To me, it's winning a major bowl for the first time in 21 years, something about three-dozen other teams have done over that span. Since that time, Notre Dame has had a number of nine- and 10-win seasons — and one with even 12. Been there and done that.
It has gone to major bowls a half dozen times — but lost each one. Been there and done that.
It has finished in the top 10 twice, No. 9 in 2005 and No. 4 in 2012, and it has also had two unbeaten seasons at home (1998 and 2012), although that seems a little low. Been there and done that.
What is the next step? Winning one of those premier bowls, which would mean Notre Dame would have to go at least 10-2 during the regular season.
9-3 would be way too status quo. You don't often have a season with basically 20 starters back, and I could see at least a dozen playing in the NFL down the road. The two toughest road games (Clemson and Stanford) have teams with major rebuilding on defense.
Have to carpe diem in 2015. Like with the men's basketball team last year, there can be no longer satisfaction in just making the NCAA Tournament. There can't be satisfaction anymore of just making a big bowl.
It has gone to major bowls a half dozen times — but lost each one. Been there and done that.
It has finished in the top 10 twice, No. 9 in 2005 and No. 4 in 2012, and it has also had two unbeaten seasons at home (1998 and 2012), although that seems a little low. Been there and done that.
What is the next step? Winning one of those premier bowls, which would mean Notre Dame would have to go at least 10-2 during the regular season.
9-3 would be way too status quo. You don't often have a season with basically 20 starters back, and I could see at least a dozen playing in the NFL down the road. The two toughest road games (Clemson and Stanford) have teams with major rebuilding on defense.
Have to carpe diem in 2015. Like with the men's basketball team last year, there can be no longer satisfaction in just making the NCAA Tournament. There can't be satisfaction anymore of just making a big bowl.
