The Irish played in the national championship game last year and were expected to contend this season. But Everett Golson was suspended and the offensive line was rocked with injuries. They still are thin up front.

The Irish players even admitted they were hoping for warmer weather. Notre Dame will travel 645 miles to Bronx, while it is just 34 miles to Rutgers. Add the Scarlet Knights to the list of teams that really needed the time off to regroup. After losing 5-of-6 straight up, they did salvage their season with a big win over South Florida to become bowl eligible.

The Irish lost a lot of talent on defense too. They did not expect to be playing a bit bowl and they hoped for a nicer climate. A win here can really erase a horrid stretch. It just means much more to the underdogs here.