Building the Perfect Notre Dame Football Schedule

What teams would be on your perfect Notre Dame football schedule?

The Notre Dame football schedule is a bear, year in, year out. Whether facing some of college football’s blue bloods annually or traveling the nation — and sometimes the world — to carry on old rivalries, the Fighting Irish do more than enough to keep their fans entertained.

That said, what would the perfect Notre Dame football schedule look like? Would you fill it will blue bloods? Would it be filled with the best programs of the modern era? Would it include any neutral sites games?

I took a crack a creating the perfect Notre Dame football schedule and factored in things like historic rivalries, blue bloods, scenic venues and fan travel. Here is what I came up with.

Week 1: Home vs. Air Force

The often forgotten third military academy has won the Commander in Chief’s Trophy more than Army and Navy. The Irish lead the series with the Falcons 23-6. The more games against academy schools, the better.

Week 2: Home vs. BYU

These two prestigious religion-based institutions have only met six time in history. Both passionate fanbases deserve better.

Week 3: vs. Navy at Nationals Park in Washington D.C.

If we’re going to play a neutral site, make sure it’s a home game for the other team. Playing Navy at a unique venue in the nation’s capital would be pretty awesome — and a fun road trip for fans.

Week 4: Home vs. Stanford

You gotta love the Stanford rivalry. The atmosphere at Notre Dame is a little better for this one, so we’ll make it a home game.

Week 5: at Michigan

Notre Dame vs. Michigan at the Big House. One of the great scenes in all of college football.

Week 6: vs. Boston College at Fenway Park

Again, I have no problem with neutral sites as long as it counts for a home game for the other team. I was in the building the last time these two met at Fenway. It was one of the greatest sports spectacles I had ever seen and a bucket-list trip for many.

Week 7: Home vs. Michigan State

These two rivals don’t get to meet enough to play for the Megaphone Trophy.

Bye Week

Because if I don’t add a bye week, somebody will point it out and complain.

Week 9: at Army

This would be cool just for the history. Now, however, it appears Army has turned the corner as a legit Group of Five program. And there are few scenes as beautiful in college football as a Saturday afternoon at Mitchie Stadium overlooking the Lusk Reservoir.

Week 10: Home vs. Penn State

Two of college football most storied programs. Two of the greatest uniforms in sports. In the shadow of Touchdown Jesus.

Week 11: Home vs. Florida State

After the historic battle between these two programs in the famous “Game of the Century”, I feel like they should play every year.

Week 12: at Southern Cal

The battle for The Jeweled Shillelagh just has a different feel when played at the L.A. Coliseum.

Week 13: Home vs. Miami

Catholics vs. Convicts forever. There’s nothing else to say.

So that’s it for my list. Just spit-balling. What would you change? Show us what your perfect Notre Dame football schedule would look in the comments.