The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are, in terms of record versus the FBS since 2010, not an elite school. We proved earlier this week, in fact, that the Irish are closer to teams like the Nebraska Huskers and Louisville Cardinals rather than the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Ohio State Buckeyes. It’s hard to argue with the black and white when presented in such stark terms.

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However, that didn’t stop Stewart Mandel from proclaiming the Fighting Irish one of many kings in the sport. Record scratch.

That can’t be. Mandel’s list claims the Irish are on the same level as Ohio State? Alabama? USC? We’ve proven that to be patently false. Where is this coming from?

Well, Mandel admits that his formula “isn’t exactly scientific”. It includes TV contracts, iconic mascots, and jersey combinations. Through that lens, it does make a little more sense. Until the Irish can pull themselves closer to the Tide, Trojans and Buckeyes however, it won’t mean very much.

Incredible News: Paralyzed Player Walks Again

Two years ago, Southern University receiver Devon Gales was injured while blocking on a kickoff return against the Georgia Bulldogs. As a result of the neck injury, Gales was paralyzed from the waist down.

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In the wake of the injury and throughout Gales’ rehab, an uplifting story emerged from a tragedy. Gales had surgery and has been rehabbing for two years, and all the while the Georgia Bulldogs have been supportive of the injured player, even holding a fundraiser.

On Thursday, two years of rehab began to show results. Gales shared a video on his twitter of him taking a few steps, with assistance. We wish Devon the best with his continued recovery.

NCAA Sanctions Circus Continues

Notre Dame fans should be more than familiar with the drama surrounding the North Carolina Tar Heels and the NCAA infractions committee. When the NCAA came down swiftly and with force on the Notre Dame football team for academic infractions, many Notre Dame fans were perplexed when comparing the two cases.

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On one hand, Notre Dame self reported, and really got absolutely no credit for it. For North Carolina, there have been allegations, and the university has fought those allegations at every turn. As a result, no sanctions have been handed down, and North Carolina teams have flourished.

Read up on all the juicy details regarding lack of oversight and the latest turn in the stories here, courtesy of the News & Observer.