A few weeks ago I wrote a piece following Notre Dame’s huge road win against Oklahoma. It was this performance that planted the seed within, ND could actually be contenders for the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Championship.
The last National Championship for the Irish was in 1988 under Lou Holtz. They came close to repeating in 1989, finishing the season ranked number two. The 1993 team also finished the season ranked two.
This was the last time Notre Dame has remotely come close to winning a National Championship, or even been in the discussion.
That is until now.
ND completed an undefeated season by defeating bitter rival University of Southern California (USC) and booked their spot in the National Championship game in Miami.
This season for us ND fans, has wildly exceeded expectations. At the start of the season the Irish weren’t even ranked. A very tough schedule led me to think an 8-4 or 9-3 regular season was realistic. At best a 10-2 finish would ensure a BCS bowl game.
I would have been happy with that in Coach Brian Kelly’s third season cleaning up the mess Charlie Weis left behind.
However an undefeated season and berth in the BCS Championship game is just incredible.
Following the USC game on the net was nerve wracking, the Trojans have spoiled the Irish party too many times in the past. Their season was over, they had nothing more to play for than pride, breaking in a rookie quarterback and ruining ND’s National Championship hopes.
Alas this game was closer than I expected. ND’s red zone offence struggled and five field goals ensued, along with a Theo Riddick score.
USC have an explosive passing game and freshman quarterback Max Wittek has a rocket for an arm. ND picked off Wittek twice – yes, Manti Te’o again – stopped the run and kept their offence to around 200 total yards, which was incredible.
The goal-line stand was epic, another one for the ages as ND kept out USC from their own one yard line. Everett Golson was poised again and the hero of the night was running back Theo Riddick, who was outstanding.
So the Irish will now face either Alabama or Georgia in the Championship game.
I actually think they match-up well with the Southeastern Conference teams. They will go in as underdogs, which won’t bother them one iota.
The haters are out in force in the college football world. ND are back and going to the Big Dance!
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