The stars have aligned. The mountain has been climbed. The door is open. All this Notre Dame team has to do is walk through it. But no matter what is said by the talking heads today and this week, this Irish team has truly earned this opportunity. They have one big game left, but this team has definitely earned this chance to end their magical season with the ultimate prize. Nobody believes in this team other than this team themselves, and a nation of Notre Dame fans, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
I fully expect a diarrhea-of-the-mouth campaign this week trying to minimize Notre Dame's accomplishments this season. The doubters will be out in full force, and they'll be loud and obnoxious, but the absolute fact of the situation is Notre Dame is the only team left who can control their own destiny, and that is a fact that they have truly earned.
Not one team in the country has done what this Irish team has done. They've played 11 legitimate FBS opponents and they've beaten every single one of them.
And the best part of this? This Irish team has done it the right way. Brian Kelly and his staff don't need to "over-sign" by 25 players to compete with the best teams in the country. They don't need to pay anyone to come play for their team. And they go to class and they graduate.
85 men who believe hard work, discipline, focus, effort and physical play will eventually give them a chance to accomplish exactly what they've been working towards all season.
The door is open. Not many will believe this Irish team has a chance, but the only people who truly need to believe is this Notre Dame team, and that's something they've done all season. And they'll believe next Saturday night.
It feels good, doesn't it? The villain is back. "Say hello to the bad guy." The world is right again. A little extra pep in your step today. Walking tall. Wearing the colors proud. Yeah, it feels damn good.
There is still one big game left. As I said on Power Hour last week, there is one more piece of family business that needs to be settled, and I believe.
I don't know why, but I have a feeling Notre Dame is going to play their best game of the season next weekend.
To the seniors:
I've had the true pleasure to know many of these seniors throughout the past 4-5 years. As good of athletes and football players as this group are, they're even better young men. Sure, Manti Te'o gets all the press, and it certainly is justified, but there are a lot of great people in this senior class, and that's why they play the way they do.
This group of players can proudly say they brought the fight back to the Fighting Irish. They brought respect back to Notre Dame. They made Notre Dame tough to play both at home and on the road again. They brought the swagger back to the Fighting Irish. This group is the first rock in what should be a very strong foundation for future Irish football teams. And because of that, this has been my favorite Irish team to watch, regardless of the outcome from here on out.
Irish fans owe this group and this team a big show of gratitude. All your beaming pride today and this week has been brought to you by these great young men.
Say hello to the bad guy! The villain is back! The villain is back! Man, this feels great!
Game Ball:
My game ball goes to Everett Golson. Yes, the seniors deserve it, as do many others, but Golson keeps showing each and every week what a truly special talent he is. None of this would be possible if he hand't developed into the player he has become. He's not perfect, and he'll continue to make mistakes, but Notre Dame has a chance to compete with anyone in the country because of his talent and ability to make plays. I can't believe we have three more years of Everett Golson.
