Bring on the Irish

Georgia fans wanting to see an upgrade to the Bulldogs' non-conference schedule got their wish with Wednesday's announcement that a two-game date with Notre Dame is now officially in the books.

The Bulldogs will travel on South Bend on Sept. 9, 2017 with the Irish coming to Athens on Sept. 21, 2019.

"This series will generate an overwhelming level of excitement for our student-athletes and supporters," said UGA athletic director Greg McGarity in a statement. "We have a tremendous amount of respect for Notre Dame and look forward to the start of this memorable experience."

Bulldog head coach Mark Richt agreed.

"Playing Notre Dame will be an honor and a great challenge for us," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "I have a lot of respect for the job Coach Kelly is doing there and I'm sure college football fans across the country will enjoy watching our two teams compete."

According to McGarity, there is no guarantee in terms of payments to either school.

The two teams only other meeting came in the 1981 Sugar Bowl, a 17-10 Bulldog victory that capped an undefeated, untied season and a national championship for the Bulldogs.

"As our football schedules evolved with the start of our Atlantic Coast Conference competition in 2014, we had future games slated with top-drawer opponents in virtually all the major conferences," said Notre Dame vice president/athletics director Jack Swarbrick. "One exception was the Southeastern Conference, so we are pleased now to be able to check that box. These will be two contests that will have great national appeal, in part because our only previous matchup came in a bowl game."

In that earlier meeting, Bulldog freshman Herschel Walker ran 36 times for 150 yards and both Georgia touchdowns.

"These are two very attractive football games against a Georgia program thatalso has impressive history and tradition," Irish coach Brian Kelly said. "Mark Richt has done an excellent job keeping that program at the forefront, both in the SEC and nationally."