Notre Dame achieved a monumental victory yesterday, defeating Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl. This win is not just a scoreline; it’s a statement. The Fighting Irish have now secured their place in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, a feat that has fans buzzing with excitement and hope.
Proving Their Worth
With this impressive win, Paul Finebaum, a prominent college football analyst, believes the Fighting Irish have firmly established their legitimacy on the national stage. “They absolutely did (prove that they belong),” Finebaum remarked on ‘Get Up’ on Friday. “Notre Dame hasn’t won a big game in forever, in a New Year’s Six game. What they did last night was defining for a program that hasn’t won a national championship since Lou Holtz in ’88.”
A Historic Season
The significance of this victory extends beyond just the scoreboard. With their triumph over Georgia, the Fighting Irish improved their record to an impressive 13-1 overall. This marks the most wins in a single season in the school’s storied history. Notre Dame has now strung together a remarkable twelve-game winning streak, putting them just one game away from competing for a national title for the first time since 2012. Can you imagine the excitement if they were to win their first championship since 1988?
Marcus Freeman’s Impact
This victory is also a pivotal moment for head coach Marcus Freeman. In just his third year at the helm and at the young age of 38, Freeman has accomplished what his predecessor, Brian Kelly, could not during his tenure. “What’s so ironic is guess who left Notre Dame a couple of years ago to try to go to the big-time and maybe win a national championship? That’s Brian Kelly,” Finebaum pointed out. “I mean, Brian Kelly did good things. He made the national championship game in the 2012 season, lost by 28. He made the playoffs a couple of times but always lost badly. Notre Dame fans were nervous when Marcus Freeman was elevated, but they’re not nervous anymore.”
A New Era for Notre Dame
Ryan Clark, an expert on both LSU and Notre Dame, echoed Finebaum’s sentiments about Freeman and the current state of the Fighting Irish. “When you speak of Notre Dame specifically? Like, this team is built like an SEC team,” he said. “This team goes out and they don’t get into the portal to find all of these players to play everywhere. They find specific guys to do specific things that they need…It ain’t like our grandmother’s Catholics anymore at Notre Dame.”
Clark added, “When Brian Kelly left for LSU, we all said it’s because you couldn’t win games like this at Notre Dame. And all I gotta say to that is the devil is a lie.” This statement encapsulates the shift in perception surrounding the program.
Looking Ahead
As the Fighting Irish prepare for the College Football Playoff semifinals, the opportunity ahead is monumental. There have been few chances like this for Notre Dame in the last three and a half decades. With the current team’s talent and determination, Finebaum believes this playoff opportunity could be different. “Now, with what this team is and has done, certainly now in the playoff, this could be their moment,” he stated.
The excitement surrounding Notre Dame football is palpable. Fans are hopeful, and the players are hungry for success. The road to a national championship is fraught with challenges, but the Fighting Irish have shown they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
The Road to Glory
What does this mean for the future of Notre Dame football? The Fighting Irish are not just content with making it to the playoffs; they are aiming for glory. The combination of a solid coaching staff, a talented roster, and a passionate fan base creates an environment ripe for success.
As they gear up for the semifinals, one can’t help but feel the weight of history on their shoulders. The legacy of Notre Dame is rich, filled with iconic moments and legendary players. This current squad has the chance to add their chapter to that storied history.
In a season filled with ups and downs, the Fighting Irish have emerged as a formidable force in college football. With their eyes set on the ultimate prize, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far this team can go. Will they seize the moment and bring home the national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Fighting Irish are back in the conversation, and they are ready to make their mark.
