By Radio Man - www.cfb360.com
Rivalries are the lifeblood of College Football. Florida vs. Georgia, Ohio State vs. Michigan, Southern California vs. UCLA, and Alabama vs. Auburn are just a few of the rivalries that make College Football a great spectacle. But what transcends conference rivalries and make College Football unique are the short, intense series between traditional powers that do not normally play one another. In recent years, Ohio State played Texas, Michigan played Oregon, and Louisiana State played Virginia Tech, to name a few.
The Ohio State vs. Texas match ups were truly great because it brought two tradition-rich programs together during a time when both teams were contending for National Championships. The two games bolstered both programs on and off the field (see recruiting,) and gave their fans and alumni something to enjoy and look forward too all summer. Now the question is why does Notre Dame appear to be shying away from scheduling similar match ups?
Former Notre Dame Athletic Director Dr. Kevin White has left Notre Dame for Duke, much to the delight of many Notre Dame fans. White's ideal scheduling model of seven home games, four road games, and one neutral site game brings in more revenue, no doubt. What it lacks is the ability to attract upper echelon teams for home and home series because like Notre Dame, they desire the financial windfall of playing seven (and sometimes eight – see Ohio State) home games.
Ah, yes, greed. College Football is full of it, Notre Dame included, with or without Dr. White running the Notre Dame Athletic Department. More importantly, White's scheduling model takes away from the tradition of College Football. Fair or not, when Notre Dame makes a scheduling move, other programs are likely to follow. Notre Dame was literally the last of the tier one schools (more on that list in an article later this summer) to fall into the "lets just make money" scheduling category when it added San Diego State to the 2008 home slate. In other words, road kill is coming to South Bend on Sep. 6. The Aztecs are not a traditional rival, are not on an upswing in talent – in fact they are truly down, and do not have a tradition rich program. Yet, Notre Dame added San Diego State to the schedule. The main reason was revenue. The Aztecs do not possess the clout to require Notre Dame to play a return game, meaning the Irish will not be heading to San Diego to play the Aztecs in a future game. Therefore, Dr. White's 7-4-1 model was utilized for the 2008 season (Navy is the neutral site game in Baltimore).
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There has to be middle ground, doesn't there? And there is.
With White gone, there is no better time than now for Notre Dame Football to once again become a trend setter instead of playing follow the leader with regard to peers in college football. Here is how it should work:
For years, Notre Dame and the Big 10 have not seen eye to eye. Fair enough. Both sides have their reasons, and this is no time to reinvent the debate for either side. The one point that is odd, however, involves scheduling, at least with Notre Dame. The Big 10 teams will not play Notre Dame beyond the early portion of the season. It upsets the flow of the Big 10 season, or something to that effect, is what is rumored to be the reason. Hogwash. Michigan is one thing, as they are a peer athletic institution. Honestly, Notre Dame should seriously consider playing that game later in the season, too.
Purdue and Michigan State, however, quite simply do not enjoy the proverbial power to dictate when Notre Dame plays them, if at all. That's just business. If they do not want to reschedule for later in the calendar year, bye-bye. Notre Dame can find other traditional mid-level teams to play. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Purdue and Michigan State, err, the Big 10, cannot dictate to Notre Dame. They hate Notre Dame anyway, give them a reason. Again, it's business. One must use power when power is available. And the TV contracts…they give Notre Dame that power (insert image of Big 10 Athletics Directors gritting their teeth) because mid-level programs need all the revenue they can muster to sustain financial balance within their Athletic Departments (don't get me started on the financial chaos that Title IX created long ago).
In short, Michigan State, Purdue and the like need Notre Dame whether they admit it publicly or not, and not the other way around. If they balk at such an offer from Notre Dame, there will be several other programs lining up at Notre Dame's door waiting to play the Irish during different points in the season, like October and November; hear that Michigan State and Purdue?
With more scheduling balance, i.e. September dates available, Notre Dame could conceivably use the 7-4-1 model and still play a third high level opponent (an additional top team beyond Southern California and Michigan) from the likes of the following five schools:
- Alabama – It has been far too long since the Irish traveled down South to Tuscaloosa to play the Crimson Tide. What a game that would be, the notoriety, the pageantry, the tradition, the TV ratings (hear that ND officials? $$$...), and two tradition rich teams that aspire to be back in the top five of the national polls. This game tops the list, and should be scheduled sooner than later, for a home and home series, of course.
- Texas – This is another team that Notre Dame has some history with, dating back to the early 1970s. Texas has a very good program; Austin is a great city to visit, and its one of the states that Notre Dame has recently tried to invade for more recruits than in recent years. This series makes sense.
- Penn State – It's no secret that Joe Paterno does not like Notre Dame. With that said, he is soon to be out in Happy Valley. The new Nittany Lions head coach would surely be delighted at the idea of playing Notre Dame during the early portion of his tenure. The two schools have played in many great games, and that tradition should continue. In fact, a long term contract would be a good idea.
- Nebraska – With new stewardship, the Nebraska Football Program has an invigorated fan base and sense of optimism. This game would be excellent from a national perspective and give both programs fans something to look forward to.
- Miami – Now that Miami is no longer playing in "Little Havana," or as it was truly called, the Orange Bowl, Notre Dame fans are nearly as likely to be harassed by the ahem…not so nice nearby residents of the Orange Bowl, which quite simply is located in a bad area of Miami. That was a big reason the series was cancelled frowned upon by Notre Dame Administrators, alumni, and fans. It also helps that Miami is a much cleaner program now (how could it have gotten worse than the late 80s/early 90s) and the game would not include all of the taunting and thuggery of the old Miami program due to current NCAA rules. This game, over all the others, would have the most intrigue, but Miami is still not a consistent program, at least not yet.
Other programs such as Arizona State, Oklahoma, Colorado, Oregon, Florida State, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Louisiana State, and Washington should be a part of a rotation of schools that enter and leave the Notre Dame schedule on a periodic basis. It is time for Notre Dame to set the trend once again.
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about 1 month ago
I thought SD State was added to the schedule as a "thanks" for the Mountain West's accepting ND's request to move up the 2002 BYU game in front of the Michigan game? I don't think you can identify that particular scheduling as a motiviation to make money.
from about 1 month ago
I knew about the BYU situation, but there were other ways to repay the Mountain West. The truth, ND wanted a team that they did not have to play on the road in the future. If that was not the case with SDSU, ND officials would not have scheduled SDSU, period.
It's about the money.
Radio Man
from about 1 month ago
This is true. Notre Dame was handcuffed and had to accept this game if they wanted to move the BYU game in 2004. SD State and Nevada insisted on playing at Notre Dame if ND wanted those "dominoes" to fall so the BYU game could be moved at the last minute. I knew the details of this arrangement from friends who work inside the ND athletic department - so trust me, it had absolutely nothing to do with money.
Radio Man, you are an idiot for spreading patently false rumors.
about 1 month ago
While I agree with your overall point, your characterization of adding San Diego State (and in 2009, Nevada) to the schedule is incomplete. These games are pay back for SDSU and Nevada juggling their schedules in 2004 so that Notre Dame could move the BYU game up to the week before Michigan
about 1 month ago
The previous posters are correct. SDSU, and Nevada (in '09) were both added as a "thank you" for changing thier schedules for ND in '04. As far as adding more "powerhouse" teams to the schedule, I disagree that it would be as easy to do as you claim. These teams are NOT "lining up" to play ND. I do believe, however, that Oklahoma will be on the schedule in the near future, so maybe others are soon to follow?
from about 1 month ago
I've heard rumors about Bama and other programs with ND, GA too. The timing of the games could be an problem. Sorry I cannot remember more details off the top of my head.
Radio Man
about 1 month ago
Francesco,
You are correct. It was more like you must play SD State and Nevada if you want BYU to move.
Great points on the Big 11.
I personally would like to see USC move to a set date. USC fans can call it what you want but not traveling to South Bend in the winter is BS! That is the only reason why the dates are different depending on who is home.
IF USC were to move to the back end of the season, ND could booked USC with Michigan.
A perfect schedule for me would be
Week 1 - Non BCS D-1 team
Week 2 - Michigan
Week 3 - Big East (PITT or USF)
Week 4 - Boston College (would love for this to be EVERY YEAR)
Week 5 - Bama - Just a great program and fans who host a great game
Week 6 - Navy
Week 7 - Big East 2 (Rutgers or UCONN)
Week 8 - ACC (Miami or Florida St) some good history with both
Week 9 - Stanford - Similar program with academics
Week 10 - Big 12 (Nebraska or Texas)
Week 11 - Army - With a improved schedule like this, NOBODY could talk trash about Army/Navy
Week 12 - USC - EVERY YEAR ON THE LAST WEEK OF THE SEASON
A schedule like this would have ND play 9 BCS games every year. This is a MUST for me to avoid having a weak schedule.
8 of these BCS games with Michigan, Boston College, Bama, ACC, Big East 1, Big 12, Stanford and USC would all be Home and Home. Giving at least 4 home games from this batch.
The Non BCS team to open and the Big East 2 would also ALWAYS be home. Which would make it at least 6 home games.
Army or Navy would rotate from a neutral site between the two of them and a home game for the other. Putting these kids in NFL stadiums is much more appealing to me than a non-BCS team.
This would give ND a 7-4-1 with one of the toughest schedules in the nation EVERY YEAR. It would give ND benchmarks against the Pac 10, SEC, Big 11, Big East and the ACC. It would allow ND to honor the traditions of Army and Navy without getting shit. It would allow for a spread out schedule and not corner ND into playing a hard schedule up front and a weak back end which hurts in the polls.
Just my 2 cents.
from about 1 month ago
I like that schedule that you suggested. Two problems though: USC is not willing to go to South Bend in November due to our cold weather (that is why the game in South Bend was moved to mid October). If SC would grow a pair and play in the cold, it would work. Secondly, we would have to schedule a few easy teams in there because that shedule is pretty daunting and proabably would rank as the toughest every year. Also, with that schedule, we would not be able to play traditional rivals Mich St. and Purdue. I think instead of scheduling Syracuse and other teams like that in the last 4 games of the year, put in a game like Penn State or Miami or Alabama. Also, I would love to continue that UCLA series instead of a Syracuse or Army or Air Force. The Rose Bowl is a great venue and the UCLA fans are very classy (I went to the UCLA-ND game in Pasadena last year).
from about 1 month ago
That is a great schedule for Notre Dumb, I see at least three game they might even win.
about 1 month ago
we play oklahoma in 12 and 13, i believe. is that not 3 top teams???
from about 1 month ago
And that is the way it should be -- almost every year, not the exception. I stated as much in the article.
Radio Man
about 1 month ago
Chris-
Good point on the Big 3 games in 12 and 13.
For me the best play for ND would be to play at least 1 team from every BCS conference.
Say we scheduled a SEC team and when we played them, they were at the bottom of the SEC. At least we would have a benchmark on performance compared to every SEC team. So say for example we played SEC X and their record that year was 6-6 with and lost 6 games to the top SEC teams. Now if we just got a win in against SEC X and then they got blown out of the water in their 6 SEC losses, it could be said that ND was not equal to the best in the SEC. However, if we were to beat SEC X by 21 but lost their 6 SEC games by 10 points or less, it could be said that ND was equal, if not better, than the best in the SEC.
The challenge with the current ND schedule is we do not have benchmarks like the BCS conference teams. Playing 3 Big East and Big 11 teams does nothing for ND when the Big East or Big 11 are not considered the best conferences by pollsters.
about 1 month ago
Wow... Notre Dame has played Washington, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, LSU, Nebraska, and Florida State all in the las 12 years. Whoever writes an article needs to do research so they can refrain from looking like a jackass when people knowledgeable on the subject read their articles.
from about 1 month ago
The article was about future scheduling. Perhaps you should read more carefully.
Radio Man
from about 1 month ago
Perhaps Radio is right. Maybe whoever 'reads' an article should actually read the article in it's entirety before totally debunking it and calling the author names.
about 1 month ago
i agree with B. Although with creampuffs like Army, Navy, Duke SDS, and Nevada, it looks pretty weak. They could always schedule a D1AA scholl like Deleware and or App state
from about 1 month ago
Navy will always be on the schedule so long as ND has a football team. They helped us in our time of need and as repayment we will always play Navy. Army should stay too. ND has alot of respect for the acadamies. Army will not be off the schedule permanatley either.
about 1 month ago
Hey...pipe-down. (as they say) DR.Kevin White was the doctor of doom, like Austin Powers. Now that he's gone, (thankfully) maybe wee (NDNation) can get serious about revenue-producing wussball (sorry - I play "soccer" - the REAL "football" that is manly-enough NOT not use pads) again. ND should try to renegotiate the contracts we've shamefully (shamelessly?) tried to be "one of the guys" with. We need to assert and use our leadership among college wussball. Don't seek parity. Be a leader.
about 1 month ago
Notre Dame and USC for years played the last game of the Notre Dame Season both in LA and at Notre Dame. USC was not happy about losing all the time in the cold of South Bend and made a huge push to get it changed to October.
Notre Dame is playing Michigan the next 20 years. But playing San Diego State who gave Ohio State fits in Columbus not too long ago and next year playing Hall of Fame Coach Chris Ault and his Nevada Wolf Pack will be an extremely tough game. Not too long ago Fresno State was beating USC and Matt Linert and Reggie Bush in LA before losing in the final minutes. That same team by Fresno State got smoked a week later by Nevada. Nevada then went to wire before losing to The vaunted Miami Hurricanes by one point on a missed extra point after leading most of the game in their Bowl Game.
Nevada has a devout Catholic Coach in Chris Ault who has put many fine players into the NFL. I rpomise Notre Dame will be in for a gun fight and it sure will not be a blow out for the Irish.
Notre Dame should play Alabama,Texas,drop Stanford for UCLA in a home and home(think of the recruiting advantages of playing in LA every year) and either Miami or Flordia State(The same goes with recruiting in talent rich Florida) every year along with Michigan, MSU and Purdue.
Kevin White seemed like a nice man but he really messed up Notre Dame Football. He will do well at Duke because they don't give a darn about Football. Coach K will be Head Coach at Duke as long as he wants no matter. So it is a dream job for Dr.White
about 1 month ago
Notre Dame needs Michigan State like Michigan State needs Notre Dame. These two teams have a great rivalry dating back to the 1960s (Game of the Century, anybody?) MSU has won the last six in South Bend, and Notre Dame has taken the last few in East Lansing. We've had overtime thrillers all over the place. Agree or not, these two schools have loads of tradition and need to play each other every year.
Notre Dame v. Purdue just doesn't stack up.
from about 1 month ago
Hate to say it but from the 1000's of message board posts, the feeling is not the same. ND and USC need each other. ND and Michigan need each other. ND and Navy need each other. ND does not need Michigan State....sorry. The 3 games of USC, Michigan and Navy are the ONLY games ND holds sacred and are MUST PLAYS every year. All others are expendable.
While they are great games, ND fans would much rather have great games around the US IMO. Michigan State and Purdue are the easiest to get off the schedule without upsetting ND fans because of the location of the schools.
Most ND fans want to play more of a national schedule. It is hard to do this when you play more than 1 Big 11 school. I would rather see ANY team in the SEC, ACC or Pac 10 compared to Purdue or Michigan State. The upside of playing these schools is much much larger than continuing to play Purdue and Michigan State.
from about 1 month ago
I have no problem with MSU on the schedule. I also wouldnt care to substitute with a different team once in a while. As for CJ's comments. Another team which should be on the schedule is Boston College. Another traditional rival. 2 largest catholic institutions.
about 1 month ago
Why not mix in playing Indiana once in a while? One thing is certain, the Hoosiers would have taken down the Irish this season. I understand IU's program is generally weaker but the publicity and fan support in the state of Indiana would be great for this match up.
from about 1 month ago
I want ty say you're crazy for saying that IU would beat ND last year, but i can't.
from about 1 month ago
Think this would be a bad idea as long as were also playing Purdue in same season. Dont think the Indiana State Police would like working ND/Purdue and Indiana/ND. Too many citizens fighting among each other.
about 1 month ago
Yea sounds great ND plays Ala,SC,Mich,OK,Tenn,NE,Ohio ST,Penn St,LSU,TX,FSU,Miami,Fl and the conferences continue to play their Byes everyother week. Get real people.
about 1 month ago
I'd pay to see them play the 'horns...
about 1 month ago
That's a great schedule Cj if you want them to lose a lot of games.
from about 1 month ago
Yea..it would be hard but man it would be fun....
Maybe you bring in bottom tier ACC or Big 12 teams on rotation or make the second Big East a bottom tier team....who knows.
Besides, people talk about ND living in the past. That it is not great...blah blah blah....
My idea of a schedule is EXACTLY the type of schedule Knute would have lined up.
about 1 month ago
Saban has mentioned he would like to play Notre Dame, and there is room for every season for Bama with the whole 12th game thing, so that should be looked into a bit more.
I was never alive during their previous 8 match ups, so it would be great to play ND some time soon. I wouldn't mind a neutral site, one time game like Bama has been doing lately. That seems to be the trend that we are going for lately.
about 1 month ago
Teams ND should always play:
U$C, Michigan, Navy, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Purdue
Teams to add once in a while:
Miami (who enjoy like Catholics vs. Convicts I &II?)
Florida State
Penn State
UCLA
Texas
Alabama
Pittsburgh
about 1 month ago
CJ-
USC traditionally plays UCLA as the last game of the year. It has nothing to do with plying in South Bend in the Winter. Since ND is not in a conference, they respect the inter-conference rivalries of other conferences. The only reason why it isn't set in stone is because the Pac-10 switched to playing to the 12 game format. BUT USC enjoys playing it's traditional Pac-10 rival the last game, and it has in the past, determined whether or not one of those teams goes to the Rose Bowl.
Furthermore, the whole reason why the ND-USC game was scheduled in October was because Knute Rockne's wife wanted to escape the Winters in Indiana. If you want to blame the Fall scheduling on a school, blame Notre Dame, not USC. It was Notre Dame's idea.
Finally, while Notre Dame is an elite school, I find it a little hilarious for a fan whose team isn't even in a conference to demand other teams cater to Notre Dame's fans' wishes.
Join a conference- then maybe you will understand obligations to other conference's scheduling conflicts.
As far as USC changing the games to October because they couldn't stand the cold...that's not true. And just out of curiosity, what excuse does Notre Dame have for losing when it's 40 degrees outside? I have been to games where it's close to freezing in South Bend and USC still won.
from about 1 month ago
ND plays USC in Oct. for home games. Games at the Colliseum are played at the end of November, ND's last game of the season. Why not play them all at the end of the season?
How's it a conference scheduling conflict every other year?
from about 1 month ago
Lisa,
Archives of press conferences by John McKay that are archived on USC's site, would say that you are lying again.
John McKay stated he didn't want to play in South Bend in November.
That halted that. It had nothing to do with conference schedules. USC was in a conference before McKay was coach. USC played in South Bend in November prior to him being coach.
You seriously should read more and post less. You continue to embarrass yourself.
from about 1 month ago
Yea....No.
See I can copy from Wikipedia as well. At least I give credit instead of passing it off personal knowledge.
"Since 1961, the game has alternated between Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend in mid-October and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which serves as USC's home field, in late November. Originally the game was played in both locations in late November, but because of poor weather during that time of the year at South Bend, USC insisted on having the game moved to October in 1961."
The game DID start as a way for ND to get out of South Bend in the winter. That much is true. What changed was the date of the ND home game. While USC welcomes ND to LA in the end of the season, USC does not want to come to South Bend when there is snow.
Lastly, a little FWI. Throwing petty insults on ND not winning a game in the cold is rather pathetic and a sign of a weak argument rooted in bullshit. Your typical MO if you ask me.
from about 1 month ago
Yea......no.
While you are correct that the game in LA had a little to do with ND getting out of the cold, I WAS NOT SPEAKING ABOUT THE GAME IN LA.
From wikipedia:
"Since 1961, the game has alternated between Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend in mid-October and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which serves as USC's home field, in late November. Originally the game was played in both locations in late November, but because of poor weather during that time of the year at South Bend, USC insisted on having the game moved to October in 1961."
See Lisa, the game used to be in November regardless of where it was played. Here is a little link for you to get a clue.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USC-Notre_Dame_rivalry
From 1926 to 1960, the earliest the game was played was November 21st in 1931. After 1960, the ND home game was moved to October. This had a lot to do with the series record being 22-9-2 in NDs favor prior to 1961.
So throw your petty little insults about ND not winning a game when it is 40 degrees. Still does not negate the fact your are either full of shit or a moron. You pick.
from about 1 month ago
Lisa,
I see you have written a number of articles for Fox on Notre Dame football in your "From the Left Coast" column. Here's the history of the USC-ND rivalry from Wikipedia.
"The Notre Dame-USC rivalry has been played annually since 1926, except for a brief repose from 1943 to 1945,[4] and is regarded as the greatest intersectional series in college football.[5] ...
The origin of the series is quite often recounted as a "conversation between wives"[6] of Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne and USC athletic director Gywnn Wilson. In fact, many sports writers often cite this popular story as the main reason the two schools decided to play one another. As the story goes, the rivalry began with USC looking for a national rival.[6] USC dispatched Wilson and his wife to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Notre Dame was playing Nebraska on Thanksgiving Day.[6] On that day (Nebraska 17, Notre Dame 0) Knute Rockne resisted the idea of a home-and-home series with USC because of the travel involved, but Mrs. Wilson was able to persuade Mrs. Rockne that a trip every two years to sunny Southern California was better than one to snowy, hostile Nebraska.[6] Mrs. Rockne spoke to her husband and on December 4, 1926, USC became an annual fixture on Notre Dame’s schedule.[6]
However, several college football historians, including Murray Sperber, have uncovered evidence that somewhat contradicts this story. Of the most contradictory parts is the idea that Rockne was resistant to playing out west.[7] Sperber documents that USC offered to play Notre Dame back in 1925 at the Rose Bowl.[7] Notre Dame ultimately played Stanford that year because they were the Pacific Coast conference champs.[7] But due to the large alumni support for an annual season ending game in Los Angeles and the still existing interest for a home-and-home series, Notre Dame and USC started playing the series the following year in 1926.[7] The series creation was also likely aided by USC coach Howard Jones, whom Rockne recommended USC hire due to their long friendship.[7]
Since 1961, the game has alternated between Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend in mid-October and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which serves as USC's home field, in late November. Originally the game was played in both locations in late November, but because of poor weather during that time of the year at South Bend, USC insisted on having the game moved to October in 1961."
These facts are readily available and second sources can be confirmed elsewhere.
You don't let an attitude that generates comments like "I find it a little hilarious for a fan whose team isn't even in a conference to demand other teams cater to Notre Dame's fans' wishes. Join a conference- then maybe you will understand..." and "what excuse does Notre Dame have for losing when..." color your columns, do you? I'll check.
I had hoped for more objectivity and the correct facts. Anyway, the USC-Notre Dame rivalry is one of mutual respect.
from about 1 month ago
Lisa,
I generally enjoy reading your comments. Its obvious that you have a wealth of sports knowledge and write well.
I do think the response you and others enjoy throwing out about joining a conference is a bit lame. Anytime someone wants to disagree with ND, that seems to be the default response. The fact about Rockne is interesting. I did not know that. I had always gone on popular belief that it had to do with the weather.
Your correct about U$C having conference obligations. We all know that ND can make demands because other teams want to play against us. Its not being arrogant. Its because ND knows that it has a national tv contract, storied history, a large viewing audience and will bring in alot of money for whomever is the opponent. That is why ND schedules more home games and has been scheduling nuetral sites which will draw in alumni from other areas of country as well as help recruit in areas ND is trying to attract athletes. ND can also dictate terms because teams have come asking to play. After losing teams to other conferences, the Big East approached ND about scheduling games to help out.
Finally, I dont think anyone is saying that teams wont play in South Bend because of the Cold. If someone is saying that, there an idiot. The weather has nothing to do with any scheduling. College football is as much about money as anything else. If a program wants to play against ND or any team in a cold weather climate, they will schedule regardless. These teams agree to home and home contracts, so you cant always pick your exact date of game.
from about 1 month ago
Sorry Lisa. Gotta take back what I said. Im no longer impressed with what you said about Rockne. I stand beside Uncle Rico. I guess joining a conference has little to do with scheduling conflicts. I learn something new every day.
about 1 month ago
Sorry, Lisa. I don't know where you got your story, but you are wrong. The ND/U$C series started cuz Rock's wife wanted to go to LA. But John McKay was the U$C coach who decreed they'd never play ND in South Bend in the winter again, because of a loss. It's been that way ever since.
Check your facts a little closer next time.
from about 1 month ago
Bernie...I said Knute Rockne's wife wanted to go to Cali in the winter. That is a fact...and you are using wikipedia as a source? Are you kidding me?
from about 1 month ago
Lisa-
Using Wikipedia as a source is just as pathetic as saying you write for foxsports.com when you simply have a free blog open to anyone on foxsports.com.
Once again, let me help you out with this. ND playing in LA has nothing to do with the conversation. The game in South Bend is as question.
I showed above how you were wrong over 5 hours ago and you simply ignored the comment and continue with your ignorance. Seriously, I find you pathetic.....
about 1 month ago
Yep, coach mckay kept the condoms from ever playing another cold-weather game in South Bend.
What a wuss.
about 1 month ago
Sure...Notre Dame's schedule isn't difficult enough the way it is....Right!
Plus, they've played Penn State the past few years.
about 1 month ago
Radio Man: I liked the article and feel it makes a lot of sense. ND did have talks with Alabama, but with the front loaded Big 10 schedule and their unwillingnes to move halted talks with UA. ND would like to schedule Alabama, but they will not come north later than October. I agree if Purdue or MSU won't move their dates than move them from the schedule!
from about 1 month ago
Alabama can't afford to come north in November. LSU, Miss. St. and Auburn are always played in November. Adding ND to that schedule is just suicide, especially since all of the afore mentioned games would be right after Tennessee. Bama's best time to place is when they always play the big OOC games: September.
about 1 month ago
Notre Dame needs to join a conferece. They need to stop hiding from the rest of the college football world by playing Army, Navy, and Air Force and hope to sneak into a big bowl game. This is not the coveted program it once was. They need to man up and play some real teams.
from about 1 month ago
You are an idiot Peter. Being in a conference does not guarantee tough schedules. It guarantees two good games and a buncha crappy ones, and maybe some D2 fodder at the beginning of the year.
Stop being one of the idiots who says "but ND's schedule is easy cause they play the Academies!"
Usually, ND plays one or maybe two of the Academies, our easiest games. The rest are against UM, USC, Penn St., Tennessee frequently, Boston College, MSU and Purdue, and FSU every couple years. The only teams I know of in conferences that play tough schedules are teams in the SEC. Tough week in and week out, and they always start off with two D2 schools.
Look at Ohio St. They play Michigan, and thats it. I'll give them credit for Texas and USC recently, but the only reason they have put them on the schedule is cause the Big Ten has nothing but crappy 5-7 teams. And what happens when they play real teams? tOSU gets clocked.
from about 1 month ago
Peter,
Why do you hate the United States of America?
Have you checked the Longhorns record against the armed forces? It's not that great.
Not that it matters, but Army has won more National Championships than UT.
I'd check the bowl appearances of such powerhouses such as Florida Atlantic, Rice, UTEP, Sam Houston State, North Texas, and LA Lafayette before you pop off about Navy.
Playing Army is much more honorable to a program than N. Texas, FAU, & Sam Houston. That's not disparaging to those programs, its just fact, given what the Army means to our country and given the history of Army's program. The above mentioned may get there some day. They may get there before Army gets back there. Fact of the matter is, they have not gotten there yet.
That's not a jab at those programs. In fact, I cheer my nuts off when those schools play Texas. I was even happy for Navy when they beat ND. Everyone but Michigan had a smile on their face when Appy State cleaned their clocks (even though the score was closer than the actual contest).
about 1 month ago
It makes no sense for Alabama to come North in late October.
That would make 4 of the last 5 games Tennessee, Notre Dame, LSU, and Auburn.
As a coach, how much sense does that make going into December?
from about 1 month ago
I agree. Some stretches in the SEC are outright brutal.
I think a mid season game would work. Something in weeks 4-6.
about 1 month ago
According to the Bama fans I know, Notre Dame is terrible and will never rise again so how would it be bad to have them scheduled in November?
from about 1 month ago
So Alabama should play in South Bend before playing their two biggest division games of the season? With at least one of those game, either LSU or Auburn, being on the road.
If the game is going to happen, make it like the past big OOC games Alabama has played (UCLA, Oklahoma, Florida State Clemson), which were all played before the midway point of the season.
about 1 month ago
Outstanding article.
from about 1 month ago
Real football teams should be able to play in any weather. 75 degrees and sunny is NOT what is known as "football weather".
Last year Bama played an OOC game the third week of November,LA-Monroe, in between those two conference games.
from about 1 month ago
Lanie, that may be your definition of a real football team, but for me, a real football team is a member of a conference.
The La-Monroe game was moved to November to give an earlier off week for Bama and it worked out b/c both teams had a scheduled off week for that game. Originally the game was scheduled for earlier in the year.
And you act like it is always 75 and sunny down here. The Iron Bowl last season kicked off at below 40 degrees. Is that "football weather" for you???
about 1 month ago
No chance ND would do this. They're way too spoiled to ever challenge themselves with that type of schedule. They can't swallow their pride and join a conference, they have their own TV deal - what in the world would motivate them to actually have a decent schedule? They have everything handed to them already without a solid schedule, so of course they will add cupcake wins. Otherwise they may have been winless last year!
about 1 month ago
It is possible that Nevada scheduled Notre Dame as a patsy...
about 1 month ago
This is where I put my obligatory Notre Dame sucks sentence.
about 1 month ago
Overall, I agree with the article. The Irish do need to schedule a more competitive group of
schools to play. Only USC and Michigan provide a true test on the field on a yearly basis. Trying
to schedule a SEC worthy(Florida, Alabama, Georgia, LSU or Auburn) opponent would be
hard because they beat each up other every year, why would they schedule a difficult non
conference team? Not likely, although most of the better teams from the SEC have been
pressured into doing so. As a lifelong Irish fan, I'm tired of seeing teams like Stanford,
Syracuse, the service academies and any WAC team. Why can't we play Pittsburgh every
other year and mix in Penn State instead? Instead of cream puffs like Duke and North
Carolina from the ACC, why not FSU or Virginia Tech instead? The Irish schedule of late has
been littered with teams, that while they sound good(Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue,
Brigham Young, Syracuse etc) don't usually end up in the top 25. Scheduling a third high
level opponent is great for starters, but that still leaves a majority of average to below
average teams for the remainder of the schedule. I for one would love for the Irish to not
be afraid to schedule Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Virginia Tech, FSU, any top SEC
school, instead of the usual cream puffs. I understand the scheduling difficulties involved,
but Irish fans deserve more than the likes of Stanford, Duke, the service academies and
lower echelon teams from most conferences aside from USC, Michigan and BC.
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