Since the Clemson beat-down, there has been a lot of whining and hand-wringing among the fan boards about not winning the National Championship. Going 12 and 0 in the regular season and making the playoffs was not good enough. The feeling seems to be that because ND was finished #1 in the polls a few times in the 20th Century when there was less competition, the school has a right and obligation to continue that streak.
Maybe everyone would be a lot happier if they learned to enjoy seasons just a little short of the top. A top ten finish is nothing to be ashamed of. Look, this was an entertaining season until the second quarter of the last game. There would be more smiles among the faithful if they weren't so disappointed about getting curb-stomped by a great team. Next year it might go better. I estimate that 80 percent of the ND graduates were OK with this season.
Moreover, I don't want to have my educational pedigree cheapened by ND becoming another football school like Ohio State or Miami. Being like Stanford, Northwestern or Texas should be good enough. The price of making it to the top is very high, as many elite players cause lots of problems. Lowering entry standards, providing sham courses, erecting athletic dorms or hiring unethical coaches would make make total victory hollow. Some people think that ND can have it both ways, but they've rewatched Rudy too often. Speaking of that, didn't his wise father say something about being happy with what you've got?
With realistic aspirations, Brian Kelly is a good fit as the coach. Losing one game is not a sufficient reason to fire him.
I'll hang up and let your panel of experts discuss this idea.