I think ND will be a lot like Michigan next year, regardless of who they get to coach. Which is why is why I’d rather play them later than earlier. I mean, Michigan was bad last year and they nearly beat us. I think had we played them in November, we easily roll to victory.

Iowa State
San Jose State
Notre Dame

I don’t really see a quality opponent here that puts us over the top.

Well, their is TCU and BYU.

I thought next year was the year that we had Pittsburgh scheduled. Actually, I just checked it and we play Pittsburgh on Spetember 11th.

As for the main statement, I think that we have some good backup linebackers. Martinez has been looking pretty good when he gets in. Chad Manis hasn’t looked too bad either. Then we have Chaz Walker and JJ Williams, and I believe they both got some time this year. So obviously we lose a great linebacking core, but I don’t think we drop off too bad.

I also agree with Jazzy, I think that it is a god time to play them later, even though it is a huge rebuilding season for them and it wouldn’t seem terrible to play them at the beginning of the season. But it seems like we struggle coming out of the gates in the first game, and always progress. So I like that game where it is.

Here’s what they’re losing on D:

Both safeties.

That’s it, unless someone goes early, and that doesn’t seem likely with their D. The change of coordinators should be good for us, and their D was bad this year, but they have 10 of 11 starters returning (unless kids transfer when the new coach comes in).

On offense it’s a totally different story. They lose Clauson, Tate, Parris (their #3 WR), both fullbacks, their #2 TE, both tackles, their center, and 2 of their top 3 guards (one starter and their primary backup). They’ll have a returning TB, WR and OG and that’s it.

For Utah we’ll have back 9/11 on offense (lose Beadles and Reed, not counting Key or Peel as starters). On defense we lose Misi, Kenape, Kepa, Sly, Wright, Stanford, Dale, and Rojo. So we have 3/11 back on defense. Of course, we could count Siliga, Kruger, Taplin-Ross and JJ Williams as part-time starters, as all of them have started multiple games either this year or earlier in their careers at the U. Still, linebacker concerns me. I think Tap will do fine at one safety spot, Burton and Chapman have played fine at corner, and the DL has a ton of talent and experience with Shelby, Lei, Kruger, Siliga and the Snow boys (Fuimano and Aiono, if they both make it). But linebacker worries me. JJ is a stud, but I think Martinez, Manis and Walker still need work. Hopefully they get it during this offseason.

Even though they lose a LOT of offense, I wouldn’t be surprised if Notre Dame looks totally different next year especially if they get Kelly to coach there. With Clauson leaving, the ND QB job is up for grabs (that’s music to a 4/5 star recruit). People are quick to point out that a new coach didn’t do Michigan any favors. Yes that is true, but no offense Michigan is not Notre Dame. Several years ago our rivals down south made a coaching change, and everything changed, (I’m of the opinion that had more to do with the fact Gary Crowton was incompetent and that Bronco was a breath of fresh air, but my point still stands).
my point is Charlie Weis was a cancer, and he needed to go, a successful coach like Kelly could likewise breath new life into South Bend.
  Having said all this, some may criticize the fact Brian Kelly comes from a Big East conference team, my answer to them is two BCS appearances in a row don’t lie. Big name recruits love successful coaches, so I would expect Kelly to do just fine (if he does in fact want/take the job). If Cinncinatti pulls a miracle against Florida, Kelly’s resume will look just that much better to a 5-star QB come signing day.