I Must Be Crazy

Yes, I'm back on line, trying to figure out this new Blogger format and user interface. Some things I like, some things I don't, but I'm able to work around the things I don't like.

So I've read Godfather's season preview, and damnit, he's got me feeling optimistic. I don't like that. Although I will say I was satisfied with our "mid-teens" rankings in most of the polls. I'll tell you that Chris Dufresne, who's the college footba writer for the LA Times, actually has us 11th. He's a pretty straight shooter, even when it comes to ND, so we'll see.

There are three big reasons I think we'll be markedly better this year:

1. Godfather got one of them and that's the "coaches know the players, players know the coaches" angle. I've heard him say that in multiple interviews. I think we have mature upperclassmen, and so for them to return this year to a "we know the routine" atmosphere is big.

2. Second, "the streak", if I may be so bold. I'm guessing it hadn't been since '88 when we went 4-0 in November AND won our bowl game. (I keep telling myself I'm going to look this up but I still haven't). This was HUGE considering where we were sitting at the end of October. The heartbreaking losses to Michigan and MSU, never really being in the Navy game, the inexplicable loss to Tulsa (!)--WOW. Who predicted 5-0 after that?? Not me for sure.

3. DEEEE----FENSE!!! We will, for the first time in recent memory, have, I think, a difference making defense. Last year's unit gelled in time to propel "the streak"; it should be better this year.

OK, I just thought of a fourth reason. I know I predicted each the last several years that we'd lose at least one game we shouldn't lose. I think, given the above, that we won't do that this year. Nothing like a loss to Air Force or Maryland out of the blue will occur this year.

Here's hoping that the Stanford game is actually worth some marbles for both teams. I, like Don and Amy, will be playing "Let's Go" and "Rock" til our wrists fall off, urging our boys on to a win. I think Stanford will stumble somewhere along the line and won't be undefeated. How about the Irish?

Of course, per my last post, if we los to Michigan, 8-4 is the best we'll do. BUT WE'RE GOING TO BEAT MICHIGAN!

So I said at least 10-2 in my "if we beat Michigan" email, and that was before I read Don's 10-2 prediction. So call me the copy cat, I'm going with 10-2. I don't see us beating Stanford out there, especially if they have National Championshp hopes. And we'll lose to either MSU or Pitt. BUT WE'RE GOING TO BEAT MICHIGAN!

I'll post my game 1 preview in the morning. Sleep well, Irishmen (and ladies). Things are looking up!

GO IRISH!!! BEAT BULLS!!!

The Colonel