It's S-Word Saturday!

I'm not sure if ESPN coined a stupid nickname starting with S for this Saturday, but if we could open it up to other letters, I would deem this Saturday to be Tar Heel-Beat Down Saturday. I'll post an in-depth analysis of this game tomorrow, so for now, let's look at the rest of the games on the schedule.

No. 20 Georgia Tech v. N.C. State
I question the ranking given to Georgia Tech. They came pretty close to beating us in the opener, so clearly they should be ranked at most two spots behind us. Does Phillip Rivers still play for NC State? I think he was in college when I was in college.

No. 2 Michigan v. Ball State
Those of us in Irish Nation would like to forget how the Wolverines squeaked by us in September, but this team is pretty good. Any team that can beat us at home could probably beat the Patriots.

Michigan State v. Purdue
Spartan coach John L. Smith will be fired after this season, mainly for falling to beat Notre Dame. Fortunately for the rest of our opponents, our athletic director made a deal with everyone we play. Only one coach per season will be fired for losing to us, which I think is pretty fair for Purdue and their ilk.

Stanford v. No. 9 USC
This is a key scouting game for us, as the Cardinal gave us a tough game before they voluntarily took out their starters after the first series out of respect to Notre Dame's history. As for USC, I'd be lying if I said I threw out the ashes of my Reggie Bush effigy from last year. I am frothing at the mouth in anticipation of November 25.

Navy v. Duke
I don't know why everyone is so quick to pick on the service academies. They are almost as American as Notre Dame. I can't say the same for Duke, although I would appreciate a good showing by the Blue Devils as we have them on the schedule next year.