Notre Dame Football: 5 Best Fighting Irish Games of the Past 5 Seasons

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have played some of the most memorable games in college football history.

Some have seen the Irish come out victorious, while others have seen the team sulking in defeat.

The past five seasons have provided fans of both the Irish and their opponents some of the most exciting, action-packed contests in college football.

Which five games were the best?

Find out as we count down the five most exciting games of the past five seasons.

5. Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh (2008)

This matchup marked the longest game in Notre Dame Stadium history, going into four overtimes. The Irish ultimately came up short, losing 36-33 to Dave Wannstedt's Pittsburgh squad.

It was a slow game early, with the score being tied at three minutes before halftime.

However, the Irish struck twice before the horn taking a 14-3 lead.

The teams traded field goals up to the fourth overtime, but Notre Dame kicker Brandon Walker missed a 38-yard attempt that gave Pittsburgh the last laugh.

4. Notre Dame vs. Navy (2007)

Notre Dame fans wish this game had never been played, but it did take place—on Nov. 3, 2007.

The Irish came into the annual matchup having won 63 consecutive consecutive games in the series, which remains the longest winning streak by one team over another in NCAA history.

The score was tied at 28 heading into overtime, before ending in a 46-44 Navy victory in four overtimes.

The loss dropped the Fighting Irish to 1-8 on the season, the worst record through nine games in program history.

3. Notre Dame vs. Michigan State (2009)

Charlie Weis' Notre Dame squad came into this matchup after a heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the Big House a week before.

Win and the Irish get back on track, lose and all hope for the season is lost.

The Irish trailed the Spartans 30-26 with four minutes remaining until Jimmy Clausen hooked up with Golden Tate for a 33-yard touchdown pass that was ultimately the game-winning score.

Following that touchdown drive, Sparty drove nearly the length of the field before Kirk Cousins threw an interception to ND safety Kyle McCarthy with 57 seconds remaining to seal the deal.

Just another heart-stopping game between Notre Dame and Michigan State.

2. Notre Dame vs. Michigan State (2006)

The 2006 matchup of these long-time rivals was also at a critical moment for Notre Dame, as the Irish were coming off a gut-wrenching blowout loss to Michigan the week before.

Brady Quinn and co. came into the game ranked 12th in the nation and needed this win in order to keep their BCS hopes alive.

It didn't look promising in the first quarter, as Sparty jumped ahead to a 17-0 lead. The teams entered halftime with Michigan State up 31-14.

However, Notre Dame used a 19-0 fourth-quarter advantage to win the game 40-37.

To this day, that game remains one of the most exciting in program history.

1. Notre Dame vs. UCLA (2006)

Notre Dame entered this contest against the Bruins of UCLA ranked 10th nationally with a 6-1 record. The team was well on its way to a BCS berth, but UCLA presented a much bigger challenge than anticipated.

The Irish failed to convert a fourth-down attempt, trailing 17-13 with only two minutes remaining.

Despite that bad luck, Notre Dame was able to stop UCLA on their next possession and regain control.

Once Brady Quinn had the ball in his hands, a victory was not out of the question. He led one of the most memorable drives of all time, hooking up with Jeff Samardzija for the game-winning score.

I was in the stands that day, and have never felt such raw emotion and passion emanating from the stands as I did that day back in 2006.