Notre Dame releases 2013 Football Schedule

By Kevin Kelley -
Notre Dame Stadium
Notre Dame has released their 2013 football schedule. (Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE)

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have released their 2013 football schedule. All of their 2013 opponents were previously announced, but they have now posted the official schedule to their website.

There has been one date change on the schedule. Notre Dame has pushed back their home date against BYU one week and will now host the Cougars on Nov. 23.

That makes Notre Dame’s second off week Nov. 16, which falls between their trip to Pittsburgh and their home game against BYU. The date change also benefits BYU, who is set to play at Wisconsin on Nov. 9. The Cougars can now schedule an off week or a home game between the two.

Like the 2012 schedule, Notre Dame’s 2013 slate could be one of the nation’s toughest. The Fighting Irish host BYU, Michigan State, Navy, Oklahoma, Temple, and USC and they travel to Air Force, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Purdue, and Stanford. Notre Dame will also face Arizona State at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

The most difficult stretch for the Irish begins at Michigan on Sept. 7. Notre Dame then visits Purdue on Sept. 14, followed by back-to-back home games against Michigan State (Sept. 21) and Oklahoma (Sept. 28) and then vs. Arizona State at Cowboys Stadium.

2013 Notre Dame Football Schedule

  • 08/31 – Temple
  • 09/07 – at Michigan
  • 09/14 – at Purdue
  • 09/21 – Michigan State
  • 09/28 – Oklahoma
  • 10/05 – Arizona State (at Arlington, TX)
  • 10/19 – USC
  • 10/26 – at Air Force
  • 11/02 – Navy
  • 11/09 – at Pittsburgh
  • 11/23 – BYU
  • 11/30 – at Stanford

Comments (26)

Tough schedule, 11 of the 12 teams they play were in bowls last year.
Michigan State and Oklahoma in back to back games that is a tough order. Seems like the Irish always played Michigan and State in back to back games and that is tough for them to win both. This will be one of the toughest schedules next year.

LOL hit the nail on the head. All the teams they played are a 5-5 team in the SEC. It just goes to show how jacked up the BCS is. Imagine if Ohio State was bowl eligible this year. You would have a garbage title game!! If ND played two of the top four SEC teams every year they would have two losses. They have a soft schedule every year and everyone knows the preseason rankings are as reliable as a wet piece of toilet paper. I just want to personally thank ND for giving the SEC it’s 7th consecutive national championship.

Why doesn’t ND schedule schools from C-USA, MAC or Sun Belt. Play at a level playing field like most teams do in terms of who you play.

Temple was still a MAC school when that series was scheduled, and they played Western Michigan and Tulsa a couple of years ago (albeit as last-minute replacements when somebody else dropped out). Bottom line is, ND’s annual opponents (Navy, USC, Michigan, et al) make up what is essentially a conference schedule. They only need to fill out a few slots per year and there is no shortage of BCS teams lining up to play them. ND for all their recent struggles still means lots of eyeballs, lots of money, and a virtually guaranteed national TV slot.

That is all true! ND, is not giving their team a chance to have a 10 win season with that schedule. 72% of FBS schools play an FCS school, plus another lower FBS school.

Look at LSU non-league schedule this season, it’s a joke. It’s like they have 2 more bye weeks in North Texas and Towson. I’m sure their fan base loves paying to see those games.

When ND can actually play an SEC schedule someone might care but until then it seems pretty weak.

With schedules like the one they have this year and next year, I highly doubt it. Personally, I would have more respect for Notre Dame if they joined a conference.

@Matt what are you talking about ND’s schedule this year was voted the toughest in the country…so you sir are an idiot…

Byu needs to put down the crack pipe & give up on independence. It’s going to ruin them.

Ya, the SEC is so tough at the bottom. There is a difference playing 12 tough games or 8 in most leagues with 3 cupcakes in non-league.

Holy crow….that is a BEAST of a schedule! ND does play the toughest schedules just about every year….mad respect to those guys.

SEC is most overrated conference! They play 2 patsie teams including an FCS team. Then throw in Kentucky, Miss State, Vandy, Ole Miss. 8 conference games and only 4 away games. They should be in NC every year with that schedule.

Notre Dame has to become the team they once were feared. When teams like Navy and Uconn beat them,teams want to play them. Coach Kelly has the right stuff for ND. For all you hatters Notre Dame is the best thing for NCAA class tradition and quality. Oh yeah they also graduate there athletes without compromising there programs. Hats off to Stamford, quality and winning Go Irish.

You are right Mike.. They come a long way and I think coach Kelly has sure put his time.. in with that team and you can sure see it. Go!! Irish on Sat. games.. NOv.3rd!!!!!!!!!

Toughest schedule, really? The Golden Domers really need to get over themselves. Pre-season does not count. The only top 20 team at the end of the season may be Stanford. If the 7 SEC Schools played that schedule, they would all be unbeaten. Its not just rankings, its the level of competition and places the games are played at. I just hope USC does something right so Bama does not get a walk through like they did against a Colt McCoyless Texas Team. Ya’ll are no better than Boise St., one or two serious games a year, you stay 100% healthy until the bowl game. I am happy as a fan that their fan base is enjoying some success but look in the mirrior and be honest with yourself.