Northwestern has made a pretty good habit of standing in the way of Notre Dame.

In 2008 it was during the NCAA Tournament second round, where the lower-ranked Wildcats rallied from a 1-0 deficit to pull off the 2-1 upset.

The only difference in 2009 was Northwestern’s status as the favorite and a first-round setting. Still, it was another postseason meeting vs. Northwestern and another heart-breaker for the Fighting Irish.

“They’ve had our number the last couple years and it doesn’t sit well,” said Notre Dame coach Bobby Clark. “We have a whole pile of guys who remember those two matches quite well.”

And for those few who don’t, we’re providing a history lesson when the two Midwestern programs clash yet again during a special broadcast of our College LIVE! this Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 6:45 p.m. CST.

In front of our nationwide LIVE! audience, Notre Dame and Northwestern will renew their heated rivalry in an early-season showdown that could be pivotal for both teams.

Seeking to keep their recent dominance intact, the Wildcats (3-4-0) arrive at Chicago Fire Stadium having just dropped their Big Ten opener to Michigan State.

Northwestern is adjusting to a young roster and life without Misha Rosenthal, the best goalkeeper the program had ever seen.

“We’re still finding our way a little bit,” said coach Tim Lenahan. “We’re still making a few mistakes that you just can’t make against top teams. Notre Dame will be a good challenge for us.”

New starting goalkeeper Drew Kotler will be key along with leading scorer Oliver Kupe and Big Ten Conference Top 20 prospect  Matt Eliason.

Notre Dame will feature a talented cast that includes midfielders Dillon Powers and Jeb Brovsky along with defender Aaron Maund.

The Fighting Irish (3-2-2) have opened their Big East Conference play with a quality win against St. John’s(m).

But even that matchup pales in comparison to Wednesday’s rematch against their chief nemesis.

Do we know how this movie ends, or will Notre Dame force a rewrite of the script?

Tune in this Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 6:45 CST to find out LIVE!