10 Reasons Notre Dame Will Bounce Back In 2015

When Notre Dame beat LSU in The Music City Bowl, they set the tone for a big 2015

With Notre Dame´s 31-28 victory over LSU in The Music City Bowl, Irish fans are looking forward to a big 2015. But is there real reason for the optimism, or is the bowl victory over the Tigers another big tease?

Even the most loyal Notre Dame fan had to be disappointed during the second half of 2014. In particular, the destruction at USC was the biggest reason for concern. The loss to Florida State was devastating, but a review of the game tape reveals what Seminoles fans know to be true, the Irish outplayed the potential back to back champions.

So here are ten reasons why Notre Dame will make the college football playoff this time next year:

1. Brian Kelly will have the quarterback position settled. Malik Zaire represents the future. His talent in running the read option is exactly what Kelly needs to get consistency from the offense. One of two scenarios will emerge. Either Zaire, with the passion he displayed at the end of Tuesday´s victory, will take over. Or Everett Golson will finally rid himself of the turnovers, and reach the promise he exhibited earlier this season against the Seminoles.. Either way, Kelly will finally have the offense Notre Dame has been waiting for since he came to South Bend.

2. Joe Schmidt will return. It is not by coincidence that Notre Dame´s slide began when Schmidt went down to injury. Since he left, Notre Dame´s defense has appeared disorganized, with players seemingly out of position at times. He deserved the team MVP, that is clear. But he also adds inspiration and attitude.

3. Keivarae Russell will return. Notre Dame never used the loss of the suspended players as an excuse for their 2014 performance. Russell will show that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the country. With three other starters returning, the Irish secondary will be elite. That is a definite plus when you consider the impact passing offenses have made in recent years.

4. The offense line will take charge. Notre Dame ran effectively against the vaunted defense of LSU. The Irish have recruited very well on the OL under Kelly, and that will pay dividends in 2015. If Ronnie Stanley puts the NFL off for a year, the prospects are even better. Look for running back Greg Bryant to benefit from this and have a much anticipated break out year.

5. There is a silver lining to the numerous injuries Notre Dame suffered on defense in 2014. That gave numerous freshmen an opportunity to gain experience. Remember, the Irish defense was extremely productive early in the season before the injuries. Look for Andrew Trumbetti and Niles Morgan, who both showed moments of future All-American potential, to cash in on their playing time.

6. With so many freshmen playing this season, look for Notre Dame to finish strong in recruiting. They already have a solid class, but the opportunity to play early should attract a couple of high profile recruits to polish off the class. Another running back and defensive end could be on Kelly´s short list. And Michigan, should they try to sway some of Notre Dame’s verbals, will find that those verbals are solid.

7. Jalen Smith is on the verge of the Butkus Award. The return of Schmidt will have a big impact on his freedom to freelance. His best is yet to come.

8. Look for CJ Prosise, who had a big game against LSU, to develop into a number one draft choice. Prosise, who was originally recruited as a safety, should benefit if Zaire takes over as quarterback. He has already shown the ability to get open deep, and he runs the sweep with tenacity.

9. Brian Kelly didn´t come to Notre Dame to win eight games. That is what he said from the beginning. It is time for him to make good on that declaration. If not, it is time for him to move on.

10. If Lou Holtz says Notre Dame will be in the final four, you know it is true.

So, there you have them. ten reasons why Notre Dame will bounce back in 2015. By eliminating turnovers, they have an offense that can score against even a top SEC defense like LSU. With missing players returning, their defense will return to the level it showed early in 2014. Next season, it is final four and beyond for The Irish.

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