ESPN insider explains how Notre Dame could adversely impact other College Football Playoff contenders

Notre Dame came into 2022 with some immense hype, but now fans of the Fighting Irish are stuck looking for answers.

Evidently, Heather Dinich of ESPN believes their opponents fans will be looking for answers, as well. According to the ESPN college football insider, the troubles of the Fighting Irish could adversely impact other College Football Playoff contenders on their schedule, including USC, Clemson and Ohio State.

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“I can’t get that stupid song out of my head, ‘Bye Bye Bye.’ I mean, it’s done. It’s been playing on my head in a loop since Saturday night,” joked Dinich on Get Up, regarding Notre Dame’s Playoff hopes. “Look, I do not write teams out of the College Football Playoff, they do it to themselves. Notre Dame did it. Tyler Buchner, their quarterback, go injured. They have to find some answers on offense quickly.

“But the conversation about Notre Dame now turns to, how do they impact other Playoff contenders on their resume? By that, I mean USC, Clemson, Ohio State. If Ohio State doesn’t win the Big Ten, that game could come under the microscope as Notre Dame tanks.”

Originally, Notre Dame was expected to be one of each team’s tougher opponents on their schedule. However, their loss to Marshall changed everything, and now the college football world is trying to figure out exactly what the Fighting Irish are.

Nevertheless, there’s a lot of hope Marcus Freeman can right the ship for Notre Dame in 2022. The Fighting Irish need a victory like they need to breathe, and they’ll have the opportunity to get on on Saturday against California.

Notre Dame announces quarterback Tyler Buchner will miss season with shoulder injury

Moreover, Notre Dame starting quarterback Tyler Buchner will miss the rest of the season with injury, according to Marcus Freeman. The sophomore was injured at the end of Notre Dame’s loss to Marshall on Saturday.

The injury has been diagnosed as a high-grade shoulder sprain. It will require season-ending surgery.

In his place, backup quarterback Drew Pyne is expected to step into the role of starter. The two had a quarterback competition during the Spring, which Buchner ultimately won. However, the offense has struggled through two weeks, averaging just 15.5 points per game.

Tyler Buchner also missed time during Spring practice with an ankle injury that he suffered outside of practice.

In a depth chart released by Notre Dame, Tyler Buchner is no longer listed. In his place is Pyne. Steve Angeli, a true freshman, is the new backup quarterback.

Drew Pyne played in two games during the 2021 season. He completed 50% of his passes and had two touchdowns. In relief of Tyler Buchner, he has a touchdown and an interception.