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The greatest intersectional rivalry in college football is still the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs the USC Trojans - and it really has no equal. In a sport that has been defined throughout the century by regional games and backyard rivalries, the PR machine that was Notre Dame back in the first half of the 20th century, helped shape a new concept of what college football could be for the schools and its fans.
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USC hasn't just been along for the ride, they have been equal partners in making this one of the best rivalries in all of college football. No other annual matchup can equal the amount of national championships, Heismans, All-Americans, NFL Draft picks, and pure lore.
So, why is ESPN's College Gameday heading to Happy Valley to cover the Penn State Nittany Lions and their game against the Michigan Wolverines?
Before you get all tore up over the "respect" issue just remember that this decision is 90% based off of network promotion. If the Penn State game was on FOX, I firmly believe ESPN would send Gameday to South Bend. (Also if the Indiana Hoosiers would have finished the job).
Gameday will promote the #2 vs #19 matchup on their network rather than the #11 vs #13 matchup up on a different network. It's business, and has nothing to do with respect.
The problem is, is that this is exactly the kind of thing that shapes the narrative of the college football season. What people see is what people think, and if a major game like Notre Dame vs USC is backdoored, it would take a game on the same level as the 2005 Bush Push to set itself up in the spotlight (ironically, Gameday was there for the Bush Push).
Poll
Does ESPN's decision to have Gameday at Penn State bother you?
Of course, if Notre Dame and USC would have not lost to the Georgia Bulldogs and Washington State Cougars respectively, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.
This game might not be getting the amount of respect that fans of both schools require, but that can change in an instant on Saturday night. Go earn it.
Your weekly pipes (respect the wolf):