Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Fighting irish in the Big Ten

GETTING INTO THE BIG TEN

For many Irish fans, the Irish and the Big Ten go together like... well the Irish and football success. Ever since joining the Big Ten with rival Michigan State in 1949, The Irish have continued to enjoy success on the field, as well as continuing to build rivalries with Michigan State, Michigan, and Purdue. However, it was something that almost never came to fruition due to prejudices of other conference members, as well as personal rivalries between coaches and administrators

Since the earliest days of Notre Dame football, the Irish had a desire to join what was then known as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives. At the time 8 schools (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Chicago, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue, and Michigan were founding members. Other schools thought about joining including Iowa (though they remained tied to Iowa State and Nebraska, eventually founding the Missouri Valley Conference, and later the MVIAA or "Big 8") Notre Dame though, was considered too small, and due to the anticatholicism of the time, many of the larger, secular universities were against them as members.
That didn't prevent Notre Dame from trying though. They built up their football program, playing powers such as USC, Navy and Pittsburgh regularly, as well as playing other powerful teams, including many teams in the now Big 9. Knute Rockne was especially adamant about this, but at a track meet where Notre Dame was competing against Michigan, there was an argument between Rockne and Michigan football coach and AD Fielding Yost. Apparently Yost said he'd "never let the Irish into the Big 9".

In 1939 however, a window was opened. The University of Chicago, had just finished another losing campaign. MAny wondered what could be done to the program that once had been dominant under coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Many fans didn't know. However Chicago's president, Robert Maynard Hutchins had decided to drop football in favor of putting emphasis back into academics. The Maroons later dropped all academics in 1946, and the search was on for new members. Throughout the late 40's a few schools would try and join the league now known as simply the "Western Conference" in order to avoid confusion with the Great Plains based Big 8 (officially known as the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic association, not to be confused with the smaller Missouri Valley Conference including Creighton, Drake and Wichita State among its members)

At first, many candidates were suggested for expansion. Michigan State had tried to get in in 1924 but was rebuffed. However, MSU President John Hannah felt that this time his team was a shoe in. While other schools such as Iowa, Marquette, Penn STate, Pitt and the Irish were suggested, only Pittsburgh and Notre Dame would seriously look at joining Michigan State in their attempts to be the tenth member of the league. Due to league rules, the conference had to vote to accept members, and at least 6 votes out of 8 were needed. With Michigan State, only Michigan voted against their inclusion.
Notre Dame however would face a powerful challenge. Minnesota and Wisconsin had wanted Iowa, in spite of the Hawks reaffirming allegiance to the Big 8. Other members felt that Pittsburgh was the most logical choice though, due to its great academic and athletic standards, as well as giving the conference a doorway to the East. Michigan State though had made it known that they wanted Notre Dame in the League. The two schools had a long history together, and had recently renewed their rivalry at what was called the "spaghetti and meatballs conference" where they agreed to play each other again. Pittsburgh never put in an application though, preferring to play its eastern rivals such as Penn State, Syracuse, and Temple. The conference then put it up to a vote. Michigan voted no against the Irish, as did Northwestern (the wildcats, usually bottom feeders in football, did not want to play the powerful Irish every year at that time). Other members though ended up voting for the Irish. While the western schools had though Iowa would be convinced to leave, they felt Notre Dame might be a better conference member. As for Pitt, they withdrew their consideration because of their eastern rivals, though they would play Notre Dame throughout the 50's.
 
Excellent! I was waiting for a ND-Big Ten timeline!

Does ND start playing a Big Ten schedule in 1949 or in 1950? That's a big factor because ND was a very dominant team in 1949 (10-0) that could have gone undefeated even in the Big 10 because Ohio State and Michigan were good, but not great. If ND enters the conference in 1950, they become a middle of the pack team because they weren't that great in the 50s and Ohio State under Woody becomes a national power.

They probably keep their 1966 national championship because Michigan St. is the best team in the Big Ten OTL and they were able to play the Spartans to a 10-10 tie in East Lansing. However, there is no way ND gets through 1973 or 1977 undefeated...they survived close scares against MSU and Purdue both years in OTL. Michigan and Ohio State were juggernauts in 1973, and they just tore apart the rest of the league; there's no way ND can beat both of them. The "Big Two" were also pretty powerful in 1977, it is hard to think ND could beat both of them that year either, even with Montana. In 1978, Michigan with Rick Leach whooped Montana's ND pretty good in OTL.

In 1988 ND might get through the conference unbeaten, but they would have to split the title with unbeaten Miami (they would not play each other ATL because the Big 10 was really strong in the 1980s)

The other question with ND in the Big Ten is their rivalry with USC...do they still play the Trojans or is the rivalry discontinued? Big butterflies will result if ND does not play USC...
 
I've made it so that Notre Dame would start playing a Big Ten Schedule in 1953 (like Michigan State in OTL). From what i've read the reason MSU didn't compete in football until 53 was because schedules were already set for two years in advance in 1949 and 50.

As for the USC rivalry, I think it would continue as their main rival outside of the league. They would always try to schedule them. They might try to keep their other rivals such as Navy and Pitt for a while, but eventually other than USC the Irish's main rivals would be its main Big Ten rivals in OTL, Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue. Indiana would become somewhat of a rival due to being in the same state, but it wouldn't be competitive. Same with Northwestern since I think playing in Chicago every other year would be good for them, though it wouldn't get competitive.
 
Rose at the end of the Rainbow: The Fighting Irish in the Big Ten.

THE FIRST SEASON

After finally being accepted Notre Dame would officially enter the Big Ten in football in 1953. While the Irish and the Spartans would immediately compete in basketball, football schedules had been set in advance and 1953 was the closest date that both Michigan State and Notre Dame would get their schedules worked out.

It was not only the scheduling though, that worked out that year. In 1952, Michigan State won the National Championship, and Spartan coach Biggie Munn felt that his squad would earn a Rose Bowl bid that year. Notre Dame had plenty of reasons to be confident too. Coming off of a 7-2-1 season in their last year of independence, including a season ending win against 2nd ranked USC, the irish had Rose bowl hopes of their own. The schedule would not be easy though. Besides playing Michigan State, their schedule also included Michigan, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The non conference also included rivals USC, Pittsburgh, and Navy. Yet many expected the Irish to at least get a shot at the title, with many predicting the Michigan State team as the "conference title game".

The predictions were played out in 53. Notre Dame finished undefeated that season, dominating most of their opponents, and barely defeating Michigan State for the Big Ten crown and the Rose Bowl bid. Thus Notre Dame ended up being ranked as National Champs that year (since polls were taken before the bowl games) in the AP poll, though Maryland would win in the Coaches poll.

On January 1st 1954, the Irish would play in their first Rose Bowl since 1925 and only their 2nd bowl appearance. They would play the UCLA bruins in what would go down as a memorable game, winning 45 25 over the Bruins, finishing the season undefeated and untied.
 
THE FIRST SEASON

After finally being accepted Notre Dame would officially enter the Big Ten in football in 1953. While the Irish and the Spartans would immediately compete in basketball, football schedules had been set in advance and 1953 was the closest date that both Michigan State and Notre Dame would get their schedules worked out.

It was not only the scheduling though, that worked out that year. In 1952, Michigan State won the National Championship, and Spartan coach Biggie Munn felt that his squad would earn a Rose Bowl bid that year. Notre Dame had plenty of reasons to be confident too. Coming off of a 7-2-1 season in their last year of independence, including a season ending win against 2nd ranked USC, the irish had Rose bowl hopes of their own. The schedule would not be easy though. Besides playing Michigan State, their schedule also included Michigan, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The non conference also included rivals USC, Pittsburgh, and Navy. Yet many expected the Irish to at least get a shot at the title, with many predicting the Michigan State team as the "conference title game".

The predictions were played out in 53. Notre Dame finished undefeated that season, dominating most of their opponents, and barely defeating Michigan State for the Big Ten crown and the Rose Bowl bid. Thus Notre Dame ended up being ranked as National Champs that year (since polls were taken before the bowl games) in the AP poll, though Maryland would win in the Coaches poll.

On January 1st 1954, the Irish would play in their first Rose Bowl since 1925 and only their 2nd bowl appearance. They would play the UCLA bruins in what would go down as a memorable game, winning 45 25 over the Bruins, finishing the season undefeated and untied.

Good update...in OTL when ND was an independent in 1953 their only blemish was a 14-14 tie to Iowa in South Bend...I assume they are not playing Iowa ITL
 
Good update...in OTL when ND was an independent in 1953 their only blemish was a 14-14 tie to Iowa in South Bend...I assume they are not playing Iowa ITL

No, I had Iowa be a member of the Big 8 in TTL. I mentioned in my first post how the Hawks (who in OTL were members of a conference in the 1890's with Nebraska, Kansas and Mizzou and were members of the Missouri Valley, which eventually split into the Big 8 (the state schools) and the MVC (small schools like Drake, Creighton, Wichita State)) stayed with Iowa State, Nebraska, Kansas, K-State and Mizzou to form the Big 6/8 when Oklahoma and Okie State joined. Also, Notre Dame in TTL would try to play Southern Cal every year, as well as Pitt and Navy in the 50s though these will diminish as their football fortunes slide, though old timers do pine for the days of playing more national powers.
 
Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten.

Highs and lows in the fabulous 50's

After finishing their first Big Ten season in 1953, the Irish looked to continue their streak. Due to his success, Irish coach Frank Leahy retired and Terry Brennan became the coach of the Irish. While the conference still had its no-repeat rule regarding the Rose Bowl, Notre Dame looked to compete for another national title in 54. Once again the schedule would include rival USC, as well as the Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Indiana, Minnesota, and for the first time in Big Ten play, Ohio State, who would eventually win the national title. The season started off well with Notre Dame defeating Navy and USC. An upset would occur though, when the Boilermakers would defeat the Irish in one of the biggest upsets of the year. Losses would then occur to Ohio State and Wisconsin, while they did beat ranked teams Michigan and Minnesota, meaning the Irish finished with a 6-3 record and ranked 20th in the nation after playing a brutal schedule and finishing 5th in the Big Ten

1955, would see a similar result in Brennan's 2nd season. Besides the usual Big Ten slate, and USC and Navy, Notre Dame would play Iowa of the Big 8. The season would start off shaky though. They barely beat the Hawkeyes in South Bend, and lost to USC in LA. Michigan State and Michigan would also defeat the Irish, causing another 6-3 season which disappointed Irish fans since if they had defeated Michigan State they would have gone to their 2nd Rose bowl. Still the Irish finished 18th in the nation and 4th in the Big Ten behind Ohio State and the Michigan schools. The season also saw the emergence of Paul Hornung at qb. Hornung, after being the backup in 1954, had blossomed into a great all round player, and earned all conference honors.

1956 would see the Irish fortunes fall, and fall hard.Though Paul Hornung would end up winning the Heisman Trophy (the only time a player from a losing team would win). Though the Irish started the season ranked 3rd in the country, their only Big wins came against Wisconsin and Indiana, while North Carolina would be its only non-con win, thus finishing the season 3-6. In the end it would be Michigan, who had drubbed the Irish would be the Rose Bowl representative for the conference.

After the disastrous campaign in 56. Brennan and the Irish were predicted to struggle again in 1957. The Irish proved everyone wrong though,with wins in the non conference against USC, but a losses to Iowa and Navy. In conference though, the Irish would finish 3rd, with a 5-1 record and only losing to Michigan State, finishing with another 6-3 record and their best conference finish since 53. Expectations were once again soaring in hopes that the Irish would turn things around.

The Irish started the 1958 season ranked 5th in the country, but losses outside of the conference to Pitt and Navy made sure the Irish didn't end up finishing that high. Within the conference the Irish would lose to eventual champ Wisconsin and rival Purdue, finishing 4th in the league and 5-4 overall. The poor showing led to Irish coach Terry Brennan leaving and the Irish hiring Joe Kuharich to turn things around

The Non Conference season for Kuharich started out decently with only one loss against Pitt, the conference, would be another story. Losses came against Michigan State, Wisconsin and Purdue. While many were willing to forgive Kuharich for the first season, some felt the Irish had slipped and had become a mediocre team, and would continue to be for the forseable future, especially after a loss to eventual champ Wisconsin, and rose bowl rep and rival Michigan State.

A new decade soon dawned, and the Irish were expected to not be as dominant. While many in the Big Ten had thought the Irish would be unstoppable in the conference, the Irish had hardly been a factor since their entry save for their first two seasons. This reputation would be proven during the next two seasons with records of 2-8 and two 5-5 records in 61-62. As a result, Kuharich would be fired, and another coaching search had begun. While many candidates were suggested, ultimately the winner would be Northwestern's coach, Ara Parseghian. Parseghian had some success at Northwestern, including a ranked team in 62, but problems with his AD led him to go to the Irish, who had yet to play Northwestern in conference. Though his last Northwestern team had done well, many felt it would take a more proven winner to make Notre Dame great again. Irish fans though had little idea how special the "Era of Ara would be"
 
Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten.

THE ERA OF ARA

After 1962, coach Joe Kuharich retired, and the search was on. In the end, it was Ara Parseghian, the Northwestern head coach who had played at Miami of Ohio with Ohio State coach Woody Hates, and had been coached by Paul Brown of the Cleveland Browns. There had been many other candidates, including Dan Devine of Missouri (whose Tigers were one of the better teams in the Big 8 and had gone undefeated in 1960). Irish fans though thought that Parseghian would be a good fit, especially after improving the usually bottom dwelling Northwestern Wildcats. This brought hope to the Irish fan base, who had not had a ranked team since 1958. MAny were hopeful, though a number of Irish fans were starting to feel that as an academically oriented private university competing against big public schools, the days of being a football power were over.

The 1963 season would be somewhat forgetable, though many credit this season as the one where Parseghian was able to build up his team . Though the Irish would lose to USC and Navy, the 7 game Big Ten schedule was easy enough for the Irish to beat Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Indiana, while losing to Michigan State and Illinois, the top teams in the Big Ten that year. This allowed the Irish to finish 4th in the conference, while posting a 5-5 record. While it didn't look good on paper, the season saw the emergence of QB John Huarte, who would become a key player on the 1964 team.

1964 saw the first time Notre Dame would get back into the National rating since 1959. The Irish would lose to USC, but would defeat Navy and Pittsburgh
before starting their Big Ten Slate of Michigan State, Michigan, Purdue, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The Irish led by John Huarte would lead Notre Dame to a 5-1 Big Ten record, which saw them end up tied for 2nd in the Big Ten with Ohio State, though rival Michigan would get to the Rose Bowl which left a sour taste in the mouths of the Irish. The main consolation though was Huarte winning the Heisman trophy and finishing the season ranked 15th in the country.

After finishing in 2nd place in the Big Ten, the Irish would find themselves hungry for a Big Ten title in 1965 would see the Irish win all three of their traditional nonconference games against USC Pitt and Navy (though due to Pitt struggling the last few years, both sides wanted to discontinue the series).
In the Big Ten (which now required 7 conference games) the Irish would play Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northwestern (which would become somewhat of a rival, though only because Notre Dame wanted to have a game in Chicago every other year). This led to the Irish rotating the Wisconsin and Minnesota games with Ohio State and Illinois every two years. Meaning that in 66 the Irish would not play the Gophers and Badgers regularly.

The 65 season would only feature losses to Purdue and Michigan State, leading to a 4th place finish (behind Mich State, Ohio State and Purdue). Even with the low conference finish, the Irish would be ranked 11th in the country and would be seen as Big Ten conference favorites for the next season.

1966, would come to be known as one of the greatest seasons the Irish would ever. Replacing struggling Pittsburgh with a series with Duke , the Irish would sweep their nonconference opponents, while the Big Ten Slate appeared to be one that would be not terribly difficult, though Purdue and Michigan State were the toughest teams on the schedule. The Irish would defeat Purdue, but in their season ending game against Michigan State, the Irish and the Spartans would tie. However, many Notre Dame fans saw it as a victory due to the fact they would be the Rose Bowl Reps since the conference still had its no repeat rule, and the Spartans had been the conference reps the year before. Notre Dame would then face USC in the Rose Bowl for the first time, and as in the regular season, the Irish would win, convincing many people that they were the National Champions of 1966, and the AP would vote them so. Once again the Irish were tops in the US in football.
 
When might the Big Ten change their rule allowing more than the Conference champions to play in a Bowl game? Because once ND got used to playing in bowls, their is no way they are staying home when some other team wins the Big Ten. In the correct time line that was the late 70's to allow Michigan and Ohio State to both get Bowl bids. . But if MSU and ND still have the tie game in 66 , I can see MSU getting the Rose Bowl bid, since its not very sporting to allow a team to play in the Rose Bowl that did not try to win the game. Then the ND press machine goes nuts.
 
When might the Big Ten change their rule allowing more than the Conference champions to play in a Bowl game? Because once ND got used to playing in bowls, their is no way they are staying home when some other team wins the Big Ten. In the correct time line that was the late 70's to allow Michigan and Ohio State to both get Bowl bids. . But if MSU and ND still have the tie game in 66 , I can see MSU getting the Rose Bowl bid, since its not very sporting to allow a team to play in the Rose Bowl that did not try to win the game. Then the ND press machine goes nuts.

Actually Notre Dame would get invited to the 67 Rose Bowl since Michigan State was the rep in 1966. The conference had a no repeat rule like that made it so no team could appear twice. The only exception was Minnesota for the 1961 and 62 Rose Bowls which happened due to the agreement between the PCC (the Pac 10 predecessor) and the Big Ten was nixed due to the fact the PCC collapsed. So Minnesota was able to go twice. Anyway due to the repeat rule ND gets the Rose Bowl big for the 66 season and ties for the title.
 
Keep it going!

I would like to know when the Big Ten starts developing bowl tie-ins with other major conferences not named the Pac-10...it would probably be a little earlier than in OTL (they started in the late 1970s or so)
 
Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten.

THE ERA OF ARA (CONTINUED)

After being voted the national Champions for the 1966 season, Notre Dame would enter 1967 ranked number one in the country. While Notre Dame could not go to the Rose Bowl due to the conferences "No repeat rule" all the Irish could do was compete for another undefeated season and national title. Once again, USC and Navy would be a part of the schedule, while Georgia Tech was added to the non conference slate due to their recent leaving of the SEC (which opened up their schedule). The Irish would only lose to USC, who would end up being the Rose Bowl reps for the PAC 8 again (due to that conference not having a no repeat rule). The conference slate would be more difficult though. Replacing Wisconsin and Minnesota were Ohio State and Northwestern. While the Wildcats would be a cakewalk in most seasons, the Buckeyes, who had yet to play Notre Dame in conference, were one of the traditional Big Ten powers, and both fan bases were excited for the game that would be held in Columbus.

The conference season turned out to be less than successful. They ended up losing to rival Purdue, as well as Indiana (the first time the Hoosiers had beaten the Irish since 1961). However, in the first game with Ohio State, the Irish won 24 21, escaping Columbus with a victory. The Irish would end up being 4th in the conference, after a 3 way tie between Indiana, Minnesota and Purdue. Indiana would eventually go to the Rose Bowl and lose to USC. They finished the season ranked 17th

1968 would see the Irish once again finish in the top half of the Big Ten, though compared to past seasons it would seem to be a disappointment. The annual Navy game would be the last played. While fans would lament the chance to have a trip to the East Coast every few years, A.D. Moose Krause would say that the Irish "needed to play more competitive schedules" though he vowed that USC would always remain the main rival and would stay on the schedule. USC and Notre Dame would tie that season, while their games against Navy and Georgia Tech were wins. It was in conference where the Irish would struggle, dropping games to eventual National Champ Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue and finishing with a 3-4 league record. It would be Parseghians worst mark since his inaugural season in 1963.

1969 would see the Irish replace the Navy game on the schedule with Tulane (another independent who had left USC), as well as Air Force and USC. The Irish would once again tie USC while beating overmatched Tulane and Air Force which allowed for a 3-0 start. The Big Ten Schedule was also softer, with Ohio State and Illinois replaced by Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Irish would end up finishing the year in the Big Ten with only one loss to Purdue, while they would upset the Michigan Wolverines, making them co-champs of the Big Ten, and once again due to the no-repeat rule which barred Ohio State, the Irish would head to the Rose Bowl with an 8-1-1 record to play rival USC. This time though the Irish would not be so lucky as they ended up losing to USC 17 to 14 meaning the Irish would finish ranked 9th at the end of the season.

It was also around this time that many Big Ten leaders started to debate whether the conferences no repeat rule was valid, and also considered allowing its teams to play in games besides the Rose Bowl. This had been brought up by both Ohio State and Michigan who felt that they should be allowed to go to other bowl games so they could make more revenue, and would increase ratings on televison. Other conferences also voiced their support for this. Texas, who had just won the Cotton Bowl against LSU and was voted national champion, had wanted to play Ohio State, but due to Big Ten rules the Buckeyes would not be allowed. Yet instead of taking any action, the Big Ten waited for a few years until it abolished its no repeat rules and bowl game ban.
 
I would like to know when the Big Ten starts developing bowl tie-ins with other major conferences not named the Pac-10...it would probably be a little earlier than in OTL (they started in the late 1970s or so)

I'm thinking of doing it in 72. This is because the conference got rid of the no repeat rule for the rose bowl, and I think it would make sense, especially with 3 or 4 ranked teams every year. Also, I want to do it because in 72 the Irish played my favorite team, Nebraska in the 1973 Orange Bowl and while i'm not sure the Irish make it to that bowl, there certainly will be teams allowed in other bowl games.
 
Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten

THE TIMES ARE A CHANGING

In 1970, coming off of a Rose Bowl season the Irish were once again hamstringed due to the no repeat rule in the conference. While coach Parseghian encouraged his team to play for national title, he still voiced his disgust with certain schools, as did Ohio State and Michigan, all of whom felt conference rules needed to be changed to allow more Big Ten teams into bowl games, which would provide more exposure and revenue for conference teams.

In spite of the rule, the Irish would begin their season playing USC (moved to the first game of the year from now on instead of being the 3rd or 4th game in the season due to the idea that the classic rivalry should kick off the season, even though ND and SC wanted at the end of the year. Instead that game would traditionally be the Michigan State game since MSU was their oldest rival)

The Irish would lose to USC, but would beat Missouri and LSU. In conference play, the Irish would only lose to Michigan, and finish the season 8-2, ranked 12th in the country, and finishing in a tie with Michigan for 2nd place (though Michigan would be ranked higher due to a loss to Ohio State, who would lose in the Rose Bowl to Stanford)

While many in the off season wondered if the conference would bow to the Big 3's (ND, Michigan and Ohio State) pressure to allow more bowl games and change the no repeat rule. The only change would be that now their would be 8 conference games played and 11 games total.

The 71 season began with another loss to USC, while games against North Carolina and LSU were convincing victories for the Irish. The Big Ten slate would feature games against powers Michigan and Ohio State, while the other easier games would be against rival Michigan State, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, and Minnesota. The Irish would end up winning 7 of their 8 conference games , only losing to undefeated Michigan (who ended up losing to Stanford in the Rose Bowl, ending their national title hopes) and finishing the season ranked 14th in the country.

Finally after a few years of trying to change the rules, the conference finally allowed teams to go to other Bowl games. It had been a unanimous vote by member schools since many teams had been left out of bowl games in the past and felt it would benefit them. The tougher measure would be the no-repeat rule for the rose bowl. While the Big 3 were in support of this, Indiana, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Illinois wanted to keep the rule so that powerful teams would not keep getting the Rose Bowl bid. In spite of this, the remaining 3 schools, Michigan State, Purdue and Minnesota were convinced to vote for the abolishment of the no repeat rule. Passing with a 6-4 vote among the schools, the no repeat rule was done away with.

1972 would be an exciting season for the Irish. Even with a 3rd straight loss to USC, the Irish would beat Miami and TCU, and with Ohio State replaced on the schedule with Wisconsin, the Irish would finish the year 9-2. and ranked 14th. They would play 20th ranked Georgia Tech in the Liberty Bowl, though many felt the Orange Bowl would take them (they took Ohio State instead, who eventually lost to Nebraska).Michigan would also lose to USC in the Rose Bowl. But Notre Dame would end up victorious against the overmatched yellow jackets in Memphis.

For the next year looked to be more of a success for the Irish. While Ohio State and Michigan would once again be the among the toughest teams, in the league, the Irish only played Michigan that year, and the non conference featured a weaker, though still talented USC team, as well as Miami and Rice. After surviving through the non conference schedule and going 3-0 the Irish plowed through their Big Ten schedule until they played Michigan, losing a tight game at home to the Wolverines. Still with a 10-1 finish, the Irish would go to Bluebonnet bowl against Houston since Michigan would go to the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Alabama would end up defeating the Wolverines 17-14, while the Irish would defeat the 10th ranked cougars, meaning the Big Ten would have 3 teams in the Top Ten

Once again 1974 would see the Big Ten crowded at the top with Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State would be in the top 10 in the nation. Yet with 6 suspensions in the off season, many felt the Irish, who before had been picked as conference champions, were now set to be the third placed team. The predictions turned out right as Notre Dame lost to USC, as well as Purdue, Michigan, and Ohio State (who returned to the schedule, replacing Minnesota). With a 7-4 record, the Irish found themselves ranked 20th and ended up having to play in the Fiesta Bowl against BYU, where they would win 20-6 over Lavell Edwards' overmatched squad.

Due to the lack of success. Ara Parseghian retired. He had thought about retiring the year prior, but he felt that in 74 he could still win a championship. Instead it was a dissapointment. Even with the somewhat sad ending, Ara was regarded as one of the better Irish coaches, including his 1966 title, as well as Rose Bowl appearances in 1967 and 1970.

Unlike the last time, the Irish had their eyes on one candidate and that was Dan Devine. Devine had been a successful coach at Missouri before leaving for the Green Bay Packers in 1971, and had just been let go, allowing him to head to Notre Dame. He had been a candidate when Parseghian had been hired in 1963, but had stayed at Mizzou. Now he would take over as the Irish coach, with many hoping that there would not be a downward slide.
 
Even with the hope that the new season would bring, many felt that Devine wasn't as charismatic as Ara had been. The gruff Devine would never be seen as a fan favorite while at Notre Dame. Some fans even thought Parseghian was just taking a break and would be back soon. Yet Parseghian denied the rumors and lent his support to Devine and the Irish.

Once again the season kicked off with USC at home with the Irish losing 17-28. The next games were a little easier, with the Irish defeating Boston College and Miami before heading into Big Ten play. The team would end up having a mediocre 5-3 record with losses to Michigan and Ohio State, as well as a season ending upset against Michigan State, leaving the Irish with a 7-4 record. The Irish would stay home that season, failing to get invited to a bowl game.

After the disappointing 75 season, things looked much the same in 76. Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler were still dominating the conference, and many felt Notre Dame would be an also ran, with many saying the conference was now the Big 2 due to the dominance of the Buckeyes and Wolverines, with the Buckeyes coming off a Rose Bowl season, and the Wolverines losing in the Orange Bowl to Oklahoma.

1976 would see another loss to USC, as well as Pitt ( the 1976 national champs who had been rescheduled for a home and home series), though they did pick up a victory against Oregon. The Big ten season would see Ohio State off the schedule and be replaced by Illinois to the joy of Irish fans. Thus 76 would see the Irish go 8-3, but finishing in a tie for first in the conference with a 7-1 record. This allowed the Irish to go to the Gator Bowl, where they would play Penn State. They would win the game, making it Devine's first bowl win as Irish head coach, finishing the season at 9-3 with a #12 ranking.

Due to the improving record, many thought 1977 would be a contending year for the Irish. Even with the excitement, a significant number of fans wanted coach Devine gone, and outside of Notre Dame stadium, it was common to see "Can Dan" and "Ditch Devine" bumper stickers in the parking lot.

In spite of the criticism, the 1977 team would start strong, beating USC, Air Force and Pitt. The Irish would go undefeated, including a near win at Ann Arbor where Irish QB Joe Montana became a household name due to a comeback TD. The Irish were then obligated to the Rose Bowl where they would play the Washington Huskies, led by future NFL star Warren Moon. The Irish would dominate the 8-3 Huskies. Yet even with the win the Irish split the national title with Texas, who had beaten the 8-3 Nebraska Cornhuskers in Dallas. Many that year wondered what would have happened if the two teams had been able to meet. While many felt Texas would have dominated, some felt the Irish would have had the right stuff to beat Texas, but the debate still lingers on, even today.

After finishing with the title, many looked to repeat in 78, with Joe Montana coming back, and the schedule still favorable (though Ohio State returned, replacing Wisconsin). Hopes were dashed though when the Irish lost at USC to start the year. There also was an upset loss at home to Devine's former team, Missouri. They would beat Tennessee however, and find themselves in the thick of the Big Ten Title hunt. But after getting beat by Michigan at home, the Irish would be out of the Big Ten title hunt. Finishing 8-3 after the season ending win at Michigan State, the Irish were invited to the Gator Bowl to play Clemson where they would win 24-14, finishing 9-3 on the season and ranked 13th.

Though the 78 team did have a 2nd place finish in the league and beat Woody Hayes Buckeyes (who fell to a 6-4-1 record, which was seen as too disappointing, causing the venerable Hayes to retire). Some still felt Devine and the Irish had been a let down, even with the national title. His demeanor just didn't seem to excite Irish fans, but it seemed many were caught in a sense of purgatory. The Irish were winners and that was clear, but to many Devine didn't seem like the right man.

In 79, it was business as usual for the Irish. They lost to USC, Tennessee, and would beat South Carolina for a 1-2 start. Conference play would see Wisconsin return to the schedule replacing Illinois, though it meant keeping Ohio State on the schedule. With the tough schedule the Irish would lose in conference to Ohio State and Purdue, but would beat Michigan on the road. The eventual record would be 7-4 and Notre Dame would be invited to play Wake Forest in the Gator Bowl, winning 48-10.

In 1980 things seemed to go wrong for Notre Dame. Due to not being popular with the fan base in spite of winning a title, as well as other issues, Dan Devine said in a press conference that it would be his last season in South Bend. While many Irish fans were somewhat happy, they wondered what lay ahead for their team as the entered the 80s.

The 1980 season would see another loss to SC (Devine's only win coming in 1977) while the rest of the season would go fairly well with the Irish beating national power Alabama and winning at Arizona. The Irish would win the rest of their games and win a Big Ten title. They then went to the Rose Bowl where the once again faced Washington and won, capping Devine's career with an 11-1 season. As a gesture of goodwill, Irish fans in Pasadena started chanting "Dan's the Man" as he left the field. While Irish fans at the time were mixed about Devine as a man, they knew they had a winner, and now he was leaving. Years later though, it came out that Devine's wife had suffered with MS and that he had retired so she could live in a warmer climate for her condition. This was one of the bigger reasons Devine retired as coach.

In the offseason, there were many names thrown about to be head coach of the Irish. In the end there were 3 candidates. One of the more out of left field candidates had been HS football coach Gerry Faust, who in spite of running what was the best High school team in the nation at the time, was seen as too inexperienced. Others had though Don Shula would leave the Dolphins to come to South Bend, while others had even felt Ara Parseghian would return. But in the end the candidate was someone who would become a Notre Dame legend.
 
Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten

In 1981, the Irish decided to go with coach Lou Holtz of Arkansas. Holtz had been a successful coach at William and MAry, NC State and ARkansas before leaving the hogs to come to Notre Dame. Many felt that the bespectacled and likeable Holtz would be a good new face for a program that while sucessful, was led by a hard, gruff man in Dan Devine. Holtz was officially announced to be head coach in January of 81, just before recruiting ended. Holtz promised to keep up the lofty ideals of Notre Dame academics and athletics, while also promising to get another national title. Not just a rose bowl. Holtz also was excited at the chance to play a round robin schedule, which meant 9 conference games were played. While it meant only two noncoference (which really was only one game since USC and Notre Dame had agreed to play every year for the next 25 years in their last agreement in 1980), fans were excited to be competing against every conference team, and win a true conference championship.

The season kicked with USC, who the Irish were able to defeat 14-7, and then defeated Florida State 20-19. However, the season would see the IRish lose to Michigan and Ohio STate, finishing 7-2 in league play and ranked 16th in the country, finishing the season with a win against Navy in the Liberty Bowl.

The next season in 82 would see another Irish Campaign that would not win a title. The irish lost to USC, beat Arizona, and lost to Ohio STate in conference. With a 9-2 record, the Irish went to play Notre Dame in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, once again crushing overmatched BYU in the game. The team finished ranked 15th in the nation

1983 would see the Irish fortunes dip a little further. While they would beat USC and Colorado in non conference, the Big Ten season would be a bummer, with losses to Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State and a near loss to Michigan State. Finishing 8-3 on the year, the Irish were sent to play Air Force in the liberty bowl, where they crushed the Falcons and finished the year ranked 20th

In 1984, the Irish once again beat USC, for holtz's 4th straight win against the Trojans. He also had on the schedule the Miami Hurricanes, but the Canes, who were the defending national champs, crushed the Irish in Miami. Heading into Big Ten Play the Irish would only lose an upset to Purdue, meaning they would be heading to Holtz's first Rose Bowl where they would play and defeat USC once again. This allowed the other PAC 10 co champ, Washington, to claim the National title due to their win over Oklahoma. The victory allowed the Irish to return to the top 10 with a #9 ranking and a 10-2 record.

After winning the Big Ten, a number of people felt Notre Dame would be the team to beat in 85 for the Big Ten title and potentially a national title. While they would defeat USC, and lose to Miami at home. The Irish were no match for the Michigan Wolverines and fell to 8-1 in the league. While still ranked 14th, the Irish had to settle for the Peach Bowl, where they beat the Army Black Knights, finishing 10-2.

Even with the disappointment , the Irish were still favored to win the league in 86, especially after wins against SMU and USC in the non conference. However both Ohio State and Michigan would pound the Irish, and Notre Dame would head to the Holiday Bowl to face WAC runner up BYU (since champ Arizona State got the conferences automatic bid to the Fiesta Bowl. Again Notre Dame crushed an inferior WAC team to finish 10-2, but fans wanted more. While Holtz had been extremely consistent, his goal of a national title had yet to come. Even with the bowl wins, Irish fans felt they weren't in the national spotlight enough, and felt they were settling into a pattern.

1987 would see the IRish kick off the season with USC and Alabama, winning both of those contests. The Irish would then go on to an undefeated season in the Big Ten, with Michigan State a close second, though they had lost badly against the Irish to end the season. The Irish then prepared for their Rose Bowl game against USC, in a game that many felt the Irish would roll the trojans, and roll they did. However, due to Miami defeating #1 Oklahoma, the Irish would have to split their title with the Hurricanes. In the end most people felt Miami would and should probably be champions, but the Irish still felt it was an accomplishment nonetheless.

1988, would see the Irish favored to win another national title. However Miami was also favored by many, and it led people to wonder whether college football should have a way of making sure there was only one undefeated champion. however, most college presidents would not support a playoff, and cited tradition as the reason for keeping conference bowl agreements intact (meaning the Big Ten and PAC 8 would play in the Rose Bowl, the Big 8 in the Orange Bowl, SWC in the Cotton Bowl, and WAC in the Fiesta Bowl).

The Irish were again in high gear, beating out USC and Rice, and swept through the conference. The Rose Bowl was the destination where the IRish would face USC again, and would be victorious again, though USC made a close game of it. This year though, the Irish would be the only national champions, winning against the Trojans with Heisman winner Tim Brown. This extended their winning streak to 30 games going back to october of 86 when they defeated Illinois after a loss to Michigan. It would be Holtz's crowning achievement.

In 89, though Tim Brown was gone, the IRish were expected to once again compete for a title with WR Rocket Ismail. The Irish would beat USC and Virginia in non conference, and would only lose to Illinois that season. This meant the Irish would head to the Orange Bowl to face Big 8 Champion Nebraska. The Irish had not played the Huskers since 73, and a number of pundits predicted the Irish would steamroll Nebraska. The underdog Huskers though, would show up and pound the Irish with their run game. This was Coach holtz's first ever bowl loss, and for some, a sign of times to come for the Irish in the 90's.
 
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Roses at the End of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten

CONFERENCE CHANGES
By 1990, coach Holtz and the Irish had continued to be one of the top teams in the nation. However, the Irish had just come off their first Bowl loss of the Holtz era, losing to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Orange Bowl. While the loss was a hard one, the Irish felt they could rebound and once again compete in the Big Ten.

Other changes were brewing across the college football landscape as well. There were rumors that the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, and Big 8 were looking at expanding their membership. It also was announced that in 1991 A new conference, the big east, would be created. There also were rumors that the Big East was looking to start a football conference. However, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany struck first, inviting Penn State, and Syracuse to join the Big Ten. While Penn State had been a shoe in, the next member was the toughest one to find. To many the top candidates were Syracuse, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Maryland. While Maryland immediately refused, and Rutgers was dismissed due to a lack of football prowess, Syracuse and Pitt fought tooth and nail to get a spot.
Many felt Syracuse was likely because of Joe Pa's disputes with Pitt. Yet many in the Big Ten felt Pitt was a better Academic fit, and fit more with the vibe of the league than Syracuse. Syracuse also raised doubts about moving when fans wondered what would happen to basketball rivalries with Georgetown and St. Johns in the Big East. So in july of 1990 it was anounced Pittsburgh would get the 12th spot in the Big Ten. The divisions were then set up like this

Legends
Michigan
Mich STate
Minnesota
Northwestern
Wisconsin
Notre Dame

Leaders

Ohio State
Penn State
Illinois
Pitt
Indiana
Purdue

Each team also would have a designated rival, with Michigan playing Ohio State, Northwestern playing Illinois, Notre Dame playing Pitt, Indiana playing Michigan State, Purdue playing Wisconsin, and Penn State playing Minnesota.
This move was one of the first in the wave of expansion


The Pac 8 also expanded later that year, adding Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado. BYU had been considered, however, the no playing on sunday rule was somethng that hurt them. While many fans felt BYu should have been asked in spite of this, Colorado got the nod over the cougars, who were left in the WAC, with many BYU fans citing anti mormon prejudice for the slight.

This move also effectively made the WAC a small conferece
For years the WAC had been the main western rival for the PAC 8. With members Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Colorado State, Wyoming, New Mexico, UTEP, Utah, BYU, and New Mexico State the conference was sucessful at many sports, though football was very good with BYU winning the 1984 national title and Colorado winning a title in 1990. However, the Big 5 of the conference had always wanted a bigger stage to play on, and smaller members such as New Mexico State and Colorado State had struggled to compete in revenue, or in athletics. Eventually, 4 teams would leave, making the WAC have only 6 members, though eventually more teams would join.

Later in 1991 the SEC would add 2 new teams in Florida State (who joined in spite of Florida's objections since Florida State coach Bobby Bowden argued "if Mississippi is big enough for 2 teams, certainly Florida is") and South Carolina. Florida State would play in a west division with Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss and Miss State, while South Carolina would play with Kentucky, Tennesee, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Georgia.

The Big 12 eventually added Arkansas, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas TEch. Some had felt Arkansas wanted to go to the SEC, but due to its old SWC rivalries and proximity to other Big 8 schools, Arkansas felt it was a good fit. The ACC also tried to expand, but tobacco road schools did not want to dilute their basketball product. Eventually the Big East formed as a result, with Boston College, Syracuse, Temple, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Miami, West Virgnia, Louisville, and Cincinnati would be created. These schools would compete in Basketball against Georgetown, Villanova, St Johns, Seton Hall, and Providence in Basketball.

Even the demoted WAC would try and get back into major conference territory adding UNLV (who had just won the NCAA tourney in basketball) Air Force, San Diego State, TCU, Houston, and Baylor into the league.

The SWC however, was not so lucky. While some members tried to recruit other teams, the remaining teams of SMU and Rice simply became independents though they would later be founding members of the conference USA, joining Tulane, Tulsa, Southern Miss, Memphis, East Carolina, and Central Florida. Later, in 1998 UAB and South Florida would be added to the league.

For the most part not many other leagues were effected. The Big West in 1990, had Hawaii, CS fullerton, Pacific, Long Beach State, Fresno State, San Jose State, Utah State, Idaho and Montana. Eventually Three of its members, Fullerton, Pacific and Long Beach State would drop football, but were replaced by Nevada, and Boise State.

The MAC, which included N. Illinois, Ball State, Central, Eastern and Western Michigan, Toledo, Bowling Green, Ohio, Miami and Kent State would add Marshall and Akron in the 1990's. Marshall had previously been a member before a plane crash wiped out most of its football team in the 70's.
 
Roses at the end of the Rainbow: The Irish in the Big Ten

THE END OF THE HOLTZ ERA

As 1990 approached, the fighting Irish found themselves in a unique position. In two years the League would expand to twelve members, adding Penn State and Pitt. In the meantime however, the Irish would focus on winning more championships. The Irish would go on to win the Big Ten, and only lose to Stanford. In 1991 they went to the Rose Bowl to face Washington, but the Irish lost to Don James' squad. It was otherwise a good year for the Irish who finished ranked 7th in the nation.

In 1991, the last year of the 10 team Big Ten, the Irish would lose to Ohio State Michigan, as well as Tennessee in the Non conference portion of the season. Finishing with a 8-3 record, the Irish would go to the Peach Bowl where the #16 ranked Irish beat NC State 45-25.

1992 would be a different year not just for the Irish, but for college football. Four Conferences conferences would now host championship games. The Big Ten, Big 12 (Big 8 plus Texas, ARkansas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech), Pac 12, and SEC all had championship games. Notre Dame would now compete in divisional games against old rivals Michigan and Michigan State, as well as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Northwestern in what was termed the Legends division. Its new designated rival from the "Leaders" division was longtime rival Purdue.

The season would kick off with Notre dame playing BYU, USC and Texas A&M. After beating all of these teams though, the Irish would tie Michigan, beat the rest of the teams in their division and Purdue, Penn State and Pittsburgh, finishing with a 9-1-1 record. Due to Michigan having 3 ties though, Notre Dame would win their division, and beat Ohio State in the championship game. The Irish would then play against the Washington Huskies and defeat them in the Rose Bowl. The Irish finished with at #5 in the nation and with a 10-1-1 record.

In 1993, after winning 2 Big Ten titles in a row, the Irish would fall back a bit but still hold up their excellent standards. While they would cruise through their non-conference schedule of USC, BYU and Navy and beat Michigan, the Irish would fall to Wisconsin,who would go on to win the Rose Bowl against UCLA. Notre Dame meanwhile would play in the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M winning 24-21 and finishing 5th in the nation.

1994 would be a year when most Irish fans though more of the same for the Irish would be in order. As for their schedule instead of Penn State and Pitt on the schedule, it now would be Indiana and Ohio State instead. The Non-con would also include USC, Boston College, and Air Force. In nonconference, the IRish would lose to both BC and USC, while beating Air Force. The conference schedule would be even more difficult with losses to Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, which resulted in a 6-5 record. The Irish would be invited to the Independence Bowl where they would lose to Virginia.

1995 would see somewhat of a turnaround with the Irish beating USC, BC and Vanderbilt, and losing to Ohio State, Northwestern and Michigan. Northwestern would win the league and be the Rose Bowl rep, while the Irish would go the Liberty Bowl to face Stanford and would win, finishing 9-3 and 18th in the country

1996 would be Holtz's last season overall. Holtz said that he wanted to retire, and felt that it was time to call it quits, in spite of his success. With the start of the season, ND lost to SC while defeating Rutgers and Texas. In league play they lost to Northwestern again, and barely beat Michigan to finish with a 9-2 record and an invite to the Carquest Bowl against Miami, where they would beat the Canes to finish with a top 10 ranking at #10.
 
A.H AFTER HOLTZ

When Lou Holtz left the Irish in 1996, the three main candidates were Tom Clements, the former QB coach, Northwestern coach Gary Barnett, and Defensive Coordinator Bob Davie. Davie was eventually selected for the 1997 season.

The 1997 season started off with a loss to USC at home, but featured wins over Hawaii, and West Virginia. In league play the Irish would lose to Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue and Wisconsin, finishing the year 6-5 and losing to LSU in the independence bowl for a 6-6 season. Fans though cited Davie having never been a head coach for the lack of success and hoped for better days in 1998

1998 would see the Irish improve slightly, though another loss to USC occurred. They did beat Arizona State and Baylor, and in the conference they beat defending national champion Michigan, Purdue, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Northwestern, though the lost to Penn State, Wisconsin,and Michigan State. Wisconsin would go on to win the conference and the Rose Bowl against Stanford, while 7-4 Notre Dame would lose to heavily favored Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl

By 1999 fans were growing somewhat impatient with Davie. He had yet to coach a ranked team, or defeat USC. While he cited progress the team was making, most fans didn't know what to think.

The 99 season though started with a bang. The Irish beat USC, Kansas and Arizona State. Leading to many fans thinking they could compete for a divisional title. Those hopes were dashed when they lost games to Michigan, Purdue, and to close their season, to Michigan State. In fact the only teams they would beat in conference would be Ohio State, Northwestern and Indiana, finishing 6-5, and did not go bowling for the first time in years. As a result, Davie would be controversially fired after the 99 season with a record of 19-16.

The next coach hired was Stanford coach Ty Willingham. Willingham was most noted for reviving Stanford's fortunes in the Pac 12 and appearing in the Rose Bowl in 2000. Willingham also was one of the few high profile African American coaches in college football, and was also known for his commitment to Academics. Many felt it was a match made in heaven for the Irish.
 
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