But it's not like there isn't the necessary foundation in place to turn that around. In watching every ND game, as I know you do, it's obvious that if ND simply did some little things better, they'd put themselves in position to be a top 10 team, relevant in the national conversation.That obviously starts with coaching, which is something ND needs to do much better. BK is still BK and has his flaws, but we've already seen a team play for a championship at ND under BK, so at least we know that with the right mix of coaching and players, that's our ceiling. While I don't think the current roster is talented enough to play for a championship, I do think 2017 is going to see a positive upgrade in the coaching department, from Elko and Lea (if he does indeed come with Elko) on the defensive side of the ball, to special teams under Polian, to strength and conditioning, even if it's simply the product of excitement under a new staff. I also think ND is getting a net upgrade in the recruiting department as long as the last assistant they hire is a quality recruiter. Elko will be better than BVG because he's young and hungry and will put forth some effort. Polian is a bulldog in the recruiting department and he'll be an upgrade over Booker and should do a good job in California, Arizona and Texas. I think Lea will do a quality job up in the Northeast and he, Denson and Elston will make for a a nice duo up-and-down the coast.
Do I have any delusions of ND competing with Bama or Ohio State for a title any time soon? Not at all. But is the program in a desperate state outside of coming off an embarrassingly, miserable season? I don't think so.