Sports

Unsung heroes look to make big plays

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.

Riddick, rushing attack ready for a golden opportunity

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.

Adjusting to weather as excitement builds

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.

Smart's commitment to philosophy energizes Crimson Tide defense

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Like the head coach he works for, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart preaches attention to detail. It's how his unit consistently snuffs the competition in dominating fashion.

Green relives big day on the ground against Alabama

All it took was one hit for Mark Green to know what Alabama football was all about.

Allen: On-field success will bolster financial position (Jan. 3)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - If any point has been underscored by the massive upheaval in college football over the past couple of seasons, it is the simple fact that college football and money are joined at the hip.

Irish update: Jan. 3

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - MantiTe'o had a feeling in June.

Alabama update: Jan. 3

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - No. 2 Alabama has done this before. They have been to national championship games, they have seen the circus. And they have succeeded, too.

South Florida poised to host BCS National Championship Game

Notre Dame arrives in South Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Flanked by two fire trucks equipped with water cannons, the No. 1 Irish rolled into the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Jet Center in style Wednesday, just five days before they face No. 2 Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 7.

Al-Khateeb: Alabama's impact on college football second to none (Jan. 2)

Owens: Alabama has impressive tradition, but it isn't Notre Dame (Jan. 2)

Stonebreaker moves from football to coffee

For many, the confusing ballad of crossing patterns, shooting gaps and rolling coverages can be complicated - but for former Irish linebacker Michael Stonebreaker, football was simple.

Joseph: Oversigning a troubling recruiting trend (Dec. 21)

Let's start here: This column isn't intended to be an attack against the University of Alabama, nor its football program. I think Nick Saban is one of the best coaches in history, and I absolutely love the tradition surrounding the school.

The Process

Up. Down. Bumpy. Smooth. Wins. Losses.

Day by day: Finding Knute Rockne, the man

Day 1

Staff Predictions: Notre Dame vs. Alabama

Allan Joseph Editor-in-Chief

Golson leads Irish to title game in first season

Everett Golson heard about the blinding spotlight of being the starting quarterback at Notre Dame. He knew about its legendary aura, its golden tradition and the blaring pressure to wake up the echoes.

Holtz retells story of '88 title team

Lou Holtz had an undefeated Irish team that had already beat Michigan, Miami and USC, so the preparations for the 1989 Fiesta Bowl were simple - rest the seniors, take pictures and practice celebrations.

Allen: Irish 60 minutes away from best season ever (Dec. 12)

Sixty minutes.