South Bend throws shade at Michigan ahead of Week 1 matchup

Michigan and Notre Dame don’t have the biggest rivalry in college football — arguably Michigan vs. Ohio State has that honor — but there’s never much good will when the Fighting Irish and Wolverines clash on the gridiron.

That’s why it’s not at all surprising that South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg recently used his executive power to take a rather dramatic step in the lead-up to Week 1 when the two schools face each other at Notre Dame. Sure, it’s a temporary measure, but it’s a message from South Bend that can be heard from Ann Arbor.

It’s being reported by a local news station that Buttigieg and the city of South Bend have temporarily changed Michigan Street, which can be found downtown, to Fighting Irish Drive. Per WNDU, the mayor has a personal connection to the game that could be spurring on his decision.

“The last time we played Michigan was 2014, I had to find a way to watch the game at a ridiculous hour I think it was 2:00 in the morning in Kabul which took a lot of effort. It’s going to be a lot easier this time now that I’m in South Bend and so is the game,” said South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

South Bend will also turn its river lights green to commemorate the start of the Fighting Irish season, but without a doubt, this name change shows just how important this game is to both teams.

For Michigan and Jim Harbaugh, it’s a search for respect. Heading into his fourth year as head coach Harbaugh has much to prove, and it starts with actually beating a ranked team away from the Big House.

It will be easier said than done, though, as expectations are high for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are ranked No. 12 to start the season.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew covers the B1G on Saturday Tradition.