Notre Dame Is No. 1

admin November 19, 2012 0

By DOUG GRIFFITHS
ISL Assistant Editor

It’s official Notre Dame is No. 1.

For the first time in the history of the BCS Rankings’ 14-year history, the Irish are the top-rated team.

So the 11-0 Irish, the only remaining undefeated team eligible for the post-season, will head to Southern California this weekend knowing if they beat the Trojans, they’ll play in the BCS National Championship Game Jan. 7 in Miami.

Now you know you’re in if you take care of business, said Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly earlier today.

And if the Irish beat USC, who will they face for the national title? Likely the winner of the SEC Championship Game, which if it were held tonight would be Alabama vs. Georgia.

According to oddsmaker Danny Sheridan, Alabama would be a 10-point favorite over the Irish. In addition, Sheridan said every SEC team in the top 10 would be favored over Notre Dame.

Earlier today the Irish were ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll as well as the USA Today coaches poll. It was the first time since 1993 Notre Dame held down the top spot.

Notre Dame ascended to the top spot of the polls thanks to both Oregon and Kansas State being upset Saturday night.

Kelly admitted paying particularly close attention to those two games during the course of last evening and even cheering quite loudly.

As a result of a crazy night in college football, Kelly now knows in just his third year at Notre Dame he will have the chance to lead the Irish to a national championship game.

I took the Notre Dame job wanting to really get an opportunity to play for a national championship and have high graduation rates, Kelly said.

I think we’re going to validate that this year with the No. 1 graduation rates that you can do both, and they don’t have to be mutually exclusive in college football.