Notre Dame’s 11 opponents will play only six games this weekend. That is embellished slightly by Boston College playing North Carolina, but the fact that four Irish foes have the same idle week stands out.
It reinforces the ACC’s intent this season, building in myriad chances for possible rescheduling and certain general recovery given the shortened and staggered preseason. Notre Dame utilizing one of those off weeks to cycle through a round of positive coronavirus tests and subsequent contact tracing is not ideal, but it is far from unforeseen.
ESPN’s Heather Dinich spoke with Irish head coach Brian Kelly on Tuesday and, per Kelly’s estimate, 90 percent of Notre Dame’s roster could be available to practice this coming Saturday, despite 39 players currently being in isolation or quarantine.