New Interception King and More: Five 2023 Notre Dame Hot Takes

By Liam Farrell｜Writer｜Twitter @LiamFarrell_IT

Via Notre Dame Athletics

As we approach Week 0, the days are dwindling before Notre Dame's Kickoff in Dublin on August 26th against Navy. The anticipation to see Marcus Freeman and Sam Hartman lead Notre Dame grows exponentially as the calendar begins to turn. With that being said, nothing always goes to plan. While the fan base may already have preconceived notions on who the difference making players will be in the 2023 season, let's take a deep dive at some my hot takes.

Jaden Mickey will Lead Notre Dame in Interceptions

With opposing offenses being scared to test Preseason All American Ben Morrison, Jaden Mickey will have a breakout 2023 campaign. Last summer, Mickey was the freshman stealing the show with his flashy play style, and the trash talk to back it up. What Mickey lacks in experience, he sure makes up for in confidence. Mickey, a product of Southern California football powerhouse Corona Centennial, totaled 9 interceptions through his high school career (with a shortened 2020 junior campaign). In fact, his first high school interception came in the first game of his sophomore year against this past year's number 1 overall draft pick, Bryce Young. A natural ball-hawk, Mickey showed his ability to play the ball in the air during Notre Dame's spring game when he picked off a Tyler Buchner jump ball. With opposing teams scared to test Morrison, I expect Mickey to lead the Irish in interceptions.

Jaden Greathouse will be Hartman's First Option by the End of the Year

Via 247Sports

One may argue that Notre Dame's biggest question mark going into the 2023 campaign is the lack of production at the wide receiver position. Some are looking for the combination of Jayden Thomas, Deion Colzie, and Tobias Merriweather to step up and be the difference makers for the Irish. While Notre Dame needs those big three to play to their capability, Jaden Greathouse will be Hartman's go to option as the calendar hits November. As shown in the spring game, it is clear that the freshman wide receiver from Texas has built a great rapport with the veteran transfer quarterback. Greathouse's size is unlike that of a true freshman, and his advanced route running ability should have him see early playing time into his college career. By the end of the year, the 6'1" 213 lb receiver will be Hartman's safety net as the Irish make their playoff push.

Jeremiyah Love will be Top 3 in Notre Dame Rushing Touchdowns

Via 247Sports

The true freshman running back is too talented to keep off the field. Love is one of the only backs in the Notre Dame running back room to have that home run speed that the Irish have been missing in an every down back. Obviously, Audric Estime will be the workhorse of the group, and has all the tools to be a top 5 running back in all of college football. However, with Logan Diggs transferring to the Bayou and Chris Tyree changing positions, a once stacked running back room will look for answers behind Estime. The fact that Love wasn't an early enrollee will hurt his playing time especially at the beginning of the year, where Jadarian Price or Gi'Bran Payne will get most of those RB2 looks. As the year progresses and Love gets accustomed to the schemes and the playbook, the Missouri native will burst on the scene much like another tall, freshman running back did in 2015, Josh Adams.

Notre Dame will go 11-1, but 3-0 against "The Big Three"

Via Notre Dame Athletics

Here is the hottest take so far. What happens if Notre Dame handles business against Ohio State, USC, and Clemson? This is the dream. Although, there are many tough games that could very well give Notre Dame trouble throughout the season. The first road test is a scary one against NC State, who revamped their offense by "acquiring" Virginia's old gunslinger, Brennan Armstrong, to reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Robert Anae. Another tricky game that I do not like for the Irish is against Louisville, and their complete roster turnover courtesy of the transfer portal. Then, a game against Duke, who displayed that they are a really sound football team last year is yet another scary test. Say the Irish go 11-1, but suffer a loss against Duke. Are they in the playoff? A scary question, I hope we do not have to ask.

Notre Dame has a Rematch in the CFP against one of "The Big Three"

Via Notre Dame Athletics

Notre Dame makes it to the College Football Playoff with an 11-1 record; however, in their 2 vs 3 matchup, the Irish have to play a one-loss conference champion. Imagine USC, Clemson, and Ohio State all run the table besides the Notre Dame game. Notre Dame has the opportunity to beat the conference champions in all three of those power 5 conferences, and still have to possibly play them again? I foresee the Irish having the opportunity to beat Clemson for a second time out of these three teams. I believe Michigan will once again dismantle Ohio State for the 3rd year in a row. It is also known that the Pac 12 continuously beats up on each other year in and year out, and I believe USC will be struck by this curse in the last year they will be in the conference.

Wrap-Up

These are my hot takes for the 2023 Notre Dame season. While some may be more realistic than others, I would like to know some of your hot takes for this year as well. A Hartman Heisman? An Offensive Line Joe Moore Award? Let me hear your predictions! As always, Go Irish!

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