Notre Dame is heading to the national championship after taking down Penn State in the Orange Bowl 27–24 in an instant classic. The first half got off to a somewhat slow start as both defenses established themselves rather firmly.

The Fighting Irish started slowly, but rallied to take down the Nittany Lions and advance to the national championship game.

For years the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been mocked for not joining a college football conference. Well, after receiving their payout from beating Penn State in the Orange Bowl - and not having to share a penny with a conference - the only ones laughing are the folks wearing the blue and gold.