The 2024 Notre Dame Football Schedule: A Season of Promise
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, college football fans eagerly anticipate the start of a new season. For the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 2024 holds the promise of redemption and the pursuit of glory. After finishing the 2023 season with a respectable 10-3 record, the Irish are poised to make a serious run at the College Football Playoffs for the first time since 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about their upcoming schedule, key matchups, and what to expect from this storied program.
Key Dates and Matchups
The Fighting Irish’s 2024 schedule is packed with exciting games that will test their mettle against formidable opponents. Here’s a breakdown of their schedule, including dates, times, TV channels, and scores:
2024 Notre Dame Football Schedule
| Opponent | Score | Date | Time (ET) | TV | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| at No. 20 Texas A&M | W, 23-13 | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | ABC | College Station, Texas |
| vs. Northern Illinois | L, 16-14 | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| at Purdue | W, 66-7 | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 3:30 p.m. | CBS | West Lafayette, Ind. |
| vs. Miami (Ohio) | W, 28-3 | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. No. 15 Louisville | W, 31-24 | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 3:30 p.m. | Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Stanford | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Georgia Tech | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 19 | TBD | TBD | Atlanta, GA |
| vs. Navy | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. | ABC or ESPN | East Rutherford, N.J. |
| vs. Florida State | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Virginia | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 16 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Army | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | Bronx, N.Y. |
| at Southern Cal | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 30 | TBD | TBD | Los Angeles, CA |
Notable Games to Watch
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Season Opener at Texas A&M: Kicking off the season against a ranked opponent is no small feat. The Irish will look to establish momentum early with a strong performance in College Station.
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Home Showdown Against Louisville: This matchup against the No. 15 Cardinals will be crucial for playoff aspirations. A victory here could solidify Notre Dame’s standing in the national rankings.
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Rivalry Game Against Navy: The annual clash with Navy is always a highlight on the schedule. This year, the game will take place in East Rutherford, New Jersey, adding a unique twist to this storied rivalry.
- Finale at Southern Cal: Ending the regular season against the Trojans is a fitting challenge. This game could have significant implications for both teams, especially if playoff spots are on the line.
Looking Back: 2023 Season Recap
The Fighting Irish had a rollercoaster 2023 season, finishing with a 10-3 record. They maintained a spot in the AP Top 25 throughout the season, showcasing their resilience even after a tough loss to unranked Clemson. The season concluded on a high note with a commanding 40-8 victory over No. 19 Oregon State in the Sun Bowl, leaving fans optimistic about the future.
2023 Notre Dame Football Schedule Recap
| Opponent | Score | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Navy | W, 42-3 | Saturday, Aug. 26 | Columbus, Ohio |
| vs. Tennessee State | W, 56-3 | Saturday, Sept. 2 | South Bend, Ind. |
| at NC State | W, 45-24 | Saturday, Sept. 9 | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Central Michigan | W, 41-17 | Saturday, Sept. 16 | Chapel Hill, N.C. |
| vs. No. 6 Ohio State | L, 17-14 | Saturday, Sept. 23 | Las Vegas, NV |
| at No. 17 Duke | W, 21-14 | Saturday, Sept. 30 | South Bend, Ind. |
| at No. 25 Louisville | L, 33-20 | Saturday, Oct. 7 | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. No. 10 USC | W, 48-20 | Saturday, Oct. 14 | Syracuse, N.Y. |
| vs. Pitt | W, 58-7 | Saturday, Oct. 28 | South Bend, Ind. |
| at Clemson | L, 31-23 | Saturday, Nov. 4 | Baltimore, Md. |
| vs. Wake Forest | W, 45-7 | Saturday, Nov. 18 | South Bend, Ind. |
| at Stanford | W, 56-23 | Saturday, Nov. 25 | Los Angeles, Calif. |
| vs. No. 19 Oregon State (Sun Bowl) | W, 40-8 | Friday, Dec. 29 | Jacksonville, Fla. |
The Road Ahead: College Football Playoff Format Changes
The 2024-25 season marks a significant shift in the College Football Playoff format, expanding to a 12-team bracket. This change opens up new opportunities for teams like Notre Dame to secure a playoff spot. With their strong 2023 finish and a promising 2024 schedule, the Irish will be looking to capitalize on this new format and make a deep playoff run.
Upcoming Playoff Schedule
| Round | Game | Date | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | Playoff First Round | Dec. 20, 2024 | TBD | TBD |
| First Round | Playoff First Round | Dec. 21, 2024 | TBD | TBD |
| Quarterfinals | Fiesta Bowl | Dec. 31, 2024 | Glendale, AZ | State Farm Stadium |
| Quarterfinals | Peach Bowl | Jan. 1, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Semifinals | Orange Bowl | Jan. 9, 2025 | Miami Gardens, FL | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Final | CFP National Championship | Jan. 20, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Fighting Irish as they navigate a challenging schedule with the hopes of returning to the College Football Playoffs. With a blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces, Notre Dame is ready to make its mark on the college football landscape once again.