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This article appeared in a series in the print issue, "The Never Ending Season: The Story of the Irish's Historic Fight for a National Title." Notre Dame’s football program is among the most notorious in collegiate football history. From hosting the first ever home playoff game in the first 12-team playoff bracket the to making their first national championship appearance since 2012, follow the Irish as they continue to tread a historic path on their constant march to victory.

On a national stage, in a city reeling from a terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish advanced through the Allstate Sugar Bowl, beating No. 2 University of Georgia on Jan. 2, 2025.

Notre Dame players, coaches, fans, and administrators woke up to the devastating news of a terrorist attack in New Orleans just hours into the new year. According to the FBI, “at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, an individual drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street.” Fourteen people were killed and dozens more injured. Fourteen families spent their first day of 2025 grieving. In the hours that followed the attack, the atmosphere of the French Quarter was remarkably different from the celebrations, loud music, and crowds of people that filled the streets on New Year’s Eve. Caution tape blocked off areas where authorities were still investigating; a quietness surrounded visitors and locals alike. By the afternoon, the Sugar Bowl announced it would delay the game until Jan. 2 to ensure the safety of the Caesars Superdome. Coach Marcus Freeman allowed the families of players to visit the team’s hotel and spend time together, and fans gathered for Mass led by team chaplain, Rev. Nathan D. Wills, C.S.C. The university released a statement from Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., saying, “Our prayers are with the family members and loved ones of all those impacted by the terrible attack in New Orleans ... To be in solidarity with those who suffer is to exemplify the spirit of Notre Dame.”

The Caesars Superdome had heightened security measures, including local police, federal agents, bomb-sniffing dogs, and armed officers surrounding and inside the arena. Before kickoff, the teams, officials, and over 57,000 fans held an emotional moment of silence for those injured and killed in the attack. It was the smallest crowd in the history of the Sugar Bowl, but that didn’t stop the fans who stayed for the game from cheering on their teams. The Bulldogs’ fans’ common chant of barking seemed to overwhelm the chants of "Let’s Go Irish!” from inside the stadium. Scoreless in the first quarter, it was Bulldog Peyton Woodring’s 41-yard field goal that put the first points on the scoreboard. Minutes later, Irish kicker Mitch Jeter would follow with a 44-yard field goal after quarterback Riley Leonard was unable to put the ball in the end zone. For most of the first half, both teams could not seem to make successful drives. The Notre Dame defense continued to foil any offensive runs the Bulldogs took to the end zone. Were the unprecedented events of the past day in New Orleans affecting the teams’ ability to play on the field?

After Georgia attempted a drop-back pass and fumbled the ball, the Irish found their footing and scored 17 points in under a minute of playing time. Jeter started the scoring run with a 48-yard field goal and soon Riley Leonard’s pass to wide receiver Beaux Collins brought the team’s first touchdown. Within the first 15 seconds of the second half, wide receiver Jayden Harrison made a 98-yard return to bring in a second touchdown.

I asked a food-service worker, and a local to New Orleans, how it felt to be at the game. “I wasn’t sure about coming today, but I’m glad I did. This was a difficult few days for our city, but I’m glad to be here.” Many local New Orleanians that we talked to at restaurants and shops acknowledged how scary it was after the terrorist attack, how the atmosphere was completely transformed from its usual joy and energy.

The game carried on inside the Superdome though, and Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton’s 32-yard pass to Cash Jones became their only touchdown of the game. Notre Dame’s defense was a dominant force throughout the game, shutting down Georgia’s chances for scores and ensuring the Irish pass through. Leonard also showed that he could pass and run the ball, maintaining the Irish’s momentum as they continued their playoff run. The Irish won 23-10, marking the first time in history that Notre Dame beat the Georgia Bulldogs and securing a place for the Irish in the College Football Playoff semifinals.