There was a time when Notre Dame would hop on a train and travel all over the country for games because no one was willing to play a small Catholic school at its home in Indiana. USC most definitely doesn't want to play this game. As for Notre Dame getting a special deal in 2026 if they're in the top 12, I thought the playoff was supposed to take the top 12. And, in 2026, the conference champions of the ACC, Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 are all automatically in even if they aren't ranked in the top 12. So who's getting the special deal here?
Great stuff. Solid jab followed by a nice right-left combo.
Side comment: I really do miss the old days of Pac 12, a (real) Big 10, Big 12, SWC, SEC, ACC, etc. conferences with longstanding rivalries and the season ending with legitimate local/regional bowl games. Yep, I'm that guy.
Great stuff, Mark.
There was a time when Notre Dame would hop on a train and travel all over the country for games because no one was willing to play a small Catholic school at its home in Indiana. USC most definitely doesn't want to play this game. As for Notre Dame getting a special deal in 2026 if they're in the top 12, I thought the playoff was supposed to take the top 12. And, in 2026, the conference champions of the ACC, Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 are all automatically in even if they aren't ranked in the top 12. So who's getting the special deal here?
Great stuff. Solid jab followed by a nice right-left combo.
Side comment: I really do miss the old days of Pac 12, a (real) Big 10, Big 12, SWC, SEC, ACC, etc. conferences with longstanding rivalries and the season ending with legitimate local/regional bowl games. Yep, I'm that guy.
Great piece, Mark (it’s’ why we love The Dope)…
Riddle: How can you tell a college coach is lying?
Answer: Their lips are moving.