Christian Gray reflects on Notre Dame being 'humbled' by NIU after advancing to National Championship

College football fans got to witness an absolute classic in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish pulled out a thriller, 27-24, in Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida). It was a battle back and forth for much of the second half, but in the end the Irish capitalized on a poorly thrown ball from PSU quarterback Drew Allar. Defensive back Christian Gray snagged the late interception in the fourth quarter, allowing his team to march down the field and drill a game-winning kick, lifting them to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Following the game, Gray won Defensive MVP honors for the CFP Semifinal. He spoke with Molly McGrath of ESPN on the podium.

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What was going through his moment when he snatched the interception? “Just catch the ball. Just catch the ball. That was going through my mind. And I knew I was gonna make the play,” Gray explained.

The Notre Dame defense has been known for their intensity all season long. How has that identity shaped this group as a whole? “You know, we just some savages out here. That’s what Coach Golden always says. We just live by it,” Gray continued.

Could he have imagined Week 2 after their loss to NIU? Being up here on this stage. Getting ready for one more and getting ready to play in the national championship?

“I really can say that it’s a blessing that we lost to them. Got us humbled and everything. You see me up here right now after that L. We up here. So, yeah, I’m blessed,” Gray finished.

Notre Dame will face off against the winner of Friday night’s game between Ohio State and Texas. The National Championship will be played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. That one will be played at 7:30 PM EST and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN.