The 2024 Notre Dame Football Schedule: A Season of Hope and Ambition
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, college football fans eagerly anticipate the start of a new season. For the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year. After finishing the 2023 season with a commendable 10-3 record, the Irish are poised to make a serious run at the College Football Playoffs for the first time since 2020. With a mix of challenging opponents and exciting matchups, the 2024 schedule is packed with potential.
Key Dates and Matchups
The Fighting Irish kick off their season with a high-stakes game against No. 20 Texas A&M on August 31. This matchup, airing at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, will set the tone for the season. Following this, Notre Dame will return home to face Northern Illinois on September 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on NBC and Peacock. After a tough loss to Northern Illinois, the Irish will look to bounce back against Purdue on September 14, where they will aim to dominate once again, as they did in their previous encounter, winning 66-7.
Notable Home Games
The heart of the schedule features several key home games that fans will not want to miss. On September 28, Notre Dame will host No. 15 Louisville at 3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock. This game could have significant implications for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning. Another highlight is the matchup against Florida State on November 9, which promises to be a thrilling encounter under the lights at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Rivalry and Tradition
No Notre Dame schedule would be complete without the annual clash against Navy. This year, the game will take place on October 26 at 12 p.m. ET in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The rivalry is steeped in tradition and always draws a passionate crowd, making it a must-watch for fans.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, the Irish will face Virginia on November 16 and Army on November 23. The latter will be played in the Bronx, New York, at 7 p.m. ET. The season will culminate with a challenging matchup against Southern Cal on November 30, with the time and broadcast details yet to be determined. This game could be crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their playoff aspirations.
Tracking Performance
Fans can keep track of Notre Dame’s performance throughout the season with the latest scores and updates. The Fighting Irish have a history of resilience, having maintained a spot in the AP Top 25 for the entirety of the 2023 season, even after a setback against unranked Clemson. The team ended the previous season on a high note, dominating No. 19 Oregon State in the Sun Bowl with a resounding 40-8 victory.
Looking Back: 2023 Season Recap
To appreciate the journey ahead, it’s essential to reflect on the 2023 season. The Irish had a rollercoaster year, highlighted by impressive wins against ranked opponents and a few tough losses. Notably, their victory over No. 10 USC was a standout moment, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level.
The Road to the Playoffs
With the introduction of a 12-team format for the College Football Playoffs, the stakes are higher than ever. The Fighting Irish finished No. 14 in the final 2023 CFP rankings, just outside the playoff picture. The new format opens up opportunities for teams like Notre Dame to secure a spot in the postseason, making every game in the 2024 schedule critical.
Upcoming Playoff Schedule
As the season unfolds, fans will also want to mark their calendars for the playoff schedule. The first round of the playoffs will take place on December 20-21, 2024, followed by the quarterfinals on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025. The semifinals will occur on January 9-10, 2025, leading up to the CFP National Championship on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Conclusion
The 2024 Notre Dame football schedule is not just a series of games; it’s a journey filled with hope, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence. With a mix of traditional rivalries, high-stakes matchups, and the chance to return to the College Football Playoffs, this season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Fans will be watching closely as the Fighting Irish aim to reclaim their place among college football’s elite.