Climbing to the Top 14?

I think we have to get to the top 14 in the BCS standings to be eligible for a BCS bowl and though that may feel like thinking way ahead, now is the time to get started.  We all know that every bowl game salivates at the idea of crazy ND fans like me bringing economic activity to their venue.  ND will certainly have a good shot at being picked for one of the big games if we are fortunate enough to be eligible.  Lots of teams ahead of us in the standings will be losing in the next six weeks as the schedules get tougher.  So today we start the BCS climb and the only way to do it is to play like a BCS caliber team.

But there is plenty of work to do before worrying about that.  Today we face a USC team in a state of limbo, which probably makes them more dangerous in some ways.  The Trojans will see this as a big game for lots of reasons, but I also think they will fold up if we can get ahead.  The cold weather will also trouble them (and a few of us in the stands this evening!).

Keys to game are the usual things:  no turnovers, pressure the USC QB, balance on offense, etc.  I think we have a better team than the Trojans but we have to play like one.  There were enough glimmers of hope in Dallas to make one think we have turned the corner and are ready to play at a higher level.  Vibe on campus feels good and I have a good feeling about the game.

My son and I made a rare visit to the pep rally last night.  The speakers included Digger Phelps, Barry Alvarez, the 1988 team captains, Brian Kelly and Lou Holtz.  Pretty good lineup.  1988 team will be honored today.  Holtz was great as always and Digger was trying to control things as always.  I felt like I was in some kind of Back to the Future moment.

Anyway, we put it all together today and beat a good but not great USC team. 

ND 27, USC 20

GO IRISH!

Godfather