Next Year's Schedule

[stpeteirish]

Has anyone looked at next year's schedule? Sorry to offend those who think its too early...

Surprisingly easy IMO. Only 3 teams currently ranked. Only 3 in Bowls this year, Wisc, NCar and Cincy. 7 home games, only 4 on the road, plus the Wisc game in Chicago. Open date before USC, at the midpoint of the schedule.

I really think this is the type of schedule we can go 12-0 with. Here it is:


S5 FSU A
S11 Toledo H
S18 Purdue H
S25 Wisc N
O2 Cincy H
O9 VTech A
O23 USC H
O30 NCar H
N6 Navy H
N13 UVA A
N20 GTech H
N27 Stanf A


Major declines recently in the FSU, Navy and Stanford programs really changed the SOS. It was probably considered a tough schedule when it was drawn up.

Your thoughts please.

 

[notredomer23]

Has anyone looked at next year's schedule? Sorry to offend those who think its too early...

Surprisingly easy IMO. Only 3 teams currently ranked. Only 3 in Bowls this year, Wisc, NCar and Cincy. 7 home games, only 4 on the road, plus the Wisc game in Chicago. Open date before USC, at the midpoint of the schedule.

I really think this is the type of schedule we can go 12-0 with. Here it is:


S5 FSU A
S11 Toledo H
S18 Wisc N
O2 Cincy H
O9 VTech A
O23 USC H
O30 NCar H
N6 Navy H
N13 UVA A
N20 GTech H
N27 Stanf A


Major declines recently in the FSU, Navy and Stanford programs really changed the SOS. It was probably considered a tough schedule when it was drawn up.

Your thoughts please.

You're missing Purdue.
UNC is gonna be a wagon. Cincy will still be solid. USC will probably be better than they were this year. Wisconsin will be better next year too. @UVA and @VT are tricky. Even GT is gonna be better

So guaranteed Ws:
FSU, Toledo, Navy, Stanford
Probable Ws:
VT, UVA, GT, Purdue
Likely Ws
Cincy, USC
Toss Ups
UNC, Wisconsin

Depending on QB play I think we see anywhere from 8-4 to 12-0 with most likely 9-3 or 10-2.

 

[irishff1014]

Has anyone looked at next year's schedule? Sorry to offend those who think its too early...

Surprisingly easy IMO. Only 3 teams currently ranked. Only 3 in Bowls this year, Wisc, NCar and Cincy. 7 home games, only 4 on the road, plus the Wisc game in Chicago. Open date before USC, at the midpoint of the schedule.

I really think this is the type of schedule we can go 12-0 with. Here it is:


S5 FSU A
S11 Toledo H
S18 Wisc N
O2 Cincy H
O9 VTech A
O23 USC H
O30 NCar H
N6 Navy H
N13 UVA A
N20 GTech H
N27 Stanf A


Major declines recently in the FSU, Navy and Stanford programs really changed the SOS. It was probably considered a tough schedule when it was drawn up.

Your thoughts please.

Not saying your wrong but remember a new starting QB and Defensive coordinator.

 

[IrishLion]

It's a schedule that should be a manageable 11-1/12-0 on paper... if we were talking about this year's roster.

Next year, you could be replacing 3 or 4 OL, a 3-year starter at QB, the only two WR's who have been consistently productive, the two best pass-rushers, a guy who has turned into a generational LB, and a key guy at CB that provides stability if nothing else.

I think ND is in a place that they *should* be able to win 10 games regardless of rebuilding/reloading. But that's a lot of production, seniority and leadership to replace, especially when you're also going to be working with a new DC, meaning it's not necessarily a given that the new guy is going to provide the gameplanning and developmental uptick that Lea gave you.

I'll be disappointed with less than 10 wins, because it likely means the OL didn't gel early enough and didn't give Kyren and Tyree enough help to keep the pressure off of a new QB. But I wouldn't be totally shocked, either, even if the schedule looks forgiving.

 

[irish4ever]

Has anyone looked at next year's schedule? Sorry to offend those who think its too early...

Surprisingly easy IMO. Only 3 teams currently ranked. Only 3 in Bowls this year, Wisc, NCar and Cincy. 7 home games, only 4 on the road, plus the Wisc game in Chicago. Open date before USC, at the midpoint of the schedule.

I really think this is the type of schedule we can go 12-0 with. Here it is:


S5 FSU A
S11 Toledo H
S18 Wisc N
O2 Cincy H
O9 VTech A
O23 USC H
O30 NCar H
N6 Navy H
N13 UVA A
N20 GTech H
N27 Stanf A


Major declines recently in the FSU, Navy and Stanford programs really changed the SOS. It was probably considered a tough schedule when it was drawn up.

Your thoughts please.

Luckily, other than the Wisco neutral site, the top 4 or 5 opponents on this schedule are HOME games. Hopefully, full stadiums will be back in play and make it a true home field advantage playing at ND stadium.

 

[stpeteirish]

You're missing Purdue.
UNC is gonna be a wagon. Cincy will still be solid. USC will probably be better than they were this year. Wisconsin will be better next year too. @UVA and @VT are tricky. Even GT is gonna be better

So guaranteed Ws:
FSU, Toledo, Navy, Stanford
Probable Ws:
VT, UVA, GT, Purdue
Likely Ws
Cincy, USC
Toss Ups
UNC, Wisconsin

Depending on QB play I think we see anywhere from 8-4 to 12-0 with most likely 9-3 or 10-2.

Yeah QB is a gigantic X factor in looking at next year. I'm looking at what we do in the grad transfer market as a real key to what happens.

But just looking at the schedule we can win them all if we get QB straight.

 

[Crazy Balki]

It's a schedule that should be a manageable 11-1/12-0 on paper... if we were talking about this year's roster.

Next year, you could be replacing 3 or 4 OL, a 3-year starter at QB, the only two WR's who have been consistently productive, the two best pass-rushers, a guy who has turned into a generational LB, and a key guy at CB that provides stability if nothing else.

I think ND is in a place that they *should* be able to win 10 games regardless of rebuilding/reloading. But that's a lot of production, seniority and leadership to replace, especially when you're also going to be working with a new DC, meaning it's not necessarily a given that the new guy is going to provide the gameplanning and developmental uptick that Lea gave you.

I'll be disappointed with less than 10 wins, because it likely means the OL didn't gel early enough and didn't give Kyren and Tyree enough help to keep the pressure off of a new QB. But I wouldn't be totally shocked, either, even if the schedule looks forgiving.

I think it all hinges on who is the new starter at QB and what he provides compared to Book. I like Book and think he is an exemplary leader, but I think all of Pyne, Clark and Buchner give us physical upgrades.

As for the OL, not overly concerned there. I expect Banks to return to play LT. Lugg, Correll and Patterson will all be back and healthy with starting experience. If Banks returns, only one spot should have a guy being broken in with no experience.

As much as I appreciate the season from McKinley and Skowronek, getting Austin back, Lenzy healed up and hopefully Johnson and Watts taking another step, you have a much higher ceiling at receiver.

Also Tremble and Mayer back again at TE, and Kyren, Tyree and C'Bo at RB. Good stuff.

 

[IrishLax]

There will be four very good teams - Cinci, North Carolina, USC, and Wisconsin. All will likely be ranked, North Carolina and USC will likely be top 10 teams.

A few of those teams... Virginia Tech, Stanford, etc... might also be ranked. The schedule looks "easy" on paper because we have had recent success over almost every team listed and we avoid true Tier 1 teams like Clemson, Bama, and Ohio State. But in my opinion, it is MUCH harder than this year's schedule and ND will lose multiple games breaking in a new QB, new OL, and new WRs.

 

[IRISHMAN]

Florida St. - W
Toledo - W
Purdue - W
Wisconsin - L
Cincinnati - W
Virginia Tech - L
USC - L
North Carolina - L
Navy - W
Virginia - W
Georgia Tech - W
Stanford - L

my biggest concern is QB. Clark has a strong arm but knee problems and very little playing experience. Pyne has a quick release, accurate passer but is really small and very little playing experience. Buchner is talented but is an unknow, only played one season over the past three years and will be new to college football so it may take him a year to get ready. I actually like everything about Drew Pyne except for his size.

 

[notredomer23]

There will be four very good teams - Cinci, North Carolina, USC, and Wisconsin. All will likely be ranked, North Carolina and USC will likely be top 10 teams.

A few of those teams... Virginia Tech, Stanford, etc... might also be ranked. The schedule looks "easy" on paper because we have had recent success over almost every team listed and we avoid true Tier 1 teams like Clemson, Bama, and Ohio State. But in my opinion, it is MUCH harder than this year's schedule and ND will lose multiple games breaking in a new QB, new OL, and new WRs.

I think a lot of people are really sleeping on UNC. They return everybody on offense. Their defense will be improved enough too to make a significant difference. They also don't play Clemson. They are at worst a 10 win team next year.

 

[IrishLax]

I think a lot of people are really sleeping on UNC. They return everybody on offense. Their defense will be improved enough too to make a significant difference. They also don't play Clemson. They are at worst a 10 win team next year.

UNC is also a 6 point favorite right now over #5 Texas A&M in their bowl game. They are uber talented, and like you said they will be even better next year. Were it not for how good Clemson is going to be on defense in 2021, they would likely be the favorites to win the ACC.

 

[rtrn2glory]

What worries me about the schedule is there are an abundance of "trap" games on top of games that should have some much improved, more experienced, and possibly better rosters than us. unfortunately, I'm going into next season with the same expectations as 2019..9-3 would be an incredible year coaching, but expecting a 7-5.

 

[texbender]

There will be four very good teams - Cinci, North Carolina, USC, and Wisconsin. All will likely be ranked, North Carolina and USC will likely be top 10 teams.

A few of those teams... Virginia Tech, Stanford, etc... might also be ranked. The schedule looks "easy" on paper because we have had recent success over almost every team listed and we avoid true Tier 1 teams like Clemson, Bama, and Ohio State. But in my opinion, it is MUCH harder than this year's schedule and ND will lose multiple games breaking in a new QB, new OL, and new WRs.

I agree. Much harder than it might appear. New QB, new OL, new DC for ND. At least 3 of the hardest games will be home games.

 

[BeauBenken]

There will be four very good teams - Cinci, North Carolina, USC, and Wisconsin. All will likely be ranked, North Carolina and USC will likely be top 10 teams.

A few of those teams... Virginia Tech, Stanford, etc... might also be ranked. The schedule looks "easy" on paper because we have had recent success over almost every team listed and we avoid true Tier 1 teams like Clemson, Bama, and Ohio State. But in my opinion, it is MUCH harder than this year's schedule and ND will lose multiple games breaking in a new QB, new OL, and new WRs.

What Lax said here.


Not that easy of a schedule considering all the new faces we will have playing AND coaching.

 

[stpeteirish]

I think a lot of people are really sleeping on UNC. They return everybody on offense. Their defense will be improved enough too to make a significant difference. They also don't play Clemson. They are at worst a 10 win team next year.

They have some seniors on offense, most prominently Carter. Williams, their other RB, is a draft eligible Jr. We all know good RB's leave early more often than not. Dazz Newsome is a senior and Dyami Brown is also draft eliglble. They might be gone as well.

But you're right they will be good next year, probably our toughest game. They've recruited well and Brown is a good coach. But they ain't Clemson.

 

[Armyirish47]

I'm not ready to throw down the gauntlet on some of you fools like I have in years past, I will be waiting until the coaching carousel stops spinning and transfer portal gets emptied.

But sooooonnnnn.......

 

[EifertPower]

Schedule is brutal in the middle of the season:

S25 Wisc N
O2 Cincy H
O9 VTech A
O23 USC H
O30 NCar H

3-2 over those 5 games with an essentially new offensive line and first-year QB might even be asking too much. Next year has a feel for a 9-3 season, could be worse if injuries are big...could be better if QB play is solid.

 

[Kingbish01]

UNC is also a 6 point favorite right now over #5 Texas A&M in their bowl game. They are uber talented, and like you said they will be even better next year. Were it not for how good Clemson is going to be on defense in 2021, they would likely be the favorites to win the ACC.

They are almost a 10 point dog, not trying to correct you but that 16 point swing is HUGE

 

[stpeteirish]

They are almost a 10 point dog, not trying to correct you but that 16 point swing is HUGE

Their four best players besides Howell opted out. Still a major line move.

 

[Kingbish01]

Their four best players besides Howell opted out. Still a major line move.

Ya, I get that. But UNC was never a favorite in this game. It opened at UNC +5.5 and then with the opt outs moved to +9.5

 

[Rocket 94]

Florida St. - W
Toledo - W
Purdue - W
Wisconsin - L
Cincinnati - W
Virginia Tech - L
USC - L
North Carolina - L
Navy - W
Virginia - W
Georgia Tech - W
Stanford - L

my biggest concern is QB. Clark has a strong arm but knee problems and very little playing experience. Pyne has a quick release, accurate passer but is really small and very little playing experience. Buchner is talented but is an unknow, only played one season over the past three years and will be new to college football so it may take him a year to get ready. I actually like everything about Drew Pyne except for his size.

Losses to Stanford, Va Tech, NC and USC? What? Stanford is a shell of what it was 5 years ago. NC and USC are home games and ND is more talented than both. VA Tech is not good. Wisconsin I could see as a loss but they should be 11-1.

 

[GATTACA!]

Losses to Stanford, Va Tech, NC and USC? What? Stanford is a shell of what it was 5 years ago. NC and USC are home games and ND is more talented than both. VA Tech is not good. Wisconsin I could see as a loss but they should be 11-1.

Wisconsin doesn't scare me either. They're like a worse version of us.

 

[Rocket 94]

Wisconsin doesn't scare me either. They're like a worse version of us.

With what we have returning on defense and most likely a grad transfer or regular transfer QB this team is still loaded. The OL will need to be rebuilt but it has a great start with Patterson, Corrall and Lugg. If Banks comes back to play LT then we only need to replace one guy really. This team should win 11 games for sure and maybe 12-0 again.