A distraught Notre Dame fan went viral on social media following the Fighting Irish’s loss to Ohio State in the National Championship Game on Monday night.
The NCAA football season culminated in a showdown between the two programs, who were the first to emerge as finalists from the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Both teams overcame their own odds to make it to the final game of the season and ensured that it was a contest toward the end after the Buckeyes seemed like they would run away with it.
Notre Dame clawed their way back into the game after a poor first half but had their progress undone by a decision to go for a field goal instead of going for it on a fourth down in the red zone.
Still, there was an opportunity, though slim, nearing the end of the game.
Jeremiah Smith would ensure that there was no way back for the Fighting Irish, earning a key first down with an incredible catch nearing two minutes, just when it seemed like the opposing defense might get off the field on a third-and-11.
The play sucked the life out of the Notre Dame fans in the stands, with one particular supporter going viral after placing her hand on her mouth.
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The program was referred to as the “Not-so-Fighting Irish” in the caption.
Fans Lauded Notre Dame For Their Efforts After One Of Their Fans Went Viral
Given what they saw, fans quickly came to Notre Dame’s defense.
“Nah , they fought,” one said.
Nah , they fought
— james witherspon (@rockw61) January 21, 2025
“They fought, they just weren’t the leading-irish,” a second pointed out.
They fought, they just weren't the leading-irish.
— Ray Brice (@rbrice88) January 21, 2025
“They played OSU tougher than anybody else in the playoffs,” said a third.
They played OSU tougher than anybody else in the playoffs
— Zucchini (@Zucchini680114) January 21, 2025
“Still have more class then the Ohio State head coach. He is the biggest POS in football,” a user wrote.
Still have more class then the Ohio State head coach. He is the biggest POS in football.
— Jeffro (@HarnerJeff74670) January 21, 2025
Can’t argue with that; they did put up a fight. Unfortunately, the Irish weren’t able to complete the comeback and will have to try again in a year.