Notre Dame Football: Post Spring-Game Predictions

In a thrilling game, the gold team (defense) defeated the blue team (offense) by a score of 58-45 on Saturday. I know the experts say not to read too much into this game, but let’s throw that out the window for right now. I have three knee jerk reactions/predictions to make based off of the spring game. Here we go.

Double Digit Sacks

For the tandem of Khalid Kareem and Julian Owkara. Both are poised to have huge senior seasons. I am so excited to watch Kareem and Okwara destroy offensive lines and get after the quarterback. Notre Dame has not been lucky enough in recent years to have a dominant pass rush. In 2019, they will have two. I predict both players get at least 10 sacks.

Mike Miller/One Foot Down

10 Touchdowns and 1,000 Yards

For Chase Claypool. He is in line to be Ian Book’s favorite target. Claypool had a solid junior year where he established himself as a high level college receiver. It is about time we see all the potential that Chase Claypool is supposed to have. Sometimes being a senior and knowing the end is near can light a fire under a player. I think Claypool will play like a man on a mission in 2019, eclipsing 10 touchdowns and 1,000 yards.

Mike Miller/One Foot Down

5 Touchdowns and 500 Yards

For Jahmir Smith. I love what I saw from him in the spring game. He looks like a natural runner with great finishing power. We all know running backs get hurt every year. Jafar Armstrong will more than likely miss a game or two in 2019. It is just the nature of the position. I have faith that Jahmir Smith can come in and pick up where Armstrong left off. A productive sophomore year to the tune of 5 touchdowns and 500 yards is my last bold prediction.

Mike Miller/One Foot Down

Another Thought

The other guy I wanted to make a bold prediction about was Paul Moala. I think his year on special teams last year will give him confidence on the field in 2019. The only reason I couldn’t pull the trigger is because of how murky the linebacker depth chart is right now.

That is it for spring football at Notre Dame. The fall cannot get here fast enough.

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