College football is better when Notre Dame is good. It's like the NBA when the Celtics are good, or baseball when the Cubs are playing well.

Now, as a USC alum, it is hard for me to root for Notre Dame. But it becomes easier knowing what a class university it is, and how respectful the Irish and their fans are when they play the Trojans. I was part of that rivalry and will always remember how the Notre Dame fans treated my mom and dad when we played in South Bend. They treated them like they were Notre Dame alums. I took a recruiting trip to Notre Dame and knew then it was a special place and that has not changed. All those haters of Notre Dame better get their shots in now because I guarantee you their fortunes will change for the better.

They have been a slow, underachieving team for a while now, but it's Notre Dame, and great athletes want to be part of that unreal tradition. The Irish can only get better. This is an offense that was young and, at times, embarrassing (119th in total offense in 2007). I assure you that will not happen in 2008. They have a schedule that favors them and should result in a Bowl Game. BCS? Not this year, unless touchdown Jesus brings miracles to the Irish.

The other reason they will be better is head coach Charlie Weiss, who I believe is as good an offensive mind as there is in football, period. But you must have players and Coach Weiss is now starting to get his type of player, which means the Irish will become dangerous again.

Yes, college football is better when Notre Dame is competitive. But let's not get carried away because as much as I like their head coach, and respect the university, there is that one Saturday in November when the Irish travel to USC to play the Trojans. That day, the Irish become the enemy. But I promise this: unlike some other rivalries, there won't be fights and cars tipped over after that game. Both the Trojan and Irish fans get it. They tailgate together. Win or lose fight on!