Stanford Steve picks defense as the key for Notre Dame going over 10.5 wins in 2024

Notre Dame is expected to enjoy yet another strong season under third-year Irish head coach Marcus Freeman in 2024.

Oddsmakers have set the Fighting Irish’s over/under total at 10.5 wins. Feeling lucky, ESPN’s ‘Stanford Steve’ Coughlin chose to pick the over for Notre Dame heading into a tough 2024 slate featuring the likes of Texas A&M, Louisville, Florida State and USC.

“They’ve always been really be able to rely on those offensive lines, and that’s one thing I think that they pride themselves on,” Stanford Steve told On3’s Andy Staples. “I still think the number one thing I want when I have to go play on the road is a trustworthiness in your offensive line, that crowds are not going to be a factor. That you’re going to be able to make your calls and all that stuff.

“Notre Dame has done a great job of recruiting that position and providing depth and now the tables kind of turn you know, and Coach Freeman’s a defensive guy, that defense should be lights out.”

Notre Dame may have lost its two biggest assets from last year’s offensive line unit in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL, but Stanford Steve expects the Irish to be reloaded and in prime position to help out the running game and turning Duke transfer Riley Leonard into one of the premier quarterbacks in college football.

As for personnel, Alt’s backup last year, Tosh Baker, will likely slot in on the right tackle position. Charles Jagusah, who started Notre Dame’s bowl game last year, will be on the left. Pat Coogan and Billy Schrauth return at both guard spots and Ashton Craig will handle the center’s responsibilities.

Have a strong offensive line can open up numerous possibilities in the running game and out wide.

“They’ve always had that offensive line. And in the years past, they haven’t any wide receivers. Now, they’ve got some guys that could do some things,” Stanford Steve said. “So I think that’s going to help out Riley a lot. The running game, I’m not worried about losing [Audric] Estime. They’ve always done a great job recruiting that position also, but again, that defense and Freeman being a defensive guy, I expect big things from Notre Dame this year.”

Notre Dame’s new offense will be on full display — and they’ll be put to the test right away entering a hostile environment inside Kyle Field against a new-look Texas A&M squad.