How a single second-week upset sparked a historic 13-game winning streak
In short: After a stumble in week 2 against Northern Illinois, the 2024 Notre Dame Fighting Irish transformed into a juggernaut. They surged through the College Football Playoff to reach the national championship, securing their highest final ranking since 199<0xC2>3.
The 2024 season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, led by head coach Marcus Freeman in his third year, was defined by remarkable resilience. Following an early loss to Northern Illinois, the team embarked on a 13-game winning streak. During this period, they secured important wins against ranked sides, including 15 Louisville, 24 Navy, and 18 Army. The team's dominance was reflected in their scoring margin, outscoring opponents 578 to 248 over a 14–2 season.
The Irish's postseason journey through the College Football Playoff showcased their ability to overcome elite competition. A first-round triumph over the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers preceded a win against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal). After beating No. 4 Penn State during the Orange Bowl (CFP Semifinal), they ultimately lost to No. 6 Ohio State in the final championship match. A hallmark of their success was their ability to perform against the best, setting a school record with seven wins against AP-ranked teams.
Individual performances were equally historic. Quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred from Duke, earned MVP honors after recording 2,86 and 906 yards through passing and rushing, respectively, alongside 21 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing touchdowns. The roster saw significant movement, including the arrival of players like safety Jordan Clark from Arizona State and wide receiver Beaux Collins from Clemson. Defensively, safety Xavier Watts earned consensus first-team All-America honors after tallying 82 tackles and six interceptions.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2024 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
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