Yesterday, Grantland-X got the 2012 schedule debate started and argued that the schedule is perfect in every single way. Today, it’s my turn and my opinion is this: our schedule is an awesome gauntlet, it’s kryptonite to the ND-Haters out there who pretend we play a weak schedule, AND I LOVE IT. The Vincent DeSantis-trained historian in me, though, sees only two possible outcomes for the boys in blue and gold, and neither is an easy, or certain, slog. Dulce et decorum est…
Bruce Feldman, over at CBS Sports, rates ND’s 2012 schedule as the nation’s toughest. Historically, we’ve played a tough schedule, ranking a full ten spots better than the FBS-average since 1998. But 2012 is nuts. N-V-T-S, nuts! Michigan? MSU? BYU? Stanford? Okla-freaking-homa? USC? Why not just schedule a well-prepared team who always gives us fits ten time zones away and call it a home ga…what? Oh.
So the 2012 schedule should end the debate, for a couple of seasons at least, insofar as ND-hater is concerned, but only insofar as the schedule is concerned. To finish the job, we need to win the MNC, and our schedule makes that as hard as can be. I’m not saying we go full Michigan and start playing teams like Appalachian State , but how ’bout some balance, Jack?
Here’s my point about history, though. In both 1918 and 1943, the United States met arguably the Number One-ranked army in the world, the German Army, in battle. In 1943, at Kasserine Pass, the Germans soundly trounced the Americans, causing 6,500 casualties and a wholesale re-evaluation of the Army’s leadership and its training. This is one way 2012 could end, in defeat and doubt.
Or, it could go like this: in 1918, the unranked and largely untried U.S. Second and Third Divisions, along with some Marines, met the German at Belleau Wood. Twenty-five days later, the Marines secured Belleau Wood and the Great War, except for the fighting, was over. The world’s reaction to the Marines’ performance was perhaps hyperbolic, but it gives a glimpse of what is possible in 2012. The Marines used initiative, strength, conditioning and marksmanship to overcome a vastly more experienced enemy. If we value the football and play with disciplined aggression, we’re BCS-bound, baby.
So, I love the opportunity this schedule presents, but I think it’s too hard by half. Good for us for being Number One, but yikes. Let’s not, though, get too wrapped up in this sequence of what are ultimately, and only, games. Notre Dame students have fought on far tougher fields than Norman, Oklahoma. Too many are still there, in earth that is forever Irish. As we head towards the 2012 season, with Memorial Day 2012 in the rearview mirror, let us never, ever forget their sacrifice.
- Finding Flaws in a Diamond: Clemson’s Rushing Offense - December 17, 2018
- Why Nobody Will Cotton to Notre Dame - December 3, 2018
- Irish Finish Regular Season Perfect 12-0 - November 26, 2018
kyndfan
Amen
Brian
Clearly, if the season ends with 5 or 6 losses, the #1 SOS will mean virtually nothing. …and of course running the table will be cause for the greatest Irish jubilee since ’88. …but another, possibly more likely alternative is a mediocre 8-4 or 9-3. Don’t get me wrong, 9-3 with this schedule would be commendable. It would also be reason for the haters to continue with their “ND can’t compete with top-tier programs” campaign. If this season is a complete failure, I’ll be sad, depressed and likely drunk until at least the spring. 8-4 or 9-3 and I’ll have the same lukewarm and confused expression on my face that I’ve worn for the last fifteen years or so.
On an optimistic note, I think we’ll win 10 or more games this season. Last year could have easily been a BCS campaign. The only real cause for concern this season is at QB. Sure, the cornerbacks are inexperienced but I believe the rest of the defense can carry them forward. If BK can get even 10% more productivity and 50% less turnovers out of whomever (Golson) takes the first snap in Dublin, we’ll be reveling in a BCS win come January.
Nice piece, Bayou.
Bayou Irish
Thanks, Brian. If we win 10 games, I’ll buy you a beer at the Sugar Bowl. I’d be wearing a shi*-eating grin if we go 9-3. That being said, I agree that if our two losses are to OU or Michigan or Stanford or MSU and USC, we’ll still get pinged for not being “elite.” I love the potential of this schedule, but it’s brutal — I didn’t mention injuries in the main piece, but the physicality of the teams we play is scary. We’ve got studs on D and our O-line is awesome, but week after week like that is scary. Then again, if we have EGol back there, or Hendo, we’ve got a wicked good team. Wicked good? Guess I’ve been watching too many Lobster Wars and Wicked Tuna reruns on the DVR.
fossilman
Great QB play is not the key to ND success. Just manage the game. Run the ball with the huge offensive line we have and dont turn over the ball. Mix in some short high percentage throws for which ever Qb is playing and play smash mouth football. Back it up with some great defense and we have a winning formula. We dont need Qb changes and or coaching changes. Get behind the people we have and their decisions and lets win like the days of old.
NDtex
Can’t wait to fire back at you and Grantland. Tomorrow will be fun.
Bayou Irish
I look forward to it. Tomorrow shall be your Waterloo or Blenheim.