Notre Dame football schedule 2020: Predicting every Fighting Irish game

The Notre Dame football schedule begins should see the Fighting Irish get off to a hot start.

Sept. 5 at Navy

This game was moved from Ireland to Annapolis amid the coronavirus pandemic. It marks the first time the two will play at Annapolis in the history of the rivalry. While it isn’t a power 5 opponent, this Navy team is nothing to take lightly as they finished 11-2 last season. But like Notre Dame, they have to replace a lot of parts on both sides of the ball. Including quarterback Malcolm Perry who rushed for over 2,000 yards last season. The Irish return both of their defensive tackles so while Navy might have some success on the ground, it won’t be enough to overcome Book’s leadership.

Sept. 12 vs Arkansas

Despite the fact that Arkansas plays in the SEC, this one will be easier than the season opener was for the Fighting Irish. Arkansas has won four games in two seasons, and none of them came against SEC opponents. The transfer of former Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks and the return of 1,000-yard rusher Rakeem Boyd helps the offense. But I don’t expect that defense to be stopping anyone, let alone Notre Dame.

Sept. 19 vs Western Michigan

This is by far the easiest game on the schedule for Kelly’s squad as not only is Western Michigan in the MAC, but they are a middle of the road team in that conference. We saw what Notre Dame did to the likes of Bowling Green last season, this Broncos squad isn’t that bad, but I wouldn’t expect the result to be very different.

Sept. 26 vs Wake Forest

This will be the toughest test for Notre Dame so far, as Wake Forest’s offense is no joke. They lost their starting quarterback via transfer to Georgia, but they will get back their best receiver in Sage Surratt who went down with an injury in the middle of last season. Playing at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina won’t help. Notre Dame will escape, but just barely