Sugar Bowl

Notre Dame vs. LSU

January 3, 8PM, New Orleans

FOX

With all the prestige of the Notre Dame name and all of
the luster of the Notre Dame tradition, it’s hard to
believe that the Fighting Irish (10-2) have lost eight
straight bowl games, dating back to the ’95 Fiesta Bowl.
But once you get past glimmer of the name and the
gaudiness of QB Brady Quinn’s game (3,278 passing yards,
35 TDs, five interceptions), what else does the team
have? The Darius Walker-led running game is so-so. The
defense is porous. The reputation of greatness is becoming
more tarnished with each new year. The same can’t be said
about LSU right now. Had the Tigers (10-2) not self-
destructed against Florida (three fumbles and a blocked
punt), they’d likely be riding a nine-game winning streak
right now. QB JaMarcus Russell is massive (6-6, 252
pounds) and masterful (26 TDs). The growling D is one of
college’s best. All of that in the Tigers’ favor and they’re
essentially playing this bowl game in their own backyard,
the New Orleans Superdome. Spells trouble for the Irish,
right? Actually, the chip on Notre Dame’s shoulders might
just spell a 34-28 upset.

Interesting fact: During the Irish’s eight-year winless
bowl streak, they’ve lost by an average of 16.5 points.