Stephen A. Smith recently had strong words for Notre Dame fans, and let’s just say he didn’t pull any punches.

On a recent episode of First Take, Smith likened the Fighting Irish fanbase to that of the Dallas Cowboys – but not in a positive light.

“I don’t get where this fanbase comes from,” Smith remarked. “It’s not quite the Cowboys, but when you think of the Cowboys, Lakers in basketball, Yankees in baseball – you think, ‘damn, Notre Dame.’ They’re not in a conference. They haven’t been relevant since 1988.”

Smith made these remarks ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, as Notre Dame sought to end its long drought in major postseason success. While acknowledging the team’s passionate supporters, he questioned how they’ve maintained such a large following despite not winning titles in recent decades.

At one point, First Take host Molly Qerim reminded everyone that Notre Dame had a distinct advantage for years, as they were one of the few programs consistently broadcast nationally, which helped build their national reputation. But Smith wasn’t ready to back off.

“Even when they were in the National Championship Game against Alabama, we knew they were going to get destroyed,” Smith continued. “They got their a** kicked. We knew beforehand they were going to get their a** kicked. This time, we’re looking at them and thinking, they have a chance.”

While his remarks might seem harsh, there’s some truth in the comparison. Both Notre Dame and the Cowboys boast rich histories and loyal followings that extend well beyond their local regions. However, their struggles to win big have made them easy targets for criticism.

With a potential championship in sight, Notre Dame fans are hoping to silence critics like Smith, though their team faces a tough challenge as heavy underdogs against Ohio State this evening.