2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish NCAA Football Predictions
Written July 10, 2009 by Jason Lowry
For the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2008 was supposed to be the year the Irish returned to an NCAA football powerhouse, but after blowing 3 double digit leads the Irish finished up the season at just 7-6. The Irish did end the season on a good note, as they destroyed Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl 49-21. Even with the disappointment that surrounded the 2008 season, the Irish should be even better in 2009, as they have 15 returning starters and a very manageable schedule. Here is quick look at what the Irish are expected to send out on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where the Irish will finish up this season.
The Irish should be loaded on offense with 9 starters back from 2009, including star junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who threw for 3,172 yards and 25 scores last season. The one thing Clausen has to do to take his game to the next level, is cut down on the turnovers, as he threw 17 interceptions last season. Clausen brings back his top four threats from last season in the receiving game, led by junior Golden Tate and sophomore Michael Floyd. The Irish also have a very promising young tight end in sophomore Kyle Rudolph, who had a pretty solid freshman campaign with 29 catches for 340 yards and 2 scores. Another threat Clausen seems to hit with regularity is running back Armando Allen, who not only had 585 yards rushing and 3 scores, but had 50 catches for 355 yards and 2 more scores. On the offensive line the Irish have to fill the void at left tackle, but they seem pretty set on senior Paul Duncan to take over. Considering that the Irish have two of the top guards in the country in Eric Olsen and Chris Stewart, one of the top tackles in Sam Young, and a great talent at center in Dan Wenger, this should be one of the best offensive lines in the country this season. Bet the Irish this season at Sportsbook.com.
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On defense the Irish have a few more holes to fill with just 6 starters back, but they have some really good talent ready to come in and play. Up front the Irish return junior defensive tackle Ian Williams and junior defensive end Kerry Neal, but they are excited about a couple of young guys that are making their way into the starting lineup. At the other end spot redshirt freshman Kapron Lewis-Moore is expected to add some pressure on the quarterback, while sophomore tackle Ethan Johnson is the new man to help plug up the middle. At linebacker the Irish bring back junior Brian Smith, but all the talk is about freshman Manti Te’o, who is expected to join sophomore Steve Filer at the two open outside back spots. In the secondary The Irish have three starters back, led by strong safety Kyle McCarthy, who led the Irish with 110 tackles last season. Junior Darrin Walls is expected to take over at corner opposite of senior Raeshon McNeil, while sophomore Harrison Smith returns at free safety. The Irish gave up just 21 points a game last season, and if the young guys live up to their potential this unit could be even better this season. Bet college football this season at Sportsbook.com.
My 2009 Prediction: 10-2 Overall. I think this team is loaded and could even do better than I have them here. I think we will learn a lot about this team once the play USC at home in mid October. I have them losing that game and one other game they should win through the season, but this team has the potential to go undefeated this season if everything goes there way.
For those of you looking for some help with your NCAA football picks this season, be sure to check back for our expert college football predictions and the latest college football odds at Betfirms.
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Great article, I agree that we should win at least 10 games. The only two games I am unsure of are USC for obvious reasons and Michigan State because we always struggle with them. But, I honestly think we have a shot at going undefeated. The Irish are back!
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