A few weeks ago I wrote a piece following Notre Dame’s huge road win against Oklahoma. It was this performance that planted the seed within, ND could actually be contenders for the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Championship.
The last National Championship for the Irish was in 1988 under Lou Holtz. They came close to repeating in 1989, finishing the season ranked number two. The 1993 team also finished the season ranked two.
This was the last time Notre Dame has remotely come close to winning a National Championship, or even been in the discussion.
That is until now.
ND completed an undefeated season by defeating bitter rival University of Southern California (USC) and booked their spot in the National Championship game in Miami.
This season for us ND fans, has wildly exceeded expectations. At the start of the season the Irish weren’t even ranked. A very tough schedule led me to think an 8-4 or 9-3 regular season was realistic. At best a 10-2 finish would ensure a BCS bowl game.
I would have been happy with that in Coach Brian Kelly’s third season cleaning up the mess Charlie Weis left behind.
However an undefeated season and berth in the BCS Championship game is just incredible.
Following the USC game on the net was nerve wracking, the Trojans have spoiled the Irish party too many times in the past. Their season was over, they had nothing more to play for than pride, breaking in a rookie quarterback and ruining ND’s National Championship hopes.
Alas this game was closer than I expected. ND’s red zone offence struggled and five field goals ensued, along with a Theo Riddick score.
USC have an explosive passing game and freshman quarterback Max Wittek has a rocket for an arm. ND picked off Wittek twice – yes, Manti Te’o again – stopped the run and kept their offence to around 200 total yards, which was incredible.
The goal-line stand was epic, another one for the ages as ND kept out USC from their own one yard line. Everett Golson was poised again and the hero of the night was running back Theo Riddick, who was outstanding.
So the Irish will now face either Alabama or Georgia in the Championship game.
I actually think they match-up well with the Southeastern Conference teams. They will go in as underdogs, which won’t bother them one iota.
The haters are out in force in the college football world. ND are back and going to the Big Dance!
CBDoggz4lyfe
Guest
Bama's opening up at 10.5 over ND! wooohooo! bring it, underdogs, ND's gonna bring it!
CBDoggz4lyfe
Guest
MAN! given the SEC is R E A L strong and that game was off the hook! BUT... if the Irish can shut that running game down that will be the key..and its own offence firing then we are in for a game.
PatsArmy
Guest
It's Bama! Crimson Tide are not as good as last year, but I can't see Notre Dame putting up much resistance. SEC is so superior at the moment and that form will get the Tide home in the BCS Championship.
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
I hope for Notre Dames sake that Georgia wins. I can see them rolling a side like Georgia but they will have their work cut out against Alabama
CBDoggz4lyfe
Guest
what a game its gonna be! crazy looking forward to this one and its on the last day of my holidays before I get back to work! woooohooo! Lets go Irish, LETS GO!
ThelmaWrites
Guest
Thanks, World. I'll be in Sydney so if my kids don't have Fox, I'll have to find a pub that will air it. Or get my daughter in Kuala Lumpur to record it. I'll have to cheer for both Notre Dame or Bama, I like them both. Notre Dame because the Irish Jesuits were a great influence in my youth, and Alabama because they had Don Shula's son playing quarterback way back in the 80s. I was in the Philippines then, and Clark Air Base used to broadcast NFL and college games. Bowl season was a cracker! I was a grad student at U of Hawaii Manoa campus, and I got married in a church opposite Punahou!
Worlds biggest
Guest
Thelma, Jan 7 in Miami. Ticket prices jacked up to $ 2,000 once ND made it. If Bama make it the pundits are saying it will be the highest watched BCS Championship game. The bookies are making Bama a 6 point fav if they win and ND a 2.5 point fav if Georgia win. I think we can beat either however would give us a better chance against Georgia. The Saban factor.
ThelmaWrites
Guest
Once upon a time, I lived near Punahou! Anyway, whenabouts is the Big Dance? I may be in a country that will air it.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Cheers CB, interesting that Punahou not only produced Manti but none other than President Obama ! In fact the school has produced many notable people in all walks of life. T'eo is phenomenal and and will go down as an all-time great at ND.One more game lads, come on Irish !
CBDoggz4lyfe
Guest
Great article! I have loved CFB for years and love the history of it so recognize that ND falls in that category "win one for the gipper!" LoL! those colors are so synonymous with the fighting irish its great to see it back in the mix again considering the quality of teams at the college Div I level.ND have there ups and downs the last few years! Also a huge Manti Teo fan, have followed him back from his Junior year at Punahou so to see him in the running for the heismann and lead the defense the way he does is awesome. LETS GO IRISH!!!!