According to the college football preseason polls, Notre Dame’s program did not register in the Top 25. Coach Brian Kelly along with his team never faltered in their focus and belief that they would achieve the elusive number one rank in the nation. With impressive wins on the road, and two overtime wins at home, Notre Dame exemplified the meaning of football mental toughness and the power of a positive focus.

This is Kelly’s third season with the Fighting Irish, and his football confidence in his team is evident with the team’s goals. Kelly worked to establish player’s with a football mind, and overall mental toughness. He is known for his high standards of excellence, but also for developing relationships with his players. Kelly didn’t look to the polls for reassurance of his program, but rather steadily relied on his team’s victories to ultimately demand the #1 ranking with an undefeated season. He stated, “We’re not doing this to be No. 1 for three or four days, we’re doing this to have a consistent program that’s in the hunt every year. That’s the focus of this program.”

Senior linebacker Manti Te’o consistently exhibited an outstanding football mental game as well as superb defensive statistics on the field. His stellar season leads to speculation of a Heisman nomination, unusual for any defensive player. His spectacular senior achievements on the field are even more impressive considering the emotional struggles he experienced in his personal life. During this season his girlfriend passed away after a battle with leukemia, followed three weeks later with the passing for his grandmother. His girlfriend’s funeral was held on the day Notre Dame played Michigan, so he was unable to attend. Although saddened, he still managed to honor her by garnering two interceptions. Te’o demonstrated a remarkable ability to maintain mental toughness and focus on the present in the game while later dealing with outside life issues. His unselfish dedication to his team motivated those around him to continue to improve and play hard as well. Known for his solid faith Te’o said, “We’re going to have our ups and downs. We’re going to have our good days and our bad days. For me, I’ve learned when that storm does come what foundation I have.”

Notre Dame’s football program is full of legends and success. Their history is arguably one of the most prolific and glorified throughout the years of college football. However, in recent years there was speculation that the football program might never rise again to the pinnacle of a National Championship title. The 2012 team’s consistent mental preparation and focus on team goals, allowed for dominant play when overcoming formidable adversaries and naysayers along the way. This year’s Fighting Irish humbled their doubters with the only BCS eligible undefeated season, thus sealing their own destiny in the NCAA National Title game in January. Their opponent has yet to be decided, but what is already determined is that no other BCS football team finished the year with a perfect record.