Turnaround Season Not Impossible

Coming off a 3-9 season doesn't give much hope to Irish fans that Notre Dame can turn their 2007 misfortunes into GOLD in 2008. Is it impossible for the Irish to get at least six wins this upcoming season, no! Is the schedule more difficult, on paper, than last year's, no again. So why are fans so leery of this year's team? Do they not think a turnaround season is possible? Here are a few teams that turned around their records after a dismal season the year before.

South Carolina
1999 - (0-11); 6 (Top 25 teams played); 84-48 (opp. record); .636 (opp. win %)
2000 - (8-4); 5 (Top 25 teams played); 71-69 (opp. record); .507 (opp. win %)
Total: 7.5 turnaround

Penn State
2004 - (4-7); 3 (Top 25 teams played); 70-59 (opp. record); .542 (opp. win %)
2005 - (11-1); 3 (Top 25 teams played); 77-64 (opp. record); .546 (opp. win %)
Total: 6.5 turnaround

Central Florida
2004 - (0-11); 1 (Top 25 team played); 63-64 (opp. record); .496 (opp. win %)
2005 - (8-5); 1 (Top 25 team played); 74-77 (opp. record); .490 (opp. win %)
Total: 6.5 turnaround

Tulsa
2002 - (1-11); 2 (Top 25 teams played); 73-79 (opp. record); .480 (opp. win %)
2003 - (8-5); 2 (Top 25 teams played); 78-85 (opp. record); .478 (opp. win %)
Total: 6.5 turnaround

UTEP
2003 - (2-11); 1 (Top 25 team played); 78-83 (opp. record); .484 (opp. win %)
2004 - (8-4); 3 (Top 25 teams played); 76-68 (opp. record); .527 (opp. win %)
Total: 6.5 turnaround

Those are just a few examples of teams bouncing back after having a miserable season the year before. Mississippi State (8-5) righted the ship last season with a 4.5 turnaround from their 2006 season (3-9). So it's definitely not of the question whatsoever for the Irish.

Last year Notre Dame faced 10 bowl teams that combined for 90-65 record (.586). Not exactly a murder's row schedule, but definitely tougher than the majority of Division I schools. Gone from the schedule are Penn St., Georgia Tech, UCLA, Air Force, and Duke; while San Diego St., North Carolina, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse, are added to the list in 2008. Basically the Irish are replacing teams that combined for .500 winning percentage with others that finished last season 19-42 (.311)!

A refocused group, a much easier season opener, and Tenacious T roaming the defensive sidelines, will make 2008 a year to remember for Irish fans!