A new head coach, possibly a new quarterback and an offense that may have some new wrinkles. This is not the same ol’ Navy, though at the core, expect the Midshipmen to still rely on the triple-option attack.
If things can always get worse, Stanford in 2023 may be proof. After a 3-8 season led to David Shaw’s departure, the Cardinal could be lucky to reach three wins this year.
With quarterback Sam Hartman now at Notre Dame, Wake Forest and Dave Clawson turn to first-year starter Mitch Griffis to lead the unique Deacons’ offense. As that offense goes, so goes Clawson’s program.
In the last decade-plus, only 15 coaches have been in Marcus Freeman’s shoes. Almost universally, they found notably greater success in their second seasons, including four Playoff appearances.
Notre Dame will have an out-of-order practice schedule this week, understandably so as the Irish fly to Ireland on Wednesday for the very first game of the entire college football season.
The Tigers hardly struggled last season, but by their standards, it was a lost year. With offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney hopes to have restored proper balance.
USC’s offense is a known commodity, perhaps the best in the country. A Heisman-winning quarterback assures that. But is it good enough to cover up a questionable defense for another year?
Jeff Brohm has brought his pass-happy offense to Louisville, relying on an influx of transfers to spark it. Will QB Jack Plummer fit better than he did at Purdue?
Only one or two teams in college football can match No. 3 Ohio State for talent. Can the Buckeyes find a quarterback up to the task of showcasing that roster?
Central Michigan needs to revamp its entire offense. That reason alone should lessen any Notre Dame worries about another shocking upset under Marcus Freeman.
The Irish may be fortunate to visit North Carolina State so early in the season. By the end of the year, Brennan Armstrong could look like his prolific 2021 self.
Notre Dame has long needed more speed and ways to deploy it. A healthy Jadarian Price and a cut-loose Chris Tyree could be the 2023 fixes to that problem.
Title contenders in 2023 need to find talent through three avenues: Recruiting, development and the transfer portal. As much as Notre Dame struggles with that third, transfers will be a strength this season.
