The Notre Dame Fighting Irish possess the most storied history in college football, bar none. Their legacy stretches over generations and decades. But has Notre Dame ever won the national championship?
Notre Dame’s Record in the College Football National Championship Game
The Fighting Irish actually claim eleven national titles. That ranks fifth in history, only trailing Yale, Princeton, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the Michigan Wolverines. The last time the Irish played for a national title was January 3, 2013, running into an Alabama buzzsaw and falling 42-12.
On Jan. 20, Notre Dame has another chance to win its 12th title, the first since 1988. The team’s current thirty-seven-year championship drought ties for the longest in program history, tying with the first thirty-seven years of the team’s existence.
Twelve states currently make up what many consider the Midwest. Football bragging rights and superiority become the evergreen discussion topic that never ends within those areas.
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For the majority of the 20th century, Notre Dame could rightfully proclaim itself the best of the best, not just in the region but across the country.
Since Tony Rice led Lou Holtz’s team to a resounding victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers, championship glory has eluded the men from South Bend.
Now, Notre Dame has the opportunity to end the championship drought and defeat a team that owns a 6-2 advantage in head-to-head competition. More importantly defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes would strengthen the Irish’s ability to recruit Ohio and keep some talents from Ohio State.
The Nationwide Implications for Notre Dame Success
More importantly defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes would strengthen the Irish’s ability to recruit Ohio and keep some talents from Ohio State.
Whether you root for or against the Irish, no one can dispute their ability to recruit talent from all four corners of the contiguous United States and even Hawaii. Throughout their history, the Fighting Irish drew players not just from Indiana and the Midwest but also from warm climates like Texas and Florida while reaching into the fertile southern California recruiting base.
Despite not hanging a championship flag in nearly four decades, the program easily attracts talent from all over the nation.
Between that and their ability to exclusively negotiate coverage contracts with networks, the men from South Bend really are an island unto themselves. With a reported fanbase of 8.21 million, the program can also enjoy donations from a wealthy alumni base.
Notre Dame, as mentioned, seeks their 12th title. More importantly, a victory means they can remind those old enough to remember the glory days while introducing themselves to a new generation of Irish faithful.
Either way, the program wants to hoist the trophy. Beating Ohio State would be the cherry atop the best cake for the entire university.
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