Notre Dame cancels Michigan football series in 2014

Notre Dame will opt out of its contract with Michigan, meaning that the last scheduled meeting between the teams will be in 2014. The Fighting Irish are exercising a three-year out. The teams were originally scheduled to meet up in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

"The decision to cancel games in 2015-17 was Notre Dame's and not ours." - Dave Brandon

— Michigan Football (@umichfootball) September 25, 2012

Many have speculated that this is related to the recent news that Notre Dame will be joining the ACC. Although the Notre Dame football team will remain independent, the Irish will play five games per year against ACC opponents.

Fans will likely be disappointed to see this rivalry end, as it has become a classic. Since 1978, the teams have met 29 times. Overall, they have faced off 39 times since 1887. Michigan holds a commanding lead in the series.

Michigan and Notre Dame rank first and second all time in winning percentage.

This story originally appeared at SB Nation. Notre Dame fans should check out One Foot Down, and Michigan fans can head to Maize N Brew.