Notre Dame Football Recap: Notre Dame 14-Alabama 42

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan Luke Repass sits alone in the stands after the 2013 BCS Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sun Life Stadium. Alabama won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame fought the Tide to a draw in the second half but it was too late. The game had already been won. Alabama stormed the Fighting Irish in the first half, 28-0. Notre Dame thought that tackling was optional. They did not get off the bus ready to play. Because the Irish did not do what got them there, Eddie Lacy and the Alabama Crimson Tide ran wild to their 3rd National Title in 4 years.

The majority of fans were probably not shocked that Notre Dame was defeated on Monday night. But it was how it happened that was surprising. The Crimson Tide rushed for 265 yards against the formerly stout Notre Dame front seven. Notre Dame, including Manti Te’o, brought arm-tackles against Running Backs who refused to go down. It was like Notre Dame brought a knife to a gun fight.

Notre Dame had only allowed 2 touchdowns on the ground all season long. They allowed 3 against Alabama. Prior to the National Title Game, the Irish had allowed 92.42 yards per game. The Irish gave up 265 yards against the Crimson Tide. Further insulting was that Notre Dame yielded 42 points.

Notre Dame was held to 32 yards rushing on Monday. The Irish Offense was stifled in general. Alabama only yielded the Irish 302 yards of total Offense. Some bright spots for the Irish were DaVaris Daniels and TJ Jones. Both players demonstrated that they could get open against elite talent. Daniels had 6 catches for 115 yards and Jones had 7 catches for 90 yards.

The Southeastern Conference proved that it was truly elite. Fans were witnesses to the birth of a dynasty. Fans should not dispair. Notre Dame was successful beyond belief this year. Brian Kelly is clearly the right coach for the Irish. He has the #1 class in the country and is looking to add to it. Notre Dame’s future is extremely bright.