Notre Dame: Another rebuilding year

First Down - The Irish start over again...look for Notre Dame to have an above average season under Brian Kelly, which is good...don't forget, the Irish had great starts during the first season under Ty Willingham and Charlie Weiss...but that was all puff pastry and did not last...Kelly will not have as good of a first season record as the other two coaches, but he will build a better foundation that will last...

Second Down - wide out Michael Floyd and tight end Kyle Rudolph are legitimate weapons...Armando Allen is a solid running back, but the Irish need sophomore running back Cierre Wood to live up to all his high school hype...

Third Down - Notre Dame's defense lacks speed...this was their downfall last season...it will take time to recruit players who can run down opponents...

Fourth Down - Unlike Rich Rodriguez when he took over at Michigan, the Irish quarterback cupboard is not bare...Dayne Crist is a very capable quarterback who can operate the team...

Hail Mary - Can Brian Kelly sing Danny Boy?...

Prediction - 7-5...the Irish will lose a game they shouldn't have and win a game they shouldn't have...Kelly builds his foundation this year...