... excitement and lofty expectations. A perceived soft schedule and the best on-paper offense had most expecting a BCS run and 10 wins.

What unraveled as the season progressed was maybe on of the more depressing and confusing years of pigskin ever played in South Bend.

After a year of lost leads and disappointment in 2008, 2009 was believed to be a year of redemption. Junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen and junior WR Golden Tate were mentioned highly on preseason watch lists, the offensive line had a new coach and was thought to be much improved, and the defense was deeper and faster.

Coach Charlie Weis seemed certain to remain in his job for at least 2010.

The season started well in a blowout win versus Nevada, in which t...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - College Football