CBS Sports analyst Brad Powers has sparked a fresh debate by urging Notre Dame to lean into the hostility that greets the Fighting Irish each season.
In a recent commentary, Powers argued that the very success that makes Notre Dame a perennial contender also fuels the envy of rival fans, turning admiration into outright antagonism.
Why Hate Can Be a Competitive Edge
The analyst points out that the Irish have built a roster capable of competing with the nation’s elite, and that their independent status grants them a schedule that can be tailored to maximize win probability.
He notes that even a modest slip — two or three defeats — might not tarnish their reputation in the eyes of the selection committee, a stance that contrasts sharply with pundits who insist a single loss could derail a title run.
The piece concludes with a reminder that when a program like Notre Dame dominates, the narrative shifts from sympathy to a desire to see the giants toppled, a dynamic that the school might consider as a rallying point.