Looking at the schedule and what the Irish have coming back I think 10-2 is the most likely outcome. Here is how I see the schedule breaking down:
Louisville-New Mexico should both be laugher blowouts. If they are not, we are in some trouble
Georgia - the only game on the schedule I would concede as a probable loss. I think the Irish hang tough but come up just short ala Clemson 2015 which does not hurt them in the long run. A non-competitive blowout and the playoffs are out.
UVA- could be frisky but this is the type of game the Irish need to win convincingly. Again, red flag if close.
BG - blowout win
USC - dangerous game emotionally but should be a win. So glad Kingsbury bailed on them.
Michigan - I think this is a win but remember the number of times Kelly took a superior team there and lost. Would not be a shocking loss but this game is a toss up.
VT - Duke- Navy - BC - these games should all be close for a while but end in a comfortable Irish win. Any slip up here is catastrophic.
Stanford - again, how many times have the Irish gone out there and lost? This one scares me more than Michigan.
So there is my analysis in April. Ceiling to me is 11-1. Basement is 8-4 (which would totally suck!). My heart says 12-0 but my head says 10-2 with a nice matchup in a New Years 6 Bowl game with plenty of time to relax after and watch Tua-Trevor round 2 for the natty.
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