Was pondering the depressing numbers Lou rattled off regarding the "fall" of the program over the past twenty years, and the numbers are truly depressing. I hadn't realized what a dry spell this has been until he put it out in comparison to other programs.
But in a way, doesn't that kind of prove that Notre Dame is the ultimate "program?" When I think of a "program," I immediately think of brand name, Influence and "staying power" so to speak, in the national sports consciousness. Notre Dame almost gets more national press when they are horrible. Living in Missouri - I can tell you a sh*tty Notre Dame team gets more national attention than an 11-1 Mizzou team. It absolutely infuriates my friends in the area. THAT is being imbedded in the national sports consciousness.
Michigan, Texas, Alabama, USC have a brand name. And staying power/influence. But absolutely no comparison to the international Brand name of ND. How many of those teams can orchestrate games in Ireland, Fenway, Soldier Field in the midst of this "horrific drought." Look at the Pinkel comment today - total sour grapes; envious of the bargaining power the Notre Dame name brand brings.
I'd always like to be competitive and maintain the '88-'93 standard. But would you rather be the Granddaddy of the sport, essentially, always on the front page (for better or worse), or some regional team like a Mizzou, solid yet absolutely insignificant in the national media/sports conscience. I think I'd prefer the former.
This horrible drought is almost an ironic affirmation of program status.
But in a way, doesn't that kind of prove that Notre Dame is the ultimate "program?" When I think of a "program," I immediately think of brand name, Influence and "staying power" so to speak, in the national sports consciousness. Notre Dame almost gets more national press when they are horrible. Living in Missouri - I can tell you a sh*tty Notre Dame team gets more national attention than an 11-1 Mizzou team. It absolutely infuriates my friends in the area. THAT is being imbedded in the national sports consciousness.
Michigan, Texas, Alabama, USC have a brand name. And staying power/influence. But absolutely no comparison to the international Brand name of ND. How many of those teams can orchestrate games in Ireland, Fenway, Soldier Field in the midst of this "horrific drought." Look at the Pinkel comment today - total sour grapes; envious of the bargaining power the Notre Dame name brand brings.
I'd always like to be competitive and maintain the '88-'93 standard. But would you rather be the Granddaddy of the sport, essentially, always on the front page (for better or worse), or some regional team like a Mizzou, solid yet absolutely insignificant in the national media/sports conscience. I think I'd prefer the former.
This horrible drought is almost an ironic affirmation of program status.
