Is college football about to have a mega Week 1 non-conference game between Alabama and Notre Dame?

Speculation continues for a potential clash between the 2 power houses, thanks to Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO Gary Stokan, who oversees the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Series. Stokan, while on the radio with the Thom Abraham Show, mentioned that the Irish are being floated as a Week 1 opponent for Alabama to play in South Bend, Tuscaloosa or Dallas.

Remember, the Pac-12 decided to play a conference-only schedule this fall, meaning Alabama has to replace its Week 1 neutral site game against Southern Cal. The Tide couldn’t find a better ratings bonanza than Notre Dame.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. The 2020 season is very much in limbo to due to outbreak of COVID-19, and several obstacles to this matchup happening may be in the way. Notre Dame is still scheduled to play Navy to open the season, and conferences may eventually elect to go to a conference-only season. However, on a positive note, Notre Dame’s independence may help the schedule be flexible enough to work this one in, especially after losing 3 games. The ACC is expected to help the Irish fill their schedule, too.

Interestingly, former Irish quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst Brady Quinn floated the idea that Notre Dame may play an SEC team in 2020. Quinn’s comment happened before Stokan’s radio hit Friday.

“Don’t be surprised if you hear about a Notre Dame vs. SEC team matchup this year. One that is a historic rivalry,” Quinn said on radio.

Don’t think Notre Dame wouldn’t love to get some revenge against Alabama after the last 42-14 whooping it took in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.