The Spirit of Notre Dame is a 1931 American drama film directed by Russell Mack, written by Walter DeLeon, Robert Keith, Richard Schayer and Dale Van Every, and starring Lew Ayres, Sally Blane, William Bakewell, Andy Devine, Harry Barris and J. Farrell MacDonald.

[1][2][3] Incoming student Edward “Bucky” O'Brien, a star football player from Hockerville High in North Dakota, arrives on the Notre Dame campus and is introduced to his new roommate, Jim Stewart, a member of the Fighting Irish track team.

Bucky’s first practice with the football team is awkward, as he is not used to blocking for other backs, and his runs are, for the most part, effectively countered by the defense.

Although Bucky is the better player, the Notre Dame head coach switches him to right halfback, a less glamorous position, because he is a better blocker than Jim.

The change proves to be highly effective, as Jim becomes a bona fide star running back for the team with the aid of Bucky’s blocking.