Notre Dame rallied in the fourth quarter to beat San Diego State 21-13 in their home opener Saturday evening. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen was 21 for 34 for 237 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw two picks.

The Irish won, but their performance was rather reminiscent of last year. San Diego State was a double-digit underdog and yet gained more total yards, turned the ball over less and flat out outplayed Notre Dame for three quarters. If it weren’t for a couple of costly mistakes in the third quarter, SDS embarrasses ND on their home turf and maybe Charlie Weis doesn’t make it out of the parking lot without his pink slip.

Look, I’m not a Notre Dame-hater. I just think it’s a little ridiculous that a football program still has their own national television contract and they put on performances like the one Saturday. The game was pathetic and it looks like the Irish are in for another long season.