Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell preview Notre Dame's first two opponents, the Texas Longhorns and the Wolfpack from Nevada. Texas head coach Charlie Strong is on the hot seat in Austin, but he has a young and talented roster. Former Irish assistant Brian Polian is also on the hot seat at Nevada, but the Wolfpack will have a much harder time against the Irish.

Notre Dame will be taking a break from the Shamrock Series for the 2017 series. The question is, should it return in 2018, or is it time for Notre Dame to move past it. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell debate that very topic.

Notre Dame has landed three Rivals250 players in the last week, providing a significant impact on the 2017 recruiting class. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the three new commits, and look forward at how Notre Dame will look to finish out the class.

Notre Dame must play well in the trenches if it wants to make a playoff run in 2016, but which unit has more pressure on its shoulders, the offensive line or the defensive line? Which unit has to play better if the Irish are to maximize their potential as program? Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell debate this topic.

Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell preview the Notre Dame secondary heading into the 2016 season. With KeiVarae Russell, Elijah Shumate and Matthias Farley now off to the NFL, the Irish return an inexperience - but talented - group of defensive backs. Several questions must be answered. Is Cole Luke ready to emerge as a shut down cornerback? Can Drue Tranquill stay healthy, and if so can he be productive? Does Max Redfield finally have his breakout, or will freshman Devin Studstill steal his playing time? Those questions and much more are discussed on this week's show.

It happens almost every year. Some opponent that Notre Dame is supposed to beat - soundly - gives the Irish a tough game, and sometimes even knocks them off. The 2016 is filled with potential trap games, but which one is the scariest? Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell debate which 2016 opponent is the biggest trap game.

Despite the loss of All-American Jaylon Smith and captain Joe Schmidt, Notre Dame is in position to put together a quality linebacker unit in 2016. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss the impact Nyles Morgan can have on the defense, what to expect from James Onwualu in his senior season, and what will happen at the Will linebacker position.

Notre Dame faces a number of top opponents in 2016. Michigan State, Stanford, Miami, Texas, N.C. State and Navy all present problems for Notre Dame, but two opponents stand out above the rest. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell debate which opponent - USC or Virginia Tech - presents the toughest matchup for the Irish in 2016.

If Notre Dame is going to compete for a championship in 2016, its defense will have to improve. No unit will have a greater impact on the defense's ability to play at that level than does the defensive line. Blue Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the depth chart and discuss which players are key to the Irish getting championship production from the front.

Blue Gold Illustrated recruiting editor Andrew Ivins and football analyst Bryan Driskell recap Notre Dame's 2016 Irish Invasion. Notre Dame picked up three commitments from the event, and there was plenty of other recruiting news to discuss. The staff also breaks down the performance of the players on the field and previews what's next for Irish recruiting.