Oct. 4, 1999

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Notre Dame’s 1999 football schedule ranks as the second toughest in the country to this point in the season.

That’s based on NCAA statistics including all games through Oct. 2.

Notre Dame’s ’99 opponents have jointly compiled a 33-13 record (.717) against other Division I-A foes other than the Irish.

Notre Dame’s past opposition has been particularly strong at 14-3 (.823), with Michigan and Michigan State (they play this week) remaining unbeaten, and Purdue having only one loss (Oklahoma’s lone loss is to Notre Dame and thus is not included).

Here’s the top five this week in the most difficult schedule ratings:

   Team            Overall       Past         Future1. Penn State      30-9 (.769)   9-5 (.642)   21-4 (.840)2. Notre Dame      33-13 (.717)  14-3 (.823)  19-10 (.655)3. Ohio State      33-13 (.717)  7-7 (.500)   26-6 (.812)4. South Carolina  31-13 (.704)  15-3 (.833)  16-10 (.615)5. Michigan        34-15 (.693)  14-5 (.736)  20-10 (.667)

Other Notre Dame opponents for ’99 in the top 35 include Michigan State 10th and Purdue 13th.

Since the NCAA began its toughest schedule rankings in 1977, Notre Dame five times has played the most difficult schedule in the nation (1978, 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1995), has been ranked among the top four teams on eight occasions — and has been in the top 20 in 16 of 21 previous seasons.