Forget Nice -- Irish Need To Get Mean

Okay, it's time to analyze the latest BCS ratings and see what that means for Notre Dame.

First, the Irish have to play better. They've got Air Force and Army the next two weeks and that won't impress poll voters or computers. They have to win big. Yes, I know about the sportsmanship deal, but they need to win like 35-0 in both games to show the offense is still clicking and the defense can stop somebody on a consistent basis.

Then, they have to beat USC, which means they have to stop the pass, which means they have to stop the big play. The coaches know it, the players know it, heck, even the cheerleaders know it.

Will they do it? That is what will make these next few weeks so intriguing.

Notre Dame is ninth in the BCS standings. That's significant because only the top 8 receive an automatic BCS bid. You have to be in the top 12 for an at-large BCS bid, and that's where things get tricky.

First, if the Irish win out, they are in the BCS and will enjoy a really nice postseason. Not as nice as being in Tempe for the national title game, but after the Michigan debacle, you take what you can get.

If they lose to USC, but it's close, they'll be 10-2 and have a decent BCS shot. They have enough national clout (can you say lots of fans willing to travel to bowls and spend lots of money) to be on any bowl's wish list. Certainly BCS officials would give Notre Dame a long look.

If the Irish get crushed by USC, they'll be at the Gator or Cotton bowls. If they stumble against Air Force or Army, they'll be at the Gator or Cotton bowls in body. In spirit, they'll be right where the Pittsburgh Steelers are -- in misery.

But that won't happen. It's time for Notre Dame to play like a national championship contender, which means beating the heck out of people. The time to start is now.