re: This classic sums up Notre Dame and their pre-season ranking quite well

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I watched both USC and Arizona State both cruise to victories over Notre Dame. Golson wasn't the problem. Being severely overmatched on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as a lack of talented skill players, was the problem.

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You realize that ND was throwing out second- and third-teamers at that point in the season in the D line, right? Nine defensive starters were out by the time we played ASU and USC, and five or six more on the two deep weren't playing. Our injuries on defense were catastrophic last year.

I'm generally not some ND sunshine-pumper, and I still don't think this team will be a playoff contender until proven otherwise, but I know a talented team when I see one. Talent hasn't been ND's problem for seven or eight years. We went six and motherfricking six in 2009 with a team that started, among many others, Michael Floyd, Golden Tate, Kyle Rudolph, Harrison Smith, Jonas Gray, Sergio Brown, Kyle McCarthy, Manti Te'o, Ian Williams, etc., etc. We know underachieving with great players.