ESPN identifies best, worst case scenarios for Notre Dame in 2023

Notre Dame could be a perennial playoff team or could miss out and have a solid but disappointing campaign. Those are the best and worst case scenarios for the Fighting Irish, according to ESPN.

Notre Dame is no stranger to the College Football Playoff or the national championship game. Former head coach Brian Kelly led the Fighting Irish to one CFP appearance and once made it to the BCS title game against Alabama.

But what’s the best case scenario for Marcus Freeman in Year 2? Well, it’s getting back to where Kelly brought the program before, at least.

“11-1 and a CFP semifinal,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich wrote. “Notre Dame has a chance to go from good to great with transfer quarterback Sam Hartman leading the offense. Hartman, though, never defeated Clemson in three tries as Wake Forest’s starting quarterback. That game is Nov. 4 at Clemson, and the Tigers could be playing for a spot in the CFP.”

Dinich pointed out the Clemson game as the one that could determine Notre Dame’s playoff fate. But where’s the loss? It could be against Ohio State in September.

The case for Notre Dame in the playoff at 11-1 is the Fighting Irish might be able to afford one loss despite having no conference championship game.

Ohio State, USC and Clemson are the big three on the schedule. Winning at least two, or all of them, could certainly propel Notre Dame to the CFP.

Best and worst case scenarios for Notre Dame

It’s the worst case scenario that might really sting Notre Dame fans. Winning nine games is nice but only gives the Fighting Irish a decent bowl game at the end of the year.

And those three losses, to the previously mentioned big three, would essentially show Notre Dame is on the next tier.

“9-3 with losses to Ohio State, USC and Clemson,” Dinich wrote. “It is only Freeman’s second season — and this team has something to prove after losses to Marshall and Stanford last year. The offense features one of the best offensive lines and a talented group of running backs, but there were multiple staff moves, including the internal promotion of tight ends coach Gerad Parker to offensive coordinator.”

Even 10 wins and beating one of those teams will definitely feel better. Notre Dame would likely get a New Year’s Six bowl game, but no playoff game.

The expectations surrounding the program are huge and Freeman being in just his second season is no exception.