(Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Colin Cowherd’s recent ramblings about USC ditching Notre Dame are so off base they are comical. The man claims to bleed Cardinal and Gold – that he’s a member of the “Trojan Family,” yet he’s completely out of touch with what matters to the Trojan faithful. He’s crying about the heart and soul of the sport being lost with NIL, conference realignment, and now claiming that with USC moving to the Big 10, playing Notre Dame is a burden? Give me a break. No true USC fan would ever suggest abandoning this sacred rivalry.
Look, the USC-Notre Dame rivalry isn’t just another game. It’s a damn institution, a clash of titans with nearly a century of history behind it. It’s a living testament to the power of tradition, the allure of competition, and the thrill of witnessing greatness unfold on the gridiron. We’re talking Heisman moments, national championship showdowns, the whole nine yards. It’s a rivalry that has transcended generations, captivating fans and forging legends. To even suggest tossing that aside is pure disrespect to the sport, the legacy of USC, and the Trojan Family. As Ara Parseghian once said, “This is probably the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football.”
Cowherd’s wrong. The heart and soul of the sport haven’t disappeared; it’s evolved. NIL and realignment are just new chapters in the ever-changing story of college football. They’re challenges to be embraced, opportunities for growth and innovation. “The game is still the game,” Bear Bryant famously said. And this rivalry, this annual clash between two iconic programs, is a shining example of that enduring spirit.
As for the Big 10 schedule being a burden? Please. USC isn’t afraid of a challenge. They’re not backing down from anyone. As Pete Carroll once said, “Competition is a gift.” Playing Notre Dame, even with a tougher conference schedule, only adds to the allure, the excitement, and the stakes. It’s a testament to the Trojans’ commitment to excellence and willingness to face the best, regardless of odds.
This rivalry is a microcosm of the sport, a clash of styles, a battle of wills. It’s the West Coast flair of USC against the Midwestern grit of Notre Dame, a collision of cultures and a test of character. This goes beyond football, too. USC and Notre Dame are academic powerhouses, elite institutions that push each other to improve on and off the field. The annual showdown is a celebration of that shared pursuit of excellence.
So let’s cut the crap and call a spade a spade: Cowherd’s take is utter nonsense. This rivalry isn’t going anywhere, and it shouldn’t. It’s a cornerstone of college football, a gift to the fans, and a legacy that deserves to be carried on for generations. As Pat Haden said, “There’s nothing like it in sports.” The USC-Notre Dame rivalry is more than just a game; it’s an embodiment of what makes college football so damn special. It’s the past, present, and future of the sport, all rolled into one glorious showdown.
A true Trojan knows that.
Trojan play-by-play announcer Pete Arbogast responded perfectly: “It’s THE best intersectional rival in history. Just leave it be.”