USC vs. Notre Dame Rivalry Future Uncertain: Josh Pate Explains

Potential End of USC-Notre Dame Rivalry

• ⚠️ Reports suggest the historic USC vs. Notre Dame rivalry game may not continue annually due to contract negotiations.
• 📌 While Notre Dame wants to extend the series, USC is reportedly seeking a year-to-year agreement, signaling reluctance for a long-term commitment.

Lincoln Riley's Perspective on Scheduling

• 🧠 Lincoln Riley's past comments indicate a willingness to prioritize a path to a national championship over tradition.
• 🎯 If removing Notre Dame from the schedule improves USC's win-loss record and playoff chances, Riley is open to that strategic decision.
• 📈 This approach is seen as a "pathetic mentality" but understandable given the current college football landscape.

Impact on Strength of Schedule

• 📊 Removing Notre Dame and replacing them with a G5 opponent would significantly lower USC's strength of schedule within the Big Ten, dropping it from fifth toughest to thirteenth.
• 📉 This change has a substantial impact on USC's perceived strength and potential playoff positioning.

The "You Are What Your Record Says You Are" Problem

• 🗣️ A vocal segment of college football fans and media prioritize win-loss records above all else, influencing playoff selections.
• 🚫 This mentality incentivizes teams to schedule easier opponents to boost their record, rather than embracing challenging games.
• 🏆 Despite intentions to reward tougher schedules, December decisions often favor teams with better records, regardless of opponent quality.

Non-Negotiable Traditions in College Football

• 🔒 Certain foundational elements of college football, like the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, should be non-negotiable and outside the control of coaches or athletic directors.
• 📜 The rivalry has only been interrupted by World War II and COVID-19, highlighting its historical significance.
• 🚩 The idea that a rivalry game could be canceled due to playoff concerns is deemed "pathetic" and a symptom of a flawed system.

Recalibrating Strength of Schedule Metrics

• 💡 The core issue lies in college football's failure to properly define and factor strength of schedule into postseason decisions.
• 🚀 A dynamic system that incentivizes scheduling tougher opponents, rather than weaker ones, is needed.
• ⏳ The current problem is long-standing and overdue for a solution, with commissioners needing to agree on a better approach.