Can the 'Notre Dame Way' Take the Irish All the Way?

By clinging to its traditions and independence, Notre Dame has kept itself at a disadvantage in its pursuit of the national title. But this year the undefeated Irish are out to prove that a champion can still be created the Notre Dame way.

This story appears in the Oct. 22–29, 2018, issue of Sports Illustrated. For more great storytelling and in-depth analysis, subscribe to the magazine—and get up to 94% off the cover price. Click here for more.

If you haven’t visited South Bend since Notre Dame last won a national championship, it may seem the same at first. In the fall, whether you’re driving southeast from Chicago or north from Indianapolis, trees are full of color, pastures are lush, and…