Why College Football Needs Notre Dame vs. USC

In any case, this rivalry should be played. There are numerous reasons, but here are the most important. 

History

Since the rivalry’s founding in 1926, only World War II and the COVID pandemic have stopped this game from being played. Four generations of college football fans have come to know and love this rivalry. Former players of both programs have spoken of the importance of winning this game. Players like Reggie Bush and Joe Montana are legends at their schools in large part because of this game. These programs, and their players, are inseparable. Neither would’ve risen to the national stardom they now hold without the other. The Trojans and the Irish hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spot on the list of colleges with the most NFL draft picks, respectively. Simply put, Notre Dame vs. USC has always been, and will always be, a crucial part of college football culture.

Contrasting Cultures

Despite the similarities of these two programs in their dominance of the sport, blue blood tradition and track record of producing NFL talent, their cultures couldn’t be more different outside the football world. USC is a west coast university based in Los Angeles. Notre Dame is a Catholic university in a small Midwest town. L.A. is known for beaches, entertainment, fashion and Hollywood. South Bend is known for Notre Dame. Today, USC is a program about flashy offenses, lots of points and little defense. Notre Dame is known for its strong line of scrimmage play, physicality and defense. These programs are both elite. But other than that, they share almost nothing in common.

The contrasting styles they have used to rise is fascinating. Styles make fights and seeing which style comes out on top is part of this rivalry. Unlike “The Game” or the “Iron Bowl,” these programs and their fans have little in common, further amplifying the hostility towards one another. 

Stability

College football is at a crossroads, there’s no doubt about it. NIL and the transfer portal, though it’s been said millions of times, have fundamentally changed the sport. Parlay that with conference realignment and an expanded playoff and the sport hardly resembles what it was 10 years ago, let alone 100 years ago when this rivalry started. As things change in the sport, this is a rivalry that shouldn’t. Resistance to change is natural, even when it’s for the better. But sometimes, resistance to change is necessary to conserve what is great.

Notre Dame vs. USC undoubtedly fits that category. This game isn’t just important to Irish and Trojan fans, it’s important to the fabric of college football. It’s a reminder of what once was, and what should always be even as the sport evolves. 

Like most things, there is blame on both sides for this rivalry ending. USC’s demands were odd, but Notre Dame could’ve provided more flexibility in scheduling given their lack of conference affiliation. Athletic directors, university presidents and coaches alike need to get on the same page. For the sake of college football, this game must be played in the future.