Don't forget that the Irish are good...

     Please don't overlook Notre Dame. A word from the wise, or at least the nervous.  All the Alabama internet sites seem to be writing more about Clemson than the Irish. This may not be a popular position, but Notre Dame has a solid football team, and they could beat the Tide. Their offense is outstanding, and the defense isn't bad. Ian Book, the quarterback, is a good player. He's a senior, and he's had a lot of experience running the Shamrock's offense. And, excuse me for saying so. I'm not sold that Bama's defense has arrived. They seem to have improved, but after watching the Florida Gators dismantle the secondary, I am worried. Ian Book can run the ball when pressured, and the Irish use QB keepers as part of their offense. We know that Book can throw it as well.

    Who beats the Tide offense historically? A dual-threat quarterback, and that is what Book does. The Irish also have two excellent tight ends that made big targets. Remember the tight ends of Florida. I don't think the Notre Dame tight ends have the Florida players' speed, but they are outstanding football players. You don't win 10 football games in a year and not be solid. 

     I don't know whether the Irish getting beat in the ACC  Championship game will hurt or help the Irish. They'll want to atone for a sloppy game, and they think they can win the National Championship whether anyone else does. I know that the Irish hasn't played anyone who has the speed 'Bama does on offense or defense. The Notre Dame offensive line is big and strong. They are experienced. This game isn't going to be a cakewalk. Alabama will be ready to play. So will Notre Dame. It could be closer, or at least closer than you think.

    Beyond the obvious problems that Bama has on defense, we also have to wonder about Landon Dickerson's loss. He called the offensive match-ups, and he had an almost perfect senior season. His pass blocking was phenomenal, and no one is going to be as good as he is. The question is whether or the Tide offensive line can be good enough without him.

     Alabama had the nation's hardest strength of schedule. Notre Dame was 8th, which was far better than I had imagined before my research. Alabama's power index is #1, and no one is even close to the Tide. Still, the Irish are hovering around at #6. Upsets happen. I am old school.