In 1966, Notre Dame played Michigan State. It was a battle between two of the best teams in college football history. The game ended in a 10-10 tie. Some believe that Notre Dame's football coach, Ara Parseghian, played for this tie. He did not. He played for the National Championship, and won it, a week later.
Even after forty-five years, this one college football game played by the 1966 Notre Dame team continues to be debated amongst die-hard fans. The team and the game are still embroiled in controversy- a factor that keeps the memories of Notre Dame's 1966 season alive. On one point only is there agreement- that the Irish were named the undisputed National Champions.
What more can be said about a team that allowed only 38 points to be scored against them in ten games, while punishing opponents to the tune of 369 points? As it turns out, a lot, much of it heretofore buried in the fog of the controversy over this one game.
"Undisputed "by Mark O. Hubbard is an incredible and detailed account of Notre Dame's 1966 football season, players, coaches, and the one game that fans have discussed ever since. Hubbard points out this game's immense significance not only in the context of football history, but of American history, reminding the reader that this one game drew a television audience of 33 million-the largest TV sports audience ever-with all spectators watching not just the event itself, but the natural integration of players, black and white, playing together, a significant advancement for racial equality.
Though the game steals the limelight, behind the scenes is the Notre Dame Football Team, which brought with it the traditions of fine academics, the Catholic Church, and a close-knit football family with "no breaking point." Coach Parseghian and the players from this team earned for Notre Dame a very precious gift-a National Championship. Undisputed.
This is their story.
