Got Independence?

Notre Dame making their entrance against NC State - Photo Credit: Lisa Kelly

Three Reasons Why Independence Is King in the Playoff Era

November 8, 2017 by Ryan Ritter

Typically, the "Notre Dame needs to join a conference already" talk hits in the lull of the offseason. But, in the playoff era, and during a time in which Notre Dame appears to have a rather firm grip on their #3 rank from the College Football Playoff committee, that particular cry has emerged in November. While people championing this argument believe they do so in hopes to boost their favorite team's resume, somewhere, deep down, like a splinter in their mind, they know the truth: Notre ...

Notre Dame Athletic Director, Jack Swarbrick, working his magic on future schedules, probably. (Photo Credit: Shane DeLeon aka SupermanTDJesus)

Making the Most of Independence: Notre Dame’s Future Schedules

July 7, 2017 by Ryan Ritter

Unless you are one of those folks that keeps tabs on the Fulmer Cup, early July isn't exactly the time in which you expect college football news to break. Yet, here we are in the wake of Notre Dame's announcement that the Arkansas Razorbacks have been added the 2020 and 2025 schedules. Now, I understand that, even in this barren desert of Irish football news, you may find it hard to get excited for games that are three and eight years away. To be fair, I'm right there with you; however, ...

NOPE

Continuing the Conversation: Notre Dame Should Remain Independent

May 26, 2017 by Ryan Ritter

A couple of days ago, JimmyG bucked a usual trend on this site and said that Notre Dame's full membership in the ACC was a conversation worth having. When Jimmy approached me about going for this, I thought about turning it into another DEBATE THIS back and forth. For anyone that's followed my work here on HLS or anyone that heard me give a rather passionate history lesson about the Irish's independence, you know exactly where I stand. Notre Dame should absolutely remain independent until it ...

Friday Roundup: The “Declaration of iNDependence” Episode

July 31, 2015 by Ryan Ritter

Yes, I used "ND" in the middle of a word. I don't care. Eye-roll away. Anyways, after yet another week full of hot takes on why Notre Dame's independence is the worst thing ever and should bar them from the college football playoffs, I felt it was time to devote a whole episode of the Friday Roundup to the topic. If you want a singular thing to pass on to someone that wonders why ND thinks it's so special and is independent, share this episode. If you want to show someone that a strong ...

Good Fridays w/Padre: ND SA

July 19, 2013 by Father Sorin

You have to write an essay – and a good one at that – in order to be admitted to Our Lady’s University. But just anyone can buy, be given, or stumble upon a ticket to a home game. And I’m not exactly sure that’s appropriate. I think there should be an essay application for anyone – student, alum, subway alum, or first-time fan – who wants to enter the House the Rockne Built…except the other team’s people, who we know are illiterate. So I’ve taken this year’s actual essay questions, written ...

Good Fridays w/Padre: You Got a Motto

June 28, 2013 by Father Sorin

I like a good motto. So, for me, one of the few bright spots of our July 1 union with our new Conference (as I am inherently suspicious of all conferences), is that it comes with a catchy motto: The Journey Begins. Every place, every event should have a motto with a nice ring to it. We have several. ...

Just Stop Writing Dumb “Join B1G” Columns Already, Everyone

December 18, 2012 by Ryan Ritter

Ok, usually I don't get drawn offsides very much by any "Notre Dame should join X conference" articles, but this last attempt takes the cake in terms of stupidity. You can find the original by Dave Wischnowsky here, but I urge you not to click it. You'll get all the breakdown you need after the jump. ...

Good Fridays w/Padre: Mercy

November 30, 2012 by Father Sorin

We find ourselves is a strange position, awash with unaccustomed emotions. No, this has nothing to do with being undefeated and Number 1. That is our proper position and we should feel simple contentment for, indeed, all is right with the world. I mean we are caught up in the unusual furor of conference-hatred. Not belonging to one of these mutual-mediocrity-assurance societies, we have no natural animosity toward any of them. Normally, we deride them all equally. (Do we hate the Big 10? ...

The Real Independence Question

May 23, 2012 by Ryan Ritter

Another year, another offseason, another period of realignment rumors, and once again questions as to how Notre Dame, and our football independence, fits into the picture. With the BCS heading towards a playoff in 2014, such questions have intensified, especially with conferences posturing to have their champions in the mix above everyone else. However, the question shouldn't be whether or not Irish football will be able to remain independent because that answer is a resounding "yes". Despite ...

Pat Forde Feeling Sticky. SEC Feeling Great, Might Call Him Next Week.

October 15, 2006 by domer.mq

This is getting to be a cosmic joke. Pat, making sure that everyone understands he wouldn't do this sort of thing for just any conference, reminds doubters... This was the seventh week of the season, and at least one Southeastern Conference team has lost in each one. Now, after a deafening night in the Loveliest Little Village on The Plains, the body count is complete in the Bloody South. Twelve teams. No unbeatens. Nobody left standing tall in the national championship chase. Let the ...