Lookout CFP. Here Comes the Irish!!

#icouldbewrong, but the pollsters got it wrong once again. When it comes to ranking the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the preseason, it's become an annual event to see the Irish ranked incorrectly. However, unlike most seasons in recent memory, this time the Irish are being underestimated instead of over-hyped. Year 2 of the Marcus Freeman era will be the year vastly different than Year 1 for a number of reasons. Let's start with their schedule. Yes, the Irish have some tough opponents sprinkled in, but they shouldn't be in real tough waters until their 5th game (in week 4, dumb!) against Ohio State. This will give the Irish plenty of time to get in rhythm. Unlike last year when they faced the Buckeyes in the season opener and had their chances of making the CFP essentially ruined in their first game. In addition to their schedule being set up in a much more favorable way, the Irish are starting this year with an upgrade at the starting quarterback position. Sam Hartman won't win the Heisman, but he also won't be the achilles' heel of the offense like his predecessors over the past couple of years. The Irish have moved Chris Tyree to wide receiver to be able to take advantage of his speed and to allow some of their other talented running backs to get touches and contribute. With another year of recruiting the type of players Coach Freeman wants, the defense will be improved as well. I expect the front 7 to be much better and to create headaches for opposing offenses on a weekly basis. If they are able to take that leap up front, their talented secondary is going to have plenty of opportunities for interceptions. All in all, I predict the Irish, who are currently ranked #13, finish the season ranked in the top 5 with a 11-1 record and a CFP berth.