Fans remember start of Notre Dame, Michigan rivalry

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan kicked off the 2018 season by renewing their rivalry on Saturday night.

Ed Dalay, a Fighting Irish fan, said the rivalry between Irish and Wolverines began in the 1800s.

“They showed them how to play and now we’re trying to beat them,” Dalay said.

However, Saturday’s game opened old wounds as the season opener was the first time in four years the two teams have faced off. In 2012, Notre Dame cancelled games with Michigan between the 2015 and 2017 seasons.

“If you don’t already know, I think these players hate each other on the field,” said Matt James, a Michigan fan.

James and his brother Scott Brown drove from Ann Arbor to watch the game inside the stadium. James said he remembers as kids watching Notre Dame and Michigan.

“It just drew me toward Michigan,” he said. “The rivalry’s huge and when both teams are good and it’s kick off weekend there’s nothing better really.”