One thing I like about ever Notre Dame football opponent this season

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We spend a lot of time tearing down opponents on the internet. We also spend a lot of time defending opponents on the internet — as a way to defend an overall football schedule. Notre Dame’s schedule has been under fire for months, but rather than get into another debate about it all, I just want to tell everyone one thing I like about each program the Irish will face during the college football regular season.

Obvioulsy — you can play along in the comments.

Wisconsin Badgers

They’re still here.

In a world that has Big 10 teams running from tough out of conference opponents, the Wisconsin Badgers are embracing this game against the Irish. Because of the COVID delay, the Badgers could have (somewhat) easily walked away from this game and scheduled some random program — especially as they have struggled the past few years.

Rice Owls

They’re not crying.

Before all of the conference realignment you have come to know, there was a major conference blowup in the mid-90’s (that helped lead us to today’s alignment). The SWC closed shop, and the Big 12 was born. The thing is, however, not all of the Texas schools were given invitation’s to the Big 12 (or elsewhere). Because of Texas politics, schools like Houston, Rice, and SMU were left in the dust. Rice… well the Owls have still yet to recover while Houston and SMU have, but you don’t hear Rice crying about it. Good for them.

Michigan State Spartans

The middle finger to Ann Arbor.

When the Michigan Wolverines tried get the rest of the Big 10 to blackball Notre Dame, Michigan State was there for Notre Dame to schedule before the Spartans entered the Big 10 and after. The Spartans ended up becomming one of the most important rivalries for the irish over the years with countless great moments. Screw you blue.

Purdue Boilermakers

Annoyingly steady.

There might not be a more loyal alumni base than Purdue’s. Their whole identity is the pride they have in going to Purdue and being Purdue fans — and definitley not fans of the Indiana Hoosiers or Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While it’s annoying, it IS admirable that they are ride or die for such a terrible program.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Very pretty.

When done right, and sometimes they don’t, I’m not sure of there is a better looking uniform in college football. They’re also the ONLY school which, in my opinion, can wear the Jordan Jumpman brand and not look like a silly bunch of assholes with a basketball player on their football unifom.

Stanford Cardinal

They’re no dummies.

While I hesitate to applaud Stanford football for their academics, getting into Stanford as a football player is no easy task — and a real accomplishment. The athlete’s time while they are there might be easier than at Notre Dame, but the amount of hoops the recruits have to jump through to be in Palo Alto is incredible in this day and age. Golf clap.

BYU Cougars

They tried.

For all of the bitching other programs make about Notre Dame being independent, BYU at least made the attempt from 2011-2022. Of course, they found out how hard it really is to be an independent and be a nationally relevant program, but at least they gave it a shot. Good for you.

Navy Midshipmen

Adjust your watch.

There aren’t many things I enjoy about the Navy series with Notre Dame, but I do appreciate that most of the games are very quick affairs. Navy’s triple-option offense lets that clock continually tick away, and we get our afternoon back to enjoy the rest of the college football Saturday.

Miami Hurricanes

Kind of back.

I love big games during the regular season (who doesn’t?) and the fact that Miami is good again is something I actually welcome. Despite a heated history, I rather the Irish play a top 10 caliber Miami team than one struggling to put on its parka on the sideline during 45 degree weather.

Boston College Eagles

Frank Leahy.

Hey… it’s an oldie, but a goodie. BC backed down for Frank Leahy after he went 20-2 with the Eagles in two seasons. I’ll just give you this Wikipedia entry for the rest:
“Although he had recently signed a contract renewal at Boston College, Leahy accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater Notre Dame. He tried without success to get out of his BC contract. He pleaded with the school’s vice president. When that did not work, he went to the mayor of Boston and the governor of Massachusetts. Then, at a press conference, he told 50 reporters what the South Bend Tribune called “the biggest lie of his life”. Leahy stated: “Gentlemen I’ve called you all here today to inform you that I recently received my release from my coaching contract. With the release went the good wishes and benediction of Boston College.” Leahy stepped away, and the buzzing group of reporters battled for phone lines. A phone call came in for Leahy, and he took it. The vice president of Boston College was on the line. “Coach Leahy,” he barked. “You may go wherever you want, and whenever you want. Good-bye.”

SMU Mustangs

New life.

It was easy to hate SMU because of the way they cheated in the 1980’s and because Craig James is a giant tool box. Still… the death penalty really was damn near the death of SMU football, but after 40 years they have new life inside the ACC and made the college football playoff. They paid the price for their “crimes” which are now perfectly legal in 2026, and slowly got themsleves back in a position to be a top 25 team annually. I respect it.

Syracuse Orange

The irony.

Syracuse has produce a lot of good sports journalists, so maybe they appreciate a bunch of ironies. You know… Otto the Orange in upsate New York where snow and apples dwell. And the fact that their dome was once the Carrier Dome (with no air condidtioning) and now the JMA Wireless Dome with no cell reception. Absolutely beuatiful.

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