With absolutely no offense intended to Toledo — the favorite to win the MAC and a darkhorse to reach a New Year’s Six bowl — No. 8 Notre Dame’s Saturday is not about its opponent.
It is hardly about the Irish (1-0), even as they look to establish their offensive line and running game while also finding some defensive stability.
Notre Dame’s 2021 home opener is about the fans, more than ever.
Nearly 78,000 fans will fill Notre Dame Stadium for the first time in nearly two years. They will line the sidewalks as the Irish literally walk into the Stadium.