​East Lansing, MI – September 23: Michigan State Spartans mascot Sparty runs onto the field before the start of the game against Notre Dame at Spartan Stadium on September 23, 2017, in East Lansing, Michigan. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 38-18. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We spend a lot of time tearing down opponents online, and we also spend a lot of time defending opponents as a way to defend an overall football schedule. Notre Dame’s schedule has been under fire for months, but rather than dive into another debate, I want to highlight one thing I like about each program the Irish will face during the college football regular season. Obviously, you can add your own picks in the comments.
Wisconsin Badgers
They’re still here. In a landscape where Big Ten teams often avoid tough out-of-conference games, the Badgers are embracing this matchup with the Irish. Due to the COVID delay, Wisconsin could have easily backed away and scheduled an easier opponent, especially after several challenging seasons.
Rice Owls
They’re not crying. Before the realignment era you know, a major conference upheaval in the mid-90s helped shape today’s alignments. The SWC collapsed, the Big 12 formed, and not all Texas schools received invitations. Because of Texas politics, schools like Houston, Rice, and SMU were left out. Rice has not cried about it; Houston and SMU have moved on, and that resilience is commendable.
Michigan State Spartans
A middle finger to Ann Arbor. When the Michigan Wolverines attempted to rally the Big Ten to blackball Notre Dame, Michigan State supported Notre Dame’s scheduling before and after joining the conference. The Spartans became one of the Irish’s most important rivals over the years, delivering countless memorable moments. Screw you, blue.
Purdue Boilermakers
Annoyingly steady. There may be no more loyal alumni base than Purdue’s. Their identity centers on pride in being Purdue fans—and a strong dislike for the Indiana Hoosiers and Notre Dame. It’s frustrating at times, but admirable how devoted they are to a program that isn’t always at the top.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Very pretty. When done right, and sometimes not, there may be no better-looking uniform in college football. They’re the only school that, in my view, can wear the Jordan Jumpman brand without looking silly on the football field.
Stanford Cardinal
They’re no dummies. While I’m hesitant to praise Stanford football for academics, getting into Stanford as a football player is no easy feat—and that’s a real accomplishment.