IRISH ANALYTICS BRIAN FREMEAU
W
ith the close of spring practices
in South Bend and across the
country, the pieces are in place
to identify projected benchmarks for
the upcoming season.
My approach to projections at this
time of year is to attempt to predict
measures of efficiency on both the of-
fensive and defensive side of the ball
based on recent history and key transi-
tion factors that face Notre Dame and
its opponents.
College football success is ultimately
measured in wins and losses, but re-
cord alone paints a picture with a
fairly broad brush. I'm more interested
in success measured at the possession
level. How successful is a given team
at maximizing its own drive oppor-
tunities and minimizing those of its
opponents?
Predicting the likelihood of suc-
cess for a team that sets its sights on
a playoff run requires a focus not only
Possession Projections Favor Irish
Versus 2015 Foes
The 2015 Irish offense, with players such as top rusher Tarean Folston, should benefit against many oppo-
nents that are rebuilding on defense.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
