2023 ND opponents' power rankings

[forkbeard3777]

Off season thread...how would you rank Notre Dame's 2023 opponents, from best to worst/hardest to easiest?

My initial stab at it:

1. USC*
2. Ohio State*
3. @ Clemson**
4. @ NC State
5. Pitt***
6. @ Duke***
7. @ Louisville
8. Wake Forest
9. Navy
10. @ Stanford
11. Central Michigan
12. Tennessee State

* = Both are home games, and I'd typically give the nod to Ohio State. However, they're replacing Stroud and USC is returning the Heisman winner. Plus, USC appears to have made some effort on the addressing their defensive deficiencies.

** = Even though it's on the road, I feel like both Ohio State and (recently) USC have surpassed Clemson.

*** = These are somewhat interchangeable. I like Narduzzi a lot as coach, and I'd assume that collectively, Pitt has more talent, but Riley Leonard is the better QB. Also, going to Durham isn't some daunting environment. Mike Elko is also far enough removed from Notre Dame where any players and coaching shouldn't play a factor/overlap.

What do you think? What's your list?

 

[greyhammer90]

I know we lost to them last year but I really don't respect USC enough to put them over OSU or Clemson on a power ranking yet. Seems disrespectful.

 

[NormND_44]

I'd flip your 1-2-3

 

[notredomer23]

They actually talked about this on the pod today and they were pretty unanimous that Clemson was the toughest due to location and spot. Idk if I agree with that. The same reason ND bossed Clemson around last year is evermore present this year. Clemson's defensive line will be weaker, while ND's offensive line will be stronger. Additionally, ND actually has a QB who can pose a threat passing. I am not at all sold on Klubnik yet. The only thing scary about that game to me is the fact Dabo is an elite coach and motivator who will have revenge on his mind at home. The team itself is far from intimidating.

 

[Katzenboyer]

They actually talked about this on the pod today and they were pretty unanimous that Clemson was the toughest due to location and spot. Idk if I agree with that. The same reason ND bossed Clemson around last year is evermore present this year. Clemson's defensive line will be weaker, while ND's offensive line will be stronger. Additionally, ND actually has a QB who can pose a threat passing. I am not at all sold on Klubnik yet. The only thing scary about that game to me is the fact Dabo is an elite coach and motivator who will have revenge on his mind at home. The team itself is far from intimidating.

I do expect a major step forward offensively for Clemson with the hiring of Garrett Riley.

I'd put it 1. OSU, 2. @Clem, 3. USC.

 

[CoachB]

They actually talked about this on the pod today and they were pretty unanimous that Clemson was the toughest due to location and spot. Idk if I agree with that. The same reason ND bossed Clemson around last year is evermore present this year. Clemson's defensive line will be weaker, while ND's offensive line will be stronger. Additionally, ND actually has a QB who can pose a threat passing. I am not at all sold on Klubnik yet. The only thing scary about that game to me is the fact Dabo is an elite coach and motivator who will have revenge on his mind at home. The team itself is far from intimidating.

I think their O will be better with Riley.

You beat me to it.

 

[Irish du Nord]

I think their O will be better with Riley.

You beat me to it.

And Klubnik over DJU

 

[forkbeard3777]

And Klubnik over DJU

Riley should definitely be an upgrade over Streeter. I think Riley's offense though absolutely is hinged on good quarterback play. I like the little I've seen from Klubnik in an effort sense. He seems like a tough kid who really lays it all out there. That being said, I do wonder if he could just sling it and play flawless football at times.

ETA: I think Hartman would destroy in a Riley offense.

 

[Reaper97]

ND played USC last year without Cam Hart, Bracy & I can’t remember which, but one of the Safties got hurt during the game.

ND had two true freshman at CB, a redshirt freshman, a converted WR playing Safety for the first time, & Lewis, who was 5th string by that point, playing in the secondary that game.

I’m surprised USC scored only 38, especially with ND’s offense constantly missing wide open chances & shooting itself in the foot.

This year, with Hartman at QB, at home, and a healthy secondary, ND wins by 11-13.

 

[stpeteirish]

Off season thread...how would you rank Notre Dame's 2023 opponents, from best to worst/hardest to easiest?

My initial stab at it:

1. USC*
2. Ohio State*
3. @ Clemson**
4. @ NC State
5. Pitt***
6. @ Duke***
7. @ Louisville
8. Wake Forest
9. Navy
10. @ Stanford
11. Central Michigan
12. Tennessee State

* = Both are home games, and I'd typically give the nod to Ohio State. However, they're replacing Stroud and USC is returning the Heisman winner. Plus, USC appears to have made some effort on the addressing their defensive deficiencies.

** = Even though it's on the road, I feel like both Ohio State and (recently) USC have surpassed Clemson.

*** = These are somewhat interchangeable. I like Narduzzi a lot as coach, and I'd assume that collectively, Pitt has more talent, but Riley Leonard is the better QB. Also, going to Durham isn't some daunting environment. Mike Elko is also far enough removed from Notre Dame where any players and coaching shouldn't play a factor/overlap.

What do you think? What's your list?

pretty accurate. Actually very accurate IMO. I expect most will be surprised to see Duke this high but not me. They were good last year and returned everybody. And Elko can friggin coach.

 

[arrowryan]

Tim and Tim were talking about the Clemson game and talked about Clemson returns almost everyone. Apparently they forgot Notre Dame added a top 10 QB and that Clemson lost a whole bunch of production on the DL. If ND lost Murphy and Bresee to the draft, I guarantee they would've mentioned it. Oh, Notre Dame is returning a shit ton of players too.

I'd rank them OSU, Clemson, USC. I think Notre Dame gets Ohio State in a good spot and I like how ND matches up with USC.

 

[NDohio]

Tim and Tim were talking about the Clemson game and talked about Clemson returns almost everyone. Apparently they forgot Notre Dame added a top 10 QB and that Clemson lost a whole bunch of production on the DL. If ND lost Murphy and Bresee to the draft, I guarantee they would've mentioned it. Oh, Notre Dame is returning a shit ton of players too.

I'd rank them OSU, Clemson, USC. I think Notre Dame gets Ohio State in a good spot and I like how ND matches up with USC.

Yeah, I thought the same thing when Prister started in with the Clemson returns everyone talk. No, they actually don't.

 

[stlnd01]

Maybe spoiled by a decade of watching us beat them up but add me to the list of those who are not afraid of USC. Yes they have a good QB, but so do we now, and I’ll believe they’re legit in the trenches when I see it. Haven’t seen it yet.

OTOH I think Clemson’s due for a bounceback year. Riley will straighten out their offense and they are always solid on D. Ohio State may be “better” but that on the road could be our toughest game.

Clemson
Ohio State
USC

NC State/Pitt/Duke all are teams we need to respect but should beat by multi scores.

The rest I hope we can get either Angeli or Minchey some experience for ‘24.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

12. Tennessee State
11. Central Michigan
10. Navy
9. Stanford
8. Wake
7. NC State
6. Louisville
5. Duke
4. Pitt
3. Clemson
2. USC
1. Ohio State

 

[NDFAN2008]

Honestly Clemson doesn't scare me at all next year

 

[forkbeard3777]

Honestly Clemson doesn't scare me at all next year

Garrett Riley should improve their offense, they've still got talent on the roster, and it'll be most certainly a tough, road environment - most likely a night game. It won't be a cake walk, but this isn't Clemson of 2018.

 

[ulukinatme]

I know we lost to them last year but I really don't respect USC enough to put them over OSU or Clemson on a power ranking yet. Seems disrespectful.

I think if Buchner was healthy and our DL could have managed to contain Williams just a little (Something Utah was far better at in both their wins against the Trojans), we win that game no problem. We let Williams run around way, way too much in the backfield and make things happen. Poor contain, poor tackling.