Breaking Down the 2007 Schedule...

Georgia Tech begins the 2007 Campaign on September 1st at Notre Dame. The last time these two met, it was a poorly played, defensive struggle. But it was a win for the Irish 14-10. Overall The Jackets and the Irish have played 33 times. Notre Dame leads the series 27-5-1 with the average score being 24.45 for ND and 9.73 for GT. Since 1997, the Irish have faced GT 3 times winning two with the only loss coming at the Gator Bowl in 1999. (ND 24 GT 17)

Penn State and JoePa are next. This time the Irish will travel to Happy Valley to meet a Pissed off Nittany Lion. Overall the Irish are 9-8-1 over the Lions with an average score of 20.67 ND and 16.89 PSU. Most of the Irish losses have come at PSU (5). Let's hope for a better result this September 8th. (PSU 21 ND 17)

We all know and love to hate the Big Blue of Michigan. ND will travel north to the Big House on September 15th. I would rather go to this House, but you gotta do what you gotta do. The teams have faced each-other only 28 times since 1899, but the Dislike for the Blue plays a large part in this rivalry. UM leads the series 13-14-1 with points scored about equal at 18.46 ND and 21.30 UM. The Irish have taken 3 out of 5 since 2002, but the two losses were huge. 38-0 at Michigan on September 13th 2003 and of course this debacle in 2006. (UM 37 ND 14)

On September 22nd, the Spartans of MSU come to South Bend. They bring along a new Coach, New attitude and probably a New flag. The teams have met 64 times with Notre Dame leading the series, 39-24-1. Since 1997 MSU leads the series 7-3 with an edge in scoring and a 5-0 mark at Notre Dame Stadium. The last two became instant classics with huge comebacks by the Irish. (ND 37 MSU 30)

On September 29th, the Boilermakers are up. The Irish will travel to Purdue where they have had pretty good luck winning 23 out of 38 contests. Since 2000 the Irish are 5-2 with the two losses coming under the leadership of This Guy. (ND 32 P 19)

October in South Bend can be cold, so the Irish travel west to face that other Los Angelas team. We all remember that faithful day last fall when the Call was made. Hopefully the trip west will pay off in similiar fashion. The Irish are 3-0 against the Bruins since 1963 with all 3 wins coming at Notre Dame Stadium. This will be a tough test for the young team in 2007. (ND 24 UCLA 21)

After taking a break from the other Catholic University, Notre Dame has Boston College back on the schedule. The game will be played on October 13th at Notre Dame. They have had some great games and this one stands out. The teams have only played 16 times with the Irish leading the series 9-7. But since 1999 BC is 5-1 with the last win at Notre Dame in 2004. A lot of people don't give ND any chance of winning, but the Eagles have not faced Weis' Irish and Charlie would love to beat BC for the first time since 2001. (ND 28 BC 20)

On October 20th the Trojans of Southern California come to town. The two teams have played 78 times since 1926. Notre Dame leads, Yes Leads the series, 42-31-5. USC has won the last 5 while averaging a whopping 41.6 points. The series has been up and down for the Irish since Rockne felt like taking a shopping trip out west. USC has another stellar class coming in and will, as always, be ready to play the Irish. Don't know about you, but everytime I think about 4th and 9, I still get sick. Time to turn this series around. (USC 35 ND 17)

Eventhough the Irish have not lost to the Midshipmen since this guy was QB, Navy is a team that still scares me as a fan. i would have liked a week off before the Trojans game, but this one will kick off on November 3rd. Notre Dame has won 70 out of 80 against Navy with one tie. Since 2000 the Irish are 7-0 averaging over 35 points per game. (ND 38 N 21)

The Air Force Academy makes their second appearance on the Irish schedule in as many years. Notre Dame leads this series 22-5 with the last loss in 1996. The game will be played on November 10th and will be at Notre Dame stadium. The Falcons will come in with a new coach for the first time in a Very Long Time. (ND 45 AFA 17)

Duke comes to South Bend to face the Irish for the first time since 1966. I didn't know they played football, but I guess they do practice. The teams have met 3 times with Notre Dame winning 2 and losing at Duke in 1961. (ND 48 D 12)

The season closes out with Notre Dames second west coast trip of the season. Stanford is another opponent with a New Coach. They also have a new Stadium, but they still have This Guy as their mascot. So, not much to worry about. If you get in trouble in NoCal, you can always Run over this Guy. (ND 28 S 20)

I have the Irish going 9-3 with a much improved Defense. The offense will struggle early as expected, but will become a very good unit by seasons end. The first 8 games for a young team will test their will, their desire and we shall see if "Tradition Graduates" or not.