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Notre Dame In The Preseason Rankings

After garnering some national recognition from the country’s major preseason publications, the Notre Dame football team continues to see itself ranked among college football’s elite.

Sports Illustrated: No. 12

Fox Sports: No. 12

CBS Sports: No. 8

USA Today Coaches Poll: No. 9

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Said Sports Illustrated:

“The Irish might have to win with offense, so DeShone Kizer (3,404 total yards as a sophomore) and Josh Adams (freshman-record 835 yards rushing) are a good start. Replacing five of the top six receivers and three linemen with 106 combined starts is the issue.

“A unit that lost 57.6% of its tackles and 64% of its sacks needs career years from everyone. Start with Isaac Rochell, a 290-pound senior who must far surpass his one sack in 2015, and Max Redfield, a former five-star recruit who has started 22 games but hasn’t hit his ceiling as a senior.”

Said Fox Sports’ Stewart Mandel:

“Either QB DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire can capably lead the Irish. ND gets back two proven runners in Josh Adams and Tarean Folston. While WR Will Fuller will be hard to replace, Equanimeous St. Brown leads a talented group of youngsters. Defensively, the Irish lost a ton of experience up front but should get a boost from DT Jarron Jones’ return from injury. The secondary may be a work in progress.”

The Big Lead’s Ty Duffy polled 26 media members and got their input on the 2016 college football season.

Part of the survey broke down which teams are expected to make the College Football Playoff. The Irish received two votes. Clemson led the way with 18 votes (72 percent). Alabama was just behind with 17 votes (68 percent).

The Associated Press Top 25 will be released on Aug. 21.

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