Back in 1981, a new Notre Dame publication, The Football Report, was begun. The name changed to Go Irish! in 1982 and subsequently Blue & Gold Illustrated in 1983.



Ever since the start of that publication, years ending in 1 or 6 at Notre Dame have resulted in upheaval, some for better, some for worse. This past season, 2016, has been no exception. Here’s a review of the chronological symmetry every five years.





1981: Faust Fever

Part of the reason the new publication began this season was the arrival of new head coach Gerry Faust, whose enthusiasm, ebullience and shake-down-the-thunder personality — plus his silver-tongued recruiting that landed the No. 1 class that February with an unprecedented and unrivaled 13 Parade All-American — electrified the Fighting Irish faithful. It was a sharp contrast to predecessor Dan Devine (1975-80), who was deemed too bland with his 53-16-1 record (.764) that included the 1977 national title.

Result: A preseason favorite to win the national title, the Irish went from playing No. 1 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl in 1980 to a flabbergasting 5-6 mark under 1963-80 Cincinnati Moeller High School legend Faust.





1986: Experience Counts

Following a career mark of 30-26-1 from 1981-85, including another 5-6 ledger in 1985, Faust was replaced by Lou Holtz, a proven, battle-tested success as a 16-year college head coach. All but one of his nine full-time assistants (running backs coach Mike Stock) were new.

His first recruiting class includes “the perfect Holtz quarterback” in South Carolina’s Tony Rice.

Result: While playing one of the nation’s most treacherous schedules (minus Rice at QB while sitting out as a Prop 48 player) that include national champ Penn State, Big Ten champ Michigan, SEC champ LSU on the road, top-10 Alabama on the road, at USC, plus other top rivals such as at Michigan State and Pitt, the Irish go 5-6 again, but lose five games by a total of 14 points.

Before the end of the 1980s, Notre Dame would set a new school record with 23 consecutive victories and the 1988 national title. In 1988-89, the Irish defeat 11 teams that finish in the final AP Top 18.





1991: Raised Standards

After having a chance to win a national title on New Year’s Day three straight years from 1988-90, tremendous disappointment ensues with a 9-3 regular season (although a win over No. 3 Florida in the Sugar Bowl provides some salve). The recruiting also falls apart after this season following four straight No. 1 classes from 1987-90, prompting esteemed recruiting coordinator Vinny Cerrato to leave for the NFL.

In addition to having to replace Cerrato, four new assistant coaches are hired after the season to shake up the operation, including relatively unheralded Rick Minter from Ball State as defensive coordinator.

Result: The Irish post a 21-2-1 record the next two seasons, highlighted by a 17-game winning streak culminated by a win over No. 1 Florida State in 1993 — but finishes No. 2 to the Seminoles that season.





1996: End Of An Era

After a remarkable six-year run from 1988-93 with a 64-9-1 record (including 5-1 in major bowls versus teams that were 64-3-1), Holtz’s last three Notre Dame teams (1994-96) slip to 23-11-1 with no bowl wins, and opt not to go to one after a demoralizing 8-3 mark in 1996.

After 11 seasons, Holtz submits his resignation in November ’96, saying “it’s the right thing to do.”

Result: Despite no head coaching experience, third-year defensive coordinator and 42-year-old Bob Davie is promoted to head coach. He retains much of the staff, but hires former Purdue head coach Jim Colletto as offensive coordinator and Michigan’s Greg Mattison as defensive coordinator.