Throughout the offseason (and during last season) I spent a lot of time discussing Notre Dame Football’s 2024 schedule. Most of that time and effort was spent complaining and criticizing an underwhelming 12 game lineup for the Irish — and I meant every word of it.
You only get 12 Notre Dame Football fall Saturdays, and I was just asking for something much more interesting.
Having said that… we’re just over 50 days away from the season opener in College Station against the Texas A&M Aggies — and that need for college football is hitting me hard. Hell — I’m jonesing hard enough that I’d take a Notre Dame game against Indiana State.
So in that spirit, I’m going to positively celebrate each 2024 Notre Dame game. Let’s get excited together (that shouldn’t sound as weird as it did sickos).
August 31 @ Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN’s College Gameday will be there for Notre Dame’s season-opener, and this game has all kinds of built-in narratives including Mike Elko and Riley Leonard, SEC, and the Irish (currently) being an underdog.
September 7 VS Northern Illinois Huskies
Yeah it’s a team from the MAC, but it’s the home opener so WHO CARES? We get to party in South Bend, and maybe bury the past of a similar game (Marshall) in the process.
September 14 @ Purdue Boilermakers
Ever since the ACC agreement came into play and the Big 10 games started dropping off the schedule, Notre Dame away games have been really away games. Say what you will about Ross-Ade Stadium… at least it’s a close drive for many Irish fans in the state. Plus… I like that the boys don’t have to log a ton of miles. Also HARDWARE GAME.
September 21 VS Miami of Ohio Redhawks
We get Chuck Martin back in the building for a game, and who doesn’t love that? Be prepared for the Miami coach history lesson and much love for Ara — which is fine.
September 28 VS Louisville Cardinals
A chance for revenge. There’s a strong dislike for Louisville among most Notre Dame fans anyways, so this game can serve a great purpose. Also… I really like Peacock and I love to hear fans bitch about it.
October 5 BYE
Just a solid weekend for a bye. There are a handful of really good games scheduled across the country, and we’re also talking about PRIME apple orchard picking as well. Over 40% of the Irish schedule has been played by this point.
October 12 VS Stanford Cardinal
It’s a HARDWARE GAME. This is Jack Swarbrick’s blessed baby, and if it can do one thing, it can remind the country that Notre Dame is the top nerd school.
October 19 @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Georgia Tech is one of just a few ACC schools that I have no problem playing every year if need be. There’s a lot of history with this series, and that’s always fun.
October 26 @ Navy Midshipmen (MetLife Stadium)
Take the week off and binge watch Roland Emmerich movies. YAY!
November 2 BYE
A solid weekend of college football without the stress — unless you’re cheering on the Eastern Michigan Eagles as they host the Toledo Rockets for Michigan supremacy.
November 9 VS Florida State Seminoles
This is likely THE game this season for the Irish, and they get the Noles at night in November — in South Bend. You have to love it.
November 16 VS Virginia Cavaliers
Senior Day! I know what you’re thinking, but senior day has been very kind to the Irish over the last 15 years — so get ready for some sendoff fun.
November 23 VS Army Black Knights (Yankee Stadium)
Hey — at least it’s not Navy.
November 30 @ USC Trojans
I feel like this is going to be a rough year for USC and I can’t wait to see the Irish make it rougher while waving the Jeweled Shillelagh in the air.
