Notre Dame vs. Stanford: If Irish Win, Can They Jump 8 Spots for BCS Bowl Berth?

It's quite a leap for the Irish to make, but could a win on the road over No. 6 Stanford propel Notre Dame into BCS at-large eligibility?

Well, it most certainly would increase their odds, but a little more help would also be needed.

Notre Dame currently ranks No. 22 in the BCS, and to become eligible, they must be no lower than No. 14. Winning over the Cardinal would put the Irish at 9-3 overall and most definitely inside the Top 20.

And depending on what happens with those ranked in front of them, Notre Dame may have an outside shot at being ranked inside the Top 14 when the final BCS standings are released.

With that said, one big factor for Notre Dame is Michigan State.

The Spartans have locked up a trip to the inaugural Big Ten title game and could potentially head into bowl season 11-2. If the Spartans win the Big Ten outright, they will have three wins over Top-20-ranked opponents.

In addition, the Spartans are by far Notre Dame's best win this season, so can you imagine how much recognition they will receive in besting the eventual Big Ten champions?

At the time, Michigan State was ranked No. 15 when they lost in South Bend, but one other aspect of college football may help the Irish.

Right now, Stanford is 10-1 and has an 8-1 record in the Pac-12. On Saturday, the Oregon Ducks play host to the Oregon State Beavers who are 3-8. While it may be a long shot, if the Ducks fall to Oregon State, Stanford will go to the Pac-12 title game.

Once there, you have to expect that the Cardinal would win the Pac-12 outright. So, prior to Saturday's games, we're talking two BCS conference champions that Notre Dame could have wins over.

After beginning the season 0-2, this kind of finish would be quite impressive, regardless of what happens in the Pac-12 and Big Ten. Nonetheless, Notre Dame still has an outside shot at the BCS, all things considered.

If the Irish can defeat No. 6 Stanford on the road—who can also still potentially win the Pac-12 outright—along with Michigan State potentially winning the Big Ten outright, then they should earn a BCS bowl bid.

Either way, though, 2011 has clearly been an improvement from a solid 2010 finish, so however it plays out, Irish fans need not be disappointed.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27