BCS Standings 2011: Why Notre Dame Didn't Make the AP and USA Today Polls

Notre Dame is 4-2 after defeating Air Force in Week 7. Barring two late collapses, Notre Dame could be 6-0.

In reality though, the Fighting Irish have two losses. It is tough to crack the Top 25 with two losses at this early in the season. However, Auburn, Arizona State and Texas A&M are currently ranked in the USA Today poll and all of these teams have suffered two losses to above average teams.

Georgia is No. 25 in the AP poll at 5-2. The extra victory, and the consideration of a Boise State loss gives the Bulldogs the edge. SEC prestige will give most of its teams the edge in a pinch.

Notre Dame is a talented team, but they have flaws. Mentally, they lose focus. The Irish have battled turnovers and bad tackling all season.

Weeks 1 and 2 didn't go as planned primarily because of these two flaws. South Florida took advantage of five Notre Dame turnovers. Michigan marched on the Irish in what could already be the comeback of the year.

The Fighting Irish are a better team than they were last season. Defensively, they may not be great, but they have improved in the front seven. Offensively, they have the weapons, but they must take care of the football.

Notre Dame has a quality win over Michigan State. That victory looks even better now after the Spartan's Week 7 victory over Michigan. Notre Dame's other wins are against Pittsburgh, Purdue and Air Force.

There are worse resumes, but there are also much better.

Losing the first two games is a killer. The Irish are talented enough to eventually recover, but their resume at this point isn't quite worthy of a Top 25 bid.