1969 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

The 1969 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1969 NCAA University Division football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Ara Parseghian, the Fighting Irish compiled a record of 8–2–1.
After 44 seasons without postseason play, the school ended its self-imposed bowl hiatus. With an regular season record, the Irish were led on the field by junior quarterback Joe Theismann. They met top-ranked [1969 1969 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas Longhorns football team|Texas] in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on New Year's Day, but lost 21–17 when the Longhorns scored a late touchdown.

Game summaries