News came out last week that Notre Dame was joining the ACC for the 2020 football season, making it the first year the Fighting Irish would not play as an independent.
Notre Dame fans are mixed about the move but appear to understand the importance of doing it for the 2020 season at least as we live in such unique circumstances.
One of the four ACC opponents that Notre Dame had added to their schedule was North Carolina, where Mack Brown is set to begin his second year back at the school.
Brown was on ESPN Radio’s Packer and Durham Show this morning and discussed Notre Dame and the ACC’s temporary football marriage.
“It’s very unique but I think it’s great for them this year and it’s great for us,” Brown said. “Because they needed some extra help in scheduling, and anytime you add Notre Dame to your league it’s a great brand, they do it right, they play by the rules, they’re a great team. Brian Kelly does a tremendous job he’s a friend of mine, so this is a win-win. They will also bring some TV money it sounds like into the league, all of us are needing that right now. So I think it will be exciting, our guys are excited about playing Notre Dame.” – Mack Brown on ESPN Radio
I couldn’t have been more wrong about the impact Mack Brown would have in his second stint with North Carolina. I didn’t think he had much left in the tank when the hiring was announced roughly a year and a half ago, but turning the Tar Heels into a bowl team in year one and immediately improving recruiting efforts has made them quite the up and coming program.
It’s not as difficult as a trip to USC or playing Wisconsin in Lambeau Field would be but North Carolina presents a formidable foe for Notre Dame this fall and are very possibly the second toughest team on their schedule behind Clemson.