Notre Dame football 2024: Can we make the CFP?

          With the CFP being expanded can we finally do it? And can we finally win a playoff game? I think so, I think we can.....I hope. The Sam Hartman experiment had it moments, until it didn't, Hartman was supposed to be the piece to get us over the hump, we finally had a QB to take us to the playoffs. I like Sam, I really did but let's be real when we needed him most? He came up short. Gerrad Parker is gone as OC, praise Jesus and the return of Mike Denbrock from LSU is a gigantic upgrade, again Parker was horrendous. The play calling during the end of the Ohio State game was beyond atrocious, we had that game in hand it was time for us to finally get that signature win and we fucked it up, not to mention Hartman running out of bounds instead of trying to get that first down that effed us too. Also games like Clemson, Louisville were just absurd that we lost either of those games, the Clemson game we had opportunity after opportunity and we just could not capitalize, the Louisville game, Hartman played by far his worst game in a Notre Dame uniform all season but what do we have to look forward too in 2024?
          With Duke transfer Riley Leonard almost certainly penciled in as the #1 QB we're going to have a dynamic QB that can make plays with his feet and stand in the pocket and sling it. If Leonard stays healthy it can be a big year for this offense under Denbrock. Running back, we lost Audric Estime which yeah it sucks, he was easily our best running back in the last 10 years but that is one position we don't have to worry about, our running back room is deep, real deep. With Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price and Gi'bran Payne ND will have an inevitable three headed monster in the backfield, all three are absolutely dynamic but will run you the fuck over if you're in their way. Now, the wideouts, I personally believe this might be the most overlooked group on this whole team. Kris Mitchell a former 1,000 yard wide receiver from FIU comes over in the portal, along with Beaux Collins from Clemson will be great additions to an already talented room. Look for lacrosse Jordan Faison to have a good year along with returning sophomore Jayden Greathouse, adding that to the experience of seniors Jayden Thomas and Deion Kolzie I think the Irish will be all set at wideout. I mean then, c'mon....we're tight end U baby, with Mitchell Evans returning for his senior season, Eli Raridon is 100% healthy not to mention a litter of other options at TE.....of course ND is all set there. The offensive line is going to need some restructuring after losing Joe Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL and Zeke Correll transferring to NC State we are going to see some new faces on the o-line but not to fear, ND has recruited so well on the offensive line the last few years I think we will be ok once we gel up front. Names like Charles Jaguash, Rocco Spindler and Joe Otting will be big up front for the Irish offense in 2024.
          Defensively, we'll be fine because I'll be honest, I believe we have the best defensive coordinator in the country with Al Golden. Jack Kiser, Xavier Watts, Jordan Botelho, Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III will be the veteran leaders on this defense we need. Cross and Mills are absolute monsters up the middle and when Botelho is on his game he can be an absolute terror off the edge. Duke transfer RJ Oben will be a force upfront with Cross and look for guys like Boubacar Traore, Aiden Gobaira and Jason Onye filter in and out to complete a pretty dominate defensive line. Along with linebacker Jack Kiser, I think you're gonna see Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry and Jaylen Sneed to complete the linebacking corps, which is why having Kiser lead such a young group is key to the success here. Don't be surprised if freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa makes an impact on this defense as well. In the secondary this is a solid mix of vets and new faces to be excited about. Corner we have seniors Clarence Lewis, Jaden Mickey and stud sophomore Christian Gray. Safety we have the best defensive player in the country Xavier Watts....then I'm not really certain who is going to start back there with Watts. Personally I think it's going to be Adon Shuler who plays along side Watts.
           Notre Dame has a super favorable schedule, I would honestly be shocked if we don't make it to the CFP. We have the roster to do and in my opinion(which may be biased) one of the best coaching staff in the nation. Notre Dame just has to make sure they don't play down to the level of their opponent, like they seem to do every friggen year. If they play like they should, you're looking at a top 5-10 football team who should make the playoffs and make a run too.