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Notre Dame football bowl history: Every bowl game the Fighting Irish have played in

By Josh Yourish

Slap the Sign presents the definitive Notre Dame football all-time Lou Holtz team, spanning from the 1986 season to his departure from South Bend in 1996 Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Slap the Sign presents the definitive Notre Dame football all-time Lou Holtz team, spanning from the 1986 season to his departure from South Bend in 1996 Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 27, 1973, South Bend, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tom Clements (2) Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 1973, South Bend, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tom Clements (2) Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Sugar Bowl (2-2)

1973: Notre Dame 24 Alabama 23

Bear Bryant’s undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to New Orleans for this New Year’s Eve matchup with an 11-0 record and a No. 1 ranking next to their name. Notre Dame was third in the country at 10-0 and an underdog facing the SEC champions in the south.

Notre Dame took a 21-17 lead into the fourth quarter with two rushing touchdowns and a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown by Al Hunter in the second quarter. Then with 9:33 remaining in the fourth Alabama quarterback, Richard Todd threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mike Stock to take the lead, but kicker Bill Davis missed the extra point attempt.

The missed kick left the door open for Notre Dame to win the game with a kick of its own and with 4:26 left Bob Thomas nailed a 19-yard field goal to take a 24-23 lead that the Fighting Irish would never relinquish. With the win, they were awarded the 1973 national championship.

1981: Georgia 17 Notre Dame 10

1992: Notre Dame 39 Florida 28

2007: LSU 41 Notre Dame 14

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