2018 season: 12-1
Head coach: Brian Kelly (10th season)
Notre Dame had an impressive showing last year with an undefeated regular season record. Under the leadership of Kelly, the Fighting Irish made their way to a program-first College Football Playoff appearance. Although the Fighting Irish proved their strength in victories against four Top 25 opponents, Clemson broke Notre Dame’s winning streak in a crushing 30-3 postseason drubbing.
Senior Ian Book is likely to return as quarterback this season. Book began last season as a backup to senior Brandon Wimbush. However, Kelly decided to make a switch after the team had a couple of games come a bit too close for comfort early on. Book took over during just four games into the season and proved himself worthy of the position. He led his team to easy wins and with his 68.2 completion rate and even broke the Fighting Irish record, passing Jimmy Clausen’s 68.0 percent clip in 2009.
Ian Book and many stars in the offense will be returning this season to redeem themselves after choking in last year’s postseason. Of those joining him include four returning starting offensive linemen and two returning starting receivers.
Notre Dame will begin its season in a match-up against Louisville, which will be nationally televised on ESPN on Monday, September 2. Notre Dame will visit Wallace Wade Stadium later this fall, on Saturday November 9. Duke and Notre Dame have had five matchups in program history since 1958, with the latest competition held in 2016. Although Notre Dame has been successful three of five times, Duke holds the most recent victory in the series.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.