Newcomers at USC, Notre Dame could impact College Football Playoff

By
Justin Smith
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Notre-Dame and USC made their debuts on Saturday. With them, two new roster members who could change the playoff picture for this season. Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman scored as many touchdowns for the Irish as they did incompletions (4), during their 42-3 win over Navy in Ireland. Zachariah Branch, the Trojan’s true freshman, made a great first impression, accumulating 213 yards on all purposes, two touchdowns and many highlights during USC’s 56 28 win over San Jose State. This included a 96 yard kickoff return. | Agree to Disagree

While USC’s defense struggled at times, reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams was in total control, but it just so happened that viewers and announcers alike couldn’t stop gushing about Branch. Lincoln Riley’s potential at USC can be unlocked by his speed, acceleration and ability to change gears. Jordan Addison was a first-round pick for the Vikings, and his replacement at Southern Cal might be just as good as a 19-year-old.

This Trojan offense is going to be devastating. There is also at least one tight-end, and they have a lot of running backs. However, we now know Williams has a game-changer

, one who should come in handy against teams like Notre Dame in mid October.

Sam Hartman is the best Irish QB since ____?The transfer portal might be the most impactful change of this new era, and this is a prime example of why. Hartman legitimizes the Notre Dame team and a team that has just one loss would be deserving as much of a postseason spot as any SEC team or Big Ten. He finished 19 of 23, for 251 yard, and led his team to touchdowns in every drive except one. Spencer Shrader missed the 42-yard field goals on this outlier. This is one of those Hartman dime because football has returned. The Golden Domers’ brutal running game will provide plenty of play-action and balance. Audric Estime may be the star, but the Golden Domers have a group of talented backs that are on par with USC, as well as a superior defense (at the very least, based on what I saw in the Midshipmen’s triple-option offense). Notre Dame is projected to be USC’s first significant test of the year, but the Buckeyes will visit South Bend less than a week later.

Notre-Dame will host Ohio State and USC and travel to Clemson. Hartman’s yards, starts and touchdown passes are more than the combined total of all three starting quarterbacks. Marcus Freeman can get the Irish into the College Football Playoff if they win two of three games and finish the remainder of their schedule. The QB might even be better than the ones Brian Kelly had coached in his time. Bob Barker, the former Price is Right host, died on the same day as Aaron Rodgers’ debut in the New York Jets jersey. Throwing Punches with Bob Barker

RIP, Bob. Throwing Punches with Bob Barker

RIP, Bob.