MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — As Notre Dame approaches one of the most significant matches of the season—the College Football Playoff national championship game on January 20 in Atlanta against either Ohio State or Texas—one game stands out as pivotal to their journey. That game was played during Week 3 against Purdue, where the Irish dominated in a huge 66-7 victory.

“It might seem amusing to some, but that’s the reality,” noted Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, Al Golden. The Irish had just faced a shocking 16-14 defeat to Northern Illinois in Week 2, a game that left many questioning their toughness and overall capability as a team. The loss came as a surprise since Northern Illinois, a substantial underdog receiving $1.4 million to play, defied expectations by achieving victory on Notre Dame’s home turf.

However, that loss turned out to be a crucial turning point. Following the defeat, the team rallied and has since remained undefeated, showcasing a powerful resilience. Coach Marcus Freeman remarked, “The greatest tests often come when you’re at your lowest. We faced a choice after the Northern Illinois loss: to act selflessly or prioritize personal accolades.” He expressed hope that the nation recognizes the team’s commitment to putting Notre Dame first, transcending individual aspirations.

Now riding a remarkable 13-game winning streak, the Irish (14-1) find themselves within reach of their first national championship since 1988. This remarkable journey culminated in a narrow 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, which added further highlight to the season. On the day of this significant victory, Freeman turned 39, hinting that his birthday celebration was overshadowed by the excitement surrounding the game. He shared, “Thirteen years ago, my daughter Siena was born on my birthday, and she takes precedence in our house. But this moment is special; the hard work that has gone into it is what matters most.”

Reflecting on the implications of the loss to Northern Illinois, it’s evident that perhaps it was the wake-up call Notre Dame needed. Since that game, they have gone on to outperform all other collegiate teams, scoring an impressive total of 518 points while outpacing opponents by 333 points in their subsequent 13 games.

Quarterback Riley Leonard remarked on Notre Dame’s culture, stating, “Talent can be found in many locker rooms across the country, but it’s the commitment to each other that makes the difference. Everyone is focused on their teammates instead of their own prospects or glory.”

With such determination and a profound sense of camaraderie, Notre Dame is not just competing for a national title, but aiming to solidify a unique place in college football. Had they responded differently to the defeat against Northern Illinois, their current position might look drastically different.

Golden emphasized that Freeman’s leadership was significant after that damaging loss. There was a collective effort for accountability in the locker room devoid of blame. Freeman urged players and coaches alike to take personal responsibility, fostering a united front. The response against Purdue was a quintessential bounce-back performance, setting the stage for the title match that lies ahead.

“That week was incredibly taxing, and we had to cultivate a confident mindset. Coach Freeman really excelled at leading us through that,” Golden explained. “The players stepped up, demonstrated their true potential, and the subsequent achievements speak for themselves.”