(Photo: AJ Houk)
After a Week One loss, Notre Dame stands at an early-season crossroads this week against 2-0 #17, Texas A & M.
Dropping an opener to a highly ranked opponent on the road, as the Irish did at Miami, doesn’t derail season goals—especially in the expanded playoff era. But history says one thing clearly: 0–2 is a hole the Irish almost never climb out of.
And that’s especially true when the bar is as high as it is in 2025.
History of 0–2 Starts
During the 28 seasons of the Fighting Irish Preview era, which began in 1997, Notre Dame has opened six campaigns with a loss. In four of those years, that stumble quickly turned into a slide to 0–2. And the aftermath hasn’t been kind.
- 2001 (Bob Davie): The Irish started 0–2 and finished 5–6. Bob Davie was fired at season’s end.
- 2007 (Charlie Weis): A nightmare season, as 0–2 spiraled into a 3–9 finish—the worst in school history and it ended the Weis era at Notre Dame.
- 2011 (Brian Kelly): Despite recovering to 8–5, the Irish ended unranked.
- 2022 (Marcus Freeman): Losses to Ohio State and Marshall had fans reeling, but the team regrouped to win nine games, capped by a Gator Bowl victory over South Carolina. That late push earned a No. 18 AP ranking. Not a bad season, but nowhere near the kind of season ND is capable of in 2025.
Why 2025 is Different
What makes 2025 so critical is the weight of expectations. This Irish roster is one of the deepest in recent memory, blending proven veterans, top recruits, and high-profile transfers. CJ Carr answered the biggest offseason question with a three-touchdown performance in Week One, giving Notre Dame a clear leader at quarterback. With that key piece in place and so much talent around him, the national buzz is real—and College Football Playoff aspirations are very much alive.
But history warns that even a talented team can see its season slip away quickly if 0–1 becomes 0–2. For all the excitement surrounding this squad, the lesson is clear: the Irish have to stop the “skid”, now.
The Bottom Line
Notre Dame’s goals did not vanish after an early close loss to a top opponent on the road. But for the Irish in 2025, a second straight defeat would almost certainly put the brakes on a season that began with sky-high hopes.
A three alarm challenge now stares the Irish straight in the facemask because, 0–1 cannot, must not become 0–2.