EA College Football 27 Predicts a Wild Ride for Notre Dame
- Erich Pilcher
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Following the longest offseason for Notre Dame Football since 2016, a new season is finally upon the Irish Faithful. This season is full of high expectations, with many members of the national media picking the Irish to win their first National Championship since 1988. To see how this season might play out, the Irish Tribune simulated the upcoming season on College Football 27.
The following was simulated on EA Sports College Football 2027 on PlayStation 5. The games used 15-minute quarters on Heisman difficulty to try to get the most realistic results.
One argument against the Irish is that many deem their schedule easy. However, the final win-loss record of the Irish opponents ended up being 116-79, and Notre Dame played five bowl-eligible teams in the regular season. The game had the Irish finishing at 9-3. The season started strong with a 6-0 start; this included victories over rivals Michigan State (47-28), Purdue (26-21), and Stanford (41-28). This led to the much-anticipated showdown in Provo versus the BYU Cougars.
BYU raced out to a 24-7 halftime lead, and the Irish could not find any offensive rhythm. They were held to a paltry 269 yards of total offense and went 0-2 in the red zone. On the other side, the Cougars controlled time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 35 minutes, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier had a perfect QB rating while throwing for 352 yards and a touchdown. Star Running Back L.J. Martin only toted the rock for 12 carries but made them count, racking up 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Following the bye after the BYU game, the Irish would rebound to win a hard-fought battle against Navy 26-21. This would set up a showdown with Miami, who would be the number one team in the land heading into the showdown in South Bend. The Irish proved the BYU game was an aberration by going toe-to-toe with the 'Canes. Notre Dame rebounded from a 14-point halftime deficit to force overtime. It was there the 'Canes prevailed, winning the instant classic 37-34, saddling Notre Dame with their second defeat of the season.
The Golden Domers would dominate the next two opponents, Boston College and top-25 SMU. This would set up a road finale against a much-improved Syracuse Orange team. Fighting for their playoff lives, the Irish would allow 23 second-quarter points en route to a stunning 41-31 loss. CJ Carr's Heisman Trophy hopes took a major hit in this game despite his 292 yards and three touchdowns. His three interceptions all led to Syracuse scores, and it looked like Notre Dame would once again be on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff (CFP).
How EA CFB 27 has Notre Dame finishing the regular season
Looks can be deceiving, however; Notre Dame finished ranked 10th and had a first-round matchup against Ohio State in Columbus. The Irish took advantage of this second chance and won a nail-biter, scoring 28 second-half points to win 35-31. While doing so, they racked up 505 yards of total offense, led by Carr torching the Buckeyes through the air with 394 yards and five touchdowns.
Next up was a battle against number two Duke in the Peach Bowl. The game was tied 14-all at the half, but showing resilience, the Irish scored a last-second touchdown to edge the Blue Devils 24-20. Running Back Anyeas Williams (returning to form following a midseason injury) rushed for 97 yards, and the defense forced five turnovers.
This set up a rematch in the CFP Semifinal against Miami in the Sugar Bowl. The revenge-minded Fighting Irish carried a six-point lead into the half. Miami would then score 21 unanswered points to take a 28-13 lead. Two Hurricane mistakes, a pick-six by Brauntae Johnson, and a muffed punt would tie the game. Miami Quarterback Darian Mensah would then lead the 'Canes on a drive to give them the lead for good. A late safety brought the Irish to within five, but time would run out and end the season with a final score of 35-30. Notre Dame ended the season with an 11-4 record.
Carr finished the season with a 64 percent completion percentage. Throwing for 3,925 yards while setting a new Notre Dame single-season record. He also had 38 total touchdowns (31 passing and seven rushing). His primary target was Jaden Greathouse, who finished with 68 catches, 909 yards, and six touchdowns. Jordan Fasion and Tight End Ian Premer led all receivers with nine touchdowns receiving each.
EA CFB 27 CFP Prediction
Defensively, Linebacker Drayk Bowen anchored a strong defensive unit. Leading the team in tackles with 95. Transfer Defensive Tackle Francis Brewu led the team with 16 sacks and 27 tackles for a loss. The secondary, long thought to be the best in the country, held up their end of the deal, nabbing 25 total interceptions. Johnson led the way with six of them, with four being returned for touchdowns.
Awards season saw Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash take home the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. Brewu finished second for the Lombardi Award (nation's top Defensive Lineman); Anthonie Knapp finished fourth for the Outland Trophy (nation's top Interior Lineman). The Irish earned two First Team All-Americans in Brewu and Johnson. Knapp joined them on the second team, and Premer was named to the All-Freshman team as a Tight End.
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