Someone used that phrase on the boards today, and I resolved to add it to my lexicon. And it’s applicable now, because given the events and my writings of the last couple days, I want to make sure an important point doesn’t get lost here.

I still want Charlie Weis to succeed.

I have no reason to dislike the man personally. I’ve had two interactions with him in the four years he’s been on the job, and both have been (at the very least) cordial. I’ve got no dog in any hunt for his failure, as I’ve no reason to gloat or personal scores to settle.

I have no reason to dislike the man professionally. As I’ve said numerous times, his work ethic laps the combined efforts of his two predecessors. He certainly has more of a personal connection to the school than Davie or Willingham did, and if I can’t root for a member of the Family to succeed, what’s the point?

That’s what makes this all so hard. There’s nothing I’d like more than for Charlie to get this turned around. I just can’t see my way clear to predicting it with any reasonable certainty.

Next season is shaping up to be a very good one. With the recruits coming in and the talent on hand, we should be incredible on offense. Weapons at both the WR and RB position, with the TE contributing both in the blocking and attacking modes, and two five-star QB’s to get the ball to them. The one thing that can stop it is if the OL continues to grossly underperform.

Defense looks to be improved as well. The young turks in the front seven will be seasoned and ready to contribute. Walls will be back from his missing year, making a strong position (DB) even stronger. If the backfield and front seven can stay on the same page, this may be the strongest defense ND has had since Davie left.

The schedule is favorable, with only four true road games, and one of those at Stanford. Nevada is tough, but not so tough they should give ND a game. Michigan is still rebuilding. MSU and BC lose a lot of their good players from this season and will have to come to South Bend, and Purdue and Washington will have both talent issues and will be breaking in new coaches. Wazzu set futility records this year, Navy is one more year removed from Paul Johnson, and Pitt and Stanford are Pitt and Stanford. On paper, Southern Cal is the true question mark, and after four top-10 recruiting classes in a row, we’re as prepared as we’re ever going to be to give them a game, particularly at home.

These are the kinds of opportunities great Notre Dame teams of the past have taken advantage of. These are the kinds of seasons great Notre Dame coaches have used to build their legacy.

The question becomes: What will Charlie and this team do?

I want to predict great things. But I look back on the last four seasons and see critical problems not addressed. Our running game has looked average at best, and awful the last two years. The OL is not in sync and is not tough. The S&C; program leaves a lot to be desired, as our players look neither strong nor quick. And Charlie is still trying to figure out, as he called it, “this head coaching thing”.

The 2009 season is hanging out there like a big ol’ eephus pitch, just begging to be knocked out of the park. Those opportunities don’t come around every season, and we haven’t had a good swing in over 15 years. I don’t know if my psyche can take it if we not only miss the ball, but end up turned around in the dirt.

I want Charlie to succeed, and if he does, I’ll be happy for him. But if he doesn’t, that’s going to be it, for both him and for Jack.