Fans gather near the Touchdown Jesus mural before Notre Dame’s game vs. Tennessee State on Sept. 2 in South Bend, Ind. (Michael Caterina — The Associated Press)
Those who swear by the pageantry of college football as a huge selling point to their fandom have plenty at their disposal for convincing those sitting on the fence.
It could be their favorite marching band.
Or their favorite school’s fight song.
Perhaps it’s the rich history of the sport, and it’s iconic moments and games.
It could be simply there is no better sport for a good ’ole tailgate.
From this corner, the old classic stadiums have always tugged at my heart. It’s a huge draw for me.
Some don’t, but I still miss old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. It was not the prettiest or most impressive venue but that place had character.
I miss watching classic NFL playoff games involving the Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. There were a lot — including a 1985 playoff game vs. the Browns.
One of my favorite memories as a teen-ager was watching freshman quarterback Bernie Kosar lead the Miami Hurricanes to a stunning 31-30 win over then-No. 1 Nebraska in the 1984 Orange Bowl that won his team a national championship.
On the college landscape, some venues are losing their nostalgic appeal.
There’s still Ohio Stadium in Columbus, which might be the most iconic football venue in America. The Horseshoe is a magical place. The Big House at Michigan and its underground structure with always be unique. Beaver Stadium at Penn State is still a marvel.
On the West Coast, the L.A. Memorial Coliseum always oozes tradition and for one day — especially when it’s Jan. 1 — it’s difficult to top the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
But for the complete package, what’s offered at Notre Dame on a football game day is No. 1.
Its stadium — built in 1930 and simply called Notre Dame Stadium — isn’t the biggest. With a capacity of 80,795 (after an expansion in 1997), it ranks outside the top 15 among college football venues. But it’s the “House that Rockne” built, where “The Four Horsemen” galloped and the words “Win one for the Gippper” will never be forgotten.
Love the Fighting Irish or hate them, there’s no denying the tradition that goes beyond the seven Heisman Trophies and 11 national championships won.
There’s the iconic Touchdown Jesus mural that’s visible from the stadium. There’s the Golden Dome on the campus’ main building, and the Grotto. Those heading to South Bend, Ind., this weekend for the Ohio State-ND game Sept. 22 are doing themselves a disservice by not visiting all three spots on campus.
This weekend is the first time the teams have played at Notre Dame since 1996, when the Buckeyes dominated in a 29-16 victory. That game was a battle of top-five teams — OSU was No. 4 and ND was No. 5.
For drama, there wasn’t much in 1996. Coach John Cooper’s team was just better that day and that season. OSU finished 11-1 and ranked No. 2 in the final polls. The Irish were 8-3 and No. 19.
That was one game. Notre Dame Stadium has featured some of the most iconic drama-filled games in college football history. Among the most iconic:
• The Irish’s 31-30 win over the No.1 Miami Hurricanes, which paved the way for the program’s last national championship in 1988.
• A 10-10 tie with Michigan State in 1966 — a game that created huge controversy but also laid the groundwork for another national championship for ND.
• A 1 vs. 2 matchup between Florida State and ND in 1993 — a game won by Irish, 31-24. It was the first time ESPN took “College GameDay” on the road.
• No. 1-ranked USC’s 34-31 win over the Irish in 2005 — a game known for the “Bush Push” when Reggie Bush gave an assist to his QB Matt Leinart on the game-winning TD in the final seconds.
Fans could be in for a thriller this weekend while watching the Buckeyes and Fight Irish, and could join the list as an all-time iconic game at Notre Dame Stadium.
But there’s more than just football games at Notre Dame. It’s where tradition lives and breathes, and it’s second to none.
Ohio State at Notre Dame
When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23
Where: Notre Dame Stadium
Records: OSU 3-0, ND 4-0
Rankings (AP): OSU No. 6, ND No. 9
TV: WKYC
Read More: Notre Dame’s tradition is second to none in college football