After finishing the 2010 campaign with four straight wins, Brian Kelly used the momentum of an 8-5 record to cap a top 10 recruiting class. 

Now, Notre Dame is poised for its best season since 2006 and should contend for a BCS berth. 

But will the schedule cooperate?

The 2011 slate features nine opponents that played in bowl games, ten if you included NCAA-sanctioned USC. 

Here's a game-by-game look at what lies ahead for the Fighting Irish. 

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