What's Up With The Irish?

Are you like me? Are you wondering when Notre Dame's offensive excellence is going to emerge against UCLA?

Here we are, early in the fourth quarter and the Bruins' highly touted defensive has stifled the Irish. That's the same defense that was torched by Oregon last week.

Consider this -- Oregon rushed for 256 yards against UCLA. Notre Dame had 40 yards on 31 carries after three quarters.

Instead, Notre Dame struggles and whether it's lost rythym from the bye week or a sound UCLA scheme, it doesn't matter. If the Irish lose, they blow their BCS opportunity. Then, we're talking the Gator or Cotton bowls or, less likely the Sun Bowl.

Notre Dame still has a chance, trailing 14-13, but it's running out of time. There's only so many Michigan State comebacks you can have in a season.