Three weeks from Saturday, Notre Dame will battle the Midshipmen of the Navy in Aviva Stadium. Dublin, IE. Kick time is 2:30 U.S. Eastern time. It’s the beginning of what could be a very good year for the Irish.
“Potent” is the word to describe N.D.’s offense. That’s because of returning starters Audric Estime and Chris Tyree and the entrance of quarterback Sam Hartman, a Wake Forest transfer. Estime rushed for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, while Tyree ran for 444 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 138 yards for two touchdowns. Hartman threw for 3,701 yards and had 38 touchdowns last season for the Deamon Deacons.
With this talented group of players, the Fighting Irish should exceed last season’s average of 32 ppg despite being ranked in the Top 20 pre-season in terms of schedule strength (#18). But scattered through the schedule are games where ND will be a strong favorite, including Navy (line already set at -20), Tennessee State, and Central Michigan.
The Irish won’t be a one-dimensional team, either. Notre Dame’s defense is looking strong with Javontae Jean-Baptiste (19 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble), a talented defensive end who is quick, agile, and knack for getting to the quarterback. Thomas Harper (30 tackles, 17 solo, 1 INT) and Antonio Carter II (37 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, one INT) are physical and aggressive defensive backs capable of shutting down opposing receivers.
How far will the Irish go in 2023? That’s anybody’s guess, but it’s probably fair to say ND will do better than last year’s 9-4 finish. ESPN’s pre-season Matchup Predictor has the Irish favored in ten of twelve games, on the losing end in only two, home vs. Ohio State and on the road at Clemson.
