"A USC national football championship without playing Notre Dame rings hollow - an asterisked title, a meal that never satisfies, a taste you can't quite wash away. It may shine in the record books, but it will always feel unfinished to those who know what real college football tradition demands. Earth to Lincoln Riley: an undefeated season is still a loss without playing the Fighting Irish. What's next? If UCLA becomes competitive, then there will be no crosstown game?"
"So the Fighting Irish own a series edge of 53-37, have won 3 in a row, 7 of the last 8, and 11 of the last 15 games. Yet Bill Plaschke now claims that Notre Dame is running away from the series and is afraid of "Ole SC." To paraphrase the late, great Jim Healy, Plaschke is on the Leonard Tose highway! Notre Dame is the Burger King of college football - always having it their way."
USC rivalry wins against Notre Dame and UCLA define program legitimacy and determine coaching fate for devoted alumni and fans. A national title earned without facing Notre Dame feels hollow and carries an asterisk in the eyes of tradition-minded supporters. Prioritizing College Football Playoff selection is portrayed as profit-driven and undermines historic rivalries. Notre Dame's independent status, perceived CFP advantages, and ability to retain bowl revenue foster resentment among rival fans. Eliminating the Notre Dame game would betray longstanding traditions and alienate alumni. Maintaining rivalry games validates championships and sustains the cultural identity of college football programs.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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