The story of why the 2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish wore beautiful green and gold jerseys for their worst home loss in 51 years actually starts with a former basketball coach.
Digger Phelps, who had led the Irish basketball squad since 1971, suggested to incoming football coach Dan Devine that the Irish wear green for their annual game against the USC Trojans.
Devine — or the stodgy athletic department — balked at the idea for the first two years. But in 1977, Devine was looking for a kick in the pants for a 4-1 team that was projected national championship contenders.