Syracuse Football 2025 Opponent Preview: The No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Regardless of the situation, it’s always special when Syracuse football gets a chance to play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. One would have hoped that this year’s trip to South Bend would have been under better circumstances and with something on the line.

But on the other hand, Syracuse has managed to salvage a disastrous season with a win at Notre Dame before. Who’s to say it can’t happen again? Since it’s been a while since our preseason look at Notre Dame, let’s look at where things stand with the Irish heading into Saturday’s game.

Where is Notre Dame ranked?

The Fighting Irish are currently ranked No. 9 in both the Coaches and the AP polls. More importantly, they are also No. 9 in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings. That sets up Notre Dame for a return to the CFP if it can win its remaining games.

Where is Notre Dame in the standings?

The Irish are just one of two FBS programs without a conference. Between Notre Dame and UConn, the Irish have the better record at 8-2, although the Huskies aren’t far behind at 8-3, with one of those losses coming against the Orange.

What did Notre Dame do last week?

The Irish had no trouble beating the snot out of Pittsburgh 37-15 last week. Pat Narduzzi downplayed the importance of the game for the Panthers, so it was almost like he knew that Notre Dame would dominate his team from start to finish.

Who is Notre Dame’s quarterback?

Well, we know it’s not Steve Angeli, who left Notre Dame for Syracuse last spring. After Angeli left, CJ Carr won the starting job during fall camp. He’s just a redshirt freshman who was the fourth-string quarterback last season. On the surface, Carr was actually born to play at Michigan. His grandfather is longtime Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, while his other grandfather was an All-American safety for the Wolverines.

Yet, Carr ended up at Notre Dame, and things appear to be working out for him in South Bend. While the Irish lost two close games to open the season, Carr has amassed over 2,200 passing yards this season. Even more impressive, he’s averaging 10 yards per pass, with 19 touchdown passes and just four interceptions. Oddly enough, two of those four interceptions came last week against Pitt.

Who are Notre Dame’s other stars?

Of course, Carr has had an easy job this season because Notre Dame has the best backfield in the country. Jeremiyah Love is the consensus pick as the top running back available in next year’s NFL Draft, with backup Jadarian Price also among the top handful of backs available. Both are averaging at least six yards per carry, combining for 1,556 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns.

The Notre Dame offense also has pro prospects elsewhere. Tight end Eli Raridon will likely be playing on Sundays next year. He has 24 catches for 406 yards this season. Wide receivers Jordan Faison and Malachi Fields are no slouches either and could have NFL futures. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame offensive line that’s creating holes for Love and Price is led by Billy Schrauth and Charles Jagusah, who both are likely to be NFL draft picks.

What is Notre Dame’s biggest flaw?

Flaws and weaknesses aren’t easy to find on this Notre Dame team. The Irish’s two losses this season have come by a combined four points. They rank in the top 20 nationally in both points scored and points allowed, thanks to a talented defense and a dynamic rushing attack. Until he threw two interceptions last week, the team’s young quarterback had done a great job with ball security.

If there’s one weakness with Notre Dame, it’s that the Irish can hurt themselves with penalties. Also, while the running game produces a lot of explosive plays, it can get stuck in neutral at times, unable to produce much on early downs. This can occasionally get them into third-and-long situations, which is not ideal, especially with a young quarterback.

How does Syracuse beat Notre Dame?

For all intents and purposes, it’ll take a miracle for Syracuse to beat Notre Dame. However, a similar miracle occurred in 2008 when a 3-9 Syracuse team won in South Bend, albeit against a modest Notre Dame team that finished 7-6. That game could give the Orange a glimmer of hope.

More recently, Fran Brown’s team has proven to be rather feisty, staying within striking distance in the first half in road games against Georgia Tech and Miami. A similar effort by the Orange defense could put some game pressure on the Irish. Keep in mind that Notre Dame also had sluggish first halves against NC State and Boston College. It’s not out of the question that the Syracuse defense could help the Orange hang around, while hoping that the offense finally finds some life with Joseph Filardi back at quarterback this week.