Does ND have a chance at the national title?

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- Last week was the greatest week of the season for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, and several other teams. Notre Dame jumped from 9th to 5th in the BCS bowl, increasing the likelihood of them playing for a national championship in January. With losses from Auburn, Cal, Louisville, and Texas, Notre Dame was quite fortunate to have an easy 39-17 win against Air Force. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if South Carolina finished what they started in the Swamp, a game Florida won 17-16. If that would have happened and the Irish won out, then Notre Dame would be the next team in line for the big game. Now they are going to have to hope the Gators falter down the road, and they themselves can beat the Trojans.
The game this Saturday will have a lot to do with the question above. When #2 Michigan takes on #1 Ohio State, millions will be watching around the country. What Notre Dame needs is an ordinary game or a blowout. If the game is an instant classic, then there is a chance of a rematch for the BCS title game. Michigan would probably get the nod ahead of Notre Dame in that scenario because of their 47-21 butt whooping of the Irish earlier this season.
These are some of the possibilities for the BCS championship game. The most likely scenario in my mind would be Ohio State vs. Arkansas. The reason for that is I think Florida will be beaten by the Razorbacks in the SEC championship, and because of the tough schedule, they will leap frog over the Irish and the Scarlet Knights. The second scenario would be Ohio State vs. Notre Dame, which would only happen if Florida was beat, and Notre Dame was able to find a way to win in Pasadena. The next in line would probably be Ohio State vs. USC, if the Trojans beat the Irish. I just don't see anyway that Florida is going to end up with only one loss, or anyway that Michigan can beat Ohio State.
The big game for Notre Dame will not be this Saturday against Army, but rather next week against USC. The Irish will be without their starting tight end, John Carlson, for the remainder of the regular season, which could have a major factor in that game. Carlson is 3rd in the country amongst tight ends with 46 receptions for 621 yards and 4 touchdowns. With him out WR's Rhema McKnight and Jeff Samardjiga will have to be even more impressive for the Irish. Marcus Freeman will have also have to step up as he will be the starting TE for the last 2 games. The game will be broadcast on national TV, and if the Irish can pull out a victory then they have a legitimate shot at the BCS championship game. We will see.