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Notre Dame predicted as No 1 team in country by CFB insider
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are putting the nation on alert after the program was rejected from the College Football Playoff in 2025 despite losing its two games to Texas A&M and Miami by a combined four points during the first two weeks of the season.
The Irish played a relatively easy schedule last season and did not have much margin for error. With CJ Carr returning for his second season as the starting quarterback, Notre Dame is expected to be a national championship contender this fall.
During his show on Wednesday, Josh Pate predicted the Associated Press will rank ND at No. 2 in its preseason poll, though the college football insider argued that he thinks the Irish should be the No. 1 team in the country going into the season.
“I think Texas is going to be number one,” Pate said. “I’d have Notre Dame number one for the record right now, but I think Texas is going to be number one. I think they’ll have Notre Dame number two.”
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Notre Dame has little margin for error
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Like last season, the Irish have a favorable schedule, especially compared to its SEC and Big Ten peers, which play nine conference games. ND’s toughest games will come against BYU (on the road) and home contests in November against Miami and SMU.
Pate thinks Notre Dame’s road game against BYU could be a trap game for Marcus Freeman, saying he wouldn’t be shocked if the Cougars pull off the upset on Oct. 17.
The Irish are still two months away from playing their opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on Sept. 6.
Notre Dame has a talented roster, but things could change when injuries start to accumulate in training camp. The injury bug hit ND early last year.
If healthy, the Irish could be the best team in the country and make a run in the CFP.
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