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Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o isn't done writing legacy

Manti Te'o came back for his senior season with the Fighting Irish for this very scenario: To run onto the field at Senior Day and help the Irish pursue an undefeated season.

By Peter Berkes
Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

One of the reasons linebacker Manti Te'o did not leave Notre Dame early for the NFL is he wanted to participate in Senior Day. This Saturday, he'll do just that. He also has a chance to go down as one of the best player in the history of the program, if he can help guide them to an undefeated record and possible championship.

Te'o has become an unlikely candidate to become a Heisman Trophy finalist. While he remains a long shot to win by virtue of being a defensive player, it's quite possible he'll be in New York when the award is handed out. However, that isn't the trophy he's after:

"I think when my name is being tossed around as a national champion, that's what I'm looking for," Te'o said. "You ask any Heisman winner that wasn't a national champion what they would rather be, and I think they would rather be the latter, a national champion."

The Fighting Irish face what would seem to be an easy game against Wake Forest on Saturday in South Bend, but could be in for a look ahead game, as their regular season finale against USC looms on Nov. 24.