The Aftermath

For a program that traditionally does not settle for moral victories, Saturday's end result was another almost win for the trophy case. The Irish fell to the Trojans for the 8th time in a row, losing 34-27, despite having 3 chances from the 4 yard line as time expired. Close but no cigar - the story of ND football, post Lou Holtz. 


Before one can sort through the positives and negatives of the game, know this: Saturday was a major setback for Notre Dame. There are no moral victories or "we're improving" comments that should make any Irish fan feel better. Losing a winnable game against a top ranked arch rival - albeit a game that the Irish did not deserve to win - is never acceptable and is major strike against Charlie Weis. After Saturday, I believe its going to be very difficult for Charlie to ever get us where we need to be. There is a chance he could - with more time than likely the Dome will offer. I hope Charlie succeeds - but I fear his chances of creating a consistent top 10 program are slim considering the hot seat that is coaching at Notre Dame. 


Lets take a quick look at the preseason prediction of Vatican Smoke thru 6 games (full season prediction here):


Prediction:

• Sept 5th - Nevada - W
• Sept 12th - @ Michigan - W
• Sept 19th - Michigan St - L
• Sept 26th - Purdue - W
• Oct 3rd - Washington - W
• Oct 10th - BYE
• Oct 17th - USC - L

Actual:

• Sept 5th - Nevada - W
• Sept 12th - @ Michigan - L
• Sept 19th - Michigan St - W
• Sept 26th - Purdue - W
• Oct 3rd - Washington - W
• Oct 10th - BYE
• Oct 17th - USC - L

While Weis may not be the guy long term for this program, after 6 games, "We are who [Vatican Smoke] thought [we] were". The Irish are a solid, likely top 20 football team that doesn't have the defense to compete with the elite teams yet. 4-2 is the record many Irish fans expected - and the Irish goal of a BCS game is still in play, with a 6-0 finish and some good luck. The margin for error in reaching the BCS is razor thin now, if even possible. Tough losses to Michigan and USC - the most hated rivals on the schedule - certainly sting. But try to look at the big picture of where you expected us to be in the preseason. The Irish are a team that can lose to just about anyone in the country - but likely would have a chance to win against anyone in the country also, except for Alabama (yes I think we could possibly play with Florida or Texas, particularly after this weekend.) 

While I think Saturday laid a potentially heavy judgement on Charlie Weis, I don't think the story of the USC loss is finished yet. Was Saturday a good team losing a close one? Or will it be remembered as the day Charlie Weis's career at Notre Dame was finished? After the loss, his job security depends even more on the final 6 games. In the final 6 games, starting this Saturday at home against Boston College, the Irish should go 5-1 - and better make a serious run at 6-0. 4-2 or worse likely leaves Weis without a job. How the Irish respond in these final 6 games will determine how this loss to USC was remembered.