Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2022 College Football Preview
June 22, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 11-2
ATS – 9-4
“Here we go again. Again.” <Tugg Speedman> <Schorcher VI – Global Meltdown>
The Irish put together yet another double-digit win season (five in a row, yo) whilst losing just one game during the regular season, and that was vs playoff-bound Cincinnati. And yes, that was a 1003 STAR MEGALOCKS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE STEAM PLAY. Their only other loss last season was to the Big 12 champs from Oklahoma St in the Fiesta Bowl (L 37-35).
Brian Kelly is off to LSU and it’ll be up to Marcus Freeman and friends to guide the ship. Let’s see what things look like heading into 2022.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
It was a different-looking Notre Dame offense LY as they only rushed for 144 YPG (#83 FBS) which was their lowest total since 2010 (!) (127 YPG). QB Jack Coan did a fine job throwing for over 3,000 yards (25-7 TD to INT) but they’ll need to break in a new starter in 2022. All signs indicate that Tyler Buchner will be the man, and while he got some experience LY and brings mobility to the position, it remains to be seen if he can provide a legit arm for the THROW GAME. #1 WR Kevin Austin is gone but the WR unit is still talented and they boast one of the best TEs in the country in Michael Mayer (71, 840, 11.8, 7 TD). It’s a yuuuuge blow to lose 1,000-yard RB Kyren Williams (42 receptions as well) and it’s unclear if they have a true #1 option in the backfield. The OL was a disappointment LY and recall that they allowed 35 sacks in 13G in 2021. The good news is that they return four starters up front including an AA at center in Jarrett Patterson. We’ll call for a slight decrease in their PPG output (35.2 LY).
DEFENSE
The Irish were stout LY and allowed fewer than 20 PPG for the 4th consecutive season (19.7, #15 FBS scoring defense). They also brought the HEAT to opposing QBs and tallied an impressive 41 sacks (T12). New DC Al Golden, yes THAT Al Golden formerly of YOUR Miami Hurricanes, has eight returning starters and a talented bunch to work with in 2022. The DL is in great shape as it’s loaded with highly recruited specimens including DE Isaiah Foskey who booked 11.5 sacks (7 QBH) LY. #1 tackler LB JD Bertrand returns to a fine LB unit and all four starters are back in the secondary. Adding FS Brandon Joseph from Northwestern was a very smart move as they’ll definitely miss the ultra-talented Kyle Hamilton who was taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Yup, this defense is going to be really good yet again.
SPECIAL TEAMS
There will be new starters across the board other than Chris Tyree who returns as the primary KR (26.7, TD LY). Veteran PK Blake Grupe comes over from Arkansas St and he’ll be asked to make some important FGs over the course of the season. <grabs popcorn>
Schedule Analysis
Overall – WHOA, NELLIE. They face Ohio St (!) on the road to open things up and must face Clemson later in the year in South Bend. BYU is always tough and they end the regular season with a visit to a much-improved USC squad.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – October 29th – at Syracuse
The Orange can be a handful at home and the yuuuuge game with Clemson is up next.
Season Win Total
per 5Dimes June 22
Over 9 -115
Under 9 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
We expect them to lose at least two of the three big ones (at Ohio St, Clemson, at USC) and that doesn’t leave much room for error.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
This is a really solid team on paper. It’s just hard to count on another double-digit winning season when you’re breaking in a new starting QB and HC. And the schedule doesn’t do them any favors. We’ll call for an eight or nine win season but wouldn’t be surprised if they weasel their way into the playoff conversation.
Want more Notre Dame football ?
WEBSITE
https://und.com/sports/football/
FORUM
https://forum.uhnd.com/forum/index.php?action=main&forumid=6
https://notredame.forums.rivals.com/forums/under-the-dome.8/
https://www.domerdomain.com/forum/
http://notredame.247sports.com/Board/Notre-Dame-Fighting-Irish-Message-Board-Forum-88
NEWS
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/87/notre-dame-fighting-irish