Legendary college football coach Knute Rockne was a visionary in many ways. He was one of the United State’s first real marketing promoters. In today’s world, he’d be considered a premiere “brand influencer” of the highest magnitude. Yet for all of his accomplishments, his life was cut short well before he even entered his prime.
One thing that Rockne did that set Notre Dame on the course to become all that it is today was done out of necessity. Early on he was to not afraid to schedule the best teams in the country. Now that’s done as a sense of pride. Wherever they may be, the Irish went. And won.
Notre Dame’s 2022 & 2023 “big game” opponents, Ohio State, USC, and Clemson, represent Rockne’s vision perfectly. Three brand names, three big conferences, and three different regions. While similar, they each present unique dynamics worth noting.