Scheduling

Our lead statistician pointed out yesterday that in the latest College Football RPI rankings (www.realtimerpi.com), Notre Dame is ranked #29. This ranking is bolstered by a #2 strength of schedule trailing only Texas A&M.

According to the Jeff Sagarin Power Rankings, the Irish are ranked #29, with a strength of schedule at #22 (his #1 is Washington). However, the Irish are 2-2 against teams in the top 30. Here's a look at Notre Dame's 2010 opponents according to these rankings:

2 - Stanford
21 - Michigan State
22 - Utah
23 - USC
29 - NOTRE DAME
46 - Michigan
48 - Pittsburgh
50 - Navy
52 - Tulsa
58 - Boston College
88 - Army
91 - Purdue
93 - Western Michigan


The Sagarin Power rankings are factored into the BCS formula, in which only three Irish opponents are ranked - #4 Stanford, #8 Michigan State, and #20 Utah. In addition, eleven of the twelve Irish opponents have six or more wins, but only ten are heading to bowl games since USC is on probation. Purdue is the only team on the Irish schedule that is not bowl eligible.

Scheduling is often a hot topic amongst Notre Dame fans as some believe it hinders ND's ability to play for the National Title. ESPN analysts love to annually downplay Notre Dame schedules, calling them soft or weak. I honestly believed this year to be one of the easier schedules to date, yet still 11 opponents are bowl eligible!

Considering the usual constants in the schedule - Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State, USC, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Navy, Stanford - it appears the Irish will always have a tough road to the top. Ironically, this year was the first time in over two decades that Notre Dame did not face an opponent ranked in the Top 10 at the time of their meeting. Although, Stanford, Michigan State, and Utah all visited the Top 10 this season.

Considering Notre Dame's stance on scheduling and the opponents on the future schedules (we add Oklahoma and Miami (FL) in 2012), changes will not come anytime soon. And considering the facts above - a 7-5 squad ranked #29 - it appears the Irish tend to garner respect for that scheduling approach where they need in most - the BCS polls.