SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Was it all just wishful thinking?

Notre Dame put together one of its most magical seasons in years, winning its first 12 games and climbing atop the rankings in what many Fighting Irish fans hoped was a return to glory for one of college football’s most storied programs.

Following an embarrassing 42-14 loss to Alabama in the BCS championship game, the worst loss in three seasons under coach Brian Kelly, the offseason will be filled with questions and a concern that Notre Dame had simply spiked again – seemingly back among the elite – only to fade back to mediocrity or worse.