The abrupt departure of Brian Kelly and quick elevation of Marcus Freeman as Notre Dame’s new head coach quickly overshadowed the Fighting Irish’s near-miss of a college football playoff berth. While they won’t be in the hunt for a national title, a tough Fiesta Bowl challenge against the Oklahoma State Cowboys will close out the 2021 Notre Dame football schedule.
The Cowboys literally missed their own playoff spot by inches in the Big 12 title game and enter this contest with an 11-2 record. Head coach Mike Gundy is in his 17th season at Oklahoma State, with all but his first campaign ending with winning seasons.