Andy Staples of SI ranks Notre Dame #24 for 2011

[tadman95]

Loaded Oklahoma, Oregon*top early 2011 Top 25 Power Rankings - Andy Staples - SI.com

This is all good to see. The program is showing signs of life in one year, think we will be really pleased in 2011!

 

[irishff1014]

His prediction is much better then the Espn one. it is more realistic.

 

[IrishAlum1997]

I wouldn't say the prediction is better, just less nerve-wracking for Irish Nation. Underachieve at 24, we're still a year away. Underachieve at 14, the term "high school defense" gets overused again next season. I think we are realistically somewhere between the ESPN and SI projections, closer to ESPN.

I would agree that we will probably open the season in the 22-28 range in both polls.

 

[rikkitikki08]

4 wins at the end of a season goes a long way

 

[chyrspchuck]

I wouldn't say the prediction is better, just less nerve-wracking for Irish Nation. Underachieve at 24, we're still a year away. Underachieve at 14, the term "high school defense" gets overused again next season. I think we are realistically somewhere between the ESPN and SI projections, closer to ESPN.

I would agree that we will probably open the season in the 22-28 range in both polls.

This coming from Mr. I Won't Project A Win/Loss Total

I'm saying we will be Top 10. 2012 Schedule is a lot more ruthless than 2011. I'm also predicting Herbie and espn will never use the term "high school defense" again.

 

[IrishAlum1997]

This coming from Mr. I Won't Project A Win/Loss Total

I'm saying we will be Top 10. 2012 Schedule is a lot more ruthless than 2011. I'm also predicting Herbie and espn will never use the term "high school defense" again.

I TOLD YOU I'm done projecting W-L. I've come to the realization I am an unrealistic homer, and I'm just going to enjoy every game and every season because its my school.

But I WILL say I like your idea for where we'll be.

And if we "are who we think we are," 2012 may not be as crazy as we all think right now.

 

[NDTH91]

I wouldn't say the prediction is better, just less nerve-wracking for Irish Nation. Underachieve at 24, we're still a year away. Underachieve at 14, the term "high school defense" gets overused again next season. I think we are realistically somewhere between the ESPN and SI projections, closer to ESPN.

I would agree that we will probably open the season in the 22-28 range in both polls.

+1

 

[irishff1014]

It would not hurt my feeling if they didn't rank us at all. That way know one can say oh they are over rated. This way we can earn our way up there and show everyone that we can play good.

 

[NDTH91]

My mom hates it when we start with a high ranking. She says we never do well if we start ranked highly...

In 1977 we were ranked preseason #3

In 1988 we were ranked preseason #13

Auburn started this year ranked #22

I would say if you're ranked and your schedule is favorable, you've got a decent shot.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

My mom hates it when we start with a high ranking. She says we never do well if we start ranked highly...

In 1977 we were ranked preseason #3

In 1988 we were ranked preseason #13

Auburn started this year ranked #22

I would say if you're ranked and your schedule is favorable, you've got a decent shot.
__________________

Good point. When you take into accout the improvement in the defense, however: " . . .
the Notre Dame defense, which allowed an average of 393.1 yards per game through the first 9 games of the season, finished the regular season in spectacular fashion, only allowing an average of 233 yards per game. Additionally, during the last 3 games of the regular season, the Irish defense gave up one lone touchdown. And while the statistics for the bowl game against Miami are a bit misleading, the Irish still dominated the Hurricanes in every facet of the game."

I also read somewhere, when addaptive calculations were made, our overal defense ranked number 15 for the year. This from a defense with all but two starters returning, augmented by what is already the best defensive class in recent ND history?

Rank us low. More room to rise.

Source: Evaluating the Irish: Act II » Archive » Clashmore Mike

 

[Veer option]

His prediction is much better then the Espn one. it is more realistic.

I tend to agree.

 

[k1ssme1m1r1sh]

I think that's realistic for right now. If next season goes as well as I hope it does, we could be back in the top 10 in 2012. These next 8 months till September are going to KILL me!!

 

[IrishBlood81]

I prefer to keep us low profile..I hate high expections. Pointless and can only end bad or average.
"Of course they'd be good" or "They were supposed to be good but obviously the coaching/players/blahblah aren't good enough"

I'd prefer to be completely unranked and considered horrible.



81