Notre Dame is the Greatest All-Time College Football Program

by Michael
(Charlotte, NC)

Why is it whenever Notre Dame qualifies for a bowl game, including the BCS, they are immediately guaranteed a spot? Why does Notre Dame have an exclusive and one of a kind television package with NBC worth millions? Why was the Notre Dame Football Program valued at $101,000,000.00 by Forbes.com in 2007 (followed by Texas at $92,000,000.00)?

Because Notre Dame is the most significant College Football Program ever. Love them or hate them, they are at the top of College Football Culture.

My objective here is to debunk this website's argument in its position favoring Alabama while making a case for Notre Dame.

Now, let's get started.

First, let's get this NFL Quarterback Issue out of the way assuming you have read the original article. While we understand Alabama has produced 3 QBs who won the Super Bowl 4 times (Bart Starr -2, Joe Namath -1, Ken Stabler -1), Notre Dame produced 2 QBs who won 5 Super Bowls including the games greatest clutch performer - QB Joe Montana (4 Super Bowl rings, 3 Super Bowl MVPs). Joe Theisman was the other Irish QB to win a Super Bowl.

No other program has contributed more to the NFL at this position save Alabama (and it is close). Both Joe's started at QB in 6 Super Bowls (most all time). Both Notre Dame & Miami (FL) have produced the most players to participate in NFL Super Bowls.

Now, let's move on to the National Title controversies. As previously stated, Alabama has several controversial National Title claims. For example, in 1930, the Davis Poll, conducted by one man, awarded the National Title to Alabama while 6 other polls awarded the National Title to Notre Dame.

In 1941, Alabama claimed the National Title. However, not only was Minnesota awarded the Title by the AP Poll, Alabama finished this season ranked #20 in the country and #3 in the SEC. How can Alabama finish third to Mississippi State in the SEC and claim a title?

In 1964, Alabama and Arkansas claimed the National Title. However, Alabama lost to Texas in their bowl game that season and Arkansas finished the season undefeated.

Most people know about the 1973 error. But in case you don't, Alabama lost that season to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl 23-24 giving Notre Dame its second consensus National Title under Ara Parseghian. The UPI gave the title to Alabama but that was before the bowl game.

In 1978, both Alabama & USC claim the National Title. Seems pretty clear to me, USC beat Alabama that year (really?). By my count, that leaves Alabama with 7 legitimate National Titles to Notre Dame's 11 (as claimed by the University of Notre Dame).

Michigan and USC have claim to 9 National Titles per www.ncaa.com history and statistics. Oklahoma & Ohio State claim 7 National Titles. Texas has claim to 3. The reason Texas is in this discussion is because they are #2 all time in wins.

Notre Dame claims 11 national titles. However, Notre Dame also finished 8 other seasons ranked #1 by at least one poll not named the Associated Press. This included 2 years (1919 & 1920) where they were ranked #1 by the Davis Poll that Alabama referenced to claim the 1930 National Title. Notre Dame does not claim these to be legitimate National Titles.

And if that is not enough for you...

Notre Dame has produced 7 Heisman Trophy winners (tied with USC for most all time). Alabama has never produced a Heisman Trophy winner even with the talent that Bear Bryant had on his rosters before NCAA scholarship limitations.

Notre Dame has produced more College Football Hall of Famers than any other program in history. As of 2009, Notre Dame is ranked #3 all time in D-1 wins behind only Michigan and Texas (Alabama ranked #8 having played 1,158 games, Notre Dame has played 1,157 games). Notre Dame is ranked #2 all time in win percentage behind only Michigan. And Notre Dame is ranked #2 all time in College Football All Americans behind only USC.

Out of 39 Games where the participants were ranked #1 & #2 in the AP / BCS Polls, Notre Dame went 5-2-2 and played in more than any other program in history (9). Second most going to Ohio State, USC, and Miami (FL) tied with 6.

Notre Dame also played in 3 of the 7 most famous games dubbed as the "Game of the Century" going 2-0-1. And Ara Parseghian (Notre Dame) was 2-0 against Paul "Bear" Bryant (Alabama). Notre Dame is 5-1 in games played against Alabama including 2-0 in bowl games. I hope that answers the question regarding Strength of Schedule that somehow "favors" Alabama.

Notre Dame has 5 coaches to have won at least one National Title compared to Alabama's 4.

The greatest College Football Program of all time must be one that is immediately recognizable within the Culture of College Football. While this is the most subjective part to any argument, Notre Dame's traditions are important because they demonstrate the popularity and success of the Notre Dame Brand and how it has contributed to the popularity and success of College Football.

These are historical occurances and traditions that have contributed to the success of the Notre Dame brand:

1) Knute Rockne & the Forward Pass;
2) George Gipp "Win One for the Gipper";
3) Four Horsemen;
4) "Play Like a Champion Today";
5) 1926 Rose Bowl (Notre Dame Beat Stanford);
6) Notre Dame vs. Ohio State (1935 Game of Century);
7) Notre Dame vs. Army in Yankee Stadium (1946 Game of
Century);
8) Notre Dame vs. Michigan State (1966 Game of Century);
9) Notre Dame vs. Florida State (1993 Game of Century);
10) Gold Helmets and the Golden Dome;
11) Touchdown Jesus;
12) The Grotto;
13) The "Green Jerseys";
14) Hollywood: "Rudy" & "Knute Rockne All American" (starring
Ronald Reagan);
15) The House that Rockne Built - Notre Dame Stadium;
16) Notre Dame vs. Navy in Ireland in the 1990s?

The Notre Dame football program is so powerful, whether up or down, it will always be significant. So much so that a Lou Holtz coached Notre Dame Alumni team will head to Japan this summer (2009) to take on the Japanese Amateur All Stars in an International Exhibition football game.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, when college football begins, and the Irish are playing, the televisions and radios will be broadcasting the Notre Dame brand live to millions of people.

That makes Notre Dame more than just another college football program. It has transformed the relationship between Notre Dame and college football into something much more. College Football and Notre Dame are a package deal similar to that of religion and a bible.

Notre Dame IS College Football.

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Notre Dame is the Greatest All-Time College Football Program

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May 07, 2009
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YES!
by: Anonymous

You are correct, SIR!

May 07, 2009
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Beary Bryant was 0 for the Irish
by: Anonymous

Paul Bear Bryant was 0-4 against Notre Dame.

http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_opponents_records.php?coachid=275&teamid=2349

He lost in 73, 75, 76 and 80

May 08, 2009
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Nation's Team=ND
by: Anonymous

Notre Dame is likely the ONLY true NATIONALLY followed team. You can go anywhere and find MANY ND fans proudly wearing their Tee's, hats, license plates etc. There is ONLY ONE NOTRE DAME!

May 08, 2009
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ND; re the greatest program.
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the great article.What other program allows one to follow it on radio across the nation?
The University has a moral standard, that is difficult for most non ND fans to appreciate.

May 08, 2009
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Great Article
by: DILLON63

Thank you, you're right on the money (and that's what it's all about) ask NBC!!!!

May 08, 2009
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1 & 2, regardless of the order
by: HikeND.com

Alabama and Notre Dame have the two best fan bases in college football. That's what has made this argument so much fun over the years. There is no place where the game means more than on these campuses. Here's hoping we get to see the renewal of this argument on the field sometime soon.

May 08, 2009
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A little bit more to consider
by: Anonymous

You should also consider the cultural impact of NDFB. In the 1920's, when Big 10 schools wouldn't play ND, it adopted the "play anyone, anywhere" philosophy. This led to playing Army and Navy in the East, 'bama and others in the South, and USC in the West. This national schedule is what brought college football into the national limelight. In a sense, ND, alone, is responsible for college football being a national sport.

ND also served as a "role model" for millions of immigrants who were looked down upon by the WASP culture. The success of the "Fightin' Irish" (a small catholic school from the midwest) against traditional powerhouses served as inspiration and a demonstration that even the supposedly inferior could achieve greatness. (I can still remember my Mom, after an ND win, telling her 7 kids "See, don't let anyone tell you that you're not a winner, just because you're Irish.)

These cultural effects are one of the reasons that ND football is recognized even among non-football fans.

May 08, 2009
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I still hate ND
by: dan oxley

I agree that Notre Dame is the bestfootball team of alltime, but I still hate them!

May 08, 2009
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Dan...
by: Michael

Appreciate your honesty Dan. And thanks for commenting!

May 08, 2009
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Right on Dan
by: DILLON63

Appreciated Dan..I have never heard it said that way WOW!!!!!!

May 08, 2009
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sec
by: Anonymous

Like your honest analysis.

May 09, 2009
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Bama has the most...
by: Anonymous

I can't see proclaiming a team that plays service academies every year as the best. How long has it been since they were relevant in college football? And you think you can argue on strength of schedule?

I think the article said Bama had the most QB's to play in Super Bowls, not the most SB's their QB's have played in.

In 1926 Bama actually played Stanford to a 7-7 tie. And I'm pretty sure they have the best win pct. in Rose Bowls.

All the Championships Bama claims are from organizations that the NCAA recognized as capable of naming the NC. There are actually 17 times those entities have named the Tide as champs, so they still sandbagged the number.

Bama was the first team to win 100 games in a decade. Bama has the most 10 win seasons, the most Bowl invitations and the most Bowl wins. There are many things Bama has the most of, but you get my drift.

As far as the NCs named before bowls, thats the way it was, get over it. There were not enough bowls to ensure every contender would play in one, so champs were named after the regular season. If anything they got cheated out of one when ND chose to run out the clock in a game instead of playing to [win]. They would have been the first and only three time winner if voters had not placed an undefeated Tide behind ND and MS in '66.

Perhaps Alabama chose to claim the title for '41 because of things like the 1945 season. Thats when they were undefeated and scored 430 points, played two service related schools, including a 55-0 beat down of Pensacola N.A.S. At that time service related schools were dominant, unlike the last 40 years.

Alabama has done all those things without having the political clout that can win a Heisman trophy despite having a [LOSING] season.

Despite what you might think I don't hate ND. As a fan of college football history I have much respect for them. Knute Rockne was probably the most innovative coach of all time.

And I can't knock them for being a Catholic school that's nickname is The Fighting Irish. After all, as a fan of a team called the Crimson Tide who has an elephant as a mascot I can't point fingers.

But Alabama gained prominance at a time when the South as a whole was still pulling itself up out of decades of oppression.

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May 09, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
I can't see proclaiming a team that plays service academies every year as the best. How long has it been since they were relevant in college football? And you think you can argue on strength of schedule? I think the article said Bama had the most QB's to play in Super Bowls, not the most SB's their QB's have played in. In 1926 Bama actually played Stanford to a 7-7 tie. And I'm pretty sure they have the best win pct. in Rose Bowls. All the Championships Bama claims are from organizations that the NCAA recognized as capable of naming the NC. There are actually 17 times those entities have named the Tide as champs, so they still sandbagged the number. Bama was the first team to win 100 games in a decade. Bama has the most 10 win seasons, the most Bowl invitations and the most Bowl wins. There are many things Bama has the most of, but you get my drift. As far as the NCs named before bowls, thats the way it was, get over it. There were not enough bowls to ensure every contender would play in one, so champs were named after the regular season. If anything they got cheated out of one when ND chose to run out the clock in a game instead of playing to [win]. They would have been the first and only three time winner if voters had not placed an undefeated Tide behind ND and MS in '66. Perhaps Alabama chose to claim the title for '41 because of things like the 1945 season. Thats when they were undefeated and scored 430 points, played two service related schools, including a 55-0 beat down of Pensacola N.A.S. At that time service related schools were dominant, unlike the last 40 years. Alabama has done all those things without having the political clout that can win a Heisman trophy despite having a [LOSING] season. Despite what you might think I don't hate ND. As a fan of college football history I have much respect for them. Knute Rockne was probably the most innovative coach of all time. And I can't knock them for being a Catholic school that's nickname is The Fighting Irish. After all, as a fan of a team called the Crimson Tide who has an elephant as a mascot I can't point fingers. But Alabama gained prominance at a time when the South as a whole was still pulling itself up out of decades of oppression.

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May 09, 2009
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Omissions & Errors...
by: Michael

Thank you for your comments.

A couple of extra facts:

1) Notre Dame is Second All Time having been ranked #1 in the AP poll for 95 Weeks behind only Oklahoma (96 Weeks). Alabama is Tenth (31 Weeks).

2) Notre Dame is Second All Time with 10 players inducted into the NFL Football Hall of Fame behind only USC (11). Alabama is not far behind with 7.

3) The College Football Hall of Fame is located in South Bend, IN. Just thought that was interesting.

ERRORS:

Alabama played Stanford to a 7-7 tie in 1927. However, Alabama did play Washington in the 1926 Rose Bowl for a 20-19 victory. Notre Dame beat Stanford in the 1925 Rose Bowl. The 1926 Rose Bowl was a special game called by some as "the Game that Changed the South."

I believe you are referring to the 1966 season in which Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Alabama finished the season undefeated. I certainly agree that Alabama AND Michigan State have a legitimate argument here.

Paul Hornung did win the heisman in a losing season (2-8) which is quite remarkable.

May 09, 2009
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We are Back
by: DomerBill

It is Great to be hated again
No one hates a bottom feeder

May 09, 2009
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ND
by: Joe G

This was a very well-written article. I believe it was very objective .

May 10, 2009
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Corrections and other thought.
by: Anonymous

I'm sure some people noticed my mistake about the 1926 Rose Bowl, which occurred to me hours later. Bama tied Stanford in the '27 Rose Bowl, they beat Washington 20-19 in 1926.

Doesn't it seem a bit of a stretch to claim Notre Dame is responsible for making college football a nationwide interest?

Are golden helmets any more relevant than Bamas' numbered helmets. Is touchdown Jesus any more of a factor than Denny Chimes?

One other thing that should be noted when referring to the overall stats is the outragious penalties the NCAA gave them for the '93 season. Instead of punishing the agent that approached Antonio Langham they made Bama forfeit all their regular season wins. Was Langham any different after talking to an agent? Did their conversation somehow give him powers that warranted him being ineligible, thereby forcing the team to show a loss in games that were won on the field?

Bobby Bowden might have to forfeit his win over Bama due to similarly unrelated "infractions". I think college football would be better off if they didn't have to worry about the NCAA and all the politics that are involved. The way the rules are inforced and the sanctions handed down is far too arbitrary to be seen as unbiased.

May 10, 2009
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ND @1
by: Anonymous

The reason bowl people like ND is because they 'travel' so well. The bowl towns want visitors and ND provides that. Even if there are other teams with a better record, the Bowl towns WANT ND , if or nothing else then the revenue. It won't change.

May 11, 2009
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Appreciated
by: Anonymous

For once there is a well written and investigated rebuttal to a claim ND is not the greatest team ever. Although the past 2 decades have not been kind, you can't throw away the past. The past is part of what defines you as does the present, but were working on that! Well written, I couldn't agree more...GO IRISH!

May 11, 2009
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Bama vs ND
by: Redwings9

Bama should worry as much about graduating their kids as they do ghost National titles. Nice article thanks and go Irish.

May 11, 2009
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To Be Praised!
by: Dan from California

Like Notre Dame or hate them, this was an outstanding article! Another fact, when Notre Dame is in the top 10, all of college football benefits. The fact is, when Notre Dame is in contention, the sales of college materials like T-Shirts, banners, jackets etc. is at its peak and that is for every college football team in the U.S.!!

May 12, 2009
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NDvs Bama
by: Redwings9

"I think college football would be better off if they didn't have to worry about the NCAA"

As indicated it's "COLLEGE" football, sometimes people forget that fact. They are suppose to be students as well as football players. What the NCAA should do is sanction schools that fail to graduate say 70% of the kids, heck they should not even be bowl eligible let alone play for a NC. For every kid who makes the pros there is probably 50-100 that don't make it. With some schools coming in with graduation rates in 39-55% range that in itself is a crime. ESPN should spend some time talking about that rather then who ran the 40 in such and such a time. But that does not fill the seats or get people to tune in.JMOP

Like your freedom thank a VET.

May 12, 2009
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How can the Mich St. game be "Game of the Century"
by: Anonymous

Wasn't that when ND sat on the ball and ran out the clock to preserve a tie?

The only game I've seen anyone else refer to as the game of the century does not involve ND at all. It was between former Big 12 rivals I believe. Or possibly Ok versus Nebraska. Either way, I've never heard of any other game called the game of the century.

I don't think it's really possible to proclaim any team the best, but I think it's fair to say Bama, ND and Michigan are the top three.

May 14, 2009
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Wait...
by: Anonymous

You guys realize that ND sucks right? I can't tell if this page is serious or not.

May 14, 2009
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It's not going to suck itself ladies
by: tjsblue

Seriously. I haven't seen this much unwarranted self love since Pee-Wee Herman at the Catalina Five-O showing.

May 14, 2009
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You haven't seen The Devil In Mrs Jones
by: Anonymous

If you think Pee Wee was self gratifying, you've never seen the Hedgehog choking himself. I would post a link, but this is not the appropriate place. BTW, if ND fans could do that they would never buy a pc! (j/k, don't too get uptight)

May 15, 2009
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MIchigan tops ND
by: Anonymous

By your standards Michigan QBs top NDs QBs in Super Bowl performance.

Tom Brady - 3 Superbowl victories, 4 appearances, 2 MVPs.

Brian Griese - 1 Superbowl victory, 1 MVP

That tops ND ties Alabama.

May 15, 2009
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Where did you learn to count?
by: Anonymous

You need three to tie Bama.

May 19, 2009
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Blah, Blah, Blah
by: Anonymous

This article actually prooves just how worthless ND football has been over the last two decades. For someone to spend as much time as it would require to research ND's accomplishments from 20 to 100 years ago just shows there's absolutely nothing for ND fans to talk about but their history. If ND spend more time trying to beat teams other than Army and Navy and less time patting themselves on the back, they could possibly remove the "whipping boys of college football" status they currently own.

ND and Dallas Cowboy fans are basically one in the same. They should all gather in a room and take turns knocking off the dust from their decades old trophies and talk about their past histories which their current history is an embarrassment to.

May 21, 2009
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Game of the century
by: Bishop

Notre Dame beating FSU in 93 was the game of the century.

Oct 27, 2009
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Tide Titles
by: Robert Kirby

So you're scrutinizing Tide titles. It favors the tide better than you state in your ND man crush fantasy.

In the greatest poll theft of all time, the 66' title was easily Alabama's. That travesty of justice would never happen again.

In 1977, the Tide after splitting a tough non-conference schedule (Nebraska/Southern Cal), finished 10-1, No. 2 in the country. They demolished a good Buckeye team in the Sugar Bowl 35-6. SOP should've moved them up one notch after new year's day. ND jumped four spots to snatch that one.

In 1978, the Tide split the same non-conference schedule, this time losing to Southern Cal, finishing 10-1 again. Penn St, meanwhile was 11-0 and rated No. 1 headed into the bowls and the Tide No. 2. Clearly the voters had decided on the Tide and Trojans before the bowls or so it seemed. Alabama won a classic Sugar Bowl 14-7 and using the same logic from the year before (ND beat No. 1 Texas and jumped 4 spots to No.1) and a clear case of No. 1 V No. 2, it was a done deal who should've received the trophy. Actually, it gets better. I still have the photo of Charles White fumbling the ball long before crossing the goal for USC's "winning" touchdown over Michigan in the Rose Bowl. In the final poll that the Tide lost to USC by just a few points, Jim Young of Purdue did not include Alabama in his top four. The Tide won the AP and all other polls out at the time.

ND is stuck with a coach that will lead them into their third consecutive decade of mediocrity football.

Forget the movies, cute player names from a century ago, "shame of the century games" (66' Mich St.) and mostly you have just hype and ego left.

Have a nice day!

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Oct 27, 2009
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Submitted by: Robert Kirby

Title

Comment
So you're scrutinizing Tide titles. It favors the tide better than you state in your ND man crush fantasy. In the greatest poll theft of all time, the 66' title was easily Alabama's. That travesty of justice would never happen again. In 1977, the Tide after splitting a tough non-conference schedule (Nebraska/Southern Cal), finished 10-1, No. 2 in the country. They demolished a good Buckeye team in the Sugar Bowl 35-6. SOP should've moved them up one notch after new year's day. ND jumped four spots to snatch that one. In 1978, the Tide split the same non-conference schedule, this time losing to Southern Cal, finishing 10-1 again. Penn St, meanwhile was 11-0 and rated No. 1 headed into the bowls and the Tide No. 2. Clearly the voters had decided on the Tide and Trojans before the bowls or so it seemed. Alabama won a classic Sugar Bowl 14-7 and using the same logic from the year before (ND beat No. 1 Texas and jumped 4 spots to No.1) and a clear case of No. 1 V No. 2, it was a done deal who should've received the trophy. Actually, it gets better. I still have the photo of Charles White fumbling the ball long before crossing the goal for USC's "winning" touchdown over Michigan in the Rose Bowl. In the final poll that the Tide lost to USC by just a few points, Jim Young of Purdue did not include Alabama in his top four. The Tide won the AP and all other polls out at the time. ND is stuck with a coach that will lead them into their third consecutive decade of mediocrity football. Forget the movies, cute player names from a century ago, "shame of the century games" (66' Mich St.) and mostly you have just hype and ego left. Have a nice day!

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Notre Dame is the Greatest All-Time College Football Program

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Notre Dame is the Greatest All-Time College Football Program