It’s time to leave the Catholics VS Convicts shirt in the closet

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It’s been over 35 years since Notre Dame beat Miami in one of the greatest college football games of all-time. Yes, 1988 was a very long time ago, and yet Notre Dame fans still like to bask in that gory sun just a little too much.

Irish fans, can be at times, living in the past far too often.

1988 was great.
Lou Holtz was great.
Tony Rice was great.
Ricky Watters was great.
Notre Dame was great.

But it’s been ages since then. It’s what 1950 was in 1988.

So let’s rethink the whole “Catholics vs Convicts” thing. Like… how long can you beat a dead horse?

Following Notre Dame’s 1990 win over Miami, the schools took a 20 year break that was supposed to be longer but the Sun Bowl came calling. Since 2010, the Irish and Miami have played just 5 times with the Irish holding a 3-2 advantage over the Canes — but Miami has won the last two (and the last two hurt).

Rather than fall back on some old trope from the 1980’s, shouldn’t we as the Notre Dame fanbase move forward with something that actually means something? I have zero doubt that this will fall on many deaf ears, especially when it seems likely that Notre Dame and Miami could be destined for a Top 5 matchup this November when the Canes come to South Bend.

At least try to live in 2026.

More than anything, Notre Dame fans want that National Championship and to finally put the gloried past back up on the shelf as we all march toward an epic future. They say you should dress for the future you want — that means keeping the Catholics vs Convicts shirts in the closet (or on a mantle somewhere).

I get it — Miami fans (all 8 of them online) are a terrible group of fans, and you’re all looking for more ways to get one over on them. Consistently bringing up an old t-shirt slogan, ain’t one of those ways.

I don’t care about the meaning of it (good or bad) it’s just old. Spaceships don’t come equipped with rearview mirrors — they dip as fast as they can. This game can be the stepping stone for the future of Notre Dame football, but it doesn’t have to be some glory day revival.

Put a coat on — it’s (going to be) cold outside.

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