Notre Dame vs Louisville: Result Likely to Define the 2024 Season

Notre Dame prepares to host Louisville in a showdown that should set the tone for the rest of the season

Sep 21, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Beaux Collins (5) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Miami Redhawks at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

Notre Dame vs Louisville Preview

Notre Dame looks for revenge against Louisville

Notre Dame has quickly already completed a third of its season and with its win in Notre Dame Stadium Saturday over the Redhawks has moved up to 16 in the country in the AP poll. What comes next will be an intense battle against number 15 and undefeated Louisville in South Bend.

This is a game all Irish fans have had circled.

The Cardinals got the best of Notre Dame last year and always relish the opportunity to knock off the Irish. This game will have huge national implications for both teams and is a key matchup for both schools that will likely dictate the trajectory of the season for both groups.

1️⃣6️⃣ in the AP Poll#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/fMMUhRSy9u

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 22, 2024

Do Notre Dame's CFP hopes hinge on the result of this game?

Some years I believe a 10-2 Notre Dame team would make the expanded 12-team CFP field. I do not believe this year is one of them because one of the Irish's losses is at home and against Northern Illinois, who just lost to Buffalo after knocking off the Irish in South Bend.

This was an unacceptable loss that means Notre Dame is playing each game for its playoff life.

For Notre Dame to salvage the season and keep its CFP hopes alive, this game is a must-win. Period. Can Notre Dame's offense play consistent enough football to score on the Cardinal's stout defense?

This is the question of the week that nobody knows the answer to.

I'm confident the Irish defense will ensure this game is winnable, it will be on the Notre Dame offense to do their part to lock in a needed win heading into the off-week.

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