Notre Dame defeated Georgia 23-10 to advance to the Orange Bowl semifinals, earning its first major bowl game victory in 31 years. The Irish’s special teams coordinator, Marty Biagi, became emotional as he celebrated his team’s win, having endured a difficult week of personal loss and family milestones.
Biagi’s father passed away on December 21, just after the team’s previous victory over Indiana. His wife was readmitted to the hospital with post-birth complications on December 28, but has since recovered. Biagi also became a father to twins two days before the game.
The Irish dominated Georgia’s last three drives, forcing four punts and recovering two fumbles. Notre Dame’s special teams accounted for three field goals, a touchdown, and a crucial fourth-quarter trick play that duped the Bulldogs into a penalty. The play, which Biagi said he had been working on with his team for weeks, gave the Irish first down and sealed their victory.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard led the charge, passing for 90 yards but running for 80 of the most important yards in the game. Coach Brian Freeman’s pre-game strategy was praised by Leonard, who credited him with making the call to insert the punt team before the offense.
The win marked a historic moment for Notre Dame fans, who witnessed their team claim victory in a major postseason bowl for the first time since 1993. The Irish faithful celebrated in style, singing and chanting as they watched the game from across the country.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/with-a-trick-and-some-tears-notre-dame-finally-gets-over-hump-in-big-time-bowl-game-033016687.html