Joel Klatt’s Bold Bet: Why He Believes Notre Dame is a College Football Playoff Contender in 2024
As the 2024 college football season approaches, few programs are generating as much buzz as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A storied institution with a rich history, Notre Dame is consistently in the conversation when it comes to national prominence. However, this year, the excitement surrounding the team is reaching new heights, thanks in large part to the bold predictions made by Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt.
Klatt, known for his insightful analysis and willingness to make bold calls, has gone all-in on Notre Dame this season. On his popular podcast, *The Joel Klatt Show: a CFB Pod*, he laid out a compelling case for why the Fighting Irish not only have a legitimate shot at an undefeated season but could also secure a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). His confidence in the team has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts alike, making Notre Dame one of the most intriguing teams to watch this year.
Klatt’s Prediction: A Perfect 12-0 Season
At the heart of Klatt’s argument is his belief that Notre Dame has the potential to run the table and finish the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record. This would be a remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenges that typically come with being an independent program. Notre Dame doesn’t have the cushion of a conference championship game to bolster its résumé, so every game carries extra weight. Despite this, Klatt is convinced that the stars are aligning for the Fighting Irish in 2024.
“I think Notre Dame has a real shot to go 12-0,” Klatt stated confidently on his podcast. “If that happens, they would be the No. 5 seed, and that’s where I have them in my initial bracket.”
Klatt’s faith in Notre Dame is based on several key factors, starting with their schedule. While the Irish face some formidable opponents, Klatt points out that they have only three true road games all season. This unusual scheduling quirk gives them a significant advantage, allowing them to spend the bulk of the season within the friendly confines of Notre Dame Stadium. Additionally, the toughest matchup on their schedule—a Week 1 showdown with Texas A&M—comes early, giving the team ample time to recover and build momentum as the season progresses.
The Marcus Freeman Effect
Another major reason for Klatt’s optimism is head coach Marcus Freeman. In just a few short years, Freeman has established himself as one of the brightest young coaching minds in college football. His ability to connect with players, combined with his strategic acumen, has transformed Notre Dame into a program that not only competes with the best but also expects to win.
“Marcus Freeman is a heck of a coach,” Klatt said. “He’s got this team believing, and when you have that kind of leadership, anything is possible.”
Freeman’s impact is evident in the way the team has been built for 2024. Notre Dame boasts a balanced roster with playmakers on both sides of the ball. On offense, new coordinator Mike Denbrock has infused fresh energy and creativity into the playbook, making the Irish even more dangerous. Klatt also highlighted quarterback Riley Leonard as a key figure, whose development could be the X-factor in Notre Dame’s push for the playoffs.
Navigating the Schedule: Key Games to Watch
While Klatt is bullish on Notre Dame’s chances, he acknowledges that the road to the College Football Playoff is fraught with challenges. The aforementioned Texas A&M game is the first major test. A victory in that game would set the tone for the season and could serve as a springboard for an undefeated run.
Beyond that, Klatt points to the regular season finale against USC as a potential playoff-deciding game. By the time Notre Dame faces the Trojans, they could be in a position where a win not only secures their spot in the playoff but also ensures a favorable seed. Klatt envisions a scenario where Notre Dame enters that game as a solidly-in-the-playoff team, with a chance to secure a No. 5 seed and a home game in the first round.
“They’re going to go 2 and a half months without a true road game before they play USC in the finale,” Klatt noted. “And I think there’s a good chance they’re playing USC as a solidly-in-the-playoff team. A win, and you’re going to get a 5 seed and a home game in that first round.”
Overcoming Obstacles: The Offensive Line and Beyond
While Klatt’s outlook on Notre Dame is overwhelmingly positive, he does acknowledge some potential obstacles. The loss of their left tackle is a significant concern, as protecting the quarterback’s blind side is crucial for any team with championship aspirations. However, Klatt believes that the overall strength of the team and the favorable schedule can help them overcome this challenge.
Moreover, Notre Dame’s independent status—while traditionally a point of pride—could also work against them in the eyes of the playoff selection committee. Without a conference title to bolster their résumé, the Irish must make every game count. A single misstep could prove costly, which is why Klatt’s prediction of a 12-0 season is so critical. It leaves no room for doubt or debate when it comes to their playoff credentials.
The Stakes Are High: Notre Dame’s 2024 Season
Notre Dame’s ambitions for the 2024 season are clear: they want to return to the College Football Playoff and prove that they belong among the elite. After finishing the 2023 season with a 10-3 record and as the top-ranked FBS Independent team, the Fighting Irish are hungry for more. They’ve come close to greatness in recent years, but Klatt’s prediction suggests that this could be the year they finally break through.
For fans of college football, Klatt’s bold bet on Notre Dame adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2024 season. Whether the Irish can live up to these lofty expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on South Bend as the season unfolds.
If Joel Klatt’s prediction comes to fruition, it will mark a historic moment for Notre Dame and college football as a whole. An undefeated season capped by a playoff berth would not only validate Klatt’s faith in the program but also solidify Marcus Freeman’s legacy as one of the premier coaches in the sport. As the season kicks off, Notre Dame finds itself at the center of the college football universe—and the stakes have never been higher.
