The time has come to begin voting in the Grotto Region in the 2020 FIW Tournament to crown the best Notre Dame football game since 1986. Two lower seeds moved on to the Round of 32 in the Grotto but neither was a huge upset as the wins came from both the nine and ten seeds.
How was Round Two shape up? Gets your votes in now. The second round will close voting on Sunday afternoon before we advance to the Sweet 16.
Grotto – Round Two Match-ups:
1. 1989 Colorado vs. 9. 2005 Michigan
Grotto Region – Second Round of the 2020 FIW Tournament to Decide Notre Dame’s Best Football Game Since 1986.
Better game?
— Fighting Irish Wire (@IrishWireND) March 19, 2020
It was voted the weakest of the one-seeds by the committee but ’89 Colorado still rolled by a 92-8% win in round one. The ’89 season finale win in the Orange Bowl gets Notre Dame’s 2005 road win at Michigan over the then top-five Wolverines.
5. 2017 USC vs. 4. 1992 Texas A&M
Grotto Region – Second Round of the 2020 FIW Tournament to Decide Notre Dame’s Best Football Game Since 1986.
Better game?
— Fighting Irish Wire (@IrishWireND) March 19, 2020
A blowout over your rival or blowing out a top-ten team to capture a major bowl victory? Tough choice for a spot in the Sweet 16.
6. 2002 Michigan State vs. 3. 1993 Texas A&M
https://twitter.com/irishwirend/status/1240509887903404047?s=21
A couple of last second wins meet in the second round as Pat Dillingham and Arnaz Battle’s magic kept Notre Dame unbeaten early in 2002. They meet the 1993 conclusion that saw Notre Dame finish a memorable year with a last minute win over the Aggies.
10. 2014 Michigan vs. 2. 1992 Penn State
Grotto Region – Second Round of the 2020 FIW Tournament to Decide Notre Dame’s Best Football Game Since 1986.
Better game?
— Fighting Irish Wire (@IrishWireND) March 19, 2020
We were a bit surprised to see the 2014 win over Michigan advance over 1990 Michigan but anytime you destroy the Skunkbears like that it’s entertaining even if not stressful down the stretch. The then-final game against Michigan draws the final home of Bettis, Mirer and Brooks in the classic ’92 Snow Bowl.
Voting goes now through Sunday evening. Cast your ballots and share with your friends if you don’t mind as we determine which Notre Dame game since 1986 was the best.