Newsstand: ESPN projects Notre Dame Football's bowl game destination following Week 13
Notre Dame football’s regular season is complete. Now, the No. 16 Fighting Irish (9-3) will wait to find out where they will go bowling this winter.
Although Notre Dame will not learn its bowl game destination until Dec. 3, two ESPN reporters projected where the Irish will conclude their 2023 campaign.
ESPN staff writer Kyle Bonagura and senior writer Mark Schlabach are split on which bowl game will feature Notre Dame. Bonagura thinks Notre Dame will face Oklahoma State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, while Schlabach has the Irish taking on LSU in the Reliaquest Bowl.
The Irish have never played in the ReliaQuest Bowl, formerly known as the Outback Bowl (1996-2022) and the Hall of Fame Bowl (1986-95). The game occurs Jan. 1 at Noon EST at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Notre Dame is 7-5 all-time against LSU. The two teams last played in 2018 in the Citrus Bowl. The Irish won that game 21-17. They also beat the Tigers in the 2014 Music City Bowl. LSU defeated the Irish in the 1997 Independence Bowl and 2007 Sugar Bowl.
Notre Dame previously faced Iowa State (2019) and Florida State (2011) in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, which was formerly known as the Cheez-It Bowl (2020-22) and several other names. It was identified as the Camping World (2017-19), Russell Athletic (2012-16), and Champs Sports (2004-11) Bowl since Notre Dame played in it.
This year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl is at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 28 at 5:45 p.m. EST.
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The last time the Irish faced Oklahoma State was in the 2021 season Fiesta Bowl. The Cowboys defeated Notre Dame, 37-35, in Marcus Freeman’s first game as head coach.
Notre Dame Posts of the Weekend
Irish running backs coach Deland McCullough recognized junior running back Audric Estimé on social media.
Former Irish running back Kyren Williams returned to the lineup after missing the last several weeks due to injury. He made his presence immediately felt for the Los Angeles Rams.
Irish second-year safety Kyle Hamilton has been outstanding in year two for the Baltimore Ravens.
Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend
“Audric is a tough, physical, special football player. Obviously, he’ll have a decision to make here after the season on what he’s going to do. I’ll tell you what, man, he is a special talent who has given Notre Dame everything he’s had for the past three seasons. So, I’m grateful to have him and have him be a part of this team.”
— Freeman on Estimé after his terrific performance vs. Stanford.
Notre Dame Headlines of the Weekend
- WATCH: Mike Goolsby breaks down Notre Dame’s 56-32 win versus Stanford
- Notre Dame at Stanford snap counts, participation chart: Defense
- What they’re saying about Notre Dame’s 56-23 win against Stanford
- Notre Dame at Stanford snap counts, participation chart: Offense
- Breaking down PFF grades for the Notre Dame defense in Irish win over Stanford
- Where Notre Dame football ranks in AP Top 25 after beating Stanford
- Four opposing Notre Dame football recruiting target visits to note from Nov. 25
- Breaking down PFF grades for the Notre Dame offense in Irish win over Stanford
- What Stanford coach Troy Taylor said after Notre Dame win over Cardinal
- How Javontae Jean-Baptiste completed strong season at Notre Dame
- Why Notre Dame still needs one more win for small progress in 2023
- Five thoughts: That Notre Dame performance does not beat good teams
- How Notre Dame RB Audric Estimé made sure you can bet on him with career day vs. Stanford
- Report card: Grading Notre Dame football in Irish win over Stanford
- How it happened: Breaking down Notre Dame football win vs. Stanford
