Though Notre Dame was home they entered the game as the underdog to a powerful Bobby Bowden-led Florida State Squad.
The media coverage leading up to the game was so intense that ESPN decided to broadcast College Gameday on-location at The Edmund P. Joyce Athletic & Convocation Center for the first time in its history.
Notre Dame outplayed Florida State the entire game to the tune of a 31–17 lead in the fourth quarter.
On the last play of the game, Ward rolled out and had his final pass attempt batted down by Notre Dame cornerback Shawn Wooden, giving the Irish a 31–24 victory.
A win would have likely assured Notre Dame would keep the #1 ranking and earn themselves a shot at the national championship when bowl season began.
Reclaiming the top spot in the polls with the resounding victory, the Seminoles closed out the regular season with a win in their annual rivalry game against Florida, finishing as Notre Dame did with one loss.
Notre Dame, finishing the season ranked fourth in the polls, was selected to play against #7 Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.