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Notre Dame Fighting Irish Slappy Awards: Best Moment of the Year

By Jack Leniart

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 13: Players of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team are greeted by fans entering the stadium prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 13: Players of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team are greeted by fans entering the stadium prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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The Winner: Tony Jones Jr.’s touchdown reception against USC.

Notre Dame football
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Tony Jones Jr. #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown against USC Trojans during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame fans around the world collectively rejoiced as they witnessed the play that punched their team’s first-ever ticket to the College Football Playoff.

A few things made this play and this moment so great.

First and foremost, was the implications of the game. A win virtually ensured Notre Dame a spot in the College Football Playoff. A place the team had never been before.

Second, was the opponent. Notre Dame and USC is one of, if not the, greatest rivalries in college football. Both teams have storied histories and share a somewhat respectful disdain for one another.

A brief look at Notre Dame's 2020 NFL Draft prospects. dark. Next

Finally, it was the unlikely hero that shined in this moment. Tony Jones Jr. was the third running back on the depth chart. He was certainly talented enough to have a role in the offense, but no one would have guessed that he would be the one to lift the Irish late in their final game of the season.

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