In your opinion what constitutes success or failure for the ND 08 season. Im really curious to hear what all of you think. For me anything less than 8 wins will be a failure. ND has far too many talented players for them to not win that many. I dont think there is an acceptable excuse to win less. With that said I think ND will win at least 8. Even Mark May predicted 7 and he hates the Irish. Feel free to respond.

For me, a "successful" season consits of winning at least 8 regular season games, winning a bowl game, and being competitive in every single game, including USC. I'm tired of getting beat by 2 or 3 touchdowns. IF we can do that, we will be set up for a great run in 2009.

For me, a "successful" season consits of winning at least 8 regular season games, winning a bowl game, and being competitive in every single game, including USC. I'm tired of getting beat by 2 or 3 touchdowns. IF we can do that, we will be set up for a great run in 2009.

 

Thanks for your response.

I have similar sentiments. I am guessing the Vegas over under is going to be 7.5. I would be happy although not elated with 7 wins. Anything more than that would be a huge success considering our production last year. It should mean we finally have a solid to dominant O-line for the first time since Charlie has been here and it will be exciting to see how his offense functions when plays are given time to develop.

i just hope that we can be competitive in every game , we don't have to win them all just be in the game mentally and physically, I don't care for the a** whippings that we have been getting last year, Sure the lads will make some mistakes, but they have to learn from it as well as the coaches . If we can get to a Bowl game that would pretty much be a successful season , Because next year I want a perfect 12-0 season , No more excuses, we now have the talent. IT"S UP or OUT . go Irish . would be nice to keep dreaming .

Success: get to a bowl game and win it

Failure: anything less

Success: get to a bowl game and win it

Failure: anything less

I agree, winning a bowl game is a must. I dont care what last seasons record was, no more excuses.

i just hope that we can be competitive in every game , we don't have to win them all just be in the game mentally and physically, I don't care for the a** whippings that we have been getting last year, Sure the lads will make some mistakes, but they have to learn from it as well as the coaches . If we can get to a Bowl game that would pretty much be a successful season , Because next year I want a perfect 12-0 season , No more excuses, we now have the talent. IT"S UP or OUT . go Irish . would be nice to keep dreaming .

The Irish need to win a bowl game for sure this year. Next year better be a BCS win.

I have similar sentiments. I am guessing the Vegas over under is going to be 7.5. I would be happy although not elated with 7 wins. Anything more than that would be a huge success considering our production last year. It should mean we finally have a solid to dominant O-line for the first time since Charlie has been here and it will be exciting to see how his offense functions when plays are given time to develop.

I think a very much improved o-line and a decent running game are in the cards this year.

I would define success as 9 wins this year and a trip to the BCS. The rebuilding should be almost over and we have quality players at nearly every position.

 

My own personal prediction is only 5-6 wins unfortunately. If the games last year were close losses, I would predict more. It pains me to say it, but when Crist gets a shot at QB (I believe at some point in the season he will), we will be in bad shape.

 

I hope I'm wrong but I won't let optimism get the better of me like it did last season.

I would define success as 9 wins this year and a trip to the BCS. The rebuilding should be almost over and we have quality players at nearly every position.

 

My own personal prediction is only 5-6 wins unfortunately. If the games last year were close losses, I would predict more. It pains me to say it, but when Crist gets a shot at QB (I believe at some point in the season he will), we will be in bad shape.

 

I hope I'm wrong but I won't let optimism get the better of me like it did last season.

man thats gruesome, I hope things dont get that bad. Im still thinking at least 7 wins and I believe theres no good excuse for anything under 8.

9 Wins is minimum that is acceptable. Last year was terrible as we all know because of Ty - another element to the equation last year is other schools who have gone through coaching changes could have avoided last year through JUCO's - since this is ND we had to take the lump. However this year - no excuse is valid not to be a top 25 team - I understand that only 13 seniors are on scholarship - that is what will keep us from being a top 10 team. I am still undecided on how the year will turn out - but I am rooting for Charlie and for ND as I don't want another coaching change nor another 3-9 season.

9 Wins is minimum that is acceptable. Last year was terrible as we all know because of Ty - another element to the equation last year is other schools who have gone through coaching changes could have avoided last year through JUCO's - since this is ND we had to take the lump. However this year - no excuse is valid not to be a top 25 team - I understand that only 13 seniors are on scholarship - that is what will keep us from being a top 10 team. I am still undecided on how the year will turn out - but I am rooting for Charlie and for ND as I don't want another coaching change nor another 3-9 season.

Im with you. When you look up and down the schedule you have to think we should be competing in every game for a win including the SC one. I think we have plenty of good experienced upper classmen (Juniors and Seniors) now to compete. In my eyes Charlie has already proven he can coach. He really needs to do again this year.

If I'm right and we do end up winning only 5 or 6, I will have to put down that cup o' coaching Kool-Aid and realize that the problem isn't with the quality or experience of the players. Our boys are much more talented than the majority of our competition this year...

 

I don't think I can experience the same Saturdays from last year. Weekend ruiner....

two ways for a successful season

 

1.) losing to usc but winning bowl game

 

2.) beating usc but losing bowl game

I can't say any number of WINNING games. I am with Rick on at least closing and looking decent on any loss. I know Moral victories count for Ziltch. But, let's say as they do SC is a loss.???? Stay close and fight for the last ten seconds of the clock and no Bush Push. No more 40 point blow outs. I don't expect a BC birth, a bowl or a win everytime. Just a Notre dame team that makes the other team feell like they were in some kind of war and lucky to escape.

 

The hardest thing in the world is when your team is flat and "they know it" but you continue to be hard to beat. Dig down for some resource and fight, fight, fight. I saw too many crest fallen guys on the sidelines last year. DJones, etc. You can't have that.

If I'm right and we do end up winning only 5 or 6, I will have to put down that cup o' coaching Kool-Aid and realize that the problem isn't with the quality or experience of the players. Our boys are much more talented than the majority of our competition this year...

 

I don't think I can experience the same Saturdays from last year. Weekend ruiner....

We wont have to wait much longer to find out.

two ways for a successful season

 

1.) losing to usc but winning bowl game

 

2.) beating usc but losing bowl game

On a side note I was hoping it was possible for SC and OSU to lose their game against eachother. The next time we beat SC is going to be a real celebrtion.

I can't say any number of WINNING games. I am with Rick on at least closing and looking decent on any loss. I know Moral victories count for Ziltch. But, let's say as they do SC is a loss.???? Stay close and fight for the last ten seconds of the clock and no Bush Push. No more 40 point blow outs. I don't expect a BC birth, a bowl or a win everytime. Just a Notre dame team that makes the other team feell like they were in some kind of war and lucky to escape.

 

The hardest thing in the world is when your team is flat and "they know it" but you continue to be hard to beat. Dig down for some resource and fight, fight, fight. I saw too many crest fallen guys on the sidelines last year. DJones, etc. You can't have that.

Sir John, If everyone plays to their potential this year we should win every game except SC and that should be at least close. The problem will be getting them to play like they have some experience, which they have now. They have the talent and hopefully the other coaches can get them pumped up because we know thats not Charlie's strong area. I did notice one positive thing about this year, the Irish are the only team returning five starting linemen compared to who they play. The entire offense has a lot of game experience. The new blitz happy defense will be able to plug a few problem area holes that we have. I guess we'll find out in a few more weeks if the experience will translate into some wins. It should. Hopefully at least 8 wins with a bowl victory. Thats will be success.

9 wins, plus a bowl win would be a satisfactory outcome. This is a Notre Dame football program coming off 3 top 10 recruiting years. Anyting less would be a dissapointment in my mind.