It’s the biggest game for Notre Dame since the #5 ranked Irish faced #1 USC in 2005.  Yes, I’m invoking the “Bush Push” game one more time.  I’m sorry, Irish fans.

The “Bush Push” game has been referenced quite a bit over the past few weeks.  However, this game honestly doesn’t remind me that clash of the titans.  This game reminds me more of a game in the 2002 season, when the #6 ranked Irish faced the #11 ranked Free Shoes University(Florida State, for those who missed the Steve Spurrier reference).   Notre Dame was the higher ranked team, but being untested and on the road, the #11 Seminoles were the favorites.

Sound familiar, anyone?

Could the underdogs pull off another “upset” again?  Just maybe.

Notre Dame’s defense will have to remain national championship caliber, it’s trademark during this 2012 campaign. Even ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit referenced this as the key to today – Landry Jones and the Sooners wide receivers versus ND’s defense.  I am a firm believer in the defense wins championships philosophy.  However, I don’t necessarily agree with Herbstreit.  It’s an important matchup, but not the most important.

Here’s the key to tonight’s game:  Everett Golson to Tyler Eifert.

Not to go all John Madden on you, but if the Irish expect to win tonight, they’ll have to score a few touchdowns.  It would be nice if Manti Te’o and company could do all the scoring for them.  Something tells me the offense will have to contribute.

Golson must find Tyler Eifert tonight.  In Golson’s previous three starts, he’s found Eifert, a future first-round draft pick, a total of three times.  Three.  That’s it.  That will have to change if the Irish expect to remain undefeated.

I know defenses are doubling down on Eifert.  TJ Jones will be featured in a lot of one-on-one matchups once again.  Golson will have to continue to find Jones in order to keep defenses honest.  But…Golson cannot abandon Eifert like he has in recent weeks.  Eifert must have an impact if the Irish expect to win.  Golson must remain confident in his ability to throw strikes and find his man Eifert.

Tyler Eifert is ready for the big stage.  Let’s hope Everett Golson can send Eifert on his way.  If he can, expect the Irish to remain unbeaten after tonight.