Barry Alvarez

On October 15, 1988, Notre Dame hosted the University of Miami in what would become one of the greatest games in college football history. It was tradition vs. swagger, the No. 4-ranked Fighting Irish versus the No. 1-ranked Hurricanes, one coaching star, Lou Holtz, versus another, Jimmy Johnson. But the name still attached to the contest came from a t-shirt manufactured by a few Notre Dame students: “Catholics vs. Convicts.” As compelling as the tale of Notre Dame’s dramatic victory is—even losing quarterback Steve Walsh calls it “a helluva ballgame”—the backstory is just as riveting.

The Big 12 Champion Oklahoma Sooners take on the WAC Champion Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. An intense back and forth game that ended with a thrilling overtime touchdown.