In a post that absolutely no one asked for, I thought I'd put together my completely biased thoughts on ND's chances against this year's playoff contending teams. (Note: This assumes both teams play "well" and nothing crazy happens.) As I've mentioned before, there really isn't anyone that I think would boat race ND off the field. I know the chances of playing some of these teams, based on seedings, is remote, but thought I'd include them all anyway.
1. Oregon - 40% Chance to Win - This game would likely only happen in the semi or final on a neutral site. Admittedly I haven't watched them much this year but they seem to be a pretty complete team.
2. Ohio State - 55% Chance to Win - OSU doesn't scare me, especially their offense. Their defense is good but on a neutral site, I like our chances.
3. Texas - 40% Chance to Win - I think overall, they are a pretty complete team, but nothing stands out as something they do incredibly well, except maybe defense. They will be battle tested. Could be a rock fight similar to Texas A&M.
4. Penn State - 85% Chance to Win - Give me this matchup all day and twice on Saturday. I think we'd win this by double digits.
5. Indiana - 70% Chance to Win - I like our chances here. A big factor would be where this game would get played. I just can't believe they are talented enough, top to bottom, to keep up.
6. Tennessee - 55% Chance to Win. Defense seems legit, offense, not so much. I like Golden against a young QB.
7. BYU - 85% Chance to Win - Sign me up. I don't see them consistently scoring or stopping us.
8. Bama - 30% Chance to Win - This is the matchup that would scare me the most. If Milroe is dealing, I don't see us having a chance.
9. Ole Miss - 40% Chance to Win - Came into the season with a lot of hype, just destroyed Georgia. I'm not sure we match up well here.
10. Georgia - 35% Chance to Win - I think their DL would give our OL fits all game and we'd struggle to do anything on offense. But I think it may be the same on the other side. Could be a 10-9 type game.
11. Miami - 70% Chance to Win - After skating by, they finally got exposed by a team we handled. I'd take this game without much concern.
12. Boise State - 65% Chance to Win - This could be an interesting matchup. Jeanty is the goods and I'm not sure how ND would do against a team that was committed to ramming it down your throat.
13. SMU - 65% Chance to Win - I don't know much about SMU, admittedly, and I'm not sure it matters. The stage may be too big at this point for SMU but who knows.
There you have it. Yes, I'm bored.