4 college football matchups that have never happened before, but should
By Bryan Peraza
3. Notre Dame vs. Auburn
The Irish’s history against the current Power Five membership is one of the most notable ones, as they only have six opponents whom they lack history with: Kansas State, UCF, Mississippi State, Arkansas (who are scheduled to play against the Irish in 2025), Kentucky, and, the most notable opponent on the list, Auburn.
Not only is this matchup notable because of the simple fact it hasn’t been scheduled or the incredible history of the two teams (with both ranking very high in all-time success), but because of the fact it could have actually happened on the gridiron at one point.
In 1996, the Tigers finished with a total record of eight wins and four losses and played in the Independence Bowl against Army, who they would beat 32-29, but that game could have been something else, because on the other side the Irish finished the regular reason with a 8-3 record that would have let them play in a bowl game, but surprisingly, they declined an invitation to play in two bowls, the Copper Bowl (which would have pitted them against the Utah Utes who were not considered a Power team back then), and the aforementioned Independence Bowl.
The reason? Notre Dame believed the teams were too weak for their standards despite their rather disappointing season.
Who knows what that potential Tigers vs. Irish game could have been.
Potential dates for a non-conference series: 2031-32