We've been criticized this year by some talking head fools for winning ugly and winning narrowly. Ironically, I think our close wins (Purdue, UM, BYU, Stanford, Pitt) will prove one of our biggest strengths against 'Bama. They had only two close games they won: LSU and GA. In fact, they didn't win them as much as the other team lost. In that regard they were like our Pitt game (and we only had one Pitt game; they had two).

Winning as we have in overtime and with goal line stands has built a confidence and a brotherhood on this ND team that few teams ever develop. I don't think 'Bama has developed this quality this year: winning has been relatively easy for them. This important intangible doesn't get built in the process of demolishing the likes of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Florida Atlantic Owls or Western Carolina Catamounts (who were beaten more like catamites 49-0 by the mighty 'Bama).

In short, I think we have more "character" than the Tide does. We will be the best defensive team they've played all year. We also have a much, much better offense now than we did during the first half of the year. Everett has developed and improved more than any of us could have imagined. I think he is a much better QB than their guy and he will prove one of the measures of our strength in this game.

I'm usually more cynical than optimistic, but not about this team and not about this game. We're going to be the 2012 CFB National Champions. It's '73 all over again!

It'll be close, but that's to our advantage.

GO IRISH! BEAT 'BAMA!