Temple @ Notre Dame preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 31, 2015 ) Notre Dame 24, Temple 20

Coming off its worst season in almost a decade, Notre Dame begins the 2017 campaign unranked heading into Saturday's showdown with visiting Temple. The Fighting Irish went 4-8 a season ago, putting additional pressure on coach Brian Kelly as he enters his eighth season in South Bend.

Kelly had never lost more than five games in a season with Notre Dame before last year's tumultuous campaign that featured seven losses by eight points or less. Quarterback DeShone Kizer is now starting for the Cleveland Browns and sophomore Brandon Wimbush, who redshirted in 2016, is ready to take the reigns under center. "There’s not a throw he can’t make,” said first-year offensive coordinator Chip Long. “His velocity, the way it comes out of his hands is tremendous. Throws a really nice, deep ball. He’s doing a lot better job with just his presence in the pocket, understanding when he needs to evade and doing a nice job throwing on the run.” The Owls won seven of their final eight games last year - a hot stretch that cost them coach Matt Rhule (now at Baylor) - but are big underdogs in their season opener.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Notre Dame -18.5

ABOUT TEMPLE (2016: 10-4, 7-1 American Athletic Conference): Geoff Collins, formerly the defensive coordinator at Florida, takes over on the sidelines for the Owls, who enter Week 1 with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Several quarterbacks could play - or even potentially start - against the Irish as Collins noted he is "not opposed to playing those guys in different series going into the game. That is what we are leaning toward now.” Haason Reddick, the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft, leaves a huge hole at linebacker, while guard Dion Dawkins was chosen 50 picks later and must be replaced, as well.

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (2016: 4-8): The left side of the Notre Dame offensive line is loaded with NFL prospects Quenton Nelson at guard and Mike McGlinchey at tackle. Their stability will be a key to the success of Wimbush, who played sparingly as a freshman but fortunately will have some impressive weapons and his disposal this season. Josh Adams returns after scampering for a team-high 933 yards last season, while Equanimeous St. Brown - team bests of 58 catches, 961 receiving yards and nine TDs - also is back..

EXTRA POINTS

1. Temple's four quarterbacks have attempted a combined 11 college passes.

2. Notre Dame has won both previous meetings, including an exciting 24-20 win in 2015.

3. Sophomore QB Ian Book, the backup now that Malik Zaire has transferred to Florida, also could see some snaps for the Irish.

PREDICTION: Notre Dame 37, Temple 19