The Notre Dame football team has experienced an extraordinary 2024-2025 season, rebounding strongly from a disappointing loss to Northern Illinois. The Fighting Irish have secured nine consecutive victories over ranked opponents and a total of 13 straight wins, both the longest streaks in the FBS. Throughout this winning run, they have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 518-185, with eight of their last nine games decided by double digits. This impressive performance mirrors the dominance seen under Frank Leahy in 1949 when he claimed his fourth national championship. The Irish now face their toughest challenge yet against Ohio State in Atlanta.

Defensive Dominance: Key to Success

The Irish defense has been instrumental in this remarkable season. Holding opponents to fewer than 25 points in all but one game, Notre Dame has demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess. Over the past 28 games, they have allowed more than 25 points only three times. Keeping the score within the teens or low twenties has been crucial for their success. This level of consistency is unmatched and gives them a significant edge in upcoming matches.

The Irish rank second in FBS for man coverage, employing it nearly 57% of the time. Under Al Golden's leadership, the team excels in passing efficiency, allowing just 165.2 passing yards per game and conceding only 14.3 points per contest. Players like Xavier Watts, Leonard Moore, and Christian Gray have contributed significantly with at least eight pass deflections each. Their secondary boasts a mere 51% pass completion rate against them, leading the nation. Additionally, Notre Dame ranks third in coverage grade for wide receivers, further solidifying their defensive strength.

Momentum and Turnovers: Game-Changing Factors

Beyond their stellar defense, the Irish have capitalized on momentum swings and turnovers throughout the season. They have forced a total of 32 turnovers while giving up the ball only 15 times, resulting in the third-best turnover ratio in FBS. Scoring 151 points off turnovers, they lead the nation by a substantial margin. Key moments, such as Xavier Watts' interception followed by Jeremiyah Love's record-breaking 98-yard touchdown run, have defined their playoff run.

Notre Dame has also dominated the middle eight minutes of games, maintaining a perfect 27-0 record in this period. They have outscored opponents 148-17 during these critical moments, ranking second in points scored and tied for first in takeaways. These pivotal stretches have often determined the outcome of their matches. Moreover, the Irish have shown resilience against Big Ten teams, going 4-0 this season, including victories over Purdue, USC, Indiana, and Penn State. With eyes set on history, Notre Dame aims to secure their first championship in over three decades, etching their names in the annals of college football.