Notre Dame surged into College Football Playoff contention—thanks to strategic transfer portal moves mixed with a balanced offense and defense. Can Marcus Freeman’s squad sustain their momentum with key injuries stacking up?

Brian Smith spotlights impact additions like Malachi Fields, whose physical presence boosts the red zone attack, and Devonte Smith, the defensive glue whose return transformed Notre Dame's secondary from a bottom-20 pass defense to top-15. 

The episode breaks down offensive line setbacks, red zone struggles, and crucial upcoming tests for the Fighting Irish against Syracuse and Stanford. Recruiting buzz, standout quarterback C.J. Carr, and concerns about depth at tight end and defensive tackle raise intriguing questions about Notre Dame’s championship ceiling. Will the kicking game and roster depth trip up their playoff ambitions, or are the Irish capable of making a long College Football Playoff run?

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