The BCS talking heads and ESPN are talking up ND as an underdog to get people to watch. No matter how much talent either side has, the team that puts it all together for 60 minutes on Jan 7th will win. Just look at the Sugar Bowl in 2009.
ND as a national brand and not playing for a championship in so long is a great story and the fact that they can talk up ND as having a chance to beat Bama (history and another national brand) and the SEC (finally!), then they are going to continue to push buttons with vague references.
I am sure each player in each locker room could care less who is favored. From the interviews I have seen and read, they respect Bama and our players respect them. The players are not worried about who won the previous games between the 2 schools. I think it is safe to say that the last time Bama played ND in football, none of the players on either side were born (1987) unless some of the players are 25+.
I chose 24-10 for Bama in the score thread, and think Bama scores late to give that margin.
ND does not have UGA or UT's offense so I dont think they can put up #s against our D. I think we can score and limit the turnovers on our end. I don't think it will be a blowout (+21), but I do think we lead ND in all 3 phases.
Plus our players have been there, ND has not and neither has their coach!