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Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry was always about the money

Notre Dame has a record of 16-14 against Michigan in 30 college football meetings dating back to 1978.

Notre Dame has a record of 16-14 against Michigan in 30 college football meetings dating back to 1978.

In the 1970s, Michigan athletic director Don Canham wanted to add a premier nonconference opponent so he could sell more season tickets. Michigan and Notre Dame had feuded for years, going back to the days of legendary coaches Knute Rockne, Fielding Yost and Fritz Crisler. (According to Canham's memoir, From The Inside: Crisler thought if Michigan played Notre Dame, "Our Catholic students will be sitting in the Michigan stadium cheering for the Irish." Yes, those were slightly different times.)

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