BCS Rankings 2011: Would 10-2 Notre Dame Be a BCS Lock?

After the 0-2 start, Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have run off four straight wins.

This past week they were on a bye, but play host the the USC Trojans of the Pac-12.

Right now Notre Dame is on the brink of being ranked, and a W over the Trojans would most definitely get the Irish into the Top 25.

With that in mind, could a 10-2 Notre Dame team be a lock for the BCS?

Yes, and here's why.

After the 0-2 start, Notre Dame dominated Michigan State at home 31-13, and the Spartans are still in contention for the Big Ten title.

Even if Sparty doesn't win the Big Ten, there's a good chance they win the Legends Division of the conference.

Adding to that, for as good as the No. 7 Stanford Cardinal are, Notre Dame is capable of upsetting them on the road.

Stanford is the current Pac-12 front-runner, and worst-case scenario, the Cardinal also finish second in their conference much like Sparty, so beating two BCS conference runners-up will suffice.

Now count the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (currently 4-2) of the ACC, whom the Irish play on the road, as well as USC, who's 5-1, and Notre Dame has four big wins against four legit BCS schools.

Not to mention, running off 10 straight would show how much the Irish improved after the dismal start, as well as how quickly they were able to respond in a time of adversity.

Skeptics had head coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat, but the Irish have since played well enough to get back near the rankings.

WR Michael Floyd continues to break his own records, the defense is rolling, led by LB Manti Te'o and RB Cierre Wood has gained 650 yards in six games.

Therefore, it's safe to say that Notre Dame is rolling, and although getting to a 10-2 record is somewhat of stretch right now, if that happens a BCS birth is imperative for the residents of South Bend, IN.

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