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Notre Dame, Michigan to renew rivalry starting in 2018

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

They're back.

A three-year respite was enough for two of college football's most storied and successful programs.

Notre Dame and Michigan will renew their always widely-anticipated series beginning in 2018, with the Fighting Irish hosting the first contest Sept. 1. Michigan will host Oct. 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor.

"A great deal of credit goes to Coach Harbaugh and Coach Kelly for initiating the discussion of scheduling this series. This rivalry is also important for the fans of both programs, and we look forward to renewing one of college football's great rivalries," said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel in a statement released by the school.

The Wolverines were scheduled to face Arkansas Sept. 1, 2018 and will reportedly pay a $2-million buyout to the Razorbacks for canceling the game.

Notre Dame ended the series in 2014, when it was forced to redesign its schedule after the Irish committed to play five ACC schools each season beginning in 2013.

“While the schedule commitments of both Notre Dame and Michigan make an annual series impractical, we’re optimistic that additional games can be scheduled in the future," said Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick in a statement.

Irish head coach Brian Kelly took to Twitter to also take a jab at Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh:

Notre Dame won the last meeting 31-0 in 2014 but trail the all-time series by a head-to-head record of 17-24-1.

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