Notre Dame did many good things in 2013 but ultimately did not have the staying power to compete with the ranked sides they came up against.  An early,  close loss to Michigan put them on the back foot early but a thrilling 17-13 win over Michigan State righted a few wrongs.  However,  losses to Oklahoma and Stanford sandwiched a poor outing against Pittsburgh who claimed a famous victory.

Nevertheless, Notre Dame is a prestigious footballing school and will always be there or there about.  A tough schedule which includes reigning champions Florida State means it won’t be easy,  but if they can get to the play-offs then anything can happen.

Top Newcomers

Quenton Nelson, offensive tackle: Left tackle Zack Martin needs replacing and Nelson will certainly throw his name into the hat.  He has an incredible work ethic that will be unrivalled amongst his team-mates and competitors.  The fact that he was courted by Alabama tells you everything you need to know about his physical stature and intelligence.

Nyles Morgan, linebacker: Morgan was rated as the third-overall inside linebacker 53rd-overall player in the 2014 draft class and can contribute immediately.  He plays a natural game of football and lets his instincts and reactions dictate his play.  Jaylon Smith will only help the youngster as the two look to create a formidable heart to the Fighting Irish defense.

Top Returning Players

Jaylon Smith, linebacker: Smith enters his sophomore year as the face of the defense.  As a freshman he posted sensation totals in a number of statistical categories which include 67 tackles,  6.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one interception.  He has range,  versatility and a nose for the football which should make him a household name in 2014.

DaVaris Daniels, wide receiver: Daniels was suspended from the team for academic reasons over the winter but has been reinstated and should be the favorite target of returning quarterback Everett Golson.  He is the only receiver on the team with more than 17 career receptions and he had 49 as a junior last time out.  With TJ Jones now a graduate Daniels will look to push on and improve his draft stock.

Positional Breakdown

Quarterback: Golson has already taken the Irish to a national championship game which makes him favorite for the starting job.  However,  Malik Zaire was impressive in the spring game and will push him all the way.

Running Back: No worries here for Notre Dame who have a number of talented youngsters on the roster,  led by senior Cam McDaniel.

Wide Receiver: Daniels being reinstated was a big win for the team who move on without last year’s leading receiver Jones.  A crop of sophomores in the form of Corey Robinson,  Will Fuller and Torii Hunter are looking to make breakthroughs.

Tight End: Senior Ben Koyack will lead the group despite just 14 career receptions.  Durham Smythe drew praises during the spring and will jockey for some game time.

Offensive Tackle: Ronnie Stanley moves from right tackle to left to replace Martin with Mike McGlinchey likely to occupy the right side.

Guard: Steve Elmer made four starts at right guard in 2013 and should get the nod there and Christian Martin,  who has 20 starts in two seasons,  should play the left side providing he successfully recovers from injury.

Center: Nick Martin is the lock-in starter here and he will anchor the offensive line over the upcoming season.

Defensive End: Ishaq Williams and Romeo Okwara seen plenty of time on the end at spring and,  despite not really rushing the quarterback in the past,  both have assets that can be developed to get there.

Defensive Tackle: Juniors Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day will line up inside.  Day had 5.5 tackles for a loss as a sophomore while Jones rarely saw action.  There are plenty of new enrolees who have the potential to worm their way into game time should the two already mentioned fail to provide.

Linebackers: Enough has been said about Smith and the unit will be built around him.  Joe Schmidt broke into the team in spring after expected starter Jarrett Grace had further surgery on a leg he broke last October.  With that in mind,  Morgan should get his feet wet early in his freshman year.

Cornerback: KeiVarae Russell enters his junior year as the starter on one side and Cole Luke lined up opposite him in the Spring.  Safety convert Matthias Farley will see the most time at nickel.

Safety: Austin Collinsworth, Max Redfield, Eilar Hardy and Elijah Shumate all started games at some point in 2013 so,  despite not losing any to the draft,  Notre Dame are still looking for their true starters.

Special Teams: Kyle Brindza is both the kicker and punter on the Fighting Irish’s special team unit and he does a solid job.

Biggest Strengths

The running back group impressed mightily in spring practise and could surprise many in 2014.  Cam McDaniel rushed for 704 yards and three touchdowns on 152 carries as a junior and will only get better.  Meanwhile,  Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston will see plenty of action with Folston,  in particular,  showing signs of a good future with 470 yards as a freshman.

Biggest Weaknesses

Stephon Tuitt and Luis Nix must be replaced in 2014 and it will not be an easy task.  New defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has implemented a new scheme that utilises a lot of four-man fronts which should see former linebackers seeing time at the end of the lines.  There are up to seven players who could see solid rotation before the starters are set.