While I do share your sentiment, please read the following:
UConn
Tulsa
Syracuse
Navy
I'm not trying to be a Debbie downer, but any hesitancy, or trepidation towards this game is completely warranted.
Do I think we'll win? Yes
Am I nervous about this game? **** yes
Well, as I stated above:
UConn? - 2 years in the PAST
Tulsa? - Last year, but still the PAST
Syracuse? - 3 years in the PAST
Navy? - Still the PAST
Being nervous based on those facts is almost as silly as if I said we won't lose on Saturday because Kelly never lost to USF when he was at Cincy. The past is behind us and it is time to move forward.
ND fans get a lot of crap for being positive based on a National Championship 23 years ago and Heisman winners that are either retired or long since dead. However, I think there is a pretty equal dose of fans that show trepidation based on things that are merely a part of history as well.
You are entitled to be nervous about this game. That's fine. I just think it is a sad state when there are so many ND fans worried about a team like USF.