It's almost as if you're wearing a bull's-eye on your back. Nearly everyone, from a salivating media to a disillusioned fan base, has had their sights set on the reeling Irish and opened fire. The Domers have been shot full of holes by both foe and friend alike.  It's hard to image that Notre Dame has taken more hits over any period in their storied history than they have in the past five weeks.

They've become whipping boys for the press. They've become the brunt of unflattering and nasty jokes. They've been mocked and ridiculed. They've been beat down almost to the point of humiliation.

Yes, some of the condemnation has been malicious and over the top. Some has been extreme and cruel. But, sad to say, much of it has been accurate and true. And no matter how painful it may be to hear the Irish trashed in such a derogatory manner, if the critiques are valid, then trying to refute them is futile. You can't deny reality. And as Charlie Weis is so fond of saying, "It is what it is!"

Now, it would be easy to pile on the Irish at this stage. Kicking them when they're so far down would hardly represent a challenge. For there are so many areas in which they can be ripped and taken to task.

You can point to any facet of the team and be critical of it. It goes without saying that there's more than enough blame to go around. Everyone had been a culprit. Each player and coach should take a long and lingering look in the mirror.

And yet, as hard as it may be to believe, as difficult as it seems to find a bright side in the midst of this complete and unprecedented implosion, there are some positives that are surfacing.

So, in the interests of taking a different tack, let's refrain from bashing the Irish into oblivion. Instead, let's take the high road and focus in on some upside surrounding this disappointing and winless team.

Since it all starts with the quarterback, let's begin there. Frosh Jimmy Clausen has been sorely tested in his inaugural season but, on balance, he's held up well. Though he's taken a severe beating because of a faulty offensive line, Clausen hasn't blinked. He's dusted himself off after every sack and has bravely come back for more.

Gradually, his game is coming together and last Saturday versus Purdue, Clausen showed signs of true maturation. When given ample time, Clausen was accurate and precise. He really whipped the ball to his targets and except for an ill-advised toss under pressure, made sound decisions. His numbers were more than solid ( 18 for 26, 169 yards, 1 TD ) and his game management was notable. 

Clausen' command in the huddle is growing each week as is his confidence level. Making steady progress each time he steps onto the field, Clausen is giving every indication that he can become a big-time quarterback in the very near future.

Another bright spot for the Irish in the loss to the Boilermakers was Clausen's backup, junior Evan Sharpley. With Clausen sidelined with a troublesome hip, Sharpley took over and ND suffered no offensive drop-off. The 6-2  Sharpley was crisp with his throws and was in rhythm. He was poised in the pocket and played with moxie and purpose.

Yes, he forced an interception late in the game that doomed any Irish comeback hopes but, beyond that, he truly stood out. With his sparkling outing ( 16 for 26, 208 yards, 2 TD's ), Sharpley answered a lot of questions about his skills and viability. He proved he can get the job done. Based on what happened Saturday, if given sufficient help from other quarters, it now looks like the Domers have two legitimate quarterbacks with whom they can move the football.

More good news came in the form of three precocious receivers whose eye-opening play bodes well for the continued evolution of the passing game. Man, did they make their presence felt!They each shined in their own individual way.

Robbie Parris was the consummate possession receiver. The 6-4 sophomore ran exacting routes and showed nice hands by spearing seven catches for 93 yards. He's rapidly beginning to resemble a Jeff Samardzija clone.

Rangy freshman Duval Kamara really had a coming-out party and perhaps, a career-changing day ( six catches, 68 yards, 1 TD ). He used his considerable size ( 6-5, 222 lbs. ) to maximum advantage and provided a huge and inviting target. Kamara was particularly effective on slant routes where he was able to get inside position on opposing cornerbacks.

Kamara plays with a cool that belies his years. Couple that with his sheer athleticism and Kamara just might be a major factor for a good long while.

Finally, there was the flashy Golden Tate who was part acrobat and flyer. Defying gravity and leaping to great heights, Tate made a pair of spectacular grabs worthy of any highlight reel. He simply skied over the enemy and outfought them for the ball. His three catches translated into 104 yards and a score.

Tate has big-play written all over him. He could quickly develop into the game-breaking type of player the Irish so desperately need. Off his performance versus Purdue, it would behoove coach Charlie Weis to make sure that Tate gets more than his share of touches.