off will be at 2:30 and the game will be broadcast on NBC. Dress warm as highs are not expected to be out of the 50’s.
Cheers and Go Irish! ☘🏈