On SI.com: From SI's Nov. 26, 2012 issue

On SI.comThe stories from Sports Illustrated's Nov. 26, 2012 issue: More from last week's SI issue. Notre Dame is one win away from playing for the national

SI Staff | Nov 21, 2012

On SI.com: From SI's Nov. 26, 2012 issue /

On SI.comThe stories from Sports Illustrated's Nov. 26, 2012 issue:

More from last week's SI issue.

Notre Dame is one win away from playing for the national title, which has shocked the college football world and most Notre Dame fans. SI's Tim Layden explores the rediscovery of one of college football's traditional powerhouses. Elite or arrogant? Self-righteous or proud? No team sparks up a more spirited debate than the Irish, who are two wins away from college football supremacy.

Which athlete inspired you the most this year? Which coompetitor displayed the most fortitude, courage and strength of character? Log onto Facebook.com/SportsIllustrated and rank the most inspiring performers as selected by SI editors. The winner will be featured in the Dec. 17 issue of the magazine.

Forty-four years ago, USC featured a star running back named O.J. Simpson who was expected to trample the Notre Dame defense. The Irish built a pocket to stuff Simpson, and then trotted out a young quarterback named Joe Theismann. Read Dan Jenkins' memorable 1968 piece about one of the many great games in the storied rivalry.

In a year that was supposed to devoted almost solely to passing and 5,000-yard passing seasons, offenses like Houston, Seattle and Tampa Bay have re-established the importance of a dependable ground game. Chris Burke takes a detailed look at what he considers the ten best runs of the 2012 season. Whether it's the breakaway speed of Darren McFadden or the elusiveness of Jamaal Charles, Burke breaks down the elements of each run and why all ten are near-perfect plays.