Another sub-par season in Notre Dame football- albeit way closer to par than last season's debacle- has got me, a born and bred Irish fan, thinking.
A couple weeks ago, sitting at 5-2, the Irish looked very capable of winning out their remaining schedule, up until the finale at Southern Cal. That would have had them finishing with a record of 9-3 and in prime position to land New Year's Day bowl game. A bowl game, against a big-time opponent which, if you have watched this team this year- you know would have ended in disaster, much like the Irish's last few big-time bowl appearances.
Well, after a heartbreaking loss to Pitt, and a dreadful showing at BC- Notre Dame is sitting at 5-4, and much better off for it, in my opionion. Now assuming (perhaps dangerously) they can get by Navy and Syracuse, and lose to USC, they are looking at 7-5 and midling bowl game at best. And perhaps against an opponent the have a chance to beat. Remember, this is a football program that hasn't tasted bowl victory since 1993. Now, national title hopes for this season have long since flown away- so I would love to end the year with a bowl win. Any bowl. Just to get off the schneid and remind yourself what a bowl win feels like.
This is a young team, with a lot of super-talented kids- but they are not ready for prime time. Next year, with a full season as a core unit together under their belts, perhaps. But this year, I will settle for mediocrity- not just because it's an improvement over last season, but because of the opportunity for the ever-elusive bowl win. I know it won't bring in the big bucks, I know it may displease a lot Irish supporters- but I am sick in tired of this team squeaking their way into BCS bowl games, to the great displeasure of others, and then getting obliterated. Touchdown Jesus, deliver us a game the Irish can win.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment