As Notre Dame prepares for the second half of the season, here are the key Week 9 storylines for the Irish's upcoming opponents to watch.

Notre Dame football played six games without having all three phases - offense, defense, special teams - all be a boost. That changed last weekend

You have questions, but none are about Navy. Maybe that’s a sign Notre Dame’s season has taken a turn for the better as the Irish finally have their feet under them by late October after a volatile September.

How can Notre Dame host a playoff game this December? A few things for it to root for in Week 9 of the college football season.