Without tradition, a great college football program is reduced to mediocre status. At Notre Dame, the status of greatness is maintained for numerous reasons. These include elements found both on the field and off.
Thus, Notre Dame will always be prominent and will rise to the top of the college football world once again.
The reasons include:
1: Notre Dame boasts the most championships with a total of 11. Sure, the Fighting Irish have won only one championship in the last 24 years, but few schools have won more championships during that short period.
2: Notre Dame has the most Heisman Trophy winners with seven. No other school has produced the nation's top player as often. The most recent, Tim Brown, was an exciting receiver and punt returner.
3: Notre Dame has the most exciting fight song. The Notre Dame "Victory March" could be considered the anthem of college football.
4: "The Golden Dome" of the Notre Dame administration building shines as a symbol of success. It can be seen from almost any area of the campus.
5: "Touchdown Jesus" oversees all Irish victories. The mural on the outside of the school library overlooks the football stadium. It is perfectly positioned so that Irish players can gaze at it after scoring a touchdown.
6: Knute Rockne's "win one for the Gipper" speech sets the bar for college football motivational speeches. The Fighting Irish must "fight,fight,fight!"
7: Notre Dame Stadium is as historic and revered as any stadium in college football.
8: The Notre Dame band is one of the nation's most entertaining bands. Watching its members file along in a robatic motion is like watching a military presentation.
9: The pep rallies at Notre Dame are as exciting as any in college football. The school spirit is evident regardless of the current opponent.
10: Joe Montana is the greatest quarterback ever. He is the premier quarterback for leading his team in the final quarter.
11: The best college mascot is the Notre Dame "Leprechaun." What other mascot can generate magic?
12: Notre Dame's cheerleaders are as acrobatic as any cheerleading squad. "We are N.D.!"
13: Notre Dame has the most beautiful campus. Two beautiful lakes and a log chapel are two of the highlights.
14: There is no picture that is more beautiful than one of the "Golden Dome" and the Sacred Heart Church. Fans can visit both before heading for the stadium.
15: The food at Notre Dame tailgate parties is delicious. With some corn beef and cabbage, the day is complete.
16: Notre Dame fans are as loyal as any. Regardless of the team's winning percentage, Notre Dame Stadium is always filled to capacity.
17: Lou Holtz is brilliant. He always knows what he is talking about. He is much smarter than Mark May.
18: The Catholics are better than the convicts. This is a proven fact.
19: "Rudy" is the best sports movie in history. It is an example of how Notre Dame will "always win over all."
20: Bowl games always have higher television ratings when Notre Dame is participating. The Sun Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl are prime examples.
21: Notre Dame's priorities are in order: "God, Country, Notre Dame."
22: "Knute Rockne All-American" is the second greatrest sports movie in history.
23: Notre Dame consistently competes for the nation's best graduation rate. Its players are true student- athletes.
24: Notre Dame schedules opponents from all over the country. There are currently five schools on Notre Dame's schedule that are ranked in the Top 25.
25: Without Notre Dame, college football would dissipate into oblivion.
Sources:
The Official Site Notre Dame Athletics
UHND.com
Personal observation of college football games.
I am a Notre Dame graduate with a degree in Communication Arts.
