Irish Insights: Recruiting,Playoffs And More

Playoff Pushover Prognostications: Part 2

Another week and another low number for the Fighting Irish as far as the year ending playoffs go.

And as it was last week, the fate for the Irish boils down to two simple aspects:

1- Win Out

Beat Arizona State this Saturday and continue on with the rest of the season, with a goal of winning the remainder of the schedule.

If any team controlled it's own destiny this year, it's Notre Dame.

The images of a late flag still linger..

A close call against North Carolina and Navy will too...

But it all changes with a loss.

2- The Top 10 Will Change

Here's a breakdown of teams that reside above the Irish that have oppurtunities to fall out of the picture this weekend:

Week 2 Rankings

1. Mississippi State (8-0)

2. Florida State (8-0)

3. Auburn (7-1)

4. Oregon (8-1)

5. Alabama (7-1)

6. TCU (7-1)

7. Kansas State (7-1)

8. Michigan State (7-1)

9. Arizona State (7-1)

10. Notre Dame (7-1)

2014 Record: 7-1

The #6 CFP ranked team plays Kansas State this Saturday

Remaining games: Kansas, Texas , Iowa State

2014 Record: 7-1

The #7 CFP ranked team plays TCU this Saturday

Remaining games: West Virginia, Kansas , Baylor

2014 Record: 7-1

The #8 CFP ranked team plays Ohio State this Saturday

Remaining games: Maryland, Rutgers , Penn State

Breakdown:

The Irish play Arizona State this Saturday, a matchup between the #9(Arizona State) and #10(Irish) teams.

The winner advances, the loser will be eliminated.

The 2 games of ranked teams just above them will eliminate atleast one of those teams and possibly a 2nd, if Ohio State beats the Spartans. 

TCU sits in the drivers seat between them and Kansas State. A win Saturday places them in an ideal spot considering their remaining schedule.

And the Wildcats remain in harms way if they win, with a remaining game against Baylor at seasons end.

Alabama is in an interesting spot at #5. This week the Tide face an up and coming LSU team. With a loss already attached to their season, a 2nd could drop them below the top 10.

That's a possibility for 4 teams to drop below the top 10, providing the Irish with a window to jump forward.

And all of these scenerios hinge on a victory over the Sun Devils Saturday.

Recruiting Rumblings

Tony Alford has yet again pegged another elite prospect at the runningback position for the Irish.

This time, his sights are set on the state of Texas, home of Cam McDaniel.

Soso Jamabo is anything but 'so-so'.

As of last week, Jamabo has amassed some impressive numbers in the highest class in Texas football- a massive gauge of talent: rushing yards (1,711)  rushing touchdowns (33) averaging 11.3 yards per carry.

The 6'2", 210 pound back holds several major offers, but the 3 teams in the running remain the Irish, Texas A&M and UCLA.

The 28th overall player in the ESPN 300 and overall #1 runningback would be the cornerstone of the 2015 recruiting class for Notre Dame.

Gameday Notes:

-The road weary Irish journey to the desert for a 3:30 kickoff on ABC

-The last time the Irish came running out of the tunnel in South Bend was October 11th against North Carolina

-The weather is optimal, with expected temperatures in the mid 80's

-After last year's win, the Irish realed off 3 consecutive wins before losing to Pittsburgh

-Should they mirror that again this year, that puts them at 11-1

NDFANRADIO

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