Junior Year Box Set

Last year, USC had led the nation in recruiting. Alabama had been number 1 for five straight years and had to settle for second place. USC had pulled five five-star athletes into their class, and sixteen four-stars. The top team in the Big 10 was Ohio State, and they hadn’t signed any five-star athletes. Notre Dame was unable to entice any, either.

“So, you’ll be the one trying to catch me when we play,” I said.

“You can count on it. I’ll be your worst nightmare. You might want to get my number tattooed on your chest to remind you of who’s going to put you on your butt all game.”

I liked him. I would have to show him who would put whom on their butt. After we had some grilled pork chops, we went into the stadium. The marching band did their pregame show, and we settled in for the game.

We really didn’t know what to expect from USC. While this was a big rivalry game, they had lost their head coach on Monday. It looked like his drinking issues had caught up with him. The athletic director had done the smart thing and promoted an interim head coach from within.

On paper, Notre Dame should win the game easily. The Fighting Irish were ranked number 14 and had revenge on their minds after being routed by USC last year. I thought the Trojans would come out fired-up because the uncertainty of the coaching situation had been resolved for now. The only problem was their preparation had been hindered by the turmoil. I expected it would be a good game and looked forward to seeing Bill get the start.

From the beginning, the Notre Dame fans were loud and on their feet. I scanned the stadium to try to find an empty seat. This was college football like it should be. In this corner of northern Indiana, Fighting Irish football was king. The marching band formed a giant ND and awaited their team. The Fighting Irish were in their gold and blue uniforms, and the crowd greeted them, confident of a victory. USC then came onto the field in their distinctive crimson and white uniforms.

I could imagine both playing home games here, and coming in as the visitor. This was one of a handful of renowned stadiums in which to play college football. As a fan of the game, it was one of the places you had to go to see a game.