Notre Dame, Ind (UHND) - The first set of BCS rankings are out and Notre Dame, #6 in both the AP and Coach's Polls, is ranked #3 - right behind #1 Oklahoma and #2 and defending national champion Miami. Despite being ranked 6th in both polls the Irish are #3 thanks to a top ranked schedule in the country, an average computer ranking of 1.33, and a quality win over #8 Michigan.

With its 7-0 start, Notre Dame has itself positioned very nicely for the rest of the season. A win this weekend would put Notre Dame in a spot to seriously challenge for the national title. After Notre Dame's showdown with Florida State this week the Irish follow up with Boston College at home and then take on Rutgers and Navy before ending the season with USC in another showdown in Southern California.

Not many people thought the Irish would be on the first BCS ranking, let alone sitting at #3 right in the thick of the national title hunt. Notre Dame fans must also swallow their pride and become Michigan fans because Notre Dame's quality win over them is very big right now and would become and even bigger factor if the wolverines won out.

The Irish are definitely one of the biggest surprises of the year and could make a very big statement this weekend. Notre Dame has the chance to be a serious contender for the first time since 1993. Some will argue that they are a contender now, but Notre Dame won't be seen a s a legit contender until they take down the Seminoles. If they beat Florida State they will then have wins over Michigan and Florida State, two of the top 12 teams in the current BCS standings.

Other Notre Dame opponents in the initial rankings include the previously mentioned Wolverines at #8, upcoming opponent Florida State at #12, and rival USC at 14.