Sports

Rosenberg: The Michigan-Notre Dame Rivalry Originated For One Reason: Money

September 05, 2013, 9:14 AM

Mike Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated -- and formerly of the Free Press-- punctures some of the myths surrounding the Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry, which resumes Saturday night in Ann Arbor, but will end after next year's game in South Bend, at least for a while.

A small controversy arose recently when Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly said he didn't see Michigan as one of Notre Dame's "historic, traditional rivalries." Many people, from regular fans to big-time commentators, Rosenberg writes, were shocked at Kelly's comment because they see the two teams' games as the culmination of all that is great about college football, and they assume the schools have been playing each other for the past century.

"They remember games that didn't happen," writes Rosenberg. "Between 1943 and 1977, the Wolverines and Fighting Irish didn't play at all.

"It feels like the kind of rivalry that has been played annually, uninterrupted, for more than 100 years. Michigan is No. 1 all-time in winning percentage; Notre Dame is No. 2. They have two of the most recognizable fight songs, two of the best marching bands, and two of the best uniforms (when Michigan isn't screwing with its uniform in a regrettable attempt to "extend the brand"). Watch the Fighting Irish and Wolverines kick off, and it feels like a slice of college football nostalgia."

"In truth, the modern rivalry started largely for one reason.

"Money.

"In the 1970s, Michigan athletic director Don Canham wanted to add a premier nonconference opponent so he could sell more season tickets. Michigan and Notre Dame had feuded for years, going back to the days of legendary coaches Knute Rockne, Fielding Yost and Fritz Crisler. (According to Canham's memoir, From The Inside: Crisler thought if Michigan played Notre Dame, "Our Catholic students will be sitting in the Michigan stadium cheering for the Irish." Yes, those were slightly different times.)"

 


 


Read more:  Sports Illustrated


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