Are You Ready To See Notre Dame Return to Glory

OK, last week I went 2-4 to move my record to 13-17. This is a new week, and my Irish team faces the #1 ranked USC Trojans. A win this week would be the biggest moment in Notre Dame football in twelve years. That itch needs to be scratched. If the Trojans, winners of 27 straight, can't stop the Irish, then I must elevate ND Nation to the #1 spot, regardless of the loyalty pledge signed by Nihilist Wannabee Bill. Here are my picks for this weekend (from USA Today's opening line), followed by a beautiful poem:

Notre Dame + 12 v. Southern Cal
Penn State + 3 1/2 @ Michigan
Arizona -5 v. Stanford

Falcolns -4 1/2 @ Saints
Bears -2 v. Sexual Deviants
Chargers -2 @ Raiders

Finally, the poem "Trojans," by C. P. Cavafy

Our efforts are those of the unfortunate;
our efforts are like those of the Trojans.
Somewhat we succeed; somewhat
we regain confidence; and we start
to have courage and high hopes.

But something always happens and stops us.
Achilles in the trench before us
emerges and with loud cries terrifies us.--

Our efforts are like those of the Trojans.
We believe that with resolution and daring
we will alter the blows of destiny,
and we stand outside to do battle.

But when the great crisis comes,
our daring and our resolution vanish;
our soul is agitated, paralyzed;
and we run around the walls
seeking to save ourselves in flight.

Nevertheless, our fall is certain. Above,
on the walls, the mourning has already begun.
The memories and the sentiments of our days weep.
Bitterly Priam and Hecuba weep for us.