What’s not on television this weekend may...

What’s not on television this weekend may be of more significance than the events that are.

For the first time since Nov. 8, 1986, Notre Dame football will not be on live national or regional television. ABC had been considering televising the top-ranked Fighting Irish’s game against Stanford, but opted not to after San Jose State upset the Cardinal last Saturday. However, a tape of the Notre Dame-Stanford game will be shown Sunday on SportsChannel at 10 a.m.

In games that will be on the air, ninth ranked USC continues its defense of the Pacific 10 title with a 12:30 p.m. game against Washington (7)(3)(10)(42). No. 25 UCLA is set for a 7:30 p.m. Prime Ticket matchup with Arizona State.

With the undefeated Rams failing to sell out their Anaheim Stadium game against Atlanta in time for the blackout to be lifted, and the Raiders appearing on Monday Night Football, pro football fans will be forced to content themselves Sunday with the Buffalo Bills-Indianapolis Colts game at 10 a.m. (4)(36) and the 1 p.m. San Francisco 49ers-New Orleans Saints contest on Channels 2 and 8.

Baseball’s playoffs are both at venues and times that outrage purists. After Friday’s travel day, the National League Championship Series shifts to Candlestick Park for weekend twilight games. First pitch today and Sunday is at 5:20 p.m. (4)(36)(39). The fourth game of the American League Championship Series is set for the same stations at 10 a.m. today from Toronto’s Sky Dome, the world’s only stadium with a Hard Rock Cafe. If a fifth game is necessary Sunday, it will be on at 1:30 p.m. on (4)(36)(51).

Wayne Gretzky continues his pursuit of Gordie Howe’s National Hockey League scoring record in a pair of weekend televised games on Prime Ticket. Gretzky and the Kings meet the Edmonton Oilers tonight in the first regular season meeting between the teams since last spring’s memorable playoff series. Defending Norris Division champion Detroit Red Wings provide the opposition Sunday. Face off for both games is at 7:30 p.m.