It’s been more than three decades since the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last won a national title. Getting that last championship run in 1988 started was something requiring Irish fans to ride a roller coaster of emotions. Then, putting their trust in a small walk-on to come through in the clutch was next on the agenda.
Notre Dame’s 19-17 season-opening victory over longtime, bitter rival Michigan on Sept. 10, 1988, was played under the lights at home. It marked the second consecutive year that the Irish had defeated the Wolverines. The previous year’s 26-7 win was largely the byproduct of Notre Dame exploiting seven Michigan turnovers.