If ND wins out...

[PantsB]

... what bowl do you think they'll be playing in?

The Rose Bowl is now effectively out of the question, of course. However, a BCS bowl seems pretty likely if the Irish end the year with only two losses. The school's national popularity and a likely top 12 ranking in the BCS would probably have the big bowls strambling to invite ND. Using this set of rules,

-#1USC-#2Texas Rose bowl would let the Fiesta Bowl have first pick
-USC-VT would let Orange Bowl have first pick
-Texas-VT would let Fiesta then Orange
-VT-Texas would let Orange then Fiesta
-USC-Georgia/Alabama would let the Sugar Bowl get first dibs

So where does everyone think ND will end up if they win out?

 

[jiggafini19]

They need help from their opponents right now. That HAS to be the reason they're 16th in the BCS.

These schmucks had better start winning games.

 

[BGIF]

They need help from their opponents right now. That HAS to be the reason they're 16th in the BCS.

These schmucks had better start winning games.

Actually ND needs teams ahead to lose games. SOS plays a small part in the computer rankings used by the BCS. Losses dominate.

 

[jiggafini19]

Actually ND needs teams ahead to lose games. SOS plays a small part in the computer rankings used by the BCS. Losses dominate.

With two losses, they'll need some guys to lose TWICE.

I hope the Pitt and Michigan types start picking things up. UM probably can't win the Big Ten, but Pitt still has a shot at the Big East. Purdue and UW are going nowhere. Tennessee beating Bama will help, then ND beating UT would add strength to the numbers.

 

[Rip Rap]

I wouldn't mind another shot at Miami, FSU or BC. If we miss the BCS, we are still eligible for the #2 ACC team in the Gator Bowl, and I would love a Weis victory over any one of those three.

 

[irishnd31]

... what bowl do you think they'll be playing in?

The Rose Bowl is now effectively out of the question, of course. However, a BCS bowl seems pretty likely if the Irish end the year with only two losses. The school's national popularity and a likely top 12 ranking in the BCS would probably have the big bowls strambling to invite ND. Using this set of rules,

-#1USC-#2Texas Rose bowl would let the Fiesta Bowl have first pick
-USC-VT would let Orange Bowl have first pick
-Texas-VT would let Fiesta then Orange
-VT-Texas would let Orange then Fiesta
-USC-Georgia/Alabama would let the Sugar Bowl get first dibs

So where does everyone think ND will end up if they win out?

If we win out (better yet, when we win out), I see us going to the Fiesta Bowl. our popularity is as high right now as it has been in years.

 

[scooper]

I'm going to agree with Fiesta. Realistically, at worst we're looking at Gator Bowl against a good ACC team in Charlie's first year. If you told me that before the year, I'd have taken it. Now it would be a consolation prize.

Had you told me before the season it would be the Fiesta Bowl, I would have been ecstatic. If you would have told me we would be two last minute plays away from the Rose Bowl, I would have you pee in a cup to see what you're on.

Life is good again. Beat the Cougars.

 

[AlbuquerqueIrishFan]

I'm going to agree with Fiesta. Realistically, at worst we're looking at Gator Bowl against a good ACC team in Charlie's first year. If you told me that before the year, I'd have taken it. Now it would be a consolation prize.

Had you told me before the season it would be the Fiesta Bowl, I would have been ecstatic. If you would have told me we would be two last minute plays away from the Rose Bowl, I would have you pee in a cup to see what you're on.

Life is good again. Beat the Cougars.

I'll pee in a cup just for fun. j/k I'd love to play and beat Florida St.

 

[BGIF]

I wouldn't mind another shot at Miami, FSU or BC. If we miss the BCS, we are still eligible for the #2 ACC team in the Gator Bowl, and I would love a Weis victory over any one of those three.

Rip Rap, sounds like you might have some Italian blood in you.

 

[BGIF]

With two losses, they'll need some guys to lose TWICE.

Two losses would be nice but single losses pull ND closer than SOS.

 

[WeisGuy05]

If we win out obviously we will be 9-2 and/or higher than 12th in the BCS. I believe the ND and BCS contract says we will then be in a BCS bowl. I would like to be in the Orange Bowl and play Virginia Tech. The bowl commissioners will be foaming at the mouths to have ND in a BCS bowl...remember that.

 

[Rip Rap]

Rip Rap, sounds like you might have some Italian blood in you.

Yeah, they put me in a vendetta kinda mood.

 

[iowadomer]

If ND wins out, they are automatically in a BCS game. Every bowl would love to have ND just for the rating let alone a great game! ND is the most popu;ar team in the country and there seem to be fans coming out of the woodwork every week.

 

[jiggafini19]

To go 9-2 and deserve it would be great. To go 9-2 and get a BCS bowl on reputation....not sure how I feel about that.

If a 10-1 team from any of the BCS conferences (Minus the Big East) gets passed over by Notre Dame, I don't see the fairness in that.

Popularity, money, history...blah blah blah. I know every response to this post I'm going to hear.

They have five games left to play and injuries beginning to mount. I'm more concerned with winning a home game for the first time in 365 days.

 

[scooper]

To go 9-2 and deserve it would be great. To go 9-2 and get a BCS bowl on reputation....not sure how I feel about that.

If a 10-1 team from any of the BCS conferences (Minus the Big East) gets passed over by Notre Dame, I don't see the fairness in that.

Popularity, money, history...blah blah blah. I know every response to this post I'm going to hear.

They have five games left to play and injuries beginning to mount. I'm more concerned with winning a home game for the first time in 365 days.

Jigga, I agree to an extent, but what if that 10-1 BCS team played Southwest Indiana Tech, Mt. St. Mary's girls reformatory school and Johnson County Third Grade "B" squad as their non-conference schedule, and all at home. Granted, some of the heavy hitters on our schedule are down this year, but a down Michigan is still light years better than some of the scrubs that make up SEC and ACC non-conference games.

 

[jiggafini19]

Jigga, I agree to an extent, but what if that 10-1 BCS team played Southwest Indiana Tech, Mt. St. Mary's girls reformatory school and Johnson County Third Grade "B" squad as their non-conference schedule, and all at home. Granted, some of the heavy hitters on our schedule are down this year, but a down Michigan is still light years better than some of the scrubs that make up SEC and ACC non-conference games.

Another issue Scoop, but one that Devil's Advocate can counter with one fact:

Notre Dame has two losses, at home, to the only two teams with winning records they've played.

Which brings me back to my original fear: The teams ND has beaten need to start winning. ND wins out, things are looking good.

 

[scooper]

I'll tell you one thing. I'm pulling hard for the Vols over Bama this weekend.

 

[AlbuquerqueIrishFan]

I'll tell you one thing. I'm pulling hard for the Vols over Bama this weekend.

I think Tennessee beats Bama and exposes them. They're not as good as their ranking indicates. Watch for Riggs. Jr. to run all over them.

 

[jiggafini19]

I'll tell you one thing. I'm pulling hard for the Vols over Bama this weekend.

Tennessee's offense shows me nothing.

Alabama has a very good defense and those fans will be jacked up for Philly Fulmer.

If they leave there with a win, it will be hard fought. But Fulmer is 6-0 down there.

Tide will roll.

 

[Rip Rap]

We did the math on this before, and we may make more money in the Gator Bowl anyway. I fail to see how going to the BCS is relevant if we play an ACC team ranked in the top-10. After all, we'll have to be in the BCS next year when we win the national championship (part of a multi-year undefeated run). More than anything else, I just want a bowl win.

 

[BGIF]

To go 9-2 and deserve it would be great. To go 9-2 and get a BCS bowl on reputation....not sure how I feel about that.

If a 10-1 team from any of the BCS conferences (Minus the Big East) gets passed over by Notre Dame, I don't see the fairness in that.

Popularity, money, history...blah blah blah. I know every response to this post I'm going to hear.

They have five games left to play and injuries beginning to mount. I'm more concerned with winning a home game for the first time in 365 days.

College football: Erick Smith

What is up with the BCS ranking of Notre Dame? I mean are they getting hosed or what?

Erick Smith: Notre Dame is being hurt in the BCS rankings by the poor play of its opponents. Purdue, Pittsburgh and Michigan were all ranked at the start of the year. They all have at least three losses. That is why the computers have Notre Dame so low. They do not factor in margin of victory (or loss), so the close games against USC and Michigan State do not matter. Anybody that know football can see the Irish are one of the top teams. If they keep winning, they'll be high enough in the human polls to ensure a BCS spot.

 

[weisfaninmass]

BGIF, I look for both Michigan to win their remaining games (Iowa, Nwestern, Indiana, OSU) and Mich St has a shot at this too. We need both Pitt and Purdue to get on a roll. This will help our strength of schedule.....lotta big games ahead with top 10 teams......and we need the Irish to win out.

 

[leppycole]

If ND wins out, You will see Irish vs. VTech. Unless VTech takes a loss, if so you are looking at ND vs. Alabama

 

[GREENJERSEYS'07]

I don't think 'bama has what it takes to beat TN.,LSU,auburn and win the sec championship game.I think they will loose at least 2 of those games.I could be wrong,and croyle is a good QB.Even playing 4 ranked teams and dropping 2 of them they still should be behind notre dame at the end of the season.
Also,don't count auburn out to maybe even win the west,their only loss so far is to a non-conference team.
I want to see ND win out and play virginia tech.If they could win that one,I think ND would come out next year pre-season ranked in the top 4,maybe even better if Bush turns pro.

 

[jiggafini19]

BGIF, I look for both Michigan to win their remaining games (Iowa, Nwestern, Indiana, OSU) and Mich St has a shot at this too. We need both Pitt and Purdue to get on a roll. This will help our strength of schedule.....lotta big games ahead with top 10 teams......and we need the Irish to win out.

Michigan beats Ohio State? DREAM ON....

UM has won some close ones and I give them credit, but outside of VaTech Ohio State still has the best defense in this great land of America.

I don't care where that game is, OSU wins it.

And Northwestern on the road is no gimme either.

NU got waxed by ASU and gave up the big play to Joe Pa's PSU. NU is a very good football team. Their defense went on the road and turned a shootout into a blowout in East Lansing.

Michigan isn't that great. ND is really getting hosed by their opponents this year....What the hell happened to Purdue?

 

[jiggafini19]

College football: Erick Smith

Anyone of BCS caliber will shread ND's defense.

There is much work to be done on the defensive side of the ball. That secondary is a major weakness. They can't cover anyone.

ND needs to take care of business on the field, stay healthy and they play who they play come Bowl time.

The Vol D is strong, but their offense is bad. Maybe Rick Minter can take advantage.

 

[PantsB]

Anyone of BCS caliber will shread ND's defense.

Did USC "shred" ND's defense?

I think ND would have more trouble with Texas than USC (but that USC would beat Texas), and VT would be tough as well. But I'd take ND over every other team on a neutral field.

 

[jiggafini19]

Did USC "shred" ND's defense?

I think ND would have more trouble with Texas than USC (but that USC would beat Texas), and VT would be tough as well. But I'd take ND over every other team on a neutral field.

Look at how many times SC scored and their time of possession. I find the answer to that question fairly easy. They picked Leinart twice, but other than that Weis' offense was the best defense that day. Those guys were barely on the field and gave up 34 points. Bush had 15 touches and ran for 160?

This Tennessee defense that Notre Dame will face is by far the best group they will have seen all year. I'd love to hear any arguments saying otherwise.

However, the Vol offense isn't very good either. This might be a team that could POSSIBLY be able to run the ball against ND. If they can do so with efficiency, Notre Dame will be the offense on the sidelines.

I'm not anticipating an easy game, but I'll hope for one. The defensive talent and depth just isn't there. Tennessee doesn't have much of a passing game, but we all know the Achilles of Notre Dame Football 2005. This game peaks my interest a great deal. I'm looking forward to being there on game day.

 

[TomFoolery]

I think that a ND/FSU matchup would be entertaining- primarily b/c FSU has a crushing defense, and would be up for ND (they are a heck of a lot better than SC's defense!) However, FSU's offense is deplorable- would be a close one...

 

[BGIF]

This Tennessee defense that Notre Dame will face is by far the best group they will have seen all year. I'd love to hear any arguments saying otherwise.

See my detailed comments in the ND v Tennessee thread. Briefly they played soft offensives which padded their numbers. Best DLine but Michigan's D played a better game against ND than any of the 5 UT games I've seen this year.