1973
* Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, Dec. 31 -- Alabama is ranked No. 1 and Notre Dame No. 3 in this battle at old Tulane Stadium. Now considered one of college football's all-time classics, the game featured six lead changes. Clinging to a one-point lead at its own 2, Notre Dame faced a third-and-9 with 2:12 remaining in the game. In what would become one of the most famous plays in Irish history, quarterback Tom Clements drops back into the end zone and heaves a 36-yards pass toward the sideline. Seldom used tight end Robin Weber makes the catch to preserve the drive and allow Notre Dame to run out the clock and clam its ninth national championship in school history. Final score: Notre Dame 24, Alabama 23
1975
* Orange Bowl, Miami, Jan.1 -- In what would be legendary coach Ara Parseghian's final game at Notre Dame, the No. 9-ranked Irish were again able to upset a No. 1 and undefeated Crimson Tide team, spoiling their hopes for a national championship. The Irish took a 13-0 lead in the first half and held on for dear life in the second half as Alabama quarterback Richard Todd brought the Tide back. A late interception, however, sealed the victory for Notre Dame. Final score: Notre Dame 13, Alabama 11
1976
At Notre Dame Stadium, Nov. 13 -- In the first regular-season meeting between the two emerging rivals, No. 10 Alabama traveled to South Bend. The 18th-ranked Irish again upset the Tide in coach Dan Devine's second season. Final score: Notre Dame 21-18
1980
At Legion Field, Nov. 15 -- In what would be Devine's final year as ND's coach, the sixth-ranked Irish traveled to Birmingham to take on the No. 5 Tide. Notre Dame's defense shut out Alabama, dropping Bama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant to 0-4 against the Irish. Final score: Notre Dame 7, Alabama 0
1986
At Legion Field, Oct. 4 -- Notre Dame is unranked in the first year of the Lou Holtz era. Bama is ranked No. 2 and dominates the game under the guidance of Head Coach Ray Perkins, who does what Bryant couldn't -- beat the Irish. Final Score: Alabama 28, Notre Dame 10.
1987
At Notre Dame Stadium, Nov. 14 -- A resurgent Notre Dame program is ranked No. 7 while the Crimson Tide is No. 10. The Irish return the favor of a year earlier and blows out Bama in the most lopsided game of the series. However, the Irish would lose their last three games of the season. Final score: Notre Dame 37, Alabama 6
-- Michael Wanbaugh, CNI News Service
