It has been a magical season for the Notre Dame football team. They started the regular season unranked and finish it undefeated and heading to the BCS National Championship Game.
"They haven't played for the national championship since I was actually born," said Irish fan Victor Patel. "It's pretty cool to actually be here when they're going again."
However, despite the success for Notre Dame, the Irish still have not received the respect from national analysts many fans feel they deserve.
"[Analysts] have been counting us out all year," said Will Culberton, Notre Dame fan. "I feel confident going into the [BCS Title] game. You play the game on the field, not on paper."
Even after the Irish's big win against USC on Saturday capped off a 12-0 regular season, Monday many of the national commentators were not favoring Notre Dame. Many of they said it did not matter who won the Georgia vs. Alabama SEC Championship game, that team would beat the Irish in the title game.
"I'm excited about [the doubters]. I think people have said stuff like that all year," said Irish fan Jim Brady. "I think the team feeds off [the scrutiny] and I think they can play with anybody."
In fact, some Irish fans thinks the criticism should be directed towards the SEC teams.
"You got to look at the strength of schedule," said Culberton. "Notre Dame had a tougher schedule then both [Alabama and Georgia]. I mean Alabama looks like a NFL defense out there, but who are they playing... West Carolina? I'm not impressed. When they played LSU it was close and when they played [Texas] A&M they got beat. I'll take Notre Dame's chances against either of them."
Most fans agree with Culberton, whether it's Alabama or Georgia, fans like the Irish.
"I think it's a good thing there will be a SEC team in the title game for Notre Dame to show what they can do," said Robert Hull, Notre Dame fan.
The Irish have played the 8th strongest schedule in the country while Alabama played the 15th hardest and Georgia's had 27th.
The majority of Notre Dame fans said they would like to see the Irish play Alabama in the title game.
