The only way I can even imagine the remote possibility that Kelly wouldn't be brought back next year would be a complete disaster of season - something like 3-9 or 2-10. A loss today and 3-9 could be possible.
A loss today and bowl eligibility becomes not just a question but possibly unlikely.
A loss today and that recruiting class could start to crack a little.
A win will not cure all that ails the Irish but it gets things back on track at least momentarily and stops the bleeding. It does what Weis and co couldn't do in 2007 when the losses kept mounting. A win and the staff can go back to those recruits and say "see, we're just young and learning. We'll be right back next year with your help".
Can't believe a noon kick-off against Syracuse at Met Life Stadium has taken on as much importance as it has but this game really is huge. As sad as that sounds.