It is impossible to overstate how huge this game is in my north suburban Catholic community, where ND fans and alums outnumber NU fans and alums by a wide margin. They've had this date circled for 2+ years, ever since it was announced, and untold numbers of them have bought NU season tickets for the sole purpose of getting tickets to this game plus additional individual tickets made available to season ticket holders. The chorus will grow louder and even more insufferable as the date approaches, especially given the undefeated season they're having. ND is having a Friday night pep rally at Haven School (three blocks from the stadium), Mass Saturday morning at St. Athanasius (two blocks from the stadium), and an official tailgate on our own golf course -- it's going to be insane. We'll have a chance to win the West every year, but we're not going to have another chance to beat Notre Dame for God knows how many years. Winning this one and knocking them out of the playoffs would rank right up there with 17-15 and the Jack Mitchell game as two of my favorite all-time "I was there" moments. This is one Catholic who will be rooting like hell for the Fighting Methodists that day. Let's win it.