Bears QB Jay Cutler pulling for Notre Dame

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler isn't just a Vanderbilt Commodores fan when it comes to college football.

The Indiana native grew up watching a particular team that just so happens to be the No. 1 team in the nation, according to ESPN.com.

"I grew up a huge Notre Dame fan," Cutler said on "The Jay Cutler Show" on ESPN 1000. "I wanted to go there. I wanted to play football there. Never got an opportunity.

"I think it's good for college football to have them back. I think there are a lot of people who dislike Notre Dame, but a lot of people dislike the Miami Heat and the (Los Angeles) Lakers. It just kind of comes with goods team that win and that have got tradition. ... I would love to see them in the national championship."

Cutler is hoping the Fighting Irish can stay on top, needing to beat a USC Trojans team without Matt Barkley on Saturday to make the national championship game a reality. In all likelihood, Notre Dame will face the Alabama Crimson Tide if Nick Saban's team can beat the Auburn Tigers and then win the SEC title game.

Of course, Cutler has his own concerns. The signal-caller is trying to get back from a concussion suffered two weeks ago against the Houston Texans. Without Cutler, Jason Campbell was humbled on Monday against the vaunted San Francisco 49ers defense.

The Bears will take on the Minnesota Vikings this week in a NFC North showdown.