For fans of the Fighting Irish times have been hard of late. The mere fact that a 7-6 record and bowl victory over Hawaii left an uplifting feeling among Irish faithful speaks volumes as to how far the might have fallen since the Sugar Bowl thumping in January 2007.

The last two seasons have not been kind to the Notre Dame football program, as recruiting woes past and experience deficiencies led to two rather forgettable seasons.

For the Irish coaching staff, to call 2009 a "do or die" year would be an understatement.

With four recruiting classes now enrolled, there can be no more fingers pointed back at Ty Willingham. With three of those four classes ranked among college football's best, the talent is here. The burd...

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