A Notre Dame Fan’s Worst Nightmare: What if the Schedule Really Isn't THAT Great?

Really, how good has the Notre Dame schedule been - and does it matter? Or, are the Irish just that good?

Nov 23, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman and his players sing the Notre Dame alma mater after a win against the Army Black Knights at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images / Danny Wild-Imagn Images

What can go wrong for an Irish team riding a nine-game winning streak?

Notre Dame is flying high right now.

This Irish team and coach have come together, gelled, and excelled to the tune of a nine-game winning streak in which they've outscored opponents by a combined score of 392-99. This winning streak has enabled Notre Dame to maneuver into a position where if it beats USC this weekend, there will be a home playoff game in South Bend this winter.

The Irish are riding some serious momentum after dominating so many opponents in a row. So, what could possibly go wrong now? What's the worst thing that can happen against USC or in a playoff game?

The answer is simple. We find out that the Irish aren't as good as their record or scoring margin and their dominant play was a result of a soft schedule.

Plainly stated, Notre Dame getting exposed the next time it faces a truly talented roster would be a nightmare no Irish fan even wants to consider. This would be the absolute worst-case scenario practically and perceptually. I don't think this is in the cards though.

This team just feels very different, and it'll take a dominant win over USC to show it.

Marcus Freeman sings the praises of his coaching staff and team after a gritty win over Army. #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/YicNTORo3c

— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) November 24, 2024

This Notre Dame team and coach feel different, but they must prove it

From Week 2 on, it feels as though this Notre Dame coach and team have grown up a lot together week by week. The Irish are trending up in terms of on-field results and confidence.

Specifically with the Irish defense, there's a feeling of dominance in this group. It plays with such unwavering confidence it's hard for me to consider a game where it doesn't show up and play winning football.

As for Coach Freeman himself, he seems to have hit his stride. He comes across much more confidently now than he ever has previously in his tenure and it shows in the team's play. Freeman and his players appear to be clicking on all levels trending straight up in a way few recent Notre Dame teams, even the better ones, have.

This specific Irish team and coach feel different. Light schedule or not. This team feels like the real deal. All that's left now is for the Irish to prove it when it matters most.

For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.

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