This is not a consolation prize.
This isn't where we wanted to end up, but that doesn't matter now. If we think we can just show up and win this game, we will be greatly disappointed. Notre Dame wants this. Badly. The last time the Fighting Irish beat the Buckeyes FDR was president of the United States. A gallon of gas cost 10 cents. Rudy would not be born for another 12 years. Since that Notre Dame victory in 1936, Ohio State has won 3 straight in the series, including a win in the Fiesta Bowl exactly 10 years ago. Notre Dame wants this badly.
This is not a meaningless game.
This is about defining a legacy. This class of seniors has the opportunity to win their 50th game. 50 wins in 4 years. No Power 5 team has ever done that before. This might not be a playoff game but it means a lot to a bunch of guys who have poured their hearts into this team. This isn't a championship game; it's a send-off to some special players. Make it a good one.
This is not an insult.
We can believe that we should have been in the final four. Or that we should have been selected by the Rose Bowl. But when it comes down to it, we didn't win when it mattered most. And the Fiesta Bowl vs Notre Dame is still a great game and a great opportunity and it's what we deserve. There are over 100 FBS teams that would gladly trade places with us. Play like we understand that and take nothing for granted. This is a big time bowl against a big time team. Notre Dame is two (or maybe just one) play away from being in the playoff themselves. Don't take them lightly.
This is not the end of a disappointing season.
This is the exclamation point on the legacy of a stellar senior class. This is a new beginning. Win number two of a new winning streak. The closing argument on an outstanding 2015 season. With a victory, we build momentum to carry into the off-season and into the 2016 season, where we will strive to be even better.
Go Bucks. Beat Notre Dame.
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