The second round of the inaugural FIW Tournament has opened voting. After a fun first-round that had a few significant upsets and a couple thrillers, it’s time for round two.
Because of issues with the format in the first round, we’ve switched voting to Twitter so we can allow all fans to see live results after they vote. Be sure to be following Fighting Irish Wire if you aren’t already so you don’t miss any of the remaining voting.
Here are your Second Round matchups in the Basilica Region:
1. ’88 Miami vs. 9. ’12 USC
Basilica 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
One was so historic they made t-shirts and eventually an ESPN 30 for 30 on it while the other was the final game of a perfect regular season that sent Notre Dame to their lone BCS Championship Game appearance.
5. ’93 Michigan vs. 13. ’15 Virginia
Basilica 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
Kevin McDougal took underdog Notre Dame team to the Big House early in ’93 to upset then-No. 3 Michigan and the Irish came out a title-contender. Meanwhile, the ’15 Virginia game was the biggest upset in the first-round as Kizer to Fuller in the final seconds remains strong in folks minds.
3. ’18 Michigan vs. 6. ’12 Michigan State
Basilica 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
The 2018 Michigan win kick-started an undefeated season and remained the best win that Fighting Irish squad had all year. The ’12 Michigan State game also gave Notre Dame a ton of respect nationally as the Spartans were then ranked in the top ten.
2. ’91 Florida vs. 7. ’17 LSU
Basilica 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
Jerome Bettis blew up for three touchdown runs over the No. 3 Florida Gators to cap the 1991 season in the Sugar Bowl, a game many didn’t believe Notre Dame didn’t even belong in. Ian Book connecting with Myles Boykin in the final seconds knocked off LSU in the Capital One Bowl on New Years Day 2018.
Voting will be open until 7 p.m. ET Sunday night so vote early, often and share with your Notre Dame friends as we continue to decide the greatest Notre Dame game since Lou Holtz took over in 1986.