Bowl Scenario you prefer?

[irishpat183]

We have to run the table first before any of this is even possible.

Stanford at their house? Tommy Rees is gonna go in there and win that one?

 

[T Town Tommy]

We have to run the table first before any of this is even possible.

Stanford at their house? Tommy Rees is gonna go in there and win that one?

Shame on your defeatest mentality Pat. That's not the Notre Dame I remember growing up. He** yes... they're gonna beat Stanford.

 

[irishpat183]

Shame on your defeatest mentality Pat. That's not the Notre Dame I remember growing up. He** yes... they're gonna beat Stanford.

East to say from your perch #1. The ND you remember growing up was a helluva lot better than this one.

We need some more Holtz recruits or maybe some of your boys at Bama to get a ring.


Quit fishing for reps.

 

[Wild Bill]

We have to run the table first before any of this is even possible.

Stanford at their house? Tommy Rees is gonna go in there and win that one?

A few weeks ago I'd agree with you. Our D-line has dominated the last two games and the offensive line is giving Rees all the time in the world to find the open man. IMO, our play in the trenches will keep us in the game against most opponents. Get a couple turnovers and I can see them stealing one on the road against Stanford.

 

[KPENN]

We have to run the table first before any of this is even possible.

Stanford at their house? Tommy Rees is gonna go in there and win that one?

East to say from your perch #1. The ND you remember growing up was a helluva lot better than this one.

We need some more Holtz recruits or maybe some of your boys at Bama to get a ring.


Quit fishing for reps.

Please, Stanford is not as great as you make them out to be. They lost to f*ckin Utah. They are far from unbeatable.

 

[drayer54]

I want to defeat an SEC team. Any of them would be fine with me.

 

[irishpat183]

Please, Stanford is not as great as you make them out to be. They lost to f*ckin Utah. They are far from unbeatable.

I believe that Utah was a fluke loss. Not indicative of who they are.


I suppose we'll find out the next two weeks...Stanford has Oregon and ORST.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

10-2 alone will not get us in the top 14 final rankings, where we need to be for a BCS invite. We need major help on the strength of schedule front. Our only hope is that UM, MSU and OK, each of whom is now at 6-1, do some major winning from here on out. If they have another 4 losses among them, we'll get nowhere near 14 in the final BCS standings even with a 10-2 record.

Our SoS is top 25 virtually every year. This year will be no exception. 10-2 against our schedule, regardless of where the losses come, is good enough for a top 14 ranking.

So, is it likely we'll wind up 10-2? At this point, the projection of us beating both BYU and Stanford is a triumph of hope over reason. Alan Greenspan once referred to this mindset as "irrational exuberance". Have you seen Stanford play this year???? We're at their place on a holiday weekend. They are at least as good as us on D and they have a MUCH BETTER QB. If Hogan started against us last year, Stanford would probably have won the game in regular time. I hope we beat them but that's a fool's bet at this point in time. BYU is also a very good football team and quite capable of beating us. They're no Stanford though.

Who said we're likely to beat Stanford? I said we're likely to get to 10 wins, which includes the bowl game. Lose to Stanford, and beat a middling AAC team in a crappy bowl. Beat Stanford, and we're already there.

I guess it's the price of being a Polly: continually setting yourself up for a huge emotional letdown because of unjustifiable expectations.

Is NDNation down for server maintenance? Have a neg rep. In the future, make sure you understand what you're responding to before you call someone out for being a Pollyanna.

PS (off topic): What's with the beatification of Reesus over the last day or so? It's one thing if he played himself into a new perception of his ability. It's another to think he's great just because the #2 played like a high school sophomore. Rees is still Rees. He's the primary reason we have two losses and he's not getting better between now and Nov. 26.

Check out our game splits v. Michigan. That loss isn't on Rees.

He'll cost us at least one more regular season game. I fervently hope that doesn't happen but cannot rationally expect otherwise at this point.

When it doesn't, you'll just find something else to complain about.

 

[irishpat183]

^ I disagree on the UM game...Rees sucked and threw two crucial picks

 

[Irish#1]

We have to run the table first before any of this is even possible.

Stanford at their house? Tommy Rees is gonna go in there and win that one?

Ever the optimist.

 

[irishpat183]

Ever the optimist.

I love being proved wrong. So I hope Tommy shuts me up.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

^ I disagree on the UM game...Rees sucked and threw two crucial picks

Look at the data, Pat. Our defense gave up 27 points in the first half.

The INT right before the half is on Tommy, but the 2nd came off a tip ball drill in UM's endzone as we were desperately trying to come from behind. The game was already lost at that point.

 

[irishpat183]

Look at the data, Pat. Our defense gave up 27 points in the first half.

The INT right before the half is on Tommy, but the 2nd came off a tip ball drill in UM's endzone as we were desperately trying to come from behind. The game was already lost at that point.

I think that was the turning point in the game. We were only down by 7....We scorded on our opeing drive in the 2nd half, wich would've been a tie game

 

[NDohio]

I love being proved wrong. So I hope Tommy shuts me up.

I knew there was a reason you throw out so many garbage statements. Now I know the answer!

 

[Irish Jacky]

Is NDNation down for server maintenance? Have a neg rep. In the future, make sure you understand what you're responding to before you call someone out for being a Pollyanna.



I did not intend the Pollyanna reference to be directed at you. I'm sorry you inferred that; I didn't intend it.

I watched the Michigan game. Rees was not the only reason for the loss but he was a significant reason.

BTW, I can't stand the atmosphere at NDNation and wouldn't join that forum if they paid me.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I think that was the turning point in the game. We were only down by 7....We scorded on our opeing drive in the 2nd half, wich would've been a tie game

I agree, that INT hurt a lot. But Tommy also put up 314 yards and 2 TDs through the air, whereas our defense couldn't even slow Gardner down for most of the game. Who deserves more blame-- Rees for that one INT, or our defense for continually allowing big plays?

I think the game split data is pretty telling here. Our offense was +0.7 on the night, which basically means they pulled their weight; 30 points should have been more than enough to beat UM. Our defense was -17.0.

 

[IrishLax]

To clear it up:

1. I think we lose another game
2. I hope that is to Stanford as they are the best on our schedule
3. I don't think we can play with any BCS ranked team in the top 10.
3a. Which means I don't want any part of a BCS bowl.


That's what I meant. I understand my shortcomings as getting a point across at time.

If you disagree, that's fine. But until I see something better outta our running game and Tommy, I'm not going to say that we can "play with anyone"

See Pat the problem is that you're saying two different things. I don't think anyone on here thinks we can play with Bama, Oregon, FSU. But what you're saying in point #3... that we "can't play with" any of the teams in the top 10... is ridiculous on every level.

Case 1: Miami. This is the same team that we stomped 41-3 last year. 41-3. Notre Dame is not as good, but Miami has only gotten marginally better. They have a really lucky win over a bad/hurt Florida team... and just escaped on a miracle over a horrid UNC team. Are you saying we're not at least as good as UNC? There is no logical way to look at Miami and their performances so far and say that we "can't play with them." We would be -- at worst -- a 3 point underdog to Miami if we played right now.

Case 2: Texas Tech. They haven't played or beaten a single team in the top 50 of advanced statistical ratings. They have not played a single team in the top 50. We can't play with them? Iowa State, West Virginia, and TCU can play with them... but Notre Dame can't? Cool story, bro.

Case 3: Missouri. This is the only one that is debatable. I have a lot of Missouri family members -- many of which are season ticket holders, some of which serve on various boards down in Columbia -- and none of them think this team is nearly as good as some Big 12 contenders they've had in the past. To illustrate this fact, Vegas says they'd be an underdog to 4 PAC-12 teams including Arizona State... who we obviously beat. So Missouri is a second-tier PAC-12 equivalent and we've beaten a second tier PAC-12 team... but we couldn't play with Missouri?

The bottom line is no one respects an opinion that sin't support by logic or fact. You're stating an outlandish opinion and then not even attempting to back it up. Usually we call that trolling.

 

[irishpat183]

See Pat the problem is that you're saying two different things. I don't think anyone on here thinks we can play with Bama, Oregon, FSU. But what you're saying in point #3... that we "can't play with" any of the teams in the top 10... is ridiculous on every level.

Case 1: Miami. This is the same team that we stomped 41-3 last year. 41-3. Notre Dame is not as good, but Miami has only gotten marginally better. They have a really lucky win over a bad/hurt Florida team... and just escaped on a miracle over a horrid UNC team. Are you saying we're not at least as good as UNC? There is no logical way to look at Miami and their performances so far and say that we "can't play with them." We would be -- at worst -- a 3 point underdog to Miami if we played right now.

Case 2: Texas Tech. They haven't played or beaten a single team in the top 50 of advanced statistical ratings. They have not played a single team in the top 50. We can't play with them? Iowa State, West Virginia, and TCU can play with them... but Notre Dame can't? Cool story, bro.

Case 3: Missouri. This is the only one that is debatable. I have a lot of Missouri family members -- many of which are season ticket holders, some of which serve on various boards down in Columbia -- and none of them think this team is nearly as good as some Big 12 contenders they've had in the past. To illustrate this fact, Vegas says they'd be an underdog to 4 PAC-12 teams including Arizona State... who we obviously beat. So Missouri is a second-tier PAC-12 equivalent and we've beaten a second tier PAC-12 team... but we couldn't play with Missouri?

The bottom line is no one respects an opinion that sin't support by logic or fact. You're stating an outlandish opinion and then not even attempting to back it up. Usually we call that trolling.

So you're passing off your own opinions as fact now? Nice.

And because we beat Miami last year (remember, "different team, different year" crap) that's your logic for us beating them this year?

In fact, had Miami had a guy that could catch last year, that game may have turned out differently. Your boy Motta got SMOKED early and even later in the game. We stomped, sure, but after they were deflated from missing on wide open big plays.

I still think, this year, Miami wins.


Texas Tech I'll back out on and reserve judgement until they wrap up the next 3-4 weeks. that's when they hit the meat of their schedule. I'll give you that one. For now.


Mizzou has a tough *** schedule. With a couple big ones still to come. The can score from anywhere (have yet to score less than 35). Put up 36 points on a very good FL D. This one is not "debatable". I think they're a great team this year. We're a decent team. We need a lot of things to go right and Tommy to play outta his mind to keep up with high powered offenses.

 

[aubeirish]

Lots of football left to be played. There will be plenty of losses in the present top 25 for us to get in that top12 range. Granted we win out, which is a lot to assume. I like our chances though. Defense is playing stellar, and the offense with Tommy at the helm is coming along. Hopefully this team keeps on getting better and better.

 

[IrishLax]

So you're passing off your own opinions as fact now? Nice.

No, I'm not. I'm passing off facts as facts in support of an opinion.

And because we beat Miami last year (remember, "different team, different year" crap) that's your logic for us beating them this year?

In fact, had Miami had a guy that could catch last year, that game may have turned out differently. Your boy Motta got SMOKED early and even later in the game. We stomped, sure, but after they were deflated from missing on wide open big plays.

Doesn't even make sense. My logic is that:
1. We would not be a heavy underdog to Miami. So by default, the world at large says we could easily play with them.
2. Miami has played poorly this year, which is obvious to anyone who has watched their games. So unless you think we are worse than 1 win UNC your statement holds no water. Do you think we're worse than UNC? Yes or no.

I still think, this year, Miami wins.

OK? Why? Again, you don't even try to support your opinion... because there is nothing to support your opinion. And that isn't even what you said. You said we definitively can't play with them. Not that you "think Miami wins"... so please try addressing your original premise. Saying "I think Miami would beat ND" is fine... that's reasonable. Saying that Notre Dame cannot play with them is a different story.

Texas Tech I'll back out on and reserve judgement until they wrap up the next 3-4 weeks. that's when they hit the meat of their schedule. I'll give you that one. For now.

Fair.

Mizzou has a tough *** schedule. With a couple big ones still to come. The can score from anywhere (have yet to score less than 35). Put up 36 points on a very good FL D. This one is not "debatable". I think they're a great team this year. We're a decent team. We need a lot of things to go right and Tommy to play outta his mind to keep up with high powered offenses.

This is fine... at least you're trying to support your reason here. But I would ask why then does Vegas have them as underdogs to ASU if Missouri is so good?

And to last part... Tommy played very mediocre against ASU and we still won. ASU is 6th in gross points scored a game at 45+. The Sun Devils have adjusted offensive ratings between 4th and 10th in all of college football depending on what you're looking at. The only teams definitely more explosive on offense than ASU are Oregon, Baylor, and Florida State. We beat them. And were it not for that late TD against prevent D, we would've held them to a season low for points.

If the defense plays well, then the need for Tommy to light it up drastically decreases. If the defense plays how it did early in the season against Michigan/Purdue/Oklahoma then you're right... we'd get smacked around. If it plays how it did against Arizona State/USC... then there is no reason to believe we couldn't play with Missouri.

 

[aubeirish]

I'm pretty confident we would/can beat anybody in the ACC minus Florida State.

The SEC is not as strong as everyone is making them to be. Alabama is still really good. The rest of the conference is ok. Oregon is playing in another stratosphere right now, along with Florida State. I wouldn't sleep on Baylor either.

Notre Dame is in my opinion a consensus top 15 team. We are 3 plays aways from being undefeated. The team is getting better. I like where we are going. We need Tommy healthy though.

 

[Grahambo]

Not to mention Mizzou is missing their starting QB, playing a true FROSH at QB and beat up on UGA and UF; both of whom who have plenty of injuries to sustain a decent team in itself.

 

[Rudy89]

If we go to the BCS why cant we play the Big East (or whatever is called) champs or the highest ranked non AQ team why do we always get stuck playing the team that was the best team that isnt in the championship game it seems.

 

[Buster Bluth]

If we go to the BCS why cant we play the Big East (or whatever is called) champs or the highest ranked non AQ team why do we always get stuck playing the team that was the best team that isnt in the championship game it seems.

The AAC isn't locked into a bowl like the other conferences. There are two possibilities: 1) Florida State gets to the championship, and the Orange bowl picks Notre Dame with the second pick and the AAC champion with the third pick (0% chance of that happening), or 2) Alabama makes the championship, and the Sugar Bowl takes Notre Dame #1 (dissing the SEC), and then takes the AAC champion because the don't want to take a required Fresno State/North Illinois (1% chance of that happening).

This is how it works...

Rose: Pac-12 vs Big Ten
Orange: ACC vs at-large
Sugar: SEC vs at-large
Fiesta: Big 12 vs at-large

The Sugar, Orange, and Fiesta bowls rotate picking orders when picking between the AAC champion and two at-larges. The AAC champion is normally a lesser draw than at least one of the two at-larges.

The picking order this year is Orange, Sugar, Fiesta.

So assuming it's Oregon vs Alabama, the picking order would be Sugar, Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta. In this scenario, there is a 99% chance that Notre Dame is facing either Ohio State or Florida State. Rough sleddin' there.

If Florida State makes it, the order is: Sugar, Orange, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta. In which case I would bet it's Clemson vs Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

 

[Irish#1]

The AAC isn't locked into a bowl like the other conferences. There are two possibilities: 1) Florida State gets to the championship, and the Orange bowl picks Notre Dame with the second pick and the AAC champion with the third pick (0% chance of that happening), or 2) Alabama makes the championship, and the Sugar Bowl takes Notre Dame #1 (dissing the SEC), and then takes the AAC champion because the don't want to take a required Fresno State/North Illinois (1% chance of that happening).

This is how it works...

Rose: Pac-12 vs Big Ten
Orange: ACC vs at-large
Sugar: SEC vs at-large
Fiesta: Big 12 vs at-large

The Sugar, Orange, and Fiesta bowls rotate picking orders when picking between the AAC champion and two at-larges. The AAC champion is normally a lesser draw than at least one of the two at-larges.

The picking order this year is Orange, Sugar, Fiesta.

So assuming it's Oregon vs Alabama, the picking order would be Sugar, Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta. In this scenario, there is a 99% chance that Notre Dame is facing either Ohio State or Florida State. Rough sleddin' there.

If Florida State makes it, the order is: Sugar, Orange, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta. In which case I would bet it's Clemson vs Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

I think we can play with OSU. With the way our D has been improving, I think we could slow down FSU as well. Not sure we can beat them, but I think we could be respectable.

 

[koonja]

I want no part of Braxton Miller. He's much better than Gardner, even a better runner. And that OSU defense >>>> Michigan's.

I wouldn't mind playing Miami in a BCS game, although IDK how that works.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I think we can play with OSU. With the way our D has been improving, I think we could slow down FSU as well. Not sure we can beat them, but I think we could be respectable.

Notre Dame would get crushed. An even decently mobile quarterback can do a lot of things against Ohio State's defense, a statue cannot. Notre Dame would need a power running game that they just don't have.

They run the power spread better than anyone too. Some serious power with Hyde, a mobile quarterback who can earn tough yards with Miller, and plenty of guys who can can behind defensive backs.

It wouldn't be fun to watch at all. Just the thought of watching Notre Dame lose to Ohio State of all teams with my roommates loving every minute of it makes me want to take a whole bottle of sleeping pills. Ugh.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I wouldn't mind playing Miami in a BCS game, although IDK how that works.

Miami would need to beat Florida State twice (or, lose this weekend but beat Virginia Tech and then beat them in the ACC Championship) to get the BCS bid for the Sugar Bowl.

Or, Oregon loses, Florida State goes to the championship, the Orange bowl replaces them with Miami and picks Notre Dame after the Sugar Bowl passes on the Irish.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Miami would need to beat Florida State twice (or, lose this weekend but beat Virginia Tech and then beat them in the ACC Championship) to get the BCS bid for the Sugar Bowl.

Or, Oregon loses, Florida State goes to the championship, the Orange bowl replaces them with Miami and picks Notre Dame after the Sugar Bowl passes on the Irish.

I thought the SEC had a tie in with the Big 12 for the Sugar Bowl. No?

Edit: I guess since it is a BCS bowl then the tie in doesn't matter.

 

[Rudy89]

I thought the SEC had a tie in with the Big 12 for the Sugar Bowl. No?

Edit: I guess since it is a BCS bowl then the tie in doesn't matter.

The whole way the bowls work goes over my head but at least according to the college football video games I play the Big 12 champ goes to the Fiesta Bowl unless the Big 12 champ goes to the National Championship. The Cotton Bowl however has been Big 12 SEC at least for as long as the BCS has been around. Speaking of Cotton Bowl I wish we still had ties to that game. It's a good Bowl to go to outside the BCS. Even with the ACC tie-ins next year we dont have any January Bowls we can go to unless we make the playoffs.