With a bowl win

[Dizzyphil]

Rankings or not?..., we need to win the bowl game and win with confidence. Regardless of what some seem to think, what people in the media say and how we are perceived will greatly influence how we are taken next year. If you don't believe me, just ask those that were involved in our 1993 rankings after we beat Texas A&M 24-21 and Florida State won only because Nebraska missed a FG in the last seconds of the game and Lou Holtz was asked many times during the year how good he thought his football team was and he consistently repeated, "Not very good". You go back and research and many poll voters will say that the reason they voted Florida State as National Champs instead of ND was because they were convinced by Lou Holtz's statements of not being very good.

So - do we get ranked if we win bowl game? probably not
Would it help? - Tremendously for next year....

what ND does in this bowl game and what is said will influence simple-minded media (ESPN) and you will see how we are perceived next year.

Dizzy

 

[jmurphy75]

I think we have a shot at being ranked after a bowl game(depending on who we play and how we do). Out of our losses Stanford and Michigan State are still ranked with Tulsa and Navy receiving votes. Not to mention our W over Utah and USC, I think it's possible this year and a probable for pre season rankings. It doesn't bother me either way....I'm just sayin is all.

 

[wallym]

Just imagine...

Just imagine...

I was thinking today that I would love to re-play the Michigan, Navy, Tulsa games now. I think we end up winning those now, and end up with 10 wins (only losses to MSU (10-1), Stanford (10-1)...both ranked in top 10). We were competitive in 2 of those games, and could have ended with 11 wins...it's a crazy thought, but the season doesn't seem so bad after thinking that.

Oh well...bring on the bowl game and whatever ACC team we play!

 

[ND_HAS_RISEN]

Really depends on who the opponent is and if we can win.... I personally would LOVE to see the ND vs. Nebraska matchup!! I saw and earlier post saying we would get mauled by Nebraska, and I don't really agree with that... Taylor Martinez hasn't been the same since hurting his ankle, and our defense is playing well enough now that I think it could be a GREAT GAME!!! I say bring on the hardest, toughest, non BCS opponent and let see how we shake things up. There is no way if we beat a team like Nebraska in the Holiday bowl, that we arent ranked at the end of the year...

And to second OMM, being ranked at the end of the year has so much upside its not even funny. From a recruiting standpoint, think about it, how many of these kids are still on the fence... How many of them "wonder" if ND is still/going to be mediocre.. Being in the top 25 not only validates that ND had a successful first year under BK, but also provides a much needed spark going into next season!!