Notre Dame’s Opponents: Ohio State matchup aside, most Irish foes open the season with patsies

While the No. 5 Notre Dame Irish and the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes might top any must-watch list this weekend, few top-tier teams actually play strong opponents to open the season. For that matter, many of them do what Notre Dame has never done — though it will in 2023 — face an FCS foe.

Four eventual Irish 2022 Irish opponents will open against FCS-level competition this weekend, while only Ohio State will face a ranked opponent, obviously the Irish.

No. 2 Ohio State: The Buckeyes remain favored by 17 points against No. 5 Notre Dame, per PointsBet as of early Wednesday morning with a combined points total Over/Under of 59. That rough math suggests a 38-21 result late Saturday (7:30 ET; ABC).

— Ohio State’s offense projects to match the best of the century

Marshall: The Thundering Herd’s season should start well against Norfolk State (3:30 ET; Watch ESPN), but it has already taken a notable hit.

— Marshall set for fun in the Sun Belt with advantageous debut schedule

Marshall junior RB Rasheen Ali led the country with 23 rushing touchdowns last year — 1,401 yards, 5.6 yards per carry. Losing him indefinitely is a huge blow to the offense of #NotreDame's week 2 opponent. https://t.co/8IMw3JOHBl

— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 23, 2022

Cal: The Bears will host UC Davis (4 ET; Pac 12 Network) and not much else can be said about that as Cal head coach Justin Wilcox continues to look for a productive offense.

— Cal’s offensive struggles continue to undermine quality defense

North Carolina: Whatever past Tar Heels athletic director scheduled a trip to Appalachian State (12 ET; ESPNU) this weekend owes head coach Mack Brown an apology, though college football fans should be very grateful for this in-state rivalry game. North