Golden Domers will be smiling very soon

Notre Dame holds its title hopes in its own hands Saturday night, and I think this game will be over by the mid-third quarter.

Manti T’eo and the Notre Dame defense will seize the day and the USC Trojans will oblige by turning the ball over at least three times.

I still believe defense wins football games. Max Wittek, the freshman quarterback in for the injured Matt Barkley, is talking a good game right now, but it will be difficult come Saturday night.

I like Notre Dame to steamroll USC by a score of 27-13, and then we will have to wait a month before they line up against Oregon — oh wait, I thought it would be the Ducks against the Irish, but now with Oregon out I’m going with Georgia.

Hey it won’t matter. The Golden Domers will smile for the first time in 19 years Saturday night. And then the Irish and their faithful just have to wait a couple of weeks to see which team they will play.

Hey, what’s a couple of more weeks after almost two decades of futility?

Difference makers:The media is often accused of instigating and irritating ownership, players, agents and others. In 20 years of doing radio, television, print and the web, there have been very few times when I received a thank you or words of praise from someone in the world of sports. I#146;ve had more than a few altercations, phone calls or emails from players or sensitive general managers. I know I#146;m not alone, and I have always realized it#146;s part of the game. This week, however, I believe sports radio and the media backlash toward the NFL over its initial punishment toward Baltimore safety Ed Reed regarding a third flagrant tackle caused the NFL to rethink its position to suspend Reed and fine him a full game check.The hit wasn#146;t flagrant, and since the backlash the penalty was reduced to a $50,000 fine. I can#146;t speak for anyone else, but I thought it unfairly made this future Hall of Famer look like a dirty player. Reed may be the greatest safety to ever play the game. So good for the NFL for changing its position, and to the players, fans and media who fought an injustice and stood up for a great player. Well done by one and all!Sports radio on the StripI am excited to be involved in #147;Score! Be the Legend#148; in Las Vegas at the Luxor hotel. The radio studio next to the food court on the second level of the Luxor will be a broadcasting destination. Adjacent to the studio and unique apparel store are the various sports Hall of Fame exhibits, with awards, trophies and player-worn uniforms from Walter Payton#146;s to Derek Jeter#146;s. The interactive sports stations also are a main attraction for people wanting to simulate the pro athlete experience. I#146;ll be doing my Fox Sports shows at least once a month from there. Sports radio on the strip #151; couldn#146;t be sweeter.NFL picks:I went 0-2 last week so my record is 13-12-1. This week my only pick is Minnesota (+2 frac12;) over Chicago.Program note:Watch me with Mancow Muller at 6 a.m. Monday on Ch. 50 WPWR.Ÿ Mike North#146;s column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.