It’s hard to believe that more than three decades have passed since I watched these two teams face off back in 1991.
I remember sitting in the TV production room at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky, watching the game unfold from afar. I was a first-year professor in the mass communication department, barely a month into my new role.
How I wished I could’ve been back home to cover the game in person. Still, I was curious about NBC’s brand-new television deal and how it would shape the fan experience. Safe to say, it exceeded everyone’s expectations, forging a dedicated fan base drawn in by those national broadcasts.
On Notre Dame game days now, I kick things off at Augie’s Locker Room, interacting with fans who’ve traveled from all corners of the country before I make my way to the press box to cover the Fighting Irish.
In fact, I’ll be there this Friday for a book signing of "Teddy and The Gipper: A Notre Dame Friendship" (details at www.teddyandthegipper.com).
Nothing beats hearing first-hand accounts from people attending their very first Notre Dame game and discovering how they became devoted followers. Time and time again, I hear the same story: they fell in love with the Fighting Irish while watching with their grandfathers—lifelong Notre Dame fans—and now proudly carry that torch forward.
Notre Dame and Indiana haven’t met since that September day in ’91, and a lot more is on the line this time.
This Friday’s winner heads to the Sugar Bowl to face Georgia in the next round of the College Football Playoff.
As a “Hoosier” native, I’m just as excited as you are, but here are a few things to consider whether you are in South Bend or watching the game from afar.
- Stop by Augie’s Locker Room: Poor Augie is torn—he’s both a Notre Dame historian and an IU grad, but he’s soaking up every moment of this rivalry.
- ND Fans Ignore the Coach Speak: Don’t get bogged down in the chatter about why IU should be hosting, etc. Let the ND players and coaches do the talking on the field, and
- Embrace the Experience: Whether you’re on campus or watching from the comfort of home, take it all in. If you’re attending the game, bundle up—this is December football, after all.
Back in ’91, the new NBC deal caused its share of controversy when Notre Dame broke away from the old broadcasting model. Today, the expanded 12-team playoff brings its own challenges and rules for media coverage.
Just as I was a wide-eyed young professor back then, I’m looking to see how this unfolds and ready to see how this next chapter unfolds—both on the field and in the press box. Let’s enjoy the ride together.