Posing a question that has garnered significant attention, esteemed sports commentator Stephen A. Smith recently questioned the relevance of Notre Dame in college football during a discussion on ESPN’s “First Take.” In a conversation with colleagues Paul Finebaum and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Smith brought up the topic while discussing the new College Football Playoff format.
Highlighting the fact that Notre Dame’s football program has not secured a national championship since 1988, which amounts to 36 years, Smith emphasized the extended period without a title. Despite acknowledging the prestige of the university, he questioned the team’s current impact and achievements, wondering what they have done to stay relevant.
While Notre Dame, under experienced coaches like Brian Kelly, Charlie Weis, and Tyrone Willingham, has had successful seasons with 10 or more wins, the team has fallen short in clinching national titles since Lou Holtz’s leadership.
The iconic brand and powerful reputation of Notre Dame in college football are undeniable, but the reality reveals a different story. The team, once triumphant, has not been a formidable force in today’s college football era.
One possible contributing factor to this decline could be Notre Dame’s decision to remain independent, forgoing conference titles that many teams use as a selling point. Additionally, their strength of schedule has not been notably impressive, possibly hindering their relevance in current college football discussions.
