Ducks Roundtable: Is Notre Dame a title contender?
By Brian Spaen
Notre Dame’s schedule hasn’t been as tough as we all expected before the season, but they answered to criticism by beating down a hot Oklahoma team in Norman. Are you now sold on the Irish being a contender for the national title?
Oct. 27, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive end Stephon Tuitt (7) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 30-13 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE
Mike: Sure the Notre Dame schedule has imploded around them with the Big Ten schools on the schedule having disappointing seasons. But their best wins are beating Stanford in a game with a controversial ending, then beating an Oklahoma team that, let’s face it, not great. Winning in Norman would be more impressive to me had Texas Tech and Kansas State not done so in the last 12 months. The Irish continue to get the benefit from decades of success, but I am impressed with Manti Te’o as a impact player on the defense.
Ricky: No, I am not. I say this because I feel the Wildcats and the Ducks will pass the Irish when the season is over. The Irish are the “talk of the town” this week because they beat OU, but they will cool off in future weeks. Oregon is playing their toughest opponents of the season. They will be the next hot team if they can continue winning.
Brian: They are a contender, but the Irish do not control their own destiny even with their history. Kansas State and Oregon have stronger schedules down the stretch, and Notre Dame’s toughest opponent the Ducks could see twice. Unless Kansas State and Oregon lose once, Notre Dame can’t jump ahead of them.
Joe: I wouldn’t say that I am sold on Notre Dame, but I do believe that they are the third best team in college football behind Alabama and the Ducks. Their win over Oklahoma was good, but it’s a win that can be easily overvalued by some.
The Autzen Zoo staff includes lead editor Brian Spaen along with staff writers Mike Vamosi, Raymond Mencke, Jr., Ricky Widmer, and contributor Joe Soriano.