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Joseph: Bright spots in Sun Life Stadium give hope for 2013 (Jan. 8)

By The Observer · Monday, Jan. 7, 2013

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - It wasn't pretty, and it was a deeply unsatisfying end to a storybook 2012 season. But once you step back from the chaos and the heartbreak, some bright spots emerge - not just in the big picture of the 2012 campaign, but in the 42-14 loss. There aren't many to highlight, but the ones there are suggest the Irish will be back for more next fall.

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Gameday Analysis: Notre Dame-Alabama

By The Observer · Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The BCS National Championship Game is finally here. With kickoff just hours away, see what The Observer's beat writers think will be the keys to tonight's game.

The Observer

Diaco leads Irish defense with relentless energy

By The Observer · Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - It's January and Bob Diaco's top-ranked defense is preparing for the national championship game. After Monday night, the focus will be on recruiting leading up to Feb. 6. Shortly after, spring practice will consume his time.

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Irish Insider Live: One Day Away

By The Observer · Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013

The Observer's beat writers discuss Notre Dame's mindset leading up to the BCS National Championship Game and identify players they think will play key roles in the matchup with Alabama.

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One day away

By The Observer · Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Brian Kelly has been to three national championship games before (all while he was at Division II Grand Valley State). He lost the first one in the last two minutes of the game, and he won the next two. He knows how to play for championships. But in many ways, the BCS National Championship Game is an entirely new challenge.

The Observer

Power football takes center stage

By The Observer · Friday, Jan. 4, 2013

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - When the Irish and Crimson Tide line up in the trenches Monday night, it will mark a victory for traditional, defensive-minded football in an era where gimmicks and finesse are the flavor of the day.

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Fox, Calabrese prepare to stop Alabama offense

By The Observer · Friday, Jan. 4, 2013

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Over the summer, Dan Fox decided he needed to step up his game. The senior linebacker from Rocky River, Ohio, approached defensive coordinator Bob Diaco and asked him to prepare a compilation of areas in which Fox could improve. After reviewing Fox's 2011 game film, Diaco returned with a package for Fox to study. And the results for the high school safety and onetime outside linebacker have been obvious.

The Observer

Saban, Kelly headline Media Day

By The Observer · Friday, Jan. 4, 2013

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Sitting on the sidelines of the field that will host their titanic matchup in just two days' time, Irish coach Brian Kelly and Alabama coach Nick Saban held court in front of hordes of reporters today at the BCS National Championship Game media day. Each swatted away NFL rumors and talk of his own place in history, instead preferring to talk about the players surrounding them and the dynamics of the game ahead.

The Observer

Unsung heroes look to make big plays

By The Observer · Friday, Jan. 4, 2013

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Notre Dame-Alabama is a glamorous and high-profile affair with big names all over the field. Kelly versus Saban. Golson versus McCarron. Te'o versus Warmack.

The Observer

Riddick, rushing attack ready for a golden opportunity

By The Observer · Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - With three days to go until a monumental BCS National Championship Game, a media throng surrounding him at every turn and a sunny Miami locale outside, Notre Dame senior running back Theo Riddick had an interesting topic on his mind Friday morning - socks.

The Observer

Adjusting to weather as excitement builds

By The Observer · Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Earlier today, I opened the door to the balcony of our hotel room. I stepped outside into the sun and experienced one of the most disorienting feelings for a lifelong Midwesterner in early January: nothing. The temperature outside exactly mirrored the pleasant air-conditioned interior, and that will to take some time to get used to.

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