Notre Dame And The ACC

Last week the announcement came. Football fans across the country was about to hear from, Touchdown Jesus, himself. What conference is getting Notre Dame. Well the answer was the ACC, would get all other sports but football. People have been scratching there heads and wondering why such a deal was ever made. I happen to believe that both the ACC and Notre Dame got a great deal. All other sports now have a home and like minded schools to compete against. Football remains independent, which is where the most hallowed football program of all time belongs.

Many people have questioned the relevance of Notre Dame's football program and whether they deserve to have their place of prestige at the head of the table. I happen to believe they are where they belong, because of tradition. Sure Notre Dame has not played for a national championship for a while now, but unless you are an SEC school, neither have many others. Will they play for one soon? If you have a crystal ball, call me and let me in on, when, so I can place my bets. Otherwise we will all have to wait together.

What made Notre Dame football so important. Look at the list of coaches. From Knute Rockne, to Elmer Layden, Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, Lou Holtz and now Brian Kelly. All with the exception of Kelly brought success to Notre Dame.

Look at the players and these are only Heisman Trophy winners. Angelo Bertelli, Johnny Lujack, Leon Hart, Johnny Lattner, Paul Horning, John Huarte and Tim Brown. Remember, "Play one for the Gipper". and the Four Horsemen? All legends and only a small number that add to the lore.

They have a huge following around the country and the world. Have a Notre Dame Fighting Irish football game anywhere and the stands will be filled. If you are Catholic, you feel a certain closeness to them. The Irish, of which I am part, will celebrate any Irish victory. Sometimes with a pint. They have their own television contract and years ago the only team that had a replay of their games was Notre Dame. Every Sunday morning, with Lindsay Nelson broadcasting.

This is what makes Notre Dame special. A certain mystic surrounds them and the stadium is considered hallowed grounds. Each year the Fighting Irish will play five games against ACC competitors and I guarantee, the stands, where ever the game is played will be filled. As the people file into their seats the band will strike up that famous melody of the Notre Dame Victory Song and the words will hail down on those throughout the land. "Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame. Wake up the echoes cheering her name." Come on and admit it, even you know the melody, because it is Notre Dame.