First, have you watched this yet? If not, do it:

UND.com Notre Dame - UM Game Primer (via NotreDameAthletics)

Now then.

A friend recently posted this on Facebook. Eerie stats. I did a quick fact check, but if anyone wants to double-check it, be my guest.

In 1987, the Irish beat Michigan State at home by scoring 31 points.
In 2011, the Irish beat Michigan State at home by scoring 31 points.

In 1987, the Irish finished the season with 8 wins.
In 2011, the Irish finished the season with 8 wins.

In 1987, the Irish lost their bowl game, a game they led early on.
In 2011, the Irish lost their bowl game, a game they led early on.

In 1987, the Irish lost their all-time leading receiver to graduation.
In 2011, the Irish lost their all-time leading receiver to graduation.

In 1988, the Irish beat Michigan State by a score of 20-3.
In 2012, the Irish beat Michigan State by a score of 20-3.

The starting quarterback from ND in 1988 was from South Carolina.
The starting quarterback from ND in 2012 is from South Carolina.

The coach of that 1988 team was in his third season as head coach.
The coach of the 2012 team is in his third season as head coach.

Both teams had at least one important player from the state of Hawaii ( Teo, Ho).

In 1988, after 3 games the Irish had scored 91 points. (was 90 in original post)
In 2012, after 3 games the Irish have scored 90 points.

The 1988 team had given up 27 points in three games. (was 30 in original post)
The 2012 team has given up 30 in three games.

Lou Holtz's record after 29 games, 19-10.
Brian Kelly's record after 29 games, 19-10.

The 1988 team beat one ranked team in the first three games -- ranked 9th. (was 10th in original post)
The 2012 team has beaten one ranked team in the first three games -- ranked 10th.

And what happened in 1988? I'm not saying we'll win a NC this year... but those stats are eerie.