Notre Dame Football: Can the Irish Run the Table and Earn BCS Berth?

Staring with an 0-2 record and an uphill battle to regain the country’s respect, Notre Dame knew it was going to take something drastic to get back on track this season. So, the Irish went out and thoroughly handled the No. 15 ranked Michigan State Spartans in front of a home crowd that was finally glad to see their team put its talent to good use.

After such a big win, Notre Dame finally has a little momentum going, something they are certainly going to need when they make the trip to Pittsburgh this weekend.

If they can get a win over Pittsburgh on Saturday, the Irish would stabilize at 2-2 and would be in great position to make a big run in the second half of the season.

You have to ask, what are the chances that Notre Dame could run the table and make it to a BCS bowl?

Going into the season, some Irish fans thought the team had the chance to pile up double-digit wins and make it back to a BCS bowl game for the first time since 2006, but an 0-2 start all but washed away those hopes.

Now Notre Dame would basically have to run the table to even have a shot at a BCS game and Pittsburgh, Purdue, Air Force, USC, Navy, Wake Forest, Maryland, Boston College and Stanford all sit in the way.

While that isn’t exactly an overbearing slate, it’s not one that lends itself to going undefeated.

What would Notre Dame have to do to run the table?

Well, first off, the Irish would need quarterback Tommy Rees to turn into an overnight star.

If they can have that happen, the rest of the team is good enough to beat any opponent they have to go up against.

Stanford will be the biggest challenge and Pittsburgh, Air Force, USC and Maryland will all give the Irish a run for their money.

We know that this is a team that has the talent to do big things. We just have to see them cut down on the mistakes and get the job done on the field.

Making a run to a BCS bowl game sounds almost impossible, but if Brian Kelly truly has this team refocused after a tough start then don’t be surprised if Notre Dame starts to get on a roll as the season unfolds.