Thanks to those of you who participated in the 2008 season predictions. There was more participation this year than last (link here), albeit still not as much as I would have liked. I have included the results below.
Similar to last year the predictions look optimistic with greater than 60% of those who participated in the poll believing the Irish will win at least eight games. Even with a much weaker schedule (as discussed here) improving the win total by five games will be a tall task for the Irish. For the statistics' fans out there the average number of predicted wins was 8.5 with a standard deviation of 1.7.
As shown below, 8-4 and 9-3 were the most popular choices for the 2008 Irish record with 10-2 falling closely behind. But a few folks believe the Irish will fair similarly to 2007-despite a seemingly easier schedule-with two people predicting a 4-8 and 5-7 record. Overall, however, the consensus is that Notre Dame will win between 8 and 10 games in 2008.
There seems to be relatively little dispute on what games the Irish win and lose. As shown below, 100% of those polled believe the Irish will beat San Diego State, Stanford, Navy, and Syracuse. Additionally, 92% of those polled believe the Irish will lose to USC while 83% believe Michigan State will beat the Irish. Only games against North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Boston College seem to be in doubt.
