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Notre Dame Football 2016: Season preview and predictions

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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After a decent 2015 season, can Notre Dame Football make a run at the national title in 2016?

Notre Dame Football’s 2016 season can be looked at as both a success and as a failure. It was successful seeing as the Fighting Irish made a New Year’s Six Bowl even though they played the entire season with backup quarterback DeShone Kizer. It was a failure because Kizer molded himself into one of the top quarterbacks in the country and they played terribly against Ohio State.

The Buckeyes had their way with the Fighting Irish in the Fiesta Bowl, mowing Notre Dame down to the tune of 44-28.

Brian Kelly and Notre Dame are bringing in the No. 14 recruiting class in the country, according to Scout.com, which includes three top-100 players. Also returning is junior quarterback Malik Zaire who missed the 2015 season with an injury, as well as Kizer who is the favorite to keep his job.

The Fighting Irish are coming off a 10-3 season and looking to build on a strong core of players despite losing some veterans like C.J. Prosise, Will Fuller, Jaylon Smith and Max Redfield. The first three went on to the NFL draft in 2016 while Redfield was booted for a run-in with the law just a week ago.

Plenty of talent returns to a team ranked No. 10 in the country and a relatively favorable schedule awaits, but what will Notre Dame’s 2016 season look like?

Next: Offensive Preview