Notre Dame Takes Shine to the South

So what's up with Notre Dame deciding to play games at neutral sites? The past few days have the Fighting Irish playing Washington State in San Antonio in 2009 and tentative games in Orlando in 2011 and 2014 against opponents to be determined.

It also means that Michigan is off the schedule beginning in 2012.

Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune drops a hint that this might be all about recruiting. Games in talent-rich states Texas and Florida certainly can't hurt, and there is mention of a neutral site game possibly in Louisiana, another recruiting hotbed.

All this has left them wondering in Alabama, where Nick Saban's challenge to the Fighting Irish has been declined.

Maybe it's just time for a bold move in South Bend. After all, Notre Dame hasn't won a bowl game since defeating Texas A&M, 24-21, in the 1993 Cotton Bowl.