Stephen A. Smith Wonders Why Notre Dame Is Still Relevant: What Have They Done

21/02/2024 18:38

Stephen A. Smith had a question for the college football world on Wednesday's "First Take" ... "Why are they even relevant?"

Sitting down with colleagues Paul Finebaum and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo to talk about the new College Football Playoff format, Smith laid out his thoughts on the Golden Domers and wondered why their program is always in these discussions despite not winning in a very long time.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish in college football has not won a championship since 1988. Ladies and gentlemen, if my math is correct that's 36 years without a national championship. ... 36 years ago, Doggie, I was graduating from high school. I had an afro, [my] hairline was two feet forward. ... That's how long ago that was the last time these brothers was relevant. ... Don't get me wrong ... the Fighting Irish is the Fighting Irish. It's a prestigious university, I get it... But what the hell have they done?

ND has had a number of 10+ win seasons under coaches like Brian Kelly, Charlie Weis and Tyrone Willingham. However, the Irish haven't experienced any national title success since the Lou Holtz era.

As iconic as their brand is, the reality is they haven't been a true power in modern college football. Although some of that may have to do with their decision to remain independent and not having conference titles or outstanding strength of schedules to point to.