Notre Dame entered the 2011 season with very high expectations. A return to the BCS seemed like a real possibility after finishing 2010 so strong. Then they started with two very disappointing losses to South Florida and Michigan. Nine turnovers, many of which were in the red zone, were really the key reason the Irish lost despite dominating in every statistical category.
After an 0-2 start, the talk of BCS was gone while Notre Dame was looking for answers. Now three weeks later, the Irish seem to have found a lot of those answers. The Irish have three consecutive wins over Michigan State, Pittsburgh, and Purdue by a combined score of 84-35. Now that brings the question of whether or not Notre Dame can still qualify for a BCS bowl.
The answer is yes they can, but it has to be the furthest thing from their minds. 10-2 will definitely be good enough to get in. Looking at the remaining schedule, it certainly is possible. They do have the showdown with Stanford at the end of the year which could have huge BCS implications for both teams.
While 10-2 is possible, it is not possible if they don't go 4-2. In the way of that is Air Force. They are a team that the Irish can't take lightly. They have a very potent and high scoring offense. This option style offense is the kind that has given Notre Dame trouble the last couple years. If Notre Dame reverts back to turning the ball over like they did in the early season, they could lose.
Air Force is 3-1 at the moment. Their one loss was to TCU who does not look to be as good as they have been in recent years. Air Force's signature win so far was an overtime thriller to Navy in which they did blow a big lead. Their other two wins were against underwhelming opponents in South Dakota and Tennessee State. Therefore, it really is hard to say just how good Air Force is.
What can be counted on is that Air Force will come ready to play in South Bend. Everybody does. It is a game Notre Dame should win but could lose. They could lose if they turn the ball over and/or are looking to far ahead.
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