Earlier on Sunday Notre Dame found itself ranked 5th in both the Harris and Coaches Polls – the two human polls that are used to determine the BCS rankings. Sunday night Notre Dame found itself in exactly the same position in the first BCS standings of the 2012 season even though the computer rankings like the Irish a little more than the human voters do.
Notre Dame, off to a 6-0 start for the first time since 2002, used its thrilling, overtime victory over then #17 ranked Stanford to move into the top 5 of both human polls after entering the weekend 7th. Losses by #3 South Carolina and #4 West Virginia opened up two spots for Notre Dame to move up.
Defending national champion Alabama occupies the top spot in both human polls as well as the BCS with Florida coming in second thanks to the computer polls. The Gators are currently 3rd in the Harris Poll and 4th in the Coaches Poll, but #1 in the computer average pushing them ahead of Oregon who comes in 3rd despite being second in both human polls. Kansas State, the only undefeated Big 12 team sits one spot ahead of the Irish in fourth position.
Should Notre Dame take care of business this weekend against BYU, something they should be able to do even if Everett Golson is unable to play due to his concussion, they should have a chance to move up again next week with Florida hosting #7 South Carolina, Kansas State traveling to take on 13 ranked West Virginia, and Oregon traveling to Tempe take on a tough Arizona State team on Thursday night.
Oklahoma, ranked 9th, is the highest ranked Notre Dame opponent in the first set of BCS standings with USC right on their heels at #10. Stanford, despite the loss to Notre Dame, stayed in the top 20 right at #20. No other Irish opponent is currently ranked in the first BCS rankings although Michigan is ranked 25th in the Coaches Poll.
Oklahoma by the way faces former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis and Kansas this weekend – a game that could get out of hand very, very quickly – which could set up Notre Dame for another appearance on College Gameday on the road this time when they travel to Norman in two weeks.
Notre Dame’s 5th place ranking is the highest BCS ranking for the Irish since the last week of the 2006 season. Notre Dame has never gotten higher than 3rd in the BCS – a ranking they achieved in 2002 before getting upset by Boston College in Tyrone Willingham’s first season in South Bend.
Well, slowly continuing to climb in the polls, especially the BCS poll. Again, one game at a time. I have ND friends of mine counting chickens before they have hatched. BYU plays tough D. They have to stay focused on them and not be looking at Norman, Oklahoma. I agree with the adage that good D’s win championships, because-they do. One game at atime. Hopefully EG will be ready to go on Saturday.
Go Irish
Amen storespook,
EG needs another Miami effort against BYU. We already knew about the growing pains involved this year, however, much, much better results than anyone anticipated.
I would not be shocked if we ran the table provided the ball bounced our way like it did in 1988. We were not suppose to win that year either. I’m sure you remember!
One thing is for sure, we have not seen this kind of speed since 1988 on both sides of the ball.
7-0 is definately the only goal this week!
Here come the Irish!
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=g-high-u&v=VaQQ8JZuMzw
“LOU!!!!! They can’t block you. You are the best nose guard in the country.” – manti te’o.. What a leader. Love that kid
What about it JTRAIN! Looks like you called it my friend.
ND is definately exciting to watch this year!
Further, EG is slowly but surely learning BK’s system. However, I sure hope he’s healthy for BYU, we really need his elite skills. And I will certainly give credit to BK for sticking with EG.
Without question, EG will be competing for a Heisman his junior year with his elite skills on full display in BK’s system.
Yeah, it’s about time one of our defensive guy’s this year win the Heisman. Tough vote though! I really like our D!
The speed this defense has is absolutely blazing-amazing!
Defense definately wins Championships! Your right, BK got it right on defense!
Here come the Irish!