The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represents the University of Notre Dame in the sport of American football. The Fighting Irish compete as an independent in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and play their home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Notre Dame has won 11 national championships, most recently in 1988. The Fighting Irish have also won 24 conference championships, including eight in the Big East Conference. Notre Dame is one of only six schools to have won both the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl, and the only school to have won both games in the same season.
Notre Dame Football Game
Notre Dame football is one of the most storied programs in college football history.
- 11 National Championships
- 24 Conference Championships
- 8 Big East Championships
- Rose Bowl Victories
- Sugar Bowl Victories
- Heisman Trophy Winners
- Notre Dame Stadium
The Fighting Irish have a passionate fan base and a rich tradition. Notre Dame football is a must-see for any college football fan.
11 National Championships
Notre Dame has won 11 national championships, the most recent of which came in 1988. The Fighting Irish have won national titles in the following years:
- 1924
- 1929
- 1930
- 1938
- 1943
- 1946
- 1947
- 1949
- 1966
- 1973
- 1977
- 1988
Notre Dame's first national championship came in 1924, when the team went undefeated and unscored upon. The Fighting Irish won their second national title in 1929, and then won back-to-back titles in 1930 and 1931. Notre Dame won another national title in 1938, and then won three straight titles from 1943 to 1945. The Fighting Irish won their seventh national title in 1946, and then won back-to-back titles again in 1947 and 1948. Notre Dame won its ninth national title in 1966, and then won its tenth title in 1973. The Fighting Irish won their eleventh and most recent national title in 1988.
Notre Dame's 11 national championships are the fourth-most in college football history. The Fighting Irish are one of only six schools to have won at least 10 national championships, and they are the only school to have won 11 national championships without claiming a share of any other school's title.
Notre Dame's national championships have come under a variety of head coaches. Knute Rockne led the Fighting Irish to their first three national titles in the 1920s, and Frank Leahy led Notre Dame to four national titles in the 1940s. Ara Parseghian led the Fighting Irish to two national titles in the 1960s and 1970s, and Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to its most recent national title in 1988.
24 Conference Championships
Notre Dame has won 24 conference championships, including eight in the Big East Conference. The Fighting Irish have won conference titles in the following conferences:
- Independent (10)
- Big East Conference (8)
- Midwestern Conference (2)
- Missouri Valley Conference (2)
- Big Ten Conference (1)
Notre Dame's first conference championship came in 1922, when the team won the Independent championship. The Fighting Irish won their second Independent championship in 1924, and then won three straight Independent championships from 1928 to 1930. Notre Dame won the Independent championship again in 1932, and then won two more Independent championships in 1937 and 1938. The Fighting Irish won their tenth and final Independent championship in 1943.
Notre Dame joined the Big East Conference in 1995, and the Fighting Irish won their first Big East championship in 1996. Notre Dame won seven more Big East championships in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2013. The Fighting Irish left the Big East Conference after the 2013 season and returned to being an independent.
Notre Dame's 24 conference championships are the fifth-most in college football history. The Fighting Irish are one of only four schools to have won at least 20 conference championships, and they are the only school to have won conference championships in four different conferences.
Notre Dame's conference championships have come under a variety of head coaches. Knute Rockne led the Fighting Irish to their first four conference championships in the 1920s, and Frank Leahy led Notre Dame to three conference championships in the 1940s. Ara Parseghian led the Fighting Irish to two conference championships in the 1960s and 1970s, and Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to three conference championships in the 1980s and 1990s. Brian Kelly led the Fighting Irish to seven conference championships in the 2000s and 2010s.
8 Big East Championships
Notre Dame won eight Big East Conference championships during its time in the conference from 1995 to 2013.
- 1996
Notre Dame went 10-1 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against Syracuse, 38-10. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 7 in the Coaches Poll.
- 2002
Notre Dame went 10-2 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against Boston College, 41-17. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 11 in the AP Poll and No. 12 in the Coaches Poll.
- 2003
Notre Dame went 10-3 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against West Virginia, 34-20. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 8 in the Coaches Poll.
- 2005
Notre Dame went 9-3 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against Syracuse, 34-20. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll and No. 15 in the Coaches Poll.
- 2006
Notre Dame went 10-3 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against West Virginia, 38-0. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll and No. 12 in the Coaches Poll.
- 2009
Notre Dame went 9-3 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against Cincinnati, 33-13. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 17 in the AP Poll and No. 18 in the Coaches Poll.
- 2012
Notre Dame went 12-0 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against Louisville, 29-16. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll and No. 11 in the Coaches Poll. Notre Dame was selected to play in the BCS National Championship Game, where they lost to Alabama, 42-14.
- 2013
Notre Dame went 10-3 in the regular season and won the Big East championship game against Pittsburgh, 28-21. The Fighting Irish finished the season ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll and No. 23 in the Coaches Poll.
Notre Dame's eight Big East championships are the most in conference history. The Fighting Irish were a dominant force in the Big East, and they played a major role in the conference's success.
Rose Bowl Victories
Notre Dame has won five Rose Bowl games, the most recent of which came in 2013. The Fighting Irish have won the Rose Bowl in the following years:
- 1925
- 1930
- 1966
- 1970
- 2013
Notre Dame's first Rose Bowl victory came in 1925, when the team defeated Stanford, 27-10. The Fighting Irish won their second Rose Bowl in 1930, when they defeated Southern California, 22-14. Notre Dame won its third Rose Bowl in 1966, when they defeated Michigan State, 10-8. The Fighting Irish won their fourth Rose Bowl in 1970, when they defeated Texas, 24-11. Notre Dame won its fifth and most recent Rose Bowl in 2013, when they defeated Alabama, 42-14.
Notre Dame's five Rose Bowl victories are the third-most in the history of the game. The Fighting Irish are one of only four schools to have won at least five Rose Bowls, and they are the only school to have won five Rose Bowls without claiming a share of any other school's title.
Notre Dame's Rose Bowl victories have come under a variety of head coaches. Knute Rockne led the Fighting Irish to their first two Rose Bowl victories in the 1920s, and Ara Parseghian led Notre Dame to two Rose Bowl victories in the 1960s and 1970s. Brian Kelly led the Fighting Irish to their most recent Rose Bowl victory in 2013.
Sugar Bowl Victories
Notre Dame has won two Sugar Bowl games, the most recent of which came in 1994. The Fighting Irish have won the Sugar Bowl in the following years:
- 1978
- 1994
Notre Dame's first Sugar Bowl victory came in 1978, when the team defeated Alabama, 31-17. The Fighting Irish won their second Sugar Bowl in 1994, when they defeated Florida, 24-21.
Notre Dame's two Sugar Bowl victories are tied for the fifth-most in the history of the game. The Fighting Irish are one of only six schools to have won at least two Sugar Bowls, and they are the only school to have won two Sugar Bowls without claiming a share of any other school's title.
Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl victories have come under two different head coaches. Dan Devine led the Fighting Irish to their first Sugar Bowl victory in 1978, and Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to their second Sugar Bowl victory in 1994.
Heisman Trophy Winners
Seven Notre Dame players have won the Heisman Trophy, the most recent of which was Tim Brown in 1987. The following Notre Dame players have won the Heisman Trophy:
- Angelo Bertelli (1943)
- Johnny Lujack (1947)
- Leon Hart (1949)
- Paul Hornung (1956)
- John Huarte (1964)
- Tim Brown (1987)
- Raghib "Rocket" Ismail (1990)
Notre Dame is one of only three schools to have at least seven Heisman Trophy winners, and the Fighting Irish are the only school to have seven Heisman Trophy winners without claiming a share of any other school's title.
Notre Dame's Heisman Trophy winners have come under a variety of head coaches. Frank Leahy coached three Heisman Trophy winners in the 1940s and 1950s, and Ara Parseghian coached two Heisman Trophy winners in the 1960s. Lou Holtz coached Tim Brown to a Heisman Trophy in 1987, and Gerry Faust coached Raghib "Rocket" Ismail to a Heisman Trophy in 1990.
Notre Dame's Heisman Trophy winners have all been outstanding players who have made significant contributions to the Fighting Irish football program. Notre Dame is proud of its Heisman Trophy winners, and they are a testament to the tradition and excellence of Notre Dame football.
Notre Dame Stadium
Notre Dame Stadium is the home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. The stadium is located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, and has a seating capacity of 77,622.
- Opened: 1930
- Capacity: 77,622
- Surface: FieldTurf
- Nickname: The House That Rockne Built
Notre Dame Stadium is one of the most iconic college football stadiums in the United States. The stadium has been the site of many memorable games, including the 1924 "Game of the Century" between Notre Dame and Army, and the 1988 "Catholics vs. Convicts" game between Notre Dame and Miami. Notre Dame Stadium has also hosted four college football national championship games, and it is the current home of the Camping World Bowl.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Notre Dame football:
Question 1: When was Notre Dame Stadium built?
Notre Dame Stadium opened in 1930.
Question 2: What is the capacity of Notre Dame Stadium?
The capacity of Notre Dame Stadium is 77,622.
Question 3: What is the nickname of Notre Dame Stadium?
The nickname of Notre Dame Stadium is "The House That Rockne Built."
Question 4: Who is the head coach of Notre Dame football?
The head coach of Notre Dame football is Marcus Freeman.
Question 5: What is the fight song of Notre Dame football?
The fight song of Notre Dame football is "Notre Dame, Our Mother."
Question 6: What is the mascot of Notre Dame football?
The mascot of Notre Dame football is the Leprechaun.
Question 7: What is the record of Notre Dame football?
The record of Notre Dame football is 947-334-42.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Notre Dame football. For more information, please visit the official Notre Dame football website.
Now that you know a little bit more about Notre Dame football, here are a few tips for attending a game at Notre Dame Stadium:
Tips
Here are a few tips for attending a Notre Dame football game:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early. Notre Dame football tickets are in high demand, so it's important to buy your tickets as early as possible. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at the Notre Dame ticket office.
Tip 2: Arrive early. Notre Dame Stadium is a large stadium, and it can take some time to get to your seats. It's a good idea to arrive early so you have plenty of time to find your seats and get settled in.
Tip 3: Dress warmly. Notre Dame Stadium is located in South Bend, Indiana, and the weather can be cold, even in the fall. Be sure to dress warmly, especially if you're attending a night game.
Tip 4: Be respectful. Notre Dame is a Catholic university, and the fans are generally very respectful. Be sure to be respectful of the players, coaches, and other fans.
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By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a great time at your next Notre Dame football game.
Notre Dame football is a great way to experience the passion and excitement of college football. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just a casual observer, attending a Notre Dame football game is sure to be a memorable experience.
Conclusion
Notre Dame football is one of the most storied programs in college football history. The Fighting Irish have won 11 national championships, 24 conference championships, and 8 Big East Championships. Notre Dame has also won 5 Rose Bowls and 2 Sugar Bowls. Notre Dame Stadium is one of the most iconic college football stadiums in the United States.
Notre Dame football is more than just a game. It is a tradition that brings people together. Notre Dame fans are passionate and loyal, and they create an electric atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium. Attending a Notre Dame football game is a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or just a casual observer, I encourage you to attend a Notre Dame football game. You won't be disappointed.