We start this edition of Pod of Gold wondering exactly what's wrong with the Atlantic Coast Conference. Specifically, what the league has against Notre Dame of late with its "Team A vs. Team B" comparison nonsense, and then deciding that, yeah, it's a good idea for the game at Stanford to kick at 10:30 p.m. The Irish, in fairness, have remained quiet and calm and composed as they chase down another College Football Playoff at-large bid.

We then spend time with former SMU running back Craig James, who has again teamed up with former backfield buddy Eric Dickerson to create the Pony Express Award, which is presented to “the most dynamic, selfless tandem in college football.” Notre Dame running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are up for the award. James talks what makes the two so dynamic, talks Irish football and talks CFP. He even talks a little "Pony Excess."

We look back a little bit on Pittsburgh and look forward a little bit to Syracuse, then close with a hot take and bold prediction as Notre Dame looks to run its win streak to nine.