1990 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team


The 1990 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1990 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by fifth-year head coach Lou Holtz, the Fighting Irish compiled a record of 9–3 with a loss to [1990 1990 Colorado Buffaloes football team|Colorado Buffaloes football team|Colorado] in the Orange Bowl. The team played home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
This was the final season that Notre Dame's home games aired on ESPN, ABC, or CBS, as NBC took over beginning the following year. However, a home playoff game aired on ESPN and ABC in 2024.

Game summaries

Michigan State

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The Immaculate Deflection - Rick Mirer's 24-yard completion to Adrian Jarrell, which bounced off hands of MSU LB Todd Murray up and into Jarrell's arms at MSU 2. Three plays later, Culver scored. "There's definitely somebody looking out for us. There's somebody on our side," said Mirer.
  • Notre Dame's 60th victory as No. 1 ranked team & 5-0-1 vs. MSU when ranked #1

Stanford

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Tennessee

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The Irish traveled to Knoxville and pulled off a thrilling 34–29 victory over the 9th-ranked Tennessee Vols. The Irish built a 4th quarter lead and held off a furious late comeback by Tennessee.

Colorado (Orange Bowl)

Notre Dame lost a heartbreaker to top-ranked Colorado in the Orange Bowl, 10–9. The Irish were undone by three third-quarter turnovers and a controversial penalty flag that negated a late punt return touchdown by Ismail. Colorado would go on to win a share of the national championship.

Awards and honors

Team players drafted into the NFL