The rivalry between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Duke Blue Devils is one of the most storied and enduring in college athletics. Dating back to 1928, the two schools have faced off on the gridiron 54 times, with Notre Dame holding a 23-21-1 advantage.
The Early Years: A Notre Dame Dominance
The rivalry began in 1928 with a Notre Dame victory by a score of 12-6. The Fighting Irish would remain dominant in the early years of the matchup, winning nine of the first 11 contests.
Duke’s Resurgence: The Krzyzewski Era
In the late 1980s, Duke began to assert itself as a major force in college basketball under the leadership of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils won their first national championship in 1991, and have since won four more, tying them with Kentucky for the most NCAA titles in history.
The Modern Era: A Closely Contested Rivalry
In recent years, the Notre Dame vs Duke rivalry has been incredibly competitive. Since 2000, the two schools have split their meetings almost evenly, with Notre Dame holding a slight 11-9 advantage.
Key Stats and Comparisons
| Category | Notre Dame | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Record | 23-21-1 | 21-23-1 |
| NCAA Championships | 13 | 5 |
| Consensus National Championships | 10 | 4 |
| Heisman Trophy Winners | 7 | 1 |
| Wooden Award Winners | 3 | 5 |
What Makes the Rivalry So Special?
The Notre Dame vs Duke rivalry is special for several reasons:
- History: The two schools have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of college football.
- Geography: Notre Dame and Duke are located just a few hours apart, making it easy for fans to attend games.
- Tradition: Both schools have a rich tradition of success in football and basketball.
- Competitive: The rivalry has been incredibly competitive in recent years, with many games decided by a close margin.
- Fans: The fans of both schools are passionate and loyal, creating a great atmosphere at games.
Why the Rivalry Matters
The Notre Dame vs Duke rivalry is important for several reasons:
- Tradition: The rivalry is a source of pride for both schools.
- Competition: The rivalry helps to keep both schools competitive and motivated.
- Entertainment: The rivalry provides fans with some of the most exciting games in college football.
- Legacy: The rivalry will continue to be remembered long after both schools are gone.
Benefits of the Rivalry
The Notre Dame vs Duke rivalry has several benefits, including:
- Increased fan interest: The rivalry helps to attract fans to both schools.
- Economic impact: Games between the two schools generate a significant economic impact on the cities in which they are played.
- Community engagement: The rivalry brings the two communities together.
- Student engagement: The rivalry helps to foster a sense of school spirit and pride among students.
FAQs
1. Who has the most wins in the Notre Dame vs Duke rivalry?
Notre Dame holds a 23-21-1 advantage in the all-time series.
2. What is the largest margin of victory in the rivalry?
Notre Dame’s 58-0 victory in 1943 is the largest margin of victory in the rivalry.
3. What is the most recent game in the rivalry?
Duke defeated Notre Dame 31-16 in the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl.
4. Who is the winningest coach in the rivalry?
Mike Krzyzewski of Duke is the winningest coach in the rivalry, with a record of 11-9.
5. What is the most points scored in a game between Notre Dame and Duke?
Notre Dame’s 58-0 victory in 1943 is the highest-scoring game in the rivalry.
6. Who has the best record in the rivalry over the last 10 games?
Duke holds a 6-4 advantage in the rivalry over the last 10 games.
7. What is the most common outcome in the rivalry?
The most common outcome in the rivalry is a Notre Dame victory by a score of 24-21.
8. What is the most memorable game in the rivalry?
The 1994 game, which Notre Dame won 31-24 in overtime, is widely considered to be the most memorable game in the rivalry.
