They were again awarded the UPI (coaches) national title, released prior to the bowl games in early December.

This time, the sixth-ranked Fighting Irish won 24–11, denying top-ranked Texas a third straight Cotton Bowl victory and consecutive consensus national championship.

[3][4] Later that day, second-ranked Ohio State lost 27–17 to #12 Stanford in the Rose Bowl.

That night, third-ranked Nebraska defeated #5 LSU 17–12 in the Orange Bowl to give the unbeaten Huskers (11–0–1) the post-bowl AP national championship.

[3] Through the 1973 season, the final UPI coaches poll was released prior to the bowl games.