ND vs. Washington St. in 2009

by Rob on Jul 20, 2007 3:49 PM EDT in Notre Dame Football Comment 2 comments

We haven't really gotten into the scheduling issue, mostly because there are a number of sites and blogs that have covered and debated the issue much better than we could ever imagine. But that was until today when the University issued this press release:

Irish To Face Washington State In 2009 Matchup At San Antonio
Game will be first in series of off-site contests for Notre Dame.
July 20, 2007
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - In the first of a series of "off-site" Fighting Irish football games, the University of Notre Dame and Washington State University will square off on Oct. 31, 2009, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Notre Dame officials expect to play one "home" game per season beginning in '09 at locations in Texas, Florida and in other cities.
The Irish and Cougars will be meeting for the first time since 2003, their only previous meeting. Notre Dame won that one 29-26 in overtime to open the season in Notre Dame Stadium. The 2009 game will be played at the 65,000-seat Alamodome, with the Valero Alamo Bowl serving as the host.
The Alamodome played host to a Texas A&M-Army regular-season matchup in 2006, served as temporary home to the NFL New Orleans Saints for part of the 2005 season in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - and is the home of the 2007 NFL Dallas Cowboys preseason training camp and the '07 Big 12 Conference Football Championship. The NCAA men's basketball Final Four was played at the Alamodome in 2003 and will be again in 2008.
"On behalf of the Valero Alamo Bowl and the Alamodome, we look forward to welcoming the history and tradition of Notre Dame to San Antonio and showing the team and their loyal fans our Texas hospitality," said Derrick Fox, Valero Alamo Bowl president.

I know what you're thinking. Washington State? In San Antonio, Texas? WTF?!? If you weren't thinking that, I give you this:

No, Washington State isn't the worst opponent in the world. No, San Antonio isn't the worst city to have a neutral game is. But why in God's name are we combining the two? It doesn't make sense. Did Kevin White just pick into a hat and select a school and city to play them in? Is our new scheduling based on a Mad Libs entry? Am I the only one who finds this absolutely shocking that someone was idiotic enough to pair these two items and put them together?
Our schedule is becoming a joke. Someone please save us.

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Davy Cockett...

And all his buddies will love it. So will the other 30 people in San Antonio.

I'm pretty sure this is just a publicity stunt for recruiting in Texas, giving kids from all over a chance to see Notre Dame live. Notice the article said, "Texas, Florida, and other cities".

Those are recruiting hot spots.

I won't be suprised when the other big programs start doing it, too. You want recruits to see you.

I don't like it, but this appears to be the future of major college football. Take the beat downs on the road and show off for recruits.

by fugimaster24 on Jul 20, 2007 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

San Antonio

well, I just heard this announced tonight and I know I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, but there is an ND connection with San Anontio.

Our Lady of the Lake University was founded in 1895 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence. It is one of the oldest schools in the area, and being a catholic university of that name, I am sure they share some affiliation with Notre Dame.

Maybe it's coincidence and I am completely wrong, but I will be in the stands in 2009, routing for the Irish.

by DasBoot on Jul 21, 2007 12:28 AM EDT reply actions