ND - #10
ND was #3 2017 (pre Miami)
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playoffs with one slip up or even maybe two slip ups these days.
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I think people will understandably question whether this years Wimbush will be a significant upgrade. Until that is answered, we have a big question mark at QB. Also, losing the left side of the line to the 1st round of the NFL along with our top receiving and RB will leave further questions and probably drop us down. IF we win convincingly early on, then I could see us jump into the top 10 after 3 games just because the doubt would be erased.
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Right now, there's enough reasons to be doubtful of a top 10 debut.
Is Brandon Wimbush over his case of the yips (he's looking good in practice, but that's not the real thing), or will it rear its ugly head as the season starts? This is year four in Brian Kelly's spread offense, and if he can't get it this year, then he's not going to get it.
Are Nelson's and McGlinchey's replacements going to be decent, or will they be liabilities? Based on the depth available, two guys from the group of Lugg, Eichenberg, and Ruhland should be able to step up, and play along side some veterans (Bars, Mustipher, Hainsey, Kraemer).
Is Boykin a true #1 WR? We haven't really had one since Will Fuller left.
If the question marks at QB, OL, and WR are answered with at least serviceable results, we'll be top ten after the first two games. If not, then it's going to be a long and disappointing season.
There's going to be plenty of movement in the rankings throughout the years. All we have to do is win and control our own destiny...
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