College Football Rankings: 5 Reasons Why Notre Dame Isn't in the Week 7 Top 25

For most of the existence of Notre Dame football, the thought of the Fighting Irish being out of the top 10, much less unranked, was unfathomable.

Times have changed and recent seasons have seen Notre Dame not fighting for BCS national championships, but competing just to stay relevant.

These Irish have opened 4-2 and may just be on their way back into the polls. But they aren't there, yet.

Here are five reasons why.

South Florida

In a Week 1 home game remembered for a series of lightning delays, Notre Dame was defeated by South Florida 23-20 in a contest not nearly as close as the score.

Michigan

Notre Dame was outscored 28-7 in the final quarter of a 35-31 loss to rival Michigan in Week 2. Had the Fighting Irish held on, no doubt they would be included in this week's polls.

Texas A&M

The only team in both polls with more than one loss, it is evident voters believe Texas A&M (3-2) has been more impressive this season than Notre Dame (4-2).

The Aggies have lost by a combined five points to No. 7 Oklahoma State and No. 18 Arkansas, respectively.

No Flash

The Irish aren't eye-popping in any statistical category.

Notre Dame ranks 32nd nationally in average points allowed (21), 33rd in average passing yards (268.4), 41st in average rushing yards (179.6) and 45th in average points scored (32.3).

Only One Win Versus a Ranked Opponent

Aside from a 31-13 blasting of then-No. 15 Michigan State on Sept. 17, Notre Dame really hasn't beaten anyone of consequence.

Sure, victories against Pittsburgh, Purdue and Air Force aren't bad resume-builders, but none of those wins will make anyone do a double take.

However, if the Irish can top USC in two weeks, win at resurgent Wake Forest on Nov. 5 and then at Stanford three weeks later without suffering another loss along the way, they will have made a legitimate statement and should deserve a top 15 or 20 ranking.