Notre Dame football: The Irish and the games of the century

The Game of the Century in 1966 pitted Notre Dame against Michigan State. It got its label because of Notre Dame’s number one ranking, and the Spartans number two ranking. The Irish were 8-0 and would be National Champions if they could get through Michigan State and USC. Meanwhile, Michigan State only had Notre Dame left on their schedule to finish off an unbeaten season.

Michigan State had claimed a National Championship in 1965, despite losing the Rose Bowl. They looked primed to win another in 1966, but Parseghian had brought Notre Dame back to their earlier glory.

There was also a great story about how integrated Michigan State was, especially in comparison to teams like Alabama. The Spartans had 20 African American players on their team in a time when many refused to consider letting minorities on their team. This Michigan State team proved those players’ worth and made it more accepted throughout the country.

However, stories like that, as well as most of the game itself, were obscured by a decision made by Parseghian. The game was tied late, and Notre Dame’s starting quarterback had been injured, when the Irish got the ball back with just over a minute left. They were 40 to 50 yards from field goal range. Instead of starting a two-minute drill, Notre Dame rolled over and accepted a 10-10 tie.

Parseghian would defend the move by saying he didn’t want to risk a turnover, but most people have come to the conclusion that he knew Notre Dame would stay number 1 in the polls with a tie.

Notre Dame would go on to be voted National Champions in 1966, but it was contentious. Many in the south felt that Alabama, the unbeaten and untied Sugar Bowl champion, was the true National Champion. Alabama wasn’t even 2nd in the polls, though. They were 3rd, and Michigan State finished the season 2nd in the polls.

Essentially, Ara Parseghian was right. He didn’t have to actually try to beat Michigan State to win a National Championship. He had to tie them, and not lose to anyone else. The polls kept Notre Dame and Michigan State in the same spots they’d been in entering the game. The same thing happened during Notre Dame’s previous “Game of the Century,” against Army. Army entered and left ranked 1st. meanwhile, Notre Dame entered and left ranked 2nd.

It feels wrong, but Notre Dame’s 1966 National Championship is for playing not to lose, and athletic politics. It’s probably not because they were the best team on the field, and their actions at the end of the Game of the Century against Michigan State proves it.