Analysis: Can traditional powers like Notre Dame and Texas become bowl eligible?

One of the unusual trends this season has been traditional programs struggling. No one envisioned Notre Dame, a team one season removed from playing in a New Year’s Six Bowl, starting 2-4. Because of slow starts by powerhouses like the Fighting Irish, some perennial postseason participants could be in danger of failing to win enough games to become bowl-eligible.

With that in mind, here’s a closer look at how these teams ended up where they are, their upcoming schedules, and the chances of making a bowl game.

Oregon (2-4)

The Ducks lost four straight and have looked helpless in the process. The defense is a hot mess, as Oregon is 126th in the FBS in total defense, surrendering 522.3 total yards a game. However, as bad as the defense has been, it’s nothing compared to the attitude of this team.

“We’ve got some guys on our team, who are busting their tails to win and other guys on our team that don’t even care if we win,” Oregon senior Cameron Hunt remarked to The Register-Guard. Due to the rift on the team and the defensive struggles, Oregon’s outlook isn’t good.

Oregon still faces the likes of California, Arizona State, USC, Stanford, Utah State, and Oregon State. The Ducks must win at least four of these six contests, and that doesn’t seem likely. Oregon played for the national title two seasons ago, they could end this season with a losing record.

Chances of making a bowl: Don’t bet on it

Notre Dame (2-4)

The Fighting Irish is another program in a tailspin, as they have lost three of their last four contests, including a monsoon-soaked affair against NC State.

Nothing about this team invokes confidence right now. They can’t run the ball effectively and their defense allows 417 total yards per contest. Making things even more glum for Fighting Irish fans is the fact Notre Dame has games against Stanford, Miami, Navy, Army, Virginia Tech, and USC upcoming. Unless they find a way to improve quickly, the Fighting Irish might not win five games this year.

Chances of making a bowl: Unlikely

Texas (2-4)

Often overlooked because of the Longhorns’ secondary woes, Texas is improving in many areas. Its balanced offensive attack has kept the Horns in games, and the defensive front seven has done well stopping runs between the tackles. However, the secondary allowing at least 390 passing yards in three straight games is why Texas is in the position it is.

With games against Iowa State, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas Tech, West Virginia, Kansas, and TCU on the way, they’ll be plenty of opportunities for the Longhorns’ offense to have big games. There will also be ample chances of their secondary being picked apart by good quarterbacks. If Charlie Strong finds a way to improve the secondary, then Texas has the offensive firepower to beat enough teams to earn a bowl bid. But as it stands, that’s a big if.

Chances of making a bowl: It’s a tossup

LSU (3-2)

The Tigers’ 42-7 win over Missouri was a revelation that this team possesses the talent to be an awesome force. With LSU gaining 634 total yards against the Tigers, it should be a confidence booster for an offense that has struggled with consistency this season. They’ll need to continue that development to have a chance at the postseason.

The real problem is LSU plays in the SEC West, so it still has upcoming games against Ole Miss, Alabama, and a surging Texas A&M squad. There's a winnable game remaining against Southern Miss, but it will be the tossup contests against Arkansas and Florida that could determine the trajectory of LSU’s season.

Chances of making a bowl: Probable