I am sure that I will hack some people off. But c'mon. True, Michigan has been off for a few years. But the reason you hate them is directly related to them beating us from time to time. We are 16-23-1 against Michigan
The pompous attitude as if we have been undefeated for the last 10 years in the regular season and BCS games is rather disappointing. Playing down to their level indeed. I have been a Irish fan longer than most people in the network. Even before ND lost so terribly to Nebraska 40-6 in the 1973 Orange Bowl. Before the 55-24 debacle to USC after leading by 24 only to give up 55 unanswered points. I cheered the NC teams against Alabama, Texas, & West Virginia. I have seen the promised land and I have felt the sting and embarrassment of terrible losses and seasons. Some of you may not even be aware of this history. My point is directly aimed at those that believe that Michigan is not worthy enough to play against us. Two of the oldest and two of the winning programs are worthy to play each other. I realize that the move is to schedule enough ACC teams, however this is the end to an historic football rivalry that started 125 years ago in 1887.
The following contributed from wikipedia:
Notre Dame had no football team until 1887, when players came from the University of Michigan to teach them the game of football.[3] Notre Dame and Michigan were actually friendly, not rivals, at the time, so Notre Dame began its football program under the guidance of the University of Michigan.[3] The first unofficial demonstration of American football at the university was coordinated by the University of Michigan and two former Notre Dame students.
The rivalry also is believed to have contributed to our nickname.
also contributed by wikipedia
n 1909, Notre Dame beat Michigan for the first time after losing every game against them since the first contest in 1888. The game took place on the University of Michigan campus, and was won by Notre Dame.[3] It is believed that the term "Fighting Irish" originated after this game, when a reporter from the Detroit Free Press commented on the game in the next day's newspaper issue:
"Eleven Fighting Irishman wrecked the Yost machine this afternoon. Three sons of Erin, individually and collectively representing the University of Notre Dame, not only beat the Michigan team, but dashed some of Michigan's greatest hopes and shattered Michigan's fairest dreams."[6]
Detroit Free Press report, November 7, 1909
Also, if I remember correctly I seem to recall a halftime piece on the fight song of Michigan contributing to the creation of our fight song.
I personally believe that it is a sad day for college football that these two teams will not meet each other every year.