Notre Dame-Wake Forest: 1-10

Great article as always. What sticks out to me is the Kelly losing only 1 game in November so far compared to Weis' only winning 1. Stark contrast in success with roughly equivalent talent pool.

What a tantalizing thought to imagine Tyler Eifert, Zack Martin, Cierre Wood, and Chris Watt back on offense?! Unfortunately, I think the chances are zero that Eifert comes back and pretty low that Zack returns.

Having Calabrese, Fox, and Slaughter back on defense will be nice; however, there will be an embarrassment of riches with an incoming class that includes Jaylon Smith and Alex Anzalone. I don't know who takes Manti's position at one of the two ILB slots in the 3-4 or as the MLB during the plays when we move a fourth to the line?

Next year's secondary will likely be a strength with Lo Wood and Jamoris complementing Bennett Jackson, KeiVarae Russell, Elijah Shumate, and Matthias Farley...not even counting any of the incoming kids.

The Maestro,

Do not count Nick Tausch out of the mix. What happens if Brindza were to get injured? I realize ND has an amazing history with walk-on kickers (Bob Thomas, Chuck Male, Mike Johnston, John Carney, Ted Gradel, Reggie Ho, Kevin Pendergast, Scot Cengia, D.J. Fitzpatrick, David Ruffer, among others), but right now I don't know of any ringer on the roster.

I agree with Carlo, Fox and Watt, with the latter breaking protocol last week by indicating that he definitely plans to be back. I have my doubts about Slaughter getting a 6th year, and I'm not sure about Wood. How high would Martin grade out for the NFL? Hard to say at this point who the other two or three might be.