Final week, we talked about Notre Dame’s forgotten rivalry with Nebraska. How, at one level, it was probably the most intense rivalries in faculty soccer. The way it appeared that Notre Dame and Nebraska enjoying one another would turn into a practice. But, as a result of scheduling conflicts and the Irish pursuing different rivals, the collection simply fizzled out.
This obtained me eager about different applications Notre Dame has a historical past with however doesn’t have a “rivalry” with. Whenever you’ve been enjoying soccer for over 100 years, you’re certain to have historic moments with each group you’ve performed. On Notre Dame’s Wikipedia web page, there’s a part devoted to important collection. Groups that aren’t rivals however have performed Notre Dame quite a bit and whose matchup has a number of historical past behind it.
On this important collection part, many groups have engrained themselves in Irish historical past. Their matchups, or a collection of video games performed in opposition to one another, are so vital you can’t discuss concerning the historical past of this system with out bringing them up. Due to how vital they’re, it could be helpful for Notre Dame to attempt to construct a conventional rivalry with them. Listed below are who the Combating Irish ought to construct a rivalry with.
Miami
The Combating Irish’s most important non-rival opponent is the College of Miami (FL). Within the Nineteen Eighties, no college Irish followers hated greater than Miami. It began in 1985 when Jimmie Johnson and Miami beat Notre Dame 58-7. Whereas the blowout was embarrassing, followers took exception to Miami operating the rating up within the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes had been up 37-7 going into the fourth. Moderately than exhibiting sportsmanship and taking their foot off the fuel, they proceeded to run the rating up. A transfer many Irish followers discovered disrespectful.
This led to the notorious 1988 recreation. The sport was already extremely anticipated as a result of it was the quantity one-ranked Miami vs. the quantity four-ranked Notre Dame. Nevertheless, some Irish followers threw somewhat further fuel on the fireplace by creating the enduring Catholics vs. Convicts shirt. The Combating Irish obtained their revenge, beating Miami 31-30 on their method to the Nationwide Championship. It’s probably the most well-known video games in Notre Dame historical past, a lot so it obtained its personal 30 for 30.
Since that recreation, the rivalry has all however died. After the 1988 recreation, they solely performed six extra instances, with the final matchup coming in 2017. The 2 plan to fulfill once more in 2025 and 4 instances within the 2030s. This can hopefully reignite the rivalry and make the 2 groups play extra typically.
Notre Dame vs Penn State
The primary time Notre Dame and Penn State performed was in 1913 when the Irish received 14-7. After that, it took 63 years earlier than the 2 met once more within the 1976 Gator Bowl. This recreation led to the 2 beginning to meet yearly beginning in 1981. This annual assembly, together with Lou Holtz and Joe Paterno growing a pleasant rivalry, helped the 2 faculties develop a aggressive collection. Though the annual assembly led to 1992 when Penn State joined the Massive 10, the 2 proceed to try to schedule one another.
The rivalry was reignited this previous season when the 2 met within the semi-final of the Faculty Soccer Playoffs. At first, it appeared like an everyday faculty soccer recreation, with many of the pressure coming from the truth that each groups wished to make their first nationwide championship appearances within the playoff period. Nevertheless, it grew to become a press release recreation after Penn State criticized the Irish not being in a convention and the best way he talked towards Marcus Freeman. As a result of this, Irish followers wished to win simply to show Franklin flawed.
In an exciting recreation that got here all the way down to the wire, Notre Dame edged out Penn State 27-24. An announcement win for the Irish and a method to make Franklin’s feedback look dangerous. After this recreation, the hatred between the 2 sides is the very best it’s been in years. The 2 faculties ought to capitalize on this and look to schedule one another extra typically. Including extra chapters to a budding rivalry.
Notre Dame vs Clemson
Whereas Notre Dame and Clemson don’t have the lengthy historical past that the opposite two faculties do, it has turn into one of many Irish greatest opponents over the previous few years. The primary assembly between the colleges got here in 1977, they usually met once more simply two years later. Nevertheless, after that, the 2 sides wouldn’t play once more till 2015. It was the primary time each groups had been matched, and it proved to be an thrilling matchup. Though Clemson stormed out to a 21-3 lead, the Irish scored three touchdowns within the fourth to make it 24-22. However, Notre Dame would miss the two-point conversion that might’ve despatched the sport to extra time.
Because the playoff period began, the match-up between the 2 sides solely obtained extra intense. In 2018, the 2 met within the semi-finals of the school soccer playoffs. Regardless of each groups being undefeated, Clemson dominated 30-3. Nevertheless, 2020 is when this matchup reached new heights. It began when Notre Dame upset Clemson, who was the number-one group within the nation. This helped the Irish get into the ACC Championship recreation, the one time they ever performed for a convention championship and a rematch in opposition to the Tigers. Issues didn’t go as effectively this time for Notre Dame, as they misplaced 34-10.
This has the making to be Notre Dame’s rival of the twenty first century. The 2 don’t have to fret about scheduling one another due to the Irish’s settlement with the ACC. In accordance with the contract, Notre Dame has to play 5 ACC opponents each season, thus maintaining a spot open for Clemson each few years. Even when there’s a change within the contract or the convention, Notre Dame is dedicated to enjoying the Tigers. Pete Bevacqua, ND’s athletic director, has mentioned he needs to schedule Clemson yearly. It appears the very best is but to come back from this rivalry.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Stomach Up Sports activities. Observe him on Twitter/X for extra sports activities protection and Stomach Up Sports activities for much more faculty soccer content material. Characteristic picture credit score: Icon Sportswire.