The Fighting Irish were coached by Ara Parseghian and ended the season undefeated with a record of 11-0. They won the National Championship by defeating previously unbeaten and #1 ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl 24–23. The 1973 squad became the 9th Irish team to win the national title and the 2nd under Parseghian. Although Notre Dame finished #1 in the AP Poll to claim the AP National Title, they were not awarded the Coaches title. Alabama was awarded the Coaches Poll Title before the bowl season.
