So I click over on NDNation and they are running an ongoing series of Crystal Ball predictions for this season’s games. Aside from a good breakdown of the upcoming games, they have outlined a pretty successful season (8-1 as of Wednesday). Wow, double digit wins over Michigan and MSU; a 3 point loss to USC. This makes me nervous.

Then I go to SI, reading that, with an upcoming easy schedule, ND will be in the BCS (deservedly this time). This makes me nervous.

Sporting News declares a 10 or 11 win season. This makes me nervous.

ND fans are palpably optimistic going into the ’09 season. I understand this. Returning starters, new coaches, an easy schedule….what could possibly go wrong? In fact, I almost feel the same way, I’m just fighting it off. I remember this mood in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2006 (10 wins, but disappointing).

Am I a downer? Maybe.

Am I ruining the fun? Perhaps.

Am I tempering my expectations? Absolutely.

Recent years have shown me that ND is fully capable of coming out flat and struggling with an overmatched opponent. Let’s just not start counting the wins until we at least see the product on the field.