Stars of Green, Blue & Gold: Notre Dame's 2009 Goals

In preparing a write up for the upcoming 2009 Notre Dame season, I wanted to create a unique system for measuring the team's goals. As a result, I have created three sets of rankings based on stars of three colors: green, blue, and gold.

Green colored stars will be the first and most likely, followed by blue and gold in terms of increasing difficulty. Without further ado, here are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish team goals for 2009.

Green Stars-Eight to Nine Wins

Given the raised expectations in South Bend this might not seem like much of a goal, but it would be an improvement upon last year.

Non-BCS Bowl Win

Is anyone else finally glad the Irish bowl losing streak is finally over, even if it was ended by facing a weak Hawaii team? Although many expect Notre Dame to be in the BCS hunt, another bowl win on Weis' resume would be nice.

Defeat Boston College

It's been difficult to get a read on how Boston College will play this year. Some are expecting them to compete for the ACC title, while others believe they'll be basement dwellers. Count me among the latter group and we'll know by the time the Eagles come to South Bend how good they are. I'm not expecting a tough opponent, but this game is always a tough win.

1,000 Yard Rusher

In other words, will Armando Allen carry the ball enough to break the 4-digit mark? Given the high level of confidence Charlie Weis has for Allen, it would not surprise me if Allen gets to 1,000 in the nine or tenth game of the season. With the two year running game struggles, a bonafide 1,000 rusher is desperately needed.

Two 1,000 Yard Receivers

Some may think this will be difficult to achieve, but let's remember it has already  occurred under Weis and that Tate and Floyd are more talented than Samardzija and Stovall. Perhaps the only way this goal isn't met is if there's injuries or if the running game takes off and the Irish are not forced to throw the ball as much as in recent years.

One or Two All-Americans

Let's try to be real here: Notre Dame needs to get back to a level where the roster is full of a handful of All-American candidates with at least a few get some form of All-American recognition in their upperclassmen years. There are some players this year who could garner some form of AA recognition.

Blue Stars

10 Wins

Ten wins seems to be about where most predictions have the Irish at the end of the regular season. Although it may not be the mountain top for Notre Dame it will certainly be a strong step in the right direction.

BCS Bowl Bid

With a ten win regular season the Irish will more than likely find themselves in a BCS bowl after New Year's. But it won't be as easy as some believe as there are many tough opponents scattered across the 2009 schedule. If the Irish find themselves in a BCS contest, that would be three in five years. Not too bad eh?

Beat Michigan State

This game has a lot of emotions and growing hatred between the two schools and it takes on greater importance for the Irish as the Spartans have Notre Dame's number as of late. This will be a big early test for the Irish and a game that is a must win to many.

1,500 Yard Rusher

If Armando Allen gets enough carries, this milestone is not as far fetched as it may seem. It would certainly produce one of the greatest ground attacks in Notre Dame history, but is 115 yards per game attainable?

Heisman Candidate

This goal would mean having one player or more mentioned in the Heisman race late in the season, even if there is evidence that the Irish player will not win it. There is a good probability that at some point in the season a couple Notre Dame players will be getting Heisman praise.

Three-plus All-American Candidates

If Notre Dame were to get three or more All-Americans on their roster then the season could be a very pleasant one. Clearly on the offensive side of the ball there are many candidates and there could be a few on defense as well.

Gold Stars

11-plus Wins

With a season full of over ten wins, Charlie Weis will have a great two year turnaround and the Irish will be one of the top teams heading into 2010. Can it happen this year?

Beat USC

It's been quite a while since Notre Dame was able to defeat the men of Troy. This year is their best opportunity to do so in five or six years so the pressure is on the line. Will both teams be undefeated when they meet in October?

Heisman Finalist

Having an Irish player invited to New York City would be a big boost to the program that has gone almost a quarter of a century without a Heisman winner. Clausen, Tate, Floyd, and Allen could be dark-horse candidates in 2009.

BCS Bowl Win

Winning a BCS bowl would be a great momentum boost for the 2010 season and would do plenty to silence the critics of Notre Dame who are still lumping the program with Michigan as being pathetic and down-trodden. The odds are the Irish could very well be playing an Alabama, Texas, or other powerhouse in early January.

National Championship Appearance

Fulfilling Lou Holtz' prediction will be a tall order in 2009 but Notre Dame does have the talent to make a run at an undefeated season. If this was truly to occur, and if the Irish could stay at least competitive in the game, they could be a top 5 preseason pick and serious contenders in 2010.

Win National Championship

Well this would be something else wouldn't it? Still, it is always a goal at Notre Dame.