Notre Dame, Ind (UHND) - Its been a over a full 24 hours since Boston College ruined Notre Dame's shot at a perfect season - and a sliver of optimism is starting to build again. In a early look at the BCS standings after the upsets yesterday, Notre Dame is projected at #7 in the BCS and not entirely out of the national title hunt. Only 3 teams remain unbeaten with a shot at the title (Miami, Oklahoma, and Ohio State). The other team ahead of Notre Dame are Texas, Washington State, and Georgia. It will take a lot of luck and Notre Dame's chances at getting to Tempe are longer only in their hands, but its not over just yet.

In first place is Oklahoma and it doesn't look like they are going to lose this year in the regular season. They have shown that they are the best team in the Big 12. Oklahoma has Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State left on their schedule. None of Oklahoma's opponents should give the Sooners too much trouble other than Texas A&M which gets to face the Sooners at home. I don't see Oklahoma losing before the end of the season and they should keep their #1 ranking till the bowl season.

The second place team is Miami, the defending champ. Miami has look vulnerable over the last few weeks and with games coming up against Pitt, Virginia Tech, and Tennessee, an undefeated season is no longer looking like a lock. Miami has been susceptible against the run and Virginia Tech has one of the best running games in the nation. Pitt can also move the ball on the ground - just ask Virginia Tech. There is a very good chance that Miami could lose at least one game before the end of the season and if Notre Dame was ranked just below Miami when both teams had 1 loss (despite ND being ranked 5 spots below Miami in the human polls) it is not unrealistic to think that Notre Dame could be ranked near/above Miami if they both have a loss.

Coming in at #3 is Ohio State. Ohio State has 3 games remaining - Purdue, Illinois, and Michigan. The Big Ten has of working itself out of the national title hunt since it is a strong, tough conference. Teams in the Big Ten have a tough time making it through the season undefeated because of their conference schedules. Ohio State is 10-0, but could find itself outside of the BCS mix if it looks past either Purdue or Illinois before their yearly showdown with Michigan. Purdue is an improving team with a good ground game and an offensive system that can put up points. Purdue has lost to Iowa and Michigan by a combined 6 points. Purdue is capable of knocking off Ohio State this weekend and Michigan loves to end Ohio State's title hopes whenever they can.

The #4 team is the second least likely to lose in my opinion. Texas is #4 right now and has games left against Baylor, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M. Texas usually finds a way to choke when they have a chance to go all the way. If Texas runs the table and avoids being upset, they could very well be playing Oklahoma in the title game. Oklahoma would probably rather see no one else more should the opportunity present itself because they have Texas' number and Chris Simms seems to not be able to beat the Sooners.

The fifth ranked team is the most likely to lose a game of those teams ranks ahead of Notre Dame. Washington State is ranked #5 but has a remaining schedule of Washington, UCLA, Oregon, and Hawaii - four teams with a combined record of 22-12. Of those four teams, Washington has the worst record at 4-5, take them out of the equation and 3 of Washington State's final 3 opponents have a combined record of 18-7. Washington State has the toughest road ahead of them of the top 10 teams and I would not be surprised if they add two more loses to their record before the end of the season especially since Washington State's defense isn't too strong.

The last team ahead of Notre Dame is Georgia. Georgia faces Auburn, Ole Miss, and Georgia Tech - not easiest stretch as they sport a 15-11 record. Georgia Tech ended NC State's perfect season and would love to crush any title hopes that Georgia may have in their regular season finale.

While, things may seem bleak for the Irish, the chance is there. Notre Dame has to first and foremost take care of business and win out. The next two games shouldn't be a problem in Navy and Rutgers before ending the season against USC. Notre Dame can't overlook Navy or Rutgers however. Rutgers gave Miami all they could handle for three quarters before the 'Canes put up 28 in the fourth quarter. Notre Dame can win out. If they win the next two games they will head into USC at 10-1 while USC could be 9-2 and a top 10 team since they are currently 9th in the BCS.

The point of this article is to point out that the season is far from over. Notre Dame can still sneak its way into Tempe, but they need to focus and regroup after the devastating loss this weekend. Ty and the team need to forget about the loss and focus solely on Navy. We the fans can lament a couple more days and complain about how the Jenkins TD should have counted or how BC scored its 2nd TD or how Notre Dame's short yardage third down offense came up short - literally but the team needs to regroup and focus. With Willingham at the helm I have no doubt that the team is already thinking about stopping Navy. Don't give up though as there is still a chance. "What tho the odds be great or small."