The History

Afterward, Alabama Coach Nick Saban went on and on about his conference:
the impossible schedule; the long list of contenders, each with at least
one loss; the rosters filled with so much N.F.L. talent that Alabama and
Georgia could nearly stock a competitive professional roster by
themselves. The SEC, Saban correctly noted, "will test your mettle."

His sister, Saban continued, did the math: SEC teams made up 60 percent
of the top 10 and only 20 percent of B.C.S. bowl teams. All the
reporters laughed. But Saban had a point.

And so, the question lingered. Does Notre Dame, the country's No.
1-ranked team, have any sort of chance? Would the dream final end up in
a blowout?

Notre Dame did win that game in 1987. The Fighting Irish do lead the
series, 5-1. They did topple top-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in
1973, did defeat No. 2 Alabama in the Orange Bowl in 1975. This, of
course, is not 1973 or 1987. Notre Dame has more than a slight chance in
2012, a good one even, but it might want to start on the prayers this
week. Just in case.