Notre Dame surprised the country last year with 10 wins in Tyrone Willingham's first season at the helm, but some of the excitement was tempered by lopsided losses in the final two games. The Irish flirted with a BCS appearance for much of the season before finishing with a No. 17 ranking in the final polls.

Many people now expect Willingham to do it again, but it won't be easy. Last year's team was very opportunistic and won its first two games without scoring an offensive TD. Nine starters have also departed, and seven of them were good enough to be drafted by the NFL.

This, combined with the challenging 2003 schedule, offers the undesirable possibility that ND could actually get better on the field without it showing up in the win column. Then again, Willingham could still surprise us one more time.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2003 Schedule 9-6 Washington State 9-13 at Michigan 9-20 Michigan State 9-27 at Purdue 10-11 at Pittsburgh 10-18 USC 10-25 at Boston College 11-1 Florida State 11-8 Navy 11-15 BYU 11-22 at Syracuse 11-29 at Stanford 2002 overall record: 10-3 Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Ryan Grant* (1,085 yds) Passing: Carlyle Holiday* (1,788 yds) Receiving: Arnaz Battle (786 yds) Tackles: Courtney Watson* (90) Sacks: Ryan Roberts (8) Interceptions: Shane Walton (7) Spring Answers: The Irish had to find four new starters on the offensive line, and the replacement project went according to plan. The expected candidates stepped into those spots and played well, leaving the coaches confident they will eventually form a solid unit as they gain experience. … There is also confidence the defense will be strong, and it might need to be if the offense doesn't improve as a scoring unit. … Rashon Powers-Neal moved from tailback, where he rushed for 333 yards last year, to fullback, where he earned the starting job in the spring. This gives ND two talented runners in the backfield together -- three if you count QB Carlyle Holiday. Fall Questions: Tailback Julius Jones, who led the Irish in rushing in 2000 and 2001, is still trying to get his grades in order and earn readmission to the university. Willingham said he will be accepted back on the team if he is allowed back in school. … Fifth-year senior Jason Beckstrom missed last season with a biceps injury but will take over Shane Walton's spot at cornerback. With Vontez Duff at the other corner, he is sure to get tested often. … The inexperienced offensive line will also be tested from the start. The schedule begins with Washington State, Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.