The Four Clovers Of The BCS

(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A lot of questions surround the Irish as they are three wins away from their first perfect season since 1988.

Even though they are undefeated, have beaten four opponents ranked in the top 15, they are considered the long shot for participating in the National Championship Game in January.

Here is what the Irish are up against for a chance at their 12th National Championship.



#1 ALABAMA: three games remaining (vs #15 Texas A&M, vs West Carolina, vs Auburn).
The Tide have their last three games all at Bryant-Denney Stadium. While the game against Texas A&M could be a trap game, the two cupcakes following that game are easy pickings for Nick Saban.

Then there is the SEC Championship Game. The Rolling Tide will play either Georgia or Florida depending on how they finish in the SEC East. Alabama did not play in the conference title game last year, finishing 2nd in the West after losing to LSU at home 9-6 in the regular season.

The defending National Champions look stronger than ever, and would unquestionably be in the title game this year if things are status quo.

#2 KANSAS STATE: three games remaining (@TCU, @Baylor, vs #17 Texas)

Kansas State may have the hardest road of the four unbeaten teams jockeying for the National Championship Game. They play TCU on the road, following TCU's 39-38 victory over then-ranked West Virginia. The Horned Frogs are never an easy game and coach Gary Patterson will have his team ready.

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The status of Heisman candidate Collin Klein (pictured right) is still uncertain. Klein suffered a concussion in last week's win over Oklahoma State.

If they do get by TCU, they will encounter the Baylor Bears on the road. Baylor boasts the #1 ranked passing attack in the country, averaging 392.1YPG. Although the Bears are 117th in points allowed, giving up nearly 40pts a night. Baylor has been game against ranked opponents this year, losing both games by only 13 combined points. (70-63 to West Virginia/56-50 to Texas)

If Kansas State escape those two, they will face off against Texas at home.

The Longhorns (7-2) could be the Wildcats most daunting task. They too have a high octane offense with sophomore running back Joe Bergeron, who has a whopping 16 rushing touchdowns this season. The Longhorns will give the Wildcats a real test to see if they are championship material.

Animated Version of Kenyon Barner
(Photo property of SEGA)

#3 OREGON: If Oregon had a video game counterpart, they would be Sonic The Hedgehog. (I added the "O")

This team is built on one word-speed. Chip Kelly and his Ducks put up 62 points on USC last week, to propel them over Notre Dame in the BCS standings.

The Ducks (9-0) will play lowly California (3-7) this week, then play at home vs #14 Stanford who have given the Ducks some wars in the past.  Oregon is a spectacular 32-2 at home since 2008 (losing to Boise St in 2008 and USC last year). The Cardinal have pounded on lightweights California, Washington St., and Colorado after falling short against Notre Dame in overtime four weeks ago. They have the #10 Oregon State Beavers this Saturday before their date with the Ducks.

Then the Ducks will play Oregon State in the Civil War to close out the regular season. Oregon has beaten the Beavers four straight times. But this year the Beavers (7-1) boast one of their best teams in recent memory.

If Oregon goes unscathed and finishes undefeated in the regular season, they would likely face UCLA (7-2) in the PAC 12 Championship Game. The Ducks scorched the Bruins 49-31 in last year's title game.

Now we go to the team that is looking to regain their former glory.

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

The Irish (9-0) after a triple overtime scare against Pitt, are being questioned by college football pundits if they truly are a title contender. Let's put forth some requirements and standards that the Irish need to fulfill in order to be called true contenders.

1) Currently undefeated? Check

2) Defeated four opponents in the top 15? Check.

3) Have a top 10 SOS (Strength of Schedule)? Check

4) Win games in a convincing fashion? Half Check.

The fourth reason may be the downfall of the Irish if the National Title game is concerned. Notre Dame has squeaked by Purdue, Michigan, Stanford, BYU, and Pitt. Two of those teams have losing records.

Golson scoring on the two-point conversion vs Pitt

The Irish have used a two-quarterback system all season (minus the game vs BYU when Everett Golson was out with a concussion). Although Golson passing-wise has not been spectacular, his legs have certainly propelled him as the number one option over senior Tommy Rees. Golson was benched after halftime vs Pitt for missing assignments and receivers. After Rees' interception against Pitt early in the third to give the Panthers a 20-6 lead, Golson threw two touchdown passes, and converted a two-point conversion in the fourth to tie the game.

Golson then punched in a QB sneak at the 1-yard line in triple overtime to beat Pitt, keeping their title hopes afloat.

The Irish will embark on a trip to Boston, Massachusetts, Driven, motivated, and ready to take on the Eagles of Boston College. (Saturday 8PM ABC)

Game story tomorrow!

Lars