Notre Dame Football Power Rankings: We got this

Now that the Brian Kelly press conference is over with and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have officially begun fall camp, we really need to start ranking things. It’s a top 10 of the best stuff of course (or something like that), and will be updated weekly throughout the season. What kind of stuff? Well... stuff.

We fully reserve the right to publish a couple of these before the regular season begins, and here is the first go.

1) Football is back

This is absolutely number one right now because IT IS HAPPENING. The boys are set to head to Culver this weekend, and so begins the months of our most socially acceptable vice.

2) Beth Elston’s cookies

These sacks of deliciousness were already legendary, but after we got to listen to Tyler James and Eric Hansen eat these bad boys over their Pod of Gold podcast — my jealousy exploded. You’re welcome Notre Dame media.

3) J.D. Bertrand

Why is J.D. Bertrand so high on this list right now? Besides the fact of “because I said so,” there is a large part of me that loves to hear the most un-obvious freshman name mentioned glowingly by Brian Kelly.

4) Michael Bertsch

It was announced right before Brian Kelly’s press conference that Director of Notre Dame Football Media Relations, Michael Bertsch, will be leaving shortly for a new job with the Pittsburgh Steelers. We thank Bertsch for being foolish enough open-minded to the internet and giving more access to sites like this. HOLLA!

5) Culver

I mean... this is where it all starts for real, so we are just going to slot this in as homage to the football gods (translation: good health).

Mike Miller/One Foot Down

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6) Julian Okwara

The more and more I talk about Julian Okwara, the more I keep thinking about Justin Tuck. Many of us have Julian pegged to make a run at Tuck’s record — but is he really as good as Tuck was in 2004? Well, shit... yeah, I think he can be.

7) No Shamrock Series in 2019

And that’s great. I will refrain from talking about this abomination scheduling magic until at least January. Yay for all of you!

8) Jeweled Shillelagh

The Irish have a chance to win the Jeweled Shillelagh against the USC Trojans for a third year in a row. If they do, it will be the first time the Irish won three straight over Southern Cal since the wins from 1999-2001.

9) Bridget’s Buttons

I’ve been calling for NBC to put Brady Quinn in the booth for quite some time — but our friend Bridget threw some spice on that shit and gave it some shine:

10) Green Out

Notre Dame has decided to embrace another “Green Out” for 2019, and we should probably get used to the fact that they will start doing this annually (hello Clemson). Seeing as how “The Shirt” is blue this year, perhaps you need a fresh new green one? We can help you there with a couple different options.

South Bend Against The World Shirt

• $28

It’s a mentality.

Blue and gold print on a super-comfortable kelly green tee. Premium, lightweight blended crewneck (60% cotton/40% polyester). Durable, yet ultra-soft. Unisex sizing with a snug fit. Men should size up; women should size down. Designed and screened in the USA.

• $28 at Breaking T

The Alternative To “The Shirt”

• $28

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The shirt for all your victory-clogging needs.

Blue, gold and white print on a super-comfortable heather green tee.

Premium, lightweight blended crewneck (60% cotton/40% polyester). Durable, yet ultra-soft.

Unisex sizing with a snug fit. Men should size up; women should size down.

Designed by Ben Markowitz.

Screened in the USA.

• $28 at Breaking T