January 2, 1989Sunkist Fiesta Bowl, National Championship Game
Notre Dame 34 West Virginia 21
It was so long ago that most people who attend the University of Notre Dame weren't even born the last time the Irish stood atop the college football world. Since Dr. Lou, 6 different coaches (Yea I counted George O'Leary and Kent Baer) have called South Bend home. There has been an onslaught of criticism about the relevance of Notre Dame when it comes to college football powerhouses. I'll be the first person to admit that going to the Hawaii Bowl sounds more like a vacation than a postseason honor.
There have been blowouts, letdowns, "Bush Pushes" and Clausen punches, but through all the disappointments and controversies relevance has never left. How many schools have a national television station knocking on their door every home game? How many schools can control their own destiny and remain football independent through the current conference realignment?
