Notre Dame Football: 5 Biggest Hurdles Between the Irish and BCS Berth

For a team that started 4-5 last season under starting quarterback Dayne Crist, you wouldn't think the Notre Dame Fighting Irish would have a chance at making a BCS bowl in the next season.

But, right now, it's hard to find a pundit who doesn't think they have a shot at a BCS berth.

After Crist went down to injury last season, backup Tommy Rees led the Fighting Irish to four straight wins to close out the season, including a win over Miami in the Sun Bowl.

On top of that, the Fighting Irish have added to a rising defense with the addition of freshmen pass-rushers Ishaq Williams, Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt.

Of course, they still have linebacking sensation Manti Te'O, who led the team with 133 tackles last season and seems destined for the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

There's also the added advantage of having a seat at the BCS table. Notre Dame gets automatic access to a BCS berth by placing in the top eight, while programs like BYU have to place in the top two to get into a BCS bowl game.

So, everything's set up for the Fighting Irish, right?

Well, just because things are looking good at the moment doesn't mean there won't be obstacles along the way...

Here are the five biggest hurdles in Notre Dame's path to a BCS berth.

5. Who Will Replace Kyle Rudolph?

Kyle Rudolph wasn't the top tight end in the 2011 NFL draft class for no reason.

Rudolph was the Fighting Irish's second-best offensive player last season, and if it wasn't for an injury midseason, he may have been their best.

When you lose an athletic tight end like Rudolph who has been compared to a young Tony Gonzalez, there isn't going to be anyone who truly fills his shoes.

Given the quarterback situation for the Fighting Irish is still murky, whoever lines up under center is going to need a solid check-down option.

The loss of Rudolph will make life more difficult for Notre Dame's starting quarterback.

4. Running Back Depth

Last season, the Fighting Irish had so many running backs, coach Brian Kelly didn't know what to do with all of them.

This season is much different. Beyond Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray, the Fighting Irish don't have a running back with any college experience.

That will force Kelly to be creative with his offensive sets, and there's no telling if that will work.

There's also the question of Gray's commitment on the field. Last season, Kelly, well, questioned this commitment.

Said Kelly this offseason, via ESPN:

"

"It's pretty clear that Jonas Gray is a very integral part of our success. He is no longer that guy that tells jokes and goofs around. Football has got to be, outside of academics, a priority for him, because he's in an absolute crucial position for us.

"We have to play two tailbacks. You can't get by with one guy."

"

Not only does Kelly have to find a way to deal with the lack of depth at running back, Gray has to be a much more dedicated player on the field.

3. Tommy Rees

If former starting quarterback Dayne Crist doesn't prove he's back from injury this season, sophomore Tommy Rees is going to have to pick up the slack.

He did well in limited duty last season taking over for Crist, winning all four games he started after he relieved the senior against Tulsa.

But Crist has more experience, and he threw for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns to seven interceptions before rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee. He appears to offer more of a complete package as a quarterback.

Except, of course, winning...

2. Dayne Crist

Senior Dayne Crist is expected to be the leader of this team, and if he can get back to his pre-injury form from last season, he should take the job from Rees.

But, the fact of the matter is, the Fighting Irish didn't start winning until Rees took over.

Crist, playing the most important position on the field, is critical to Notre Dame's success. If he comes out flat, Rees could do a capable job, but Crist is the more talented quarterback, and he gives the Fighting Irish more potential for a BCS berth.

The defense will be there for the Fighting Irish.

Will Crist?

1. Michael Floyd

Receiver Michael Floyd was Notre Dame's best offensive player in 2010.

The only problem is, off the field Floyd is a walking hazard.

After being arrested on March 20 for his third alcohol-related offense (this time a DUI), Floyd was suspended by coach Brian Kelly, in addition to receiving a year of probation for the misdemeanor.

Whether Floyd returns or not to the team is critical, and it could be the difference between the Fighting Irish earning a BCS berth and falling short.

Said ESPN football analyst Desmond Howard, via Irish Illustrated:

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"Without Michael Floyd in the offense, I don't see them being up there being ranked anywhere in the Top 10 and maybe even with him in the offense because you've still got a big question mark at quarterback. That's huge."

"

Remember when I said it's hard to find a pundit who doesn't think the Fighting Irish have a chance at a BCS bowl game?

Yeah, Desmond Howard's one of them.

But he does have a good point.

Floyd is the star of the offense, especially with Rudolph being gone, and he demonstrated that by racking up over 1,000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns last season.

Floyd provides the balance the defensive-minded Fighting Irish need.