Heartbreaking Defeats: Notre Dame Losses That Stung the Most

The Irish were championship-chasers once again in 1993 and gained the No. 1 ranking after defeating previous No. 1 Florida State in South Bend. All Notre Dame had to do was beat Boston College and it was headed to Miami to face Nebraska and play for the national title. That's all they had to do, and what happens?

A defense that held Heisman Trophy quarterback Tommy Ward in check for the most part a week before went out and gave up 41 points to BC. The Irish lost, 41-39, and settled for a date in the Cotton Bowl where, in turn, they beat Texas A&M for a second straight year.

This is the first Irish heartbreak I remember watching first-hand. I was seven years old, and still can't describe what happened that day. Notre Dame had no answers defensively for most of the afternoon, while Tom Coughlin and Glenn Foley had all of them. Thinking of this kick will prevent me from being able to sleep tonight.

Since that day, one can argue the Irish have not made a serious run at a national championship. Although it is safe to say they were not the best team in the nation any of the years since then, it is fair to say they have had their title opportunities, if one thing or another went just slightly different.

2000 vs. Nebraska

Not a whole lot was expected of the Irish in 2000, but, after beating Texas A&M convincingly, they found themselves in the top 25 with No. 1 coming to town. In a game the Irish cashed in on special teams, they found themselves tied late with a chance to win the game.

Instead, Bob Davie and company decided not to risk anything and play for overtime. Nick Setta stepped up and gave the Irish the lead once again, sure. However, Eric Crouch led the Huskers right down field and into the end zone.

I was not watching this game at the time—instead I was in a car headed home listening to the whole thing. As a freshman in high school, I knew Davie was wrong for sitting on the ball and, to this day, I feel the same way.

2000 vs. Michigan State

Two weeks later, the Irish traveled to East Lansing looking to move to 3-1 and improve their ranking. A game that was back-and-forth until the end, Notre Dame lost on a touchdown pass over the middle that went for big yards.

I may be wrong, but I remember this play occurring on a fourth down. At the end of the year, this loss did not matter—it didn't prevent Notre Dame from a BCS game or a national title—but it was an extremely tough pill to swallow nonetheless.

2005 vs. USC

Oct. 15, 2005 will be a day I will never forget. The atmosphere of Notre Dame that day was unmatched and there was just the feeling in the air something was different on that afternoon. The teams traded a few scores early in the game before Tom Zbikowski brought the house down with a punt return for a touchdown to put the Irish ahead (I specifically remember nearly passing out during this play).

The game went on, both teams converting fourth downs in their own territory. Late in the game, with the Irish trailing, Brady Quinn scored on a keeper and the Irish moved within one stop away from the upset of the century.

First two downs are an incomplete pass and a one-yard gain. Fourth and nine, no timeouts for USC, which is trailing, 31-28, at the time. That's when Matt Leinart and Dwayne Jarrett hook up on a perfectly thrown ball to keep hope alive for the Trojans.

Shortly after, the Irish hold USC and time winds out on the scoreboard with ND winning, 31-28. After order is restored on the field, Pete Carroll is seen signaling to his team to get to the line and spike the ball. Instead, Leinart takes the ball on a sneak and gets some extra help from Reggie Bush to find the end zone.

Final score: 34-31, USC. As mentioned earlier in this article, I am still pained by this loss, and it was the toughest pill to swallow of any that I have ever had to when it comes to my team and losing.

So that's that for that. What do you think?: Which one of these losses was the worst for you since the Irish last won a title? Do you have a loss not mentioned that you feel is deserving? Go ahead, Irish fans, let me know how you feel.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?