Notre Dame’s New Year’s Resolutions
By Andrew Hall
Dec 17, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson answers questions at the Notre Dame BCS national championship media day at the Loftus Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
1. Win the 2012-2013 National Title
Most New Year’s Resolutions including ‘Weight Loss’ or ‘Quitting Smoking’ involve long term commitments. Winning the 2012-2013 National Title did take a long term commitment from the Fighting Irish that started around this time last year. However, Notre Dame only needs six more days to make good on this promise. There would not be a better way to start the year for the Fighting Irish than to win the National Title and finally be atop of the heap in college football once again.
2. Go Undefeated in 2013
Another goal Notre Dame can realistically add to its 2013 list is doing it again. Notre Dame will lose some keep players such as Manti Te’o, Zeke Motta and Tyler Eifert but they will also return a ton of talent. Many people who believed in a Notre Dame National Title run probably thought that it would come in 2013 and not 2012. Notre Dame has more than enough firepower on both sides of the ball to do it again. In addition, the schedule shapes up nicely for Notre Dame to make a repeat appearance in the BCS National Title Game.
3. Land the #1 Recruiting Class in the Nation
This goal is sometimes difficult to measure with teams constantly oversigning in today’s recruiting world. In 2008, Notre Dame actually had the #1 enrolled class but was #2 to Alabama on National Signing Day because they had 32 commitments. This goal is further complicated by the different services opinions of different recruits. But whichever service you prefer, Notre Dame is near the top of several groups. Notre Dame could land Max Redfield, Tarean Folston and A.Q. Muhammad this weekend. This would undoubtedly put Notre Dame over the top. There are several other prospects who could fall Notre Dame’s way as well.
4. Win the Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy eluded Notre Dame this season when Johnny Manziel beat Manti Te’o. Another National Title run could lead to another Heisman Trophy Candidate. Everett Golson would be a perfect candidate that could bring home the hardware. Golson has the talent and playmaking ability. Playing Quarterback for Notre Dame does not hurt either. Grantland.com has already predicted this.
5. Resign Brian Kelly and Staff
Brian Kelly has been rumored to be a candidate for some NFL jobs. It seems unlikely that he would leave. He has always been a college coach. But, coaches are driven by challenges. He may want another challenge. Crazier things have happened in the coaching world. Extending Brian Kelly into 2020 would help solidify Notre Dame’s football future. Giving Bob Diaco a big raise or a coach in waiting title would not be a bad idea either.