Note: This is College Football News Our preview takes a more general perspective for a more national audience and we will be analysing the 2024 Irish squad in more detail over the coming weeks as the season gets underway.
Resist the escape.
The Irish run defense should be a brick wall and hold up every game.
Last season, the team was great overall, but it all changed when opponents couldn't get anything done on the ground. Notre Dame was 8-0 when they allowed fewer than four yards per carry, but 2-3 when they allowed more. And one of those wins was a thrilling late game against Duke.
How meaningful does this actually mean? Since 2017, the Irish are 51-2 when allowing fewer than four yards per attempt.
Charles Jagsa, OT RFr.
Ireland have other options to play at tackle, but if Jagsa can take Joe Alt's old left wing spot and be that good, it would make life a lot easier for the Irish.
This isn't a huge concern — he has the size and build of an NFL player at 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, and the legs to handle the job — but if he struggles at all and doesn't live up to the lofty expectations, it will be an issue.
Top transfer: Riley Leonard, QB Sr.
At 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, he has it all: NFL-caliber size, accurate arms and is a dangerous runner who demands attention on every play.
A great basketball player born into a basketball family, he's a real force when it counts, and in last year's shocking season-opening win over Clemson, he rushed for 98 yards and scored, enough to keep the offense going.
He has the ability to develop into a top NFL prospect, but he will have to overcome the ankle injuries that plagued him last year.
Top transfer: Holden Stause, TE Jr.
Mitchell Evans is set to have a big year for the Irish at the position, but it would have been nice to have the 6-foot-4, 242-pound Stause back given the coaching staff's skill at developing tight ends into quality players.
He caught 15 passes, four of which went for scores, and now he'll be joining the Tennessee roster.
Texas A&M University, August 31
Everyone will be excited for the matchup against Florida State on November 9th, and the regular season finale at USC will be a really big deal, as always.
But for an Irish team that is realistically hoping for a special season, securing a win in College Station before September begins would mean a lot.
There are plenty of challenges ahead on the schedule, but a win in this game will boost hopes of an 8-0 record before the Seminoles come to town.
Notre Dame Preview 2024
Notre Dame Football Preview 2024
Offensive Preview: Irish O's take flight
Defence preview: Ireland are once again the best team in the country
Special teams preview: Kicker has to be successful
Wins Predictions: What to expect this season
