Root for Notre Dame on Saturday
October 16, 2009 by Mat Houchens
Filed under The Nosebleeds
USC at Notre Dame. It’s a big game on the college football landscape. But to us in the Gator Nation, not a big deal, right? Well this year it may be. Since Urban Meyer called ND his “dream job” in a book he wrote a few years back, rival coaches and fans used this against him. In the preseason he was bombarded by the Paul Finebaums of the world with not just questions, but statements of fact, that this would be his final year in Gainesville. The reasoning? “What else can he accomplish in Gainesville?” “Tebow will be gone, the defense will need rebuilding, expectations will be through the roof.” We heard the all ad nauseum.
Charlie's job on the line this year?
When he uttered those ill fated words, he was probably not thinking that Charlie Weis would stink up the joint like he has at South Bend. After all, Urban is pretty tight with the Patriot’s coaching staff. He and Bill Belichick visit each other quite often to bounce ideas around. I’m sure he has gotten to know Weis and probably thought Weis would be at ND for a while. After last year’s performance, that did not appear to be the case. Weis barely survived last season. He was given the task of reaching a BCS Bowl game this year, or else. So in the off season, speculation ran amuck about who would replace Weis. Naturally, Urban was Numero Uno on the list. He has stated it’s his dream job, you know. And of course Notre Dame is a MUCH more prestigious job than Florida, right? Surely, Urban would drop UF like a bad habit to coach the Irish. Even through repeated, often emphatic denials, Urban’s move to Notre Dame was a done deal in the eyes of Gator haters everywhere. It’s mostly wishful thinking. Urban and Florida have proven to be a deadly combination. They’re working on winning a third national title in his five years. It’s an almost unheard of feat, even at places like Notre Dame. Which brings us to USC-ND.
Notre Dame has only one loss this year. They have shown a big improvement over last year. In fact, Lou Holtz picked them to lose to UF in the BCS title game in preseason. Everyone laughed of course. Lou is the biggest ND homer in the media today. And that’s saying something. Well here we are in the middle of October, and it’s not so funny anymore. The Irish are one defensive play away from being undefeated. Their thought to be wimpy schedule is not as wimpy as we thought either. Washington for example gave LSU a fit and then BEAT USC! Michigan has rebounded nicely from a 3-9 record last year. If Notre Dame can beat USC at home this week, they are a LOCK to go to a BCS game. They are by contract, GUARANTEED a BCS bid with two or less losses. But we all know that ND with three losses is a virtual shoe in to get an invitation. A win this week and ND would have to lose three more games the rest of the way to fall out of the BCS race. With Boston College, Washington State, Navy, Pitt, UConn, and Stanford left on the schedule, I don’t see that happening. In fact, a win over USC and don’t be shocked if the Irish and UF really do meet in Pasadena.
At any rate, Weis’ job will be safe for years to come with a win on Saturday. Even though I believe Urban Meyer when he says he plans to be at Florida for a long time, this will cement it. No more will opposing coaches be able to use the “Notre Dame card” when recruiting against Meyer. Florida already has a stellar recruiting class coming in next year. At present, rivals.com has the Gators class ranked #4 in the nation. How well do you think UF will end up when there is no doubt Meyer will be here for the players’ duration? So GO IRISH!!
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About Mat: Mat is the owner and founder of Title Town FL. He brings his web admin experience from several previous popular sports websites. With a fresh take on how websites should have news available, he makes it a fresh read on every page. |
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Gator Nation Worthy?
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This talk is the product of coaches like Nick Saban telling the public one thing and then doing the opposite. I don’t think he leaves Florida either. Pretty sure that even Meyer is amazed at the success he’s had in such a short period of time. I’m thinking he made Florida into his dream job.
remember the Zook years? It’s nice to have your coach involved in such banter. It means you’re at the top. I’ll take this kind of talk over the Zooker days every time.
Gator Nation Worthy?
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Your ND BCS info is outdated. ND must finish top 8 to be guaranteed a BCS birth, and top 12 to be considered for an at large bid. The “9 wins and your in” contract was changed in 2005, along with their payout.
Gator Nation Worthy?
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2 losses would give them 10 wins. 10-2 at the Golden Dome is a lock top 8. At 9-3 the BCS boys would bend over backwards to get them in. So I don’t see what difference it makes. The point is, ND wins, we win.