Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

This week, we take a look at the opponents in the nation’s most notorious holy war–no, not the mission in Iraq, but the rivalry between Boston College and Notre Dame, America’s premier Catholic universities.  Besides giving mad props to the Pope, these two institutions share a common interest in superior athletics, academics, and intense fan-dom. The Holy War refers to the quasi-annual football game between the schools (the only Catholic universities to play NCAA D1-A ball), and the fierce competitiveness between the two. Let the pillaging begin!

1. Mascot Matchup

BC – The Golden Eagles can be seen emblazoned on every Superfan shirt and bumper-sticker in Beantown.
Notre Dame - South Bend, Indiana is home to the famed Fighting Irish–the mascot championed in media from The West Wing (President Bartlet was an alum) to the football film classic, Rudy.

Three credits to: Notre Dame (extra points for high media recognition).

2. Holy War Stats

BC - has won 9 out of 18 games.
Notre Dame - has also won 9 games!

Three Credits to: It’s a tie!

3. Local Attractions

BC - Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College isn’t actually in Boston, but a suburb. It’s still within the Boston transit system, and is home to the Mall at Chestnut Hill (where you can find all of your favorite upscale retailers, including Kate Spade, Sephora, Barney’s and Bloomingdale’s) and of course, all of the celebrated Gothic architecture on campus!
Notre Dame – Though South Bend, Indiana is more than a stone’s throw from any major city, it is home to a variety of cultural establishments. Visit the Potawatomi Zoo and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association for some entertainment around town.

Three credits to: BC for it’s proximity to Boston and terrific shopping options!

4. Ass-kicking Alumni

BC – Doug Flutie (NFL quarterback–remember Flutie Flakes?), Amy Poehler, John Kerry, Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Notre Dame – Joe Montana, Jerome Bettis (both football), Condoleeza Rice, Regis Philbin.

Three credits to: Notre Dame, for producing the cream of the crop in everything from sports to government to media.

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

BC – 26.2% for the class of 2012
Notre Dame – 26.7% for the class of 2012

Three credits to:  Almost too close to call, but BC by a nose!

And the diploma goes to: For only the second time in Rival Rundown history, it’s a tie! Just proves that there are never any winners in a Holy War! God is with (both of) you.