The Boston College-Notre Dame rivalry was one of the most intense matchups in college football at the turn of the century. The Fighting Irish's historic dominance was over, and the Eagles held an upper hand over their Catholic school brethren. Notre Dame still ranked as one of the nation's top programs, but the upstart BC teams always found a way to strike an Achilles heel in South Bend.
In 2002, that Holy War found a new level when the undefeated Irish played their annual rival at home. The hosts warmed up in their traditional blue uniforms before retreating to the locker room for a final pregame huddle.