Here come the Irish

JW makes some good points. It was a typical ND loss. Being a long time and die hard Notre Dame Football fan, sadly I have seen this before. Although the loss to Michigan was a tough loss and a game they should have won, all is not lost. The loss does affect ND more than the win does for Michigan. Michigan did find its new leader and its future, the QB played a hell of a game and single handedly beat the Irish.
Although the Irish did lose, you can tell its a different team from the years past. The team has a different swagger, they have more confidence this year. The Irish offense showed maturity and composure fighting back to take the lead on several occasions in the game, especially in the 4th quarter. If Jimmy Clausen can continue to put up numbers like he has and beat USC this year, there's no reason why he can not be a Heisman candidate. While the defense does need to step it up and play alot better, the offense is looking really good and is one of the best in the country. Another good sign was the play of the RB Armando Allen, hes looked much improved this year. Jimmy and the offense man handled the Michigan defense and lit their corners up. If Floyd had not injured his knee and been forced out of the game, the freshman Shaq Evans would not have been in the game and Floyd would have most likely caught that third down pass and the outcome might have been different. But bottom line ND lost.
As said earlier, all is not lost. While it was a tough and heartbreaking loss, it was just one loss. They still have a great opportunity to make the BCS and have a great season. The game against Mich St. this weekend is crucial. I look for the Irish to rebound against the Spartans at home. Although the Spartans have won the last 6 games at Notre Dame, I see that streak ending with an upset Irish team who is looking to get back in the W column in a big way. They also have a great opportunity to make some noise when USC comes to South Bend next month.
The Irish can still make this a great year , and it starts with Michigan State this weekend.

GO IRISH.