The 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team completed the regular season with a 10-2 record and earned a berth in the Fiesta Bowl, a New Year's Six bowl game. The Fighting Irish represented the independent Notre Dame independent football program and competed as an FBS Independent within the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was played on January 1, 2022, against the eighth-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys of the Big 12 Conference. The game was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and was televised on ESPN. The Fighting Irish entered the game as 7.5-point favorites, and they were seeking their first bowl game win since the 2018 Camping World Bowl.
The game was a close and competitive affair, with Notre Dame leading by only three points at halftime. However, the Fighting Irish pulled away in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points to win the game 35-17. The victory was Notre Dame's first win over a ranked opponent since October 2020, and it snapped a two-game losing streak in bowl games.
Notre Dame Bowl Game 2021
The 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team completed the regular season with a 10-2 record and earned a berth in the Fiesta Bowl, a New Year's Six bowl game.
- Opponent: Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Date: January 1, 2022
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Result: Notre Dame 35, Oklahoma State 17
- Significance: Notre Dame's first bowl game win since 2018
- Head coach: Brian Kelly
- Offensive MVP: Kyren Williams
- Defensive MVP: Isaiah Foskey
- Attendance: 49,280
- Television: ESPN
Notre Dame's victory was a significant achievement for the program, as it snapped a two-game losing streak in bowl games and marked the team's first win over a ranked opponent since October 2020.
Opponent: Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Oklahoma State Cowboys were a formidable opponent for Notre Dame in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl. The Cowboys finished the regular season with a 11-2 record and were ranked eighth in the College Football Playoff rankings. Oklahoma State was led by a high-powered offense that averaged over 40 points per game, and they also boasted a stingy defense that allowed just over 20 points per game.
- Head coach: Mike Gundy
Gundy is one of the most successful coaches in Oklahoma State history, and he has led the Cowboys to 15 bowl games during his tenure. He is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to develop talented players.
Quarterback: Spencer SandersSanders is a dynamic playmaker who can beat defenses with his arm and his legs. He threw for over 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns during the regular season, and he also rushed for over 600 yards and six touchdowns.
Running back: Jaylen WarrenWarren is a physical runner who is difficult to tackle. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season, and he also caught 25 passes for 223 yards.
Wide receiver: Tay MartinMartin is a big-play threat who can stretch the field. He caught 53 passes for 909 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season, and he also averaged over 17 yards per catch.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys were a well-rounded team with no obvious weaknesses. They were a legitimate threat to win the Fiesta Bowl and challenge Notre Dame for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Date: January 1, 2022
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was played on January 1, 2022, which was New Year's Day. This is a common date for bowl games, as it is a day when many people are off from work and school and can attend or watch the games.
The Fiesta Bowl is one of six New Year's Six bowl games, which are the most prestigious bowl games outside of the College Football Playoff. The Fiesta Bowl is played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which is a state-of-the-art facility that can seat over 63,000 fans.
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the country. Notre Dame was ranked ninth in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Oklahoma State was ranked eighth. Both teams had impressive regular seasons, and they were both looking to finish the year with a victory in a major bowl game.
The game lived up to the hype, as it was a close and competitive contest. Notre Dame ultimately won the game 35-17, but Oklahoma State made the Fighting Irish work for the victory. The game was a showcase for two of the best teams in the country, and it was a fitting way to end the 2021 college football season.
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This is a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2006 and is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL).
State Farm Stadium has a seating capacity of over 63,000 and is known for its retractable roof and natural grass playing surface. The stadium also features a number of amenities for fans, including a large video board, multiple concession stands, and a team store.
The Fiesta Bowl has been played at State Farm Stadium since 2007, and it has become one of the most popular bowl games in the country. The game is played on New Year's Day and is one of the six New Year's Six bowl games, which are the most prestigious bowl games outside of the College Football Playoff.
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the country, Notre Dame and Oklahoma State. The game lived up to the hype, as it was a close and exciting contest that was decided in the final minutes.
Result: Notre Dame 35, Oklahoma State 17
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a close and competitive game, but Notre Dame ultimately pulled away in the second half to win 35-17.
- Notre Dame's offense was efficient and explosive. The Fighting Irish averaged over six yards per play and scored on four of their first five possessions.
Notre Dame's running game was particularly effective, as they rushed for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. Kyren Williams led the way with 140 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Notre Dame's defense was opportunistic. The Fighting Irish forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. They also sacked Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders four times.Notre Dame's defense was led by Isaiah Foskey, who had two sacks and a forced fumble. The Fighting Irish also got a big play from safety Brandon Joseph, who intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown.
Oklahoma State made too many mistakes. The Cowboys committed 10 penalties for 85 yards, and they also turned the ball over three times.Oklahoma State's mistakes gave Notre Dame short fields and extra possessions, and the Fighting Irish capitalized on their opportunities.
Notre Dame's coaching staff made the right adjustments. The Fighting Irish made some key adjustments at halftime, and they were able to take control of the game in the second half.Notre Dame's coaches also made some good decisions on fourth down, and they were able to keep the Oklahoma State defense off the field.
Notre Dame's victory in the Fiesta Bowl was a significant achievement for the program. It was the Fighting Irish's first bowl game win since 2018, and it snapped a two-game losing streak in bowl games.
Significance: Notre Dame's first bowl game win since 2018
Notre Dame's victory in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl was significant for the program for a number of reasons.
- It was Notre Dame's first bowl game win since 2018. The Fighting Irish had lost their previous two bowl games, and they were looking to break their bowl game losing streak.
Notre Dame's victory in the Fiesta Bowl was a sign that the program is headed in the right direction. The Fighting Irish have a talented team, and they are capable of competing with the best teams in the country.
It was Notre Dame's first win over a ranked opponent since 2020. The Fighting Irish had struggled against ranked opponents in recent years, but they were able to get a big win over Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl.Notre Dame's victory over Oklahoma State showed that the Fighting Irish are capable of beating the best teams in the country. It was a big confidence boost for the program, and it should help Notre Dame to have a successful season in 2022.
It was Notre Dame's first New Year's Six bowl game win since 2012. The Fighting Irish have played in a number of New Year's Six bowl games in recent years, but they had not won one since 2012.Notre Dame's victory in the Fiesta Bowl was a big statement win for the program. It showed that the Fighting Irish are capable of competing with the best teams in the country, and it should help Notre Dame to attract top recruits in the future.
It was Notre Dame's first Fiesta Bowl win since 1989. The Fighting Irish have played in the Fiesta Bowl four times, and they had not won the game since 1989.Notre Dame's victory in the Fiesta Bowl was a special moment for the program. It was the first time that the Fighting Irish had won the Fiesta Bowl in over 30 years, and it was a great way to end the 2021 season.
Notre Dame's victory in the Fiesta Bowl was a significant achievement for the program. It was a sign that the Fighting Irish are headed in the right direction, and it should help Notre Dame to have a successful season in 2022.
Head coach: Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly is the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. He has been the head coach at Notre Dame since 2010, and he has led the Fighting Irish to a number of successes, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2012.
Kelly is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to develop talented players. He has also been praised for his leadership and his ability to motivate his players.
In the 2021 Fiesta Bowl, Kelly made some key decisions that helped Notre Dame to victory. He decided to start quarterback Jack Coan, who had been injured earlier in the season. Coan played well in the game, and he led Notre Dame to a touchdown on their opening drive.
Kelly also made some good decisions on fourth down. He decided to go for it on fourth down twice in the first half, and both times Notre Dame converted the fourth down and kept the drive alive. These decisions helped Notre Dame to build an early lead, and they ultimately helped the Fighting Irish to win the game.
Kelly is a proven winner, and he is one of the best coaches in college football. He has led Notre Dame to a number of successes, and he is looking to lead the Fighting Irish to even greater heights in the future.
Offensive MVP: Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams was named the Offensive MVP of the 2021 Fiesta Bowl after rushing for 140 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Williams was a key part of Notre Dame's offensive success in the game. He averaged over six yards per carry, and he helped to keep the Oklahoma State defense honest.
Williams' touchdown run came in the second quarter, and it gave Notre Dame a 14-3 lead. He also had a number of other big runs in the game, including a 25-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped to seal the victory for Notre Dame.
Williams is a talented running back who is capable of making big plays. He is a key part of Notre Dame's offense, and he is one of the best running backs in the country.
Here are some of Williams' highlights from the 2021 Fiesta Bowl:
- 25-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped to seal the victory for Notre Dame
- 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that gave Notre Dame a 14-3 lead
- 11-yard run on third-and-long that helped Notre Dame to convert a key third down in the third quarter
- 8-yard run on fourth-and-one that helped Notre Dame to keep a drive alive in the first quarter
Williams' performance in the Fiesta Bowl was a major reason why Notre Dame was able to win the game. He is a talented running back who is capable of making big plays, and he is a key part of Notre Dame's offense.
Defensive MVP: Isaiah Foskey
Isaiah Foskey was named the Defensive MVP of the 2021 Fiesta Bowl after recording two sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup.
Foskey was a dominant force on the defensive line for Notre Dame in the game. He was constantly putting pressure on Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders, and he made several big plays that helped Notre Dame to win the game.
Foskey's two sacks came in the first half, and they helped to slow down Oklahoma State's offense. He also forced a fumble in the second half, which Notre Dame recovered and turned into a touchdown.
In addition to his sacks and forced fumble, Foskey also had a pass breakup in the game. He broke up a pass intended for Oklahoma State wide receiver Tay Martin in the end zone in the fourth quarter, which helped to preserve Notre Dame's lead.
Foskey is a talented defensive end who is capable of making big plays. He is a key part of Notre Dame's defense, and he is one of the best defensive ends in the country.
Here are some of Foskey's highlights from the 2021 Fiesta Bowl:
- Two sacks of Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders
- Forced fumble that Notre Dame recovered and turned into a touchdown
- Pass breakup in the end zone in the fourth quarter
- Several tackles for loss
Foskey's performance in the Fiesta Bowl was a major reason why Notre Dame was able to win the game. He is a talented defensive end who is capable of making big plays, and he is a key part of Notre Dame's defense.
Attendance: 49,280
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was attended by 49,280 fans, which was a sellout crowd.
- The Fiesta Bowl is a popular bowl game, and it is one of the most attended bowl games in the country. The game is played in a large stadium, and it is usually played in a warm climate, which makes it a popular destination for fans.
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a matchup between two of the top teams in the country, Notre Dame and Oklahoma State. Both teams had large fan bases, and many fans traveled to Glendale, Arizona to see the game.
The weather was perfect for the game. The temperature was in the mid-60s, and there was no rain. This made for a comfortable atmosphere for the fans.The fans were treated to a great game. Notre Dame and Oklahoma State played a close and competitive game, and Notre Dame ultimately won the game 35-17.
The fans were also treated to a great halftime show. The halftime show featured performances by the Fiesta Bowl Band and the Fiesta Bowl Cheerleaders.The fans enjoyed the halftime show, and it helped to create a festive atmosphere at the game.
The Fiesta Bowl is a great experience for fans. The game is played in a beautiful stadium, and the weather is usually perfect. The fans are also treated to a great halftime show.If you are a fan of college football, then you should consider attending the Fiesta Bowl.
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a success, and it was a great experience for the fans.
Television: ESPN
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was televised on ESPN. ESPN is one of the most popular sports networks in the world, and it has a large audience of college football fans.
- ESPN's coverage of the game was excellent. The network's announcers were knowledgeable and informative, and they provided viewers with a great understanding of the game.
ESPN also used a number of different camera angles to provide viewers with a variety of perspectives on the game. This helped to make the game more exciting and engaging for viewers.
ESPN's coverage of the game was also very comprehensive. The network provided viewers with a pre-game show, a halftime show, and a post-game show. This gave viewers a chance to learn more about the teams and the game.ESPN also provided viewers with a number of different ways to watch the game. Fans could watch the game on TV, online, or on their mobile devices.
ESPN's coverage of the Fiesta Bowl was a success. The network's announcers were knowledgeable and informative, and they provided viewers with a great understanding of the game. The network's coverage was also very comprehensive, and it gave viewers a chance to learn more about the teams and the game.If you are a fan of college football, then you should consider watching the Fiesta Bowl on ESPN.
ESPN is the best place to watch the Fiesta Bowl. The network's coverage is excellent, and it provides viewers with a great experience.The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a great game, and ESPN's coverage of the game was excellent. If you are a fan of college football, then you should consider watching the Fiesta Bowl on ESPN.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team's bowl game:
Question: Who did Notre Dame play in the bowl game?
Answer: Notre Dame played Oklahoma State in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl.
Question: When was the game played?
Answer: The game was played on January 1, 2022.
Question: Where was the game played?
Answer: The game was played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Question: What was the score of the game?
Answer: Notre Dame won the game 35-17.
Question: Who was the Offensive MVP of the game?
Answer: Kyren Williams was the Offensive MVP of the game.
Question: Who was the Defensive MVP of the game?
Answer: Isaiah Foskey was the Defensive MVP of the game.
Question: How many people attended the game?
Answer: 49,280 people attended the game.
Question: What TV channel was the game on?
Answer: The game was on ESPN.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team's bowl game. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in Notre Dame football!
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Now that you know more about the 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team's bowl game, you may be interested in learning more about the team's upcoming season. Here are some tips on how to stay up-to-date on Notre Dame football:
Tips
Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your Notre Dame bowl game experience:
- Arrive early. The stadium will start to fill up several hours before the game, so it's important to arrive early to get a good seat and avoid the crowds.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be strong in Arizona, so it's important to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
- Stay hydrated. It's important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot Arizona sun. Bring a water bottle or two to the game, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Arizona can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for anything. Bring a jacket or sweater in case it gets cold, and bring a poncho or umbrella in case it rains.
- Have fun! The Fiesta Bowl is a great opportunity to see Notre Dame football in person, so make sure to enjoy the experience.
We hope these tips help you to have a great time at the 2021 Fiesta Bowl. Go Irish!
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We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team's bowl game. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Conclusion
The 2021 Fiesta Bowl was a great success for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. The Irish defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 35-17 to win their first bowl game since 2018.
The victory was a significant achievement for the Fighting Irish. It was their first win over a ranked opponent since 2020, and it was their first New Year's Six bowl game win since 2012.
The Fiesta Bowl victory was a sign that the Fighting Irish are headed in the right direction. The team has a talented roster, and they are capable of competing with the best teams in the country.
The Fighting Irish will look to build on their success in the 2022 season. They have a tough schedule, but they are confident that they can compete for a national championship.
Go Irish!