Notre Dame Football showcases challenges of being defending champions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Notre Dame Football is facing heightened expectations as the defending national champions following a 1988 season that saw them go undefeated and claim their 11th consensus title. The Irish, ranked No. 1, are preparing for a match against Michigan State on September 23, 1989, after surviving an earlier challenge from Michigan. Early in their matchup with Michigan State, Notre Dame scored two touchdowns but was unable to maintain a comfortable lead, as turnovers opened the door for Michigan State to close the gap significantly before halftime. The game highlights the pressures and challenges that come with being the top team in the nation.
- •Notre Dame is ranked No. 1 and is the defending national champion.
- •The team enters the Michigan State game with a 2-0 record.
- •Notre Dame initially leads 14-0 before Michigan State makes a comeback.
- •Turnovers have become a significant issue for Notre Dame during the match.
- •The game takes place on September 23, 1989, at home.
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Notre Dame Football: Defending Something Bigger
"Winning a national championship changes things. For Notre Dame, the 1988 season had been about climbing back to the top of college football. The Irish went undefeated, beat No. 1 Miami in one of the most memorable games in program history, and finished the job against West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl to claim their […]
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