For the last few years, there has been one sign after another that Notre Dame vs. USC will go the way of the Irish vs. the Michigan Wolverines. One of college football's oldest and best rivalries is on its last legs.
Earlier this week, the best, most obvious sign yet that Notre Dame vs. USC will not be a thing anymore was put into play. The announcement that the Golden Domers would take on the Clemson Tigers every season over the next decade-plus certainly seemed like a blow.
Notre Dame vs. USC rivalry in jeopardy as Clemson series takes priority
On Wednesday, more evidence was brought forward when the ACC clarified that this series will not be part of the original agreement with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In other words, ND has to play five games against the conference annually. Clemson won't be a qualifier anymore. So, who might the Tigers replace on the schedule? The Trojans are the answer everyone points to.
This is hardly the first time the Irish vs. Trojans series has felt in danger. However, ND athletic director Pete Bevacqua's latest comments about the 12-year series don't sound encouraging when reading between the lines.
"We want to create another great, memorable rivalry that can last 100 years. I know this is a 12-year deal, but it works. My hope is it goes on for the next century like other great rivalries. It was an easy deal to put together because both schools want it to happen."
"Both schools want it to happen," is the biggest clue.
Since USC joined the Big Ten, it has sent out signals that it wants to end the yearly rivalry game against the Golden Domers. Instead, it might become something like Notre Dame vs. Michigan or even what Nebraska has done with Oklahoma and Colorado. The rivalry can still exist; it will just take long hiatuses.
Nothing has been written in stone yet. The series hasn't been pronounced dead. But Notre Dame football vs. USC is on life support, and someone has the plug in their hands, ready to pull it.