Notre Dame's Future Is Coming Fast

"Clausen fades back, peers over the middle, scrambles to his left, pumps, and is taken down."

That phrase was probably mentioned more than school children saying the Pledge of Allegiance last fall. A close second to that was, "Notre Dame gets embarrassed again."

Yes, Irish fans, 2007 was a rough one—especially since landing the biggest high school star since Cleveland got some LeBron guy. We had no running back, no quarterback, no receivers, no O-line, no D-line, no special teams, apparently no coach—no nothing. We were a nothing team and were the laughingstock of everyone.

People don't realize that yeah, we had a bad year, but who can have a great year after losing one of the greatest college quarterback ever (Quinn), three very solid receivers (Samardzija, Stovall, tight end Fasano) and a productive running back (Walker)? That was the past—and trust me, Irish fans, the future seems very bright.

After watching the San Diego State game, everyone thought here we go again—another subpar team beating down so-called high school super athletes. Although it wasn't pretty, you have to take a lot of things into consideration.

The final score was close, but would it have been as close if a Clausen INT in the end zone, a Hughes fumble on the seven-yard line, and a botched field goal attempt didn't happen? That's a possible 17 points the Irish just missed out on.

I know the defense didn't look that good, but remember, most of the players are underclassmen—and the most important part was THEY WON!

The questionable win in the first week had fans see the Irish play somewhat of a test in the dreaded rival Michigan Wolverines. Michigan looks a lot like Notre Dame did last year: no real starter in any positions, and most of the guys were underclassmen getting their feet wet. Some people may say another sloppy win, but once again THEY WON!

The Irish took advantage of turnovers and for the bad weather conditions played pretty well. Clausen lead the team on some nice drives, and the defense solidified the game with a fumble return for a touchdown. They capitalized on turnovers and won the game.

Right now, Irish fans, we are sitting at two and the big goose egg.

Don't dust off your Heisman hopeful signs for the players because this is not their year. They are an extremely talented team, but not yet.

After a 2-0 start, I think the biggest early test will come next week when the Irish travel up to East Lansing to play the Michigan State Spartans, led by Heisman hopeful Javon Ringer. If the Irish pull out a win, they are in the driver's seat.

If the Irish are 3-0 after this week, call me crazy, but I can't see too many other losses down the road. Home games with Purdue, Pitt, Syracuse, and Stanford may be somewhat of a challenge, but in South Bend they should be winnable.

Road games with a revamped North Carolina team may be tough, but Butch Davis doesn't have this squad firing on all cylinders yet. A Boston College team who lost Matt Ryan hasn't been exactly great, and you know the Irish players have the date circled on their calendars when they go to Baltimore to show the world that Navy will not beat them again for another 50 years.

The only real blowout loss I can see as of now is that one team that played those Buckeyes and resides in Southern California.

I'm not saying the Irish will win all home games, because games against Purdue and Pitt should be competitive as the road games with the Tar Heels and BC. All in all, I predict the Irish only losing two to three games this year.

It sounds crazy, I'm aware, but think about it. USC will win for sure, but if the Irish can squeak by State, there aren't too many other challengers down the road.

I predict Notre Dame to go to a decent bowl (not saying BCS), possibly a New Year's bowl like the Gator and WIN! It's been over 10 years: Irish fans don't care if it's the toilet.com/gatorade/propel/ncaa.com bowl—just win one.

2009 is the year. Irish fans, break out the mini Touchdown Jesus statue, polish off the gold domes, and get your No. 7 jersey on. Irish fans rejoice—this is the year. Unless a serious injury comes to haunt them, all positions should be ready to roll.

Jimmy Clausen will put up Heisman-like numbers with an experienced offensive line blocking for him. Then-junior running backs Armando Allen and Robert Hughes will pound defenses right in their faces. The receiving corps of Golden Tate, Duval Kamara, and Michael Floyd will take flight with Clausen.

People don't understand us Notre Dame fans. I know what 2007 was like, and people are saying I'm crazy for predicting a BCS game for the 2009 Irish, but I'm not.

Think about it. 2007 was brutal, but players got playing time, learned the system, got on the field, and experienced college football. 2008 is showing promise, and the next step is a BCS game in 2009.

Along with one of the top recruiting classes already coming in to play in the 2009 year, the Irish will be back. Wake up the echoes.