Tie Game: The 1966 Notre Dame-Michigan State Showdown

On November 19, 1966, a remarkable event took place in the world of college football. The unranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off against the heavily favored Michigan State Spartans, who were ranked No. 2 in the nation, in what would become known as the "Game of the Century."

The game was played at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, in front of a crowd of 80,011 spectators and an estimated 33 million television viewers. Both teams entered the game with undefeated records, and the winner was expected to claim the national championship.

The first half was a defensive battle, with neither team able to score. However, in the second half, the game burst into life. Michigan State took a 10-0 lead in the third quarter, but Notre Dame fought back with a touchdown and a field goal to tie the game at 10-10.

With just over a minute left in the game, Michigan State had the ball on Notre Dame's 1-yard line. The Spartans opted to run the clock down and settle for a tie, rather than risk a turnover or a missed field goal. The game ended in a 10-10 tie, leaving both teams undefeated.

The decision to settle for a tie was controversial, as many believed that Michigan State had a chance to win the game outright. Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian was also criticized for not going for the win, but he defended his decision, saying that he didn't want to risk losing the game and the national championship.

In the end, Notre Dame was awarded the national championship by the Associated Press and the Football Writers Association of America, while Michigan State was named national champion by the United Press International and the National Football Foundation.

The "Game of the Century" remains one of the most famous and controversial games in college football history. It showcased the intense rivalry between two of the sport's most storied programs and highlighted the importance of strategy and decision-making in high-stakes situations.

The game also had a lasting impact on the sport. It helped to popularize the notion of the "game of the century" and set the stage for future high-profile matchups between top-ranked teams. It also cemented the legacies of coaches Ara Parseghian and Duffy Daugherty, who would both go on to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Today, the "Game of the Century" is remembered as a classic example of the excitement and drama that makes college football so compelling. It remains a touchstone for fans of the sport and a reminder of the enduring power of great moments in sports history.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI